December 16, 2004

Purdue workshop answers human resource questions

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Two upcoming Purdue Extension workshops will help business owners develop human resource strategies.

Maria Marshall, a Purdue Extension ag economist, said Human Resources: Combating Risk Through Contingency Planning will help business owners, especially small business owners and farmers, develop a contingency plan for the loss of key personnel.

"Small business owners often don't have cross training for key people, so simple things don't get done if someone is missing because of military service, illness or death," Marshall said. "The worst-case scenario is that the business can completely fail. You can also lose customers and suppliers because of this lack of planning."

To prevent that from happening, Marshall said it's important for owners to communicate who will take over duties if someone is gone. "They can save themselves financial hardship if that's done," she said.

The workshop is scheduled for Jan. 21 at the University Inn Conference Center in West Lafayette, Ind., and Feb. 4 at the Clark County REMC in Sellersburg, Ind. Early registration is $35 per person and $25 for additional business partners. After Jan. 12, fees increase to $55 and $45, respectively.

Workshop topics include risk management, health insurance, liability insurance, worker safety, personnel policies, employment rules and contingency planning. A panel of insurance representatives and Purdue Extension specialists will discuss insurance options.

"The biggest issues for small business owners are health care and employee management," Marshall said. "That's why we've chosen to really focus on those during this workshop."

Registration costs include lunch and materials as well as a follow-up workshop on Feb. 25 or March 4. The follow up offers more help on writing contingency plans. For a registration form, contact Carolyn Hunst at (765) 494-9176.

Writer: Kay Hagen, (765) 494-6682, kjh@purdue.edu

Source: Maria Marshall, (765) 494-4268, mimarsha@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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