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CALIFORNIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
California Chamber of Commerce - 1215 K Street, Suite 1400 - Sacramento, CA 95814
The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) is the largest broad-based business advocate to government in California. Membership represents one-quarter of the private sector jobs in California and includes firms of all sizes and companies from every industry within the state. Leveraging our front-line knowledge of laws and regulations, we provide products and services to help businesses comply with both federal and state law. CalChamber, a not-for-profit organization with roots dating to 1890, promotes international trade and investment in order to stimulate California's economy and create jobs. Please visit our website or call (916) 444-6670 2009 BUSINESS ISSUES AND LEGISLATIVE GUIDE
"Leading the Nation Out of the Recession" The 2009 edition of the California Chamber of Commerce Business Issues and Legislative Guide is available now on the CalChamber website. The CalChamber works to improve the jobs and business climate in California, targeting key state and federal policies that will achieve this goal. The CalChamber prepares this guide annually to provide comprehensive overviews of our priorities and the data to support our positions. There is an executive summary of priority issues and then in-depth analysis of state and federal issues the CalChamber considers crucial to a strategy for economic recovery. JOB CREATORS
The "job creators" list identifies bills that, if passed, will improve the state’s job climate and stimulate economic recovery. So far for 2009, 14 proposals have been identified as CalChamber “job creators,” although more may be added as bills are amended during the legislative process. In addition, a number of tax credit proposals have been introduced that have yet to be added to the list. Those proposals will be considered for addition to the “job creator” list as more information becomes available. View the 2008 Job Creators Final Status JOB KILLERS
Each year the California Chamber of Commerce releases a list of "job killer" bills to identify legislation that will decimate economic and job growth in California. The CalChamber will track the bills throughout the rest of the legislative session and work to educate legislators about the serious consequences these bills will have on the state. Among the bills on this year’s list are new health care taxes, rollbacks of workers' compensation reform, limits on affordable housing and development, restrictions on the use of voter-approved transportation funding, and a tax on freight movement ; view the 2008 Job Killer Bills final status
HR CALIFORNIA
As your best resource, we make it our responsibility to simplify complicated California laws. We keep you informed and up to date on the latest compliance issues. It's what we do ... from offering human resources products and services to supporting California businesses through legislative advocacy.
ChamberPAC
Formed in 1995, ChamberPAC is a bipartisan political action committee (PAC) that works to protect business-friendly interests by identifying and campaigning for pro-jobs candidates running for local and state legislative seats. In 2005, ChamberPAC expanded its charter to include support for candidates at both the state and local level, ensuring that the pro-jobs voice is heard throughout the state. The Air Resources Board is working on a regulation that could affect more than 1.5 million diesel trucks and buses in California! Join the Driving Toward a Cleaner California Coalition today and find out what you can do to make sure CARB strikes the right balance between protecting our environment and our economy. For more information on what you can do, visit www.drivecleanCA.org
LABOR LAW INFORMATION
Labor Laws change again and again. Keep up with our FREE HRCalifornia Extra eNewsletter. This concise biweekly eNewsletter is filled with reports on the latest labor laws, and how they could affect your company. Plus, if updates or changes happen on important legislation, you'll receive special reports to keep you informed. Online and Preferred members can get answers and guidance on employment law changes at HRCalifornia.com by viewing the full article in News and Events. Not a CalChamber member? Join now and get expert employment law information whenever you need it. Or, test drive HRCalifornia with a 15-day Free Trial. INSIDE THE CAPITOL
Get Involved. Receive our FREE Inside the Capitol eNewsletter featuring hot legislative issues for the week along with CalChamber call to action requests on business legislation. Every Friday during the legislative session (January-August), receive information on California business legislation, including the impact of bills on your business, CalChamber's position, action items and contact names; view the latest version of the California Chamber of Commerce - An Update from the CalChamber Highlighting Business Legislation and Regulations: Hot Issues for this Week Inside the Capitol ALERT
Legislation can quickly turn into laws. With FREE eAlert you know exactly what is going on. Keep up-to-date on laws being proposed that could have a serious impact on employers and the job climate in California. Plus, you’ll receive special reports on the economy, ballot propositions and more. *Special FREE abridged edition for non-members. CalChamber members receive a full text version; view this week's California Chamber of Commerce Alert
CAL CHAMBER DAILY HEADLINES
Free daily labor law, legislative and economic news in your inbox with CalChamber Daily Headlines. Stay up to date every weekday with selections from major California newspapers on current issues to help you make better strategic business decisions. You'll also have visibility to upcoming anti-business legislation, health care mandates, and economic updates. CALCHAMBER COUNCIL FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE
The California Council for International Trade (CCIT) has joined the CalChamber International Trade Committee to form the California Chamber of Commerce Council for International Trade; doing business gets more global every day - answers to FAQs, CalChamber-sponsored trade events, updates on Public Policy Issues - view the CIT Trade Update Newsletter The CalChamber Council for International Trade (CIT) is urging members of the business community to join its coalition working to secure congressional approval of the free trade agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. Companies or associations that join the California Coalition for Free Trade will be included on the rapidly growing list of FTA supporters. There is no cost to join the coalition, which will keep members apprised of its activities and how to be supportive of the FTAs. For more information on the FTAs or to join the coalition, visit www.calchamber.com/international
CALIFORNIA FOUNDATION FOR COMMERCE AND EDUCATION
A non-profit, non-partisan think tank affiliated with the California Chamber of Commerce; the foundation is dedicated to preserving and strengthening the California business climate and private enterprise through accurate, impartial research and education on public policy issues of interest to the California business and public policy communities. CalChamber has issued a first-of-its-kind Economic Performance Scorecard for the state. The 2008 scorecard indicates that California’s economic performance ranks 38th among the fifty states. Prepared by the California Foundation for Commerce and Education (CFCE), the scorecard is designed to measure which public policies most influence the economic well being of the state.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Information on climate change policies for members, businesses, policymakers and the public. The CalChamber believes that to be a true leader on this issue, the state needs to share its proven energy efficiency knowledge while harnessing the innovation and creativity of its citizens to pioneer new, low-carbon technologies. In fact, policy approaches that recognize and encourage California’s leadership and innovation in the environmental arena can be more effective than taxes or fees. Successful technologies developed in California and implemented throughout the world could provide a win-win for California businesses both by helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions here and in other nations, and providing jobs in the state.
