CRESTON, Iowa, July 3 -- Iowa Workforce Development issued the following news release:

The Southern Hills Iowa Employers' Council (ECI) will be meeting on Thursday, July 19 to help employers understand how Unemployment Insurance (UI) affects their business and how businesses can lower UI costs. Iowa Workforce Development Unemployment Insurance Division Administrator Michael Wilkinson will be the featured speaker.

How Much are Unemployment Claims Costing My Company?

Thursday July 19, 2012

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Southwestern Community College

1501 W. Townline St., Creston, IA 50801

Program topics will include:

* How UI claims affect your UI tax rate

* The definition of "Discharge for Misconduct"

* How to document and properly warn employees

* What documentation to provide in a UI hearing.

Hired in July 2010, Wilkinson's mission is to lead the redesign of the UI benefits and UI tax systems in addition to breaking down silos to build interdependencies between UI and workforce services. Wilkinson's unique experience incorporates leadership in a variety of programs. Prior to his current position he was employed by Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and IWD in which he successfully led the charge to correct the service delivery structure and build community confidence following a major scandal. Wilkinson has led several system and organizational changes including the design and implementation of the new employment services system for job search and case management.

All human resource personnel, managers, supervisors & employers are invited to attend. Pre-registration is requested by Monday July 9 to Elizabeth Waigand at (641) 782-2119 ext. 41 or elizabeth.waigand@iwd.iowa.gov. This program has been approved for 2.0 (General) recertification credit hours towards PHR, SPHR and GPHR recertification through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). There is a minimal registration fee of $25.00 to attend.

The Southern Hills ECI is a local employer group supported by IowaWORKS Southern Hills and is part of the statewide ECI system. All employers are welcome to attend Southern Hills ECI events. This employer's group addresses workforce issues and provides both educational and networking opportunities for employers and human resource professionals. Contact Elizabeth Waigand at (641) 782-2119 ext. 41 if you have questions about this session or about the Southwest Iowa Employers' Council, IowaWORKS Southern Hills.

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