What does this mean to the 3 million Indiana residents who have health insurance provided by for-profit companies?

It means Indiana’s share of the $6.7 billion tax will increase significantly, which will directly impact the state’s insured population, causing their premiums to increase even more. Because a greater percentage of Hoosiers are insured by for-profit companies (81 percent) than the national average (55 percent), Indiana taxpayers will subsidize states like Michigan, which has a very low enrollment in for-profit health insurers (23 percent).

Any proposal to tax only for-profit health plans will further exacerbate the unlevel playing field for not-for-profit plans, without improving access to health benefits coverage or enhanced health services. While some plans are not-for-profit, that does not mean they are not “profitable.”  Insurers are required to generate a “net income” in order to help ensure they can pay future claims by members. Not-for-profit simply reflects a tax status under the Internal Revenue Service Code. In many states, the net income on a per-member, per-month (PMPM) basis for not-for-profit health plans is actually higher than that of the for-profit health plans.

Over time, unequal taxation will lead to the erosion and potential insolvency of for-profit plans, as a progressively smaller share of the overall market would bear the burden of sustaining the entire amount of the tax. Ultimately the government would receive no revenue from the tax when there are no for-profit entities remaining subject to the tax.

We are opposed to this provision which would unfairly force Indiana’s health care consumers to subsidize health care consumers from other states.

Contact:  Tony Felts, +1-317-287-6036

/PRNewswire — Dec. 20/

Source: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana

“We are pleased to add this new Park Inn location to the brand,” said Steve Mogck, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Park Inn.  “Bringing Park Inn to Louisville advances our strategy to grow the brand in North America.”

“We look forward to serving visitors and guests in Louisville area with our distinctive Park Inn style of hospitality,” said Dan Hatch, general manager of the Park Inn Louisville East.

Guestrooms at the hotel feature complimentary high speed Internet access, coffeemaker, and cable television.  In-room telecommunications include complimentary local calls, two phone lines, and voice mail.  With 10,863 square feet, Park Inn Louisville East provides flexible, well-appointed meeting and banquet space.

The Park Inn Louisville East features Bistro 19, a full-service restaurant and the Blue Grass Bar. Other amenities include a heated swimming pool and whirlpool, new fitness center featuring strength and cardio equipment, plus a 24-hour Business Center offering PCs with complimentary Internet access, laser printer, and fax and copy machines.

The Park Inn Louisville East is the first Park Inn in the city and state.  Conveniently located near Interstate 64, the Park Inn Louisville is just minutes from Louisville International Airport. Louisville area attractions convenient to the Park Inn  include Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, The Louisville Slugger Museum, Churchill Downs and Valhalla Golf Club.

Park Inn

Park Inn® hotels feature a fresh and energetic hospitality experience defined by its philosophy: “Sleep Well. Live Well”. The brand provides affordable accommodations that are efficient, uncomplicated, practical and comfortable in 100 locations, primarily in Europe.  It is part of Carlson Hotels Worldwide, a leading global hotel company with more than 1,056 locations in 77 countries under the brands of Regent® Hotels & Resorts; Radisson® Hotels & Resorts; Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts; Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM) and Park Inn®.

Source: Park Inn

CONTACT:  Dan Hatch, General Manager Park Inn Louisville East,

+1-502-499-6220; or Ben Gardeen of Carlson Hotels Worldwide, +1-763-212-8129,

bgardeen@carlson.com

Web Site:  http://www.parkinn.com/

AT&T Winter Storm Tips:

Have a family communications plan in place. Designate someone out of the area as a central contact, and make certain that all family members know whom to contact if they become separated. Most important, practice your emergency plan in advance.

Use text messaging. During an emergency situation, text messages will often go through quicker than voice calls because they require less network resources. All of AT&T’s wireless devices are text messaging capable.

Take advantage of weather text-alert programs. AT&T participates in a number of text alert school closing notification programs. AT&T’s customers should check their local news websites to see if weather related text alert programs are available in their area.

Make sure you have a “Winter Storm Phone.” It is a good idea to have a wireless phone on hand and at least one corded (landline) telephone that is not dependent on electricity in case of a power outage. Cordless telephones usually have receivers that require electricity, so they won’t work if you lose your power.

Keep non-emergency calls to a minimum. If there is severe weather, chances are many people will be attempting to place calls to loved ones, friends and business associates.

