Department of Labor adds additional HR Day for Human Resources Professionals on October 30, 2014

September 23, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 22, 2014
Contact(s): Julie Rabinowitz, Department of Labor, 621-5009, julie.rabinowitz@maine.gov; Deb Whitworth, MESHRM, 699-5571, dwhitworth@northcrossgroup.com.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a press release on our 2014 events.

MDOL's first HR Day in September 2014 filled up in less than 24 hours. This second date was added in October 2014 due to overwhelming response.

MDOL is preparing for the next event in the Fall of 2015. Stay tuned!

AUGUSTA -- The Maine Department of Labor and the Maine State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management (MESHRM) have added a second HR Day at the Maine Department of Labor. The event will be held Thursday, October 30 from 9 a.m. to noon in Florian Hall at the Central Maine Commerce Center, 45 Commerce Drive in Augusta.

?The popularity of the HR Day program speaks well of the department's efforts specifically as well as my administration's goal of making Maine state government more business friendly,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?Capital goes where it is welcome and stays where it is appreciated. By inviting employers into the department to meet the staff, get questions answered, and learn about services that can help improve the bottom line and the quality of our workplaces, we are showing our appreciation for Maine?s job creators and are doing the right thing for our workers.?

HR Day will help human resources professionals or workers with HR responsibilities build an effective workforce through the Department of Labor's programs and help keep their businesses compliant with Maine's labor laws.

The original event, planned for the beginning of October, filled within 24 hours of opening registration.

"I am so pleased that response has been so strong for this event. HR plays a key role in business operations, from helping create a safe workplace to ensuring regulatory compliance," said Labor Commissioner Jeanne S. Paquette. "MDOL can be a partner in this process by providing support and guidance?our department offers many services to employers from assistance in recruiting and hiring to worker retention to no-charge training. We are not solely an enforcement agency. We're here to provide the answers before we give employers the test."

HR Day is a no-cost event, limited to 175 attendees who register on a first-come, first-served basis.

"We have a unique opportunity to meet with Maine Department of Labor staff and gain perspective on the ins and outs of what goes on there," said Deborah Whitworth, MESHRM Director. "Human resources professionals will take part in a morning of education and networking and have the opportunity to get answers to burning questions. I?ve registered and I urge you to do the same."

Programming will be tailored to HR functions relative to the audience defined through the registration process, and representatives from the department's Bureau of Employment Services, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, Bureau of Labor Standards, Bureau of Unemployment Compensation, and Center for Workforce Research and Information will be available for questions. Topics will range from unemployment taxes and appeals, to wage and hour regulations, to accommodating workers with disabilities as well as information about the legislative process.

The Maine Department of Labor is committed to serving Maine workers and businesses by helping employers recruit and train a talented workforce, providing workers with the skills they need to be competitive in the economy, assisting individuals when jobs are lost, ensuring safe and fair workplaces for people on the job and researching and analyzing employment data to support job growth.

The Maine Department of Labor provides equal opportunity in employment and programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to people with disabilities.

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