State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said that a business summit called Employers In The Know will be held in Athens on Wednesday, May 18. The summit is one in a series of 12 being held throughout the state. This is the third year the summits have been offered to employers.   

The summits, which help employers learn how to better understand and conquer compliance challenges in the workplace, are sponsored by the Georgia Department of Labor and local employer committees.  

The Athens summit will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Classic Center located at 300 North Thomas St. in Athens. It will be cosponsored by the Union Towns Employer Committee of Blairsville.  

“We began holding these seminars because employers throughout the state told us they needed better access to information,” Butler said. “At these seminars, the employers get up-to-date information and the opportunity to network with other employers.  And, as a state agency, we get value from hearing directly from the employers, so we can improve and better serve them.”

Employers are encouraged to pre-register by Wednesday, May 11, but may register at the event. To pre-register, visit www.dol.georgia.gov, look in the Spotlight Section and link to 2016 Regional Business Summits.  

Commissioner Butler will discuss current GDOL initiatives and programs designed to encourage job growth and economic development throughout the state. The GDOL provides labor market data necessary for economic developers and businesses to make sound decisions about starting or expanding businesses. The GDOL helps match employers with qualified job seekers, as well as helping job seekers be successful in securing jobs and developing their careers.

Additional experts will discuss a range of employment and legal issues of importance to employers. Other parts of the program include presentations on labor laws, unemployment insurance, and how to use social media to make businesses more profitable.  

Recertification credits (3.75) have been approved by the Human Resources Certification Institute.  

If pre-registered, the cost to attend is $40 per person. After May 11, the cost is $50 online or at the door.

Registration includes lunch.