Program all of your emergency contact numbers and e-mail addresses into your mobile phone. Numbers should include the police department, fire station and hospital, as well as your family members.

Keep your wireless phone’s battery charged at all times. Have an alternative plan to recharge your battery in case of a power outage, such as charging your wireless device by using a car charger or having extra charged mobile phone batteries or disposable mobile phone batteries on hand.

Keep your wireless phone dry. The biggest threat to your device during a storm is water, so keep your equipment safe from the elements by storing it in a baggie or some other type of protective covering.

Track the storm and access weather information on your wireless device. Many homes lose power during severe weather. If you have a wireless device that provides access to the Internet, you can watch weather reports and get regular updates on your phone.

Take advantage of location-based mapping technology. Services such as AT&T Navigator and AT&T FamilyMap can help you avoid traffic congestion from downed trees or power lines, as well as track a family member’s wireless device in case you get separated.

Use your camera phone, take photos — even video clips — of damaged property for your insurance company from your device.

AT&T monitors and maintains its networks 24/7 and conducts readiness drills throughout the year to ensure that the networks and personnel are ready to respond in a moment’s notice.

AT&T’s wireless network storm preparations include:

–  Adding capacity to the wireless network to accommodate increased call

volume.

–  Testing the high-capacity backup batteries located at every cell site.

–  Maintaining a robust backup power plan which includes a new fiber

network that is made up of nine different segments with highly

protected routes that span across Kentucky and Tennessee. This

state-of-the-art system is highly reliable and is designed to remain

operational even during extreme weather conditions.

–  Topping off generators with fuel at cell sites and central and

field-level switching facilities.

–  Staging mobile cell sites and portable generators in safe locations

for their immediate deployment once a storm has passed.

–  Expanding the number of fixed power generators at our wireless cell

sites. These permanent generators are in addition to the battery

backup power that we have at every wireless cell site across Kentucky.

“AT&T is committed to keeping Kentucky connected,” said AT&T Kentucky State President Mary Pat Regan. “With our new fiber network, along with a combination of battery backup, fixed and mobile generators, we are committed to connecting our customers to their world, everywhere they live and work, regardless of what Mother Nature has in mind.”

AT&T representatives at any of its 40 Kentucky retail store locations can provide additional tips for charging extra cell phone batteries and learning to text.  More information on AT&T’s disaster preparedness can be found at: www.att.com/vitalconnections

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse(SM) and AT&T | DIRECTV(SM) brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T’s Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE® magazine’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/.

© 2009 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 3G service not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

Source: AT&T Inc.

CONTACT:  Cathy Lewandowski of AT&T Inc., Office, +1-615-214-5874, cathy.lewandowski@att.com

Web Site:  http://www.att.com/

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Dec. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — AT&T* today released Louisville network investment and expansion details that have contributed to customers benefiting from the nation’s fastest 3G network and an unsurpassed low local dropped call rate – one of the most common measures of wireless performance – according to drive test data collected by third-party independent wireless engineering firm Global Wireless Solutions (GWS).

“AT&T is committed to providing our customers with the very best possible network experience to complement our line-up of the most popular wireless devices that is unmatched in the industry,” said AT&T Tennessee and Kentucky Vice President and General Manager Jim Thorpe.  “Since 2007 through the third quarter of 2009 we have invested more than $30 million in the Louisville network to advance our goal of providing customers with a wireless experience that is second to none.”

More than twice the number of smartphone customers have chosen AT&T over its nearest competitor.  AT&T is investing billions of dollars in its wireless network companywide in 2009 alone.  Louisville network enhancements include initiatives to improve speed, capacity and coverage.

“Competition in the wireless industry is robust and it is driving meaningful investment and innovation in the local marketplace,” said AT&T Kentucky President Mary Pat Regan. “Our capital infrastructure investments help grow the local economy and bring advanced wireless connectivity to businesses and consumers across the community.”

AT&T 2009 network enhancements in Louisville to date include:

–  Introduced 3G service to Oldham and Bullitt Counties with the addition

of UMTS equipment at 19 cell sites.

–  Improved 3G coverage and capacity in greater Louisville and southern

Indiana with the addition and/or expansion of UMTS equipment at 55

cell sites.

–  Enhanced coverage with the addition of six new cell sites in the

Louisville area.