The following products can be ordered through the Madera Chamber of Commerce through our membership in the California Chamber of Commerce, please contact Cindy Mindt or call the Chamber office at (559) 673-3563. CAL BIZ CENTRAL
CalBizCentral from CalChamber is your one-stop shop for products that answer California and Federal Labor Law and HR questions, alleviate confusion, save you time and money so you can get back to business, visit Cal Chamber Store or call (800) 331-8877. CalBizCentral products are available in English, and many are available in Spanish and bilingual. View the entire catalog of products online 35 Percent Off Manager Training Series
Turn to CalBizCentral-your California training authority-and protect your business. Our online Manager Training Series gives supervisors the knowledge they need to minimize the risk of litigation, including discrimination, misclassification, and wrongful termination claims. Register for Hiring & Paying, Evaluating & Motivating and Disciplining & Terminating. Order by 7/15/09 and get 35 percent off any Manager Training Series course! Order online and use priority code MS3. Prepayment by check or credit card is required. Online courses are non-refundable.
Featured Partner for Members: SpanishOne Translations
Do you have Spanish-speaking employees? Have you translated your company's important policies such as your employee handbook yet? Now is the time! SpanishOne Translations offers members translation services at a discount. SpanishOne Translations are edited to be culturally relevant, contextually accurate and industry appropriate. CalChamber members receive a free initial consultation and a 15 percent discount. 2009 Labor Law Digest
California businesses are under stress—nerve-racking economy, FMLA and CFRA laws and a slew of other challenges that require you, as a business owner or HR manger, to have a broad knowledge of employment laws to keep your company out of trouble and in compliance. To help with this, you can now arm yourself with two timely essentials: the comprehensive Labor Law Digest and a subscription to CalBizCentral’s monthly California Employer Update newsletter. Order these two valuable resources by June 30th and receive a $10 Starbucks Card. Use priority code LDC when ordering. California Employer Update
New laws and court decisions make California a challenging state in which to do business. This monthly newsletter is your guide to understanding and applying ever-evolving labor law. Within the newsletter, cases are explained in plain English. HRConsultant Network Program
We know you turn to CalChamber when you need current and accurate employment law information. But when your needs go beyond law clarification, you can turn to CalChamber’s HRConsultant Network to find a local human resources consultant to assist you with your company’s specific HR needs. The HRConsultant Network is just another way that CalChamber is Helping California Businesses Do Business. Heat Illness Prevention Kit
The heat illness kit includes: 5 mini-books with removable wallet cards and one poster. Give your employees the tools necessary to stay healthy on the job. Use the poster, books and wallet cards as staff-training tools to avoid, identify and, if necessary, take action to treat heat illness symptoms employees. Hang the poster in high traffic areas at your office or job location and be sure every outdoor worker has their own mini-book and carries a wallet card as a constant reference. With this kit you will improve the safety of your employees and meet the new regulations.
It's never too late to be compliant!
Do you have your CalBizCentral 2009 Employment Poster hanging in a conspicuous location? Do you have the 2009 version of the required pamphlets in your drawers? If not, order your 2009 Required Notices Kit today. You'll receive the 2009 Employment Poster and 20 copies of each of the five required pamphlets. Our kit costs less than $90. If you don't display an updated poster and pass out current pamphlets, it can cost your business about $17,000 in fines.
Business Ethics Online Training New for 2009
CalBizCentral understands that you want to keep your company’s reputation and bottom line protected—which is why we are now offering Business Ethics Online Training. Prices start at $20 per seat and volume discounts are available. Special limited time offer: 2009 will be a demanding year for supervisor training. This makes it easy.
Our updated online course California Harassment Prevention Training—Supervisor Version lets your supervisors fulfill the mandate on their own time, at their own desk. The course is available in English and Spanish. It features engaging and interactive content, as well as scenarios developed by legal and HR training experts to reflect California and federal law. We present the information through a variety of methods, such as videos, quizzes, and unique scenarios to ensure comprehension. The course also includes an “Ask the Expert” feature that sends questions immediately to the course instructor, who responds within 48 hours. Take a stand—and make a case. A harassment-free workplace pays, wherever you do business.
In an 8th Circuit federal case, a major U.S. auto parts retailer won a harassment lawsuit by proving it promoted a zero-tolerance environment, including posting posters, implementing and following a comprehensive anti-harassment policy and compliant procedure, and ensuring consistent, ongoing sexual