February 2010 Information and Events

Mike Bell and Heather Ptasznik to present... "Common Employment Law Misconceptions" for the Berrien County Manufacturers Council February Business Luncheon.

This BCMC presentation is an excellent opportunity for company presidents and CEOs to bring their Human Resources staff to an up-to-date and focused review of common mistakes employers can make when handling employment issues that may potentially expose them to significant liability and costs.

This seminar will address employment laws and employer obligations and cover preventive measures to avoid or minimize mistakes. Areas to be reviewed include wage and hour, furloughs, FMLA compliance, hiring practices, Americans with Disabilities Act, termination considerations, and enforceability of non-compete agreements.

From the law firm of Kotz, Sangster, Wysocki and Berg, P.C., Mr. Bell represents business clients ranging from single entrepreneurs to publicly traded companies through performance of a variety of legal tasks including: business structuring, labor and employment issues, acquisitions and expansion, and contract review and negotiation. Mr. Bell has recently advised multiple clients to help develop and implement strategies for downsizing at the upper management level.

Ms. Ptasznik has extensive experience in the areas of employment law including defending employers against employment discrimination claims, wrongful termination, defamation, unemployment claims, negligence, administrative claims before the EEOC and MDCR and breach of contract claims. Ms. Ptasznik also counsels employers on hiring and termination considerations, prepares employment policies and handbooks, conducts training seminars for supervisory and non-supervisory employees, and works with human resources personnel on HR audits. She has written multiple employment law articles and has been published quarterly in the State Bar of Michigan's Labor and Employment Lawnotes (Western District Updates) and in various trade organizations' newsletters.

This luncheon meeting will be held at the Bertrand Crossing Campus of Lake Michigan College on February 23, 2010 at 12:00 noon. The cost is $8.00 per person for BCMC and SMEGA members and $10.00 for non-members. (Any staff of member organizations are included in the member price) Please RSVP by February 19 by either emailing Shelley Klug at southwesternalliance@gmail.com or calling Barb at 269-683-1833.