In 2010, AT&T plans to roll out even faster 3G speeds in 25 of the top 30 markets with deployment of HSPA 7.2.  This technology doubles the theoretical peak speed of today’s 3G network.  As with all wireless connections, typical real-world speeds will be less than the theoretical maximum, and will vary based on a number of factors.  AT&T is currently planning for field trials of next generation LTE wireless technology.  AT&T expects LTE field trials to begin next year, with deployment beginning in 2011, which is when manufacturers expect a wide variety of compatible devices to be available.

As part of AT&T’s ongoing commitment to deliver the best possible wireless experience, AT&T recently announced the launch of AT&T Mark the Spot, an iPhone app that enables customers to quickly and easily provide feedback on AT&T network performance in a specific location.  The new AT&T Mark the Spot app adds to AT&T’s existing network performance data to further fine-tune network investment planning and prioritization moving forward. The app, available today as a free download via the iTunes App Store, enables users to provide valuable feedback with as little as two button clicks.

The latest GWS data confirms a national dropped call rate of only 1.32 percent and that AT&T has the nation’s fastest 3G network.

Along with AT&T tracking to invest between $17 billion and $18 billion this year – billions of which is dedicated to its wireless network – these metrics demonstrate that AT&T’s investments are paying off for customers.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse(SM) and AT&T | DIRECTV(SM) brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T’s Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE® magazine’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.

© 2009 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 3G service not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update or revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

Source: AT&T Inc.

CONTACT:  Cathy Lewandowski of AT&T Inc., +1-615-214-5874, cathy.lewandowski@att.com

Web Site:  http://www.att.com/

Small Business Commerce Association’s Award Honors the Achievement

SAN FRANSICO, November 7, 2009, Integrity Hr, Inc. has been selected for the 2009 Best of Business Award in the Human Resource Consulting Services category by the Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA)

The Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA) is pleased to announce that Integrity Hr, Inc. has been selected for the 2009 Best of Business Award in the Human Resource Consulting Services category.

The SBCA 2009 Award Program recognizes the top 5% of small businesses throughout the country. Using consumer feedback, the SBCA identifies companies that we believe have demonstrated what makes small businesses a vital part of the American economy. The selection committee chooses the award winners from nominees based off information taken from monthly surveys administered by the SBCA, a review of consumer rankings, and other consumer reports. Award winners are a valuable asset to their community and exemplify what makes small businesses great.

About Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA)

Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA) is a San Francisco based organization. The SBCA is a private sector entity that aims to provide tactical guidance with many day to day issues that small business owners face. In addition to our main goal of providing a central repository of small business operational advice; we use consumer feedback to identify companies that exemplify what makes small business a vital part of the American economy.

SOURCE: Small Business Commerce Association

CONTACT:
Small Business Commerce Association
Email: Press@SBCAAwards.org
URL: http://www.SBCAAwards.org

Amy Newbanks Letke, SPHR

Founder & CEO

2013 Frankfort Avenue

Louisville, KY  40206

502.753.0970 x 102

View our Video

Honor Begins at Home

www.CourageoustheMovie.com

ALBANY GA – Nov. 15, 2009 – Sherwood Church, home of the hit independent movies FLYWHEEL (DVD only), FACING THE GIANTS, and FIREPROOF (2008’s top indie film), at its Sunday evening service tonight, announced the theme and title for Sherwood Pictures’ fourth movie.  Senior Pastor Michael Catt, Executive Pastor Jim McBride, and ministers Stephen and Alex Kendrick—collectively the leadership team of Sherwood Pictures—made the announcement.

“The movie is about fatherhood and the title is one word:  COURAGEOUS,” Alex Kendrick said, briefly outlining the plot.  “Four fathers who are all in law enforcement—who protect and serve together—go through a terrible tragedy,” he said. “They begin looking at their role as fathers . . . and they begin challenging one another to fulfill God’s intention for fathers.”

That single-word title, Pastor Catt said, echoes God’s call for men to “rise with courage” in their homes and as leaders.  This at a time when 4 of 10 marriages end in divorce* and more than a third of all children live away from their biological fathers.

“The statistics on fatherless children are devastating,” McBride said. “And because the family is the building block of society, one important place to rebuild families is through fathers who stay and lead and love.”

