What will the costs be to your company?

There is a bill in front of the legislature that would require employers to provide employees with mandatory, paid sick leave (HF 612).

The bill requires:

1. One hour of paid sick leave be provided for every 30 hours worked if you employ ten or more people and does not require the employer to offer more than 72 hours in a year.
2. 
   One hour of paid sick leave be provided for every 40 hours worked if you employ less than ten people and does not require the employer to offer more than 40 hours in a year.
3. 
   Sick leave may be used for the employee, their immediate family or extended family.
4. 
   Employers are civilly liable for failing to provide sick time in the ways described in the bill.
5. 
   If an employer 'retaliates' against an employee for use of sick time, the employer can be held civilly liable.
6. 
   The Attorney General may impose a fine of $1000 for every violation of this bill.
7. 
   Groups of employees can file class action suits against their employer.

I would like to hear from you:

What will total costs to your company be?

Is this more generous than the policy you currently use?

The entire bill can be viewed at:

https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/bldbill.php?bill=H0612.0.html&session=ls86

Youth Career Fair

The 2009 Litchfield High School Youth Career Fair brings 9th grade students and volunteers from local business and industry together for a day of learning and sharing!

The goal — career exploration and education.

At the event students learn about careers, participate in hands-on activities, and dialogue with business folks about jobs and industries. One of the best ways to help students find a satisfying career is for them to interact with business leaders and other professionals who already have overcome barriers to succeed in their chosen fields.

The Youth Career Fair showcases the partnership our business community has with the youth of the area. Without Chamber member support, this event could not take place. If your business would like to participate, contact the Chamber office prior to March 2.

Career Interest Areas:
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Architecture & Construction
Arts, Audio-Visual & Communications
Business Management, Administration, Finance & Marketing
Education & Training
Government, Law, Public Safety
Health Science, Human Services
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

BusinessConnection Service Coming Soon

BusinessConnection…Your connection to business answers.

The Litchfield Chamber of Commerce has been selected to launch BusinessConnection, a free, go-to service in Minnesota for any and all business questions. Its purpose is to help Minnesota businesses grow by breaking down barriers, opening doors and answering questions. Designed for both veteran business owners and ambitious entrepreneurs, BusinessConnection connects them to the proper resources to help run and grow their business. BusinessConnection will be available through a toll-free number, 1-888-MINN-BIZ beginning in early March.

Last year, the Litchfield Chamber of Commerce joined forces with Meeker County Economic Development Corporation to launch Grow Minnesota!, a successful business retention and expansion program. At the core of the program is one-to-one visits with employers in the region to thank them for contributing to our economy and offering to help solve problems that affect their ability to stay and grow in Minnesota. Under the leadership of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Grow Minnesota! BusinessConnection was developed as an on-line database and referral network which will include the state’s most requested assistance resources, both public and private sector.

The goal of BusinessConnection is to provide a direct line to real people for answers to questions about starting, running or improving your business. The assistance and referral network will address all business-related subjects including:
Starting businesses
Expanding businesses
Selling businesses
Business plans
Environmental permits
Local permits
Finding, hiring, training employees
Insurance
Legal structures
And many more!

A regional marketing campaign will begin in a few weeks. The role and work of the Chamber is focused on helping our members survive and find new opportunities for their businesses. BusinessConnection is one more resource to help grow your business.