“God led us,” co-writer and producer Stephen Kendrick said to the audience of church members, many of them volunteer crew, cast, or catering in earlier Sherwood movies.  “We believe God is calling men to rise up with strength and with leadership in their homes, with their families and with their children.”

“For more then a year we’ve prayed to be sure that we’re pursuing God’s idea and not our own,” Catt said.  “With action, drama, and humor, this film will embrace God’s promise in the Bible to, turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers.”

Focusing on Fatherhood

“We focus on the crucial role of father; it’s not just to be a father who loves his kids,” said Alex Kendrick, co-writer/director of COURAGEOUS.  “It’s to be engaged with a purpose—to be a father on purpose.”

All four leaders of Sherwood Pictures are husbands and fathers.  Pastor Catt has two children; Pastor McBride has four; Stephen Kendrick has four; and Alex Kendrick has six.

More Than a Movie

Sherwood movies entertain as they touch audiences where they live, and they show the means to live more fully through faith in God.  FLYWHEEL focused on compromise and business integrity; FACING THE GIANTS on despair and hope; FIREPROOF on a dying marriage rekindled.

With previous Sherwood movies, fans, churches, and organizations across the country (and world) became “partners” in the movie’s impact—giving prayer support for production, distribution, and the movies’ messages. Ministries and outreaches used the films in creative ways.  Churches built series and group studies on the topics; Sunday schools seized the momentum of good entertainment that emphasizes life-changing truths.

“It’s been the Bible’s story of Jesus multiplying the boy’s fish and loaves,” Alex Kendrick said.  “God has multiplied these movies beyond our wildest dreams.”

Principle filming of COURAGEOUS begins March 2010 in Albany.  Like the previous three Sherwood films, COURAGEOUS will be marketed by Provident Films.

Sherwood Pictures is a ministry of Sherwood Church of Albany, Georgia, under the leadership of Senior Pastor Michael Catt and Executive Pastor Jim McBride.

To learn more, visit:

-            COURAGEOUS www.CourageoustheMovie.com

-            Sherwood Pictures www.SherwoodPictures.com

-            Provident Films www.ProvidentFilms.org

-            Sherwood Baptist Church www.SherwoodBaptist.net

*All Pro Dad www.AllProDad.com

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – (December 8, 2009) – The Parkinson Support Center of Kentuckiana (PSCKY) has announced its 2010-2011 Board of Directors and leadership team.  The non-profit’s board consists of 18 individuals serving three-year terms.  The following have been elected to leadership positions beginning January 2010:

• President – Amy Baach, Principal of Baach Creative Services
• Vice-President – Ken Hodge, Principal of Hodge Homes LLC
• Treasurer - Matt Smith, Manager, Internal Audit – IT, Brown-Forman
• Secretary - Henrietta Pepper, President of the pepper group, ltd.

“This organization is driven by the immense dedication and talent of our board members and volunteers who work to improve the lives of Parkinson’s patients every day,” said Jinn Fuller Renfro, executive director of PSCKY.  “We look forward to beginning 2010 with a fresh perspective on providing the best resources possible for people with Parkinson’s disease and their loved ones.”

About PSCKY

The Parkinson Support Center of Kentuckiana is the area’s largest organization dedicated to supporting Parkinson’s disease patients, their families, and caregivers.  We provide hope and assistance to people struggling with this devastating disease through support meetings, information, and funding for specific projects in meeting our goal of improving the quality of life for Parkinson’s disease patients.  For more information, please visit www.pscky.org.

CONTACT:

Jinn Fuller Renfro

Executive Director, PSCKY

Jinn@pscky.org

502-426-0888

RecoverCare offers a national service infrastructure, with 158 service centers and over 750 employees and a fixed asset inventory approaching 100,000 units. RecoverCare also has durable, quality customer relationships with leading acute and long term healthcare facility chains, innovative technology solutions, sophisticated asset management practices and growth capital to expand organically and through acquisitions within the rapidly growing healthcare markets of wound care and bariatrics.

The headquarters relocation safeguards the approximately 75 current Louisville jobs and creates 57 new employment opportunities with the potential for more job creation and future growth.  The relocation strategy was driven by a $2.3 million tax incentive offered by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, along with the many advantages offered by Louisville, which has a rapidly growing health care industry and a large number of experienced health care professionals. Additionally, the Company’s already significant presence and history in this city makes the location even more compelling.

“There is a reason that Louisville is known as Possibility City,” said Mark Bidner, Chief Executive Officer of RecoverCare.  “With its growing healthcare industry and a large pool of experienced healthcare professionals to complement our existing core of talented employees across the country, Louisville is an excellent location for our growing company. We commend Mayor Abramson, his team at Greater Louisville Inc. and the Commonwealth of Kentucky for fostering an environment that is supportive of business and for their efforts in bringing RecoverCare to Louisville. We look forward to continuing RecoverCare’s tradition of being actively involved in our community.”

“We are pleased that RecoverCare has chosen our city as its headquarters, bringing new jobs and new ideas in health care to Louisville,” Mayor Jerry Abramson said. “Louisville is a center for health innovation and this new corporate headquarters further cements the city’s leadership role.”

“I’m pleased to welcome RecoverCare, an industry leader in the healthcare industry, to the Commonwealth,” said Governor Steve Beshear.  “The location of the company’s headquarters and creation of 57 new jobs is a testament to the business climate and quality of life available in Louisville.”

“We are delighted that Louisville was able to make a compelling case in attracting RecoverCare to the city,” said Joe Reagan, President & CEO of Greater Louisville Inc. – The Metro Chamber of Commerce.  “In addition to being a fertile ground for ideas and entrepreneurs, Louisville is nationally recognized as a place for health care and logistics innovation, which makes RecoverCare a strategic fit, as the Company operates in both of these industries.”

About RecoverCare

RecoverCare is the nation’s leading distributor of wound care, bariatric and safe patient-handling equipment and solutions to healthcare facilities nationwide via 158-plus service centers and over 750 employees. The company, which is privately owned, serves acute care hospitals, long term acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation facilities, hospice centers and home care patients. RecoverCare’s primary product lines include therapeutic mattresses for wound care, bariatric equipment for care of obese patients, specialty beds and patient transfer equipment for safe patient handling and negative pressure wound therapy equipment. In addition to the use of state of the art technology to ensure just-in-time equipment delivery programs, RecoverCare also provides added value to its customers by supplying extensive clinical support, continuing education programs, real time web based equipment management, tracking and billing solutions, compliance documentation support and equipment procurement flexibility to deliver cost efficient, clinically effective patient outcomes. The company also manufactures bariatric and “high-low” bed frames, safe enclosure bed systems and various other safe patient handling and bariatric equipment under its wholly owned Camtec division. RecoverCare’s consistent focus upon customer service and commitment to patient care has led to extraordinary and rapid growth throughout the United States. RecoverCare’s conscientious focus on building and maintaining long term relationships with its customers has and will continue to drive the company’s mission to provide exceptional service and affordable products to its customers that are second to none. For more information, log on to www.recovercare.com.

Media Contacts:

Matthew Sherman / Jaime Wert

Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher

(212) 355-4449

Source: RecoverCare, LLC

CONTACT:  Matthew Sherman or Jaime Wert, Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher, +1-212-355-4449

Web Site:  http://www.recovercare.com/

While the Paula Jones ruling has well faded from the spotlight, the issue of sexual harassment continues to plague businesses. To avoid a lawsuit and bad publicity that accompany public actions, companies must create a work environment free of sexual harassment.

The two categories of sexual harassment recognized under the law are quid pro quo and hostile environment. The commonly recognized quid pro quo involves trading sexual favors for job security or advancement. The hostile environment concept is more difficult to define because it lends itself to more arbitrary arguments. Language or physical conduct that one group or individual considers normal may be offensive to another group or individual. Furthermore, conduct may become unacceptable as the group dynamics change.

Instead of trying to micromanage employee conduct, establishing a zero-tolerance policy eliminates the gray areas altogether. If a situation occurs that offends someone, it must stop. Period.

Where Do You Start?

Top management must initiate any successful change in culture. This support will ensure the acceptance and adherence to the policy. Creating a zero-tolerance culture involves establishing a sexual harassment policy, training management to identify and react to sexual harassment complaints, and educating employees about the company policy.

Your sexual harassment policy must clearly state that no type of sexual harassment will be tolerated and that failure to comply can lead to termination. Retaliation directed toward anyone who makes a complaint is not allowed. Many employers also fail to understand their liability for sexual harassment situations when a vendor or sales representative is acting inappropriately.

Training Management

Start by explaining the company’s position on sexual harassment. Managers must have a clear understanding of what is and what is not acceptable behavior. Law can hold managers liable for failing to notice or deal with a sexual harassment situation.

Educating managers is not always an easy task. Often, senior managers entered the workforce more than 30 years ago, when women routinely suffered in a male-dominated work culture. Today’s work environment no longer condones such practices. Managers must recognize and promote the new standards, especially since they will be in charge of enforcing them.

You need to establish a reporting process. A list of people who are trained and qualified to handle complaints should be provided to employees. This is difficult to discuss and by offering choices, you increase the possibility that someone with a problem will choose to come forward, rather than go to a lawyer.

Educating Employees

It is not enough to just include the policy in the employee handbook. Further education and training for employees is a must in order to create a zero-tolerance company culture. It is very effective to host a Q & A seminar, allowing employees to voice questions and concerns, as well as equipping them with examples of unacceptable conduct. Remind them of the policy at least once a year. Expect complaints — don’t be surprised if complaints are reported after a seminar or training session. This is what you want. It is proof that the education and training are working. Better to deal with the crisis in-house than in court.

React Quickly

Treat all reports objectively. The investigator must be trained and capable of conducting an unbiased inquiry of the situation. Some companies rely on a consultant to keep the process objective. Try to keep the information confidential. This will limit retaliation and help keep employees focused on their jobs rather than the scandal. If the allegations prove to be true, immediately inform the offender that his or her behavior is intolerable and could lead to termination.

Top officials should be informed and kept abreast of all complaints and any ensuing investigations.At no time can managers look the other way. Some employers may believe that domestic disputes between romantically involved employees are not their problem. This is not always true. Any activity that creates a hostile environment in your company is yours to rectify. For example, at a small manufacturing company, two complaints were filed against an employee who was in management training. The manufacturing company did not have a human resources department and had no idea where to start its investigation. The employee had been demanding sexual favors in exchange for job security. Even though he had been in a relationship with one of the complainants, it was still a strong case and required a response from the company. After an investigation, the harasser resigned and the company avoided a lawsuit.

Be Strong

Don’t be afraid to establish a zero-tolerance policy. Your employees want firm guidelines. By instituting a clear policy and reporting guidelines, you will create a safe environment for your employees and help reduce the risk of expensive and time-consuming litigation.

Especially in these challenging financial times, having a plan and sticking to it, as well as analyzing virtually every initiative and/or transaction from a profitability standpoint are MUSTS for small business owners.

Suggestions of action items that can positively impact your bottom line:

-          Understand the differences between fixed and variable costs: categorize your expenses accordingly. If you must make significant changes to remain a viable business entity-your variable costs must be cut first, starting with personnel. Next, reduce outsourced costs: office cleaning; local courier; cell phones/handheld communication device charges; office & other supplies; overtime and bonuses; employee benefits and your contributions to 401(k) or other plans: ALL should be given strong, non-emotional consideration to be either reduced or eliminated.

-          Before you significantly cut or eliminate your marketing/advertising budget, re-think it. Consider launching “Guerilla marketing” efforts- inexpensive flyers, Internet blasts to your customer base, partnering with a non-competitive entity to share costs. Completely eliminating your marketing efforts can result in losing your market share.

Once you’ve itemized all that you can lower or eliminate, turn your focus to your fixed expenses.

-          Are you paying too much for rented space? If so, ask your landlord to adjust your monthly payments downward by one-third or more for a year, and agree to repay the reduced amount added to your contractual rent amount after 12 months.

-          If you own the space you’re in, and you’re not fully utilizing it, lease out the extra space.

-          If you are making payments on a ‘company car’ for yourself, attempt to refinance the payments to a lesser amount over more time.

-          Have your office utilities analyzed – are you wasting electricity?

-          Get a competitive bid on your business insurance. Don’t cut coverage – instead, cut costs.

-          Work closely with your CPA, and be absolutely certain that he or she understands your business. Have your statements analyzed monthly.

-          Investigate the cost of having the individual who controls your bank account bonded. This expenditure might be the best investment you’ve ever made.

Review every facet of your banking activity- fees, interest rates, credit card processing percentages, ‘float’, options for electronic banking and check processing, and more. Republic Bank can do a confidential analysis comparison of your current relationship with any other bank: if we can save you money and time with our innovation and financial acumen, we’ll tell you: the analysis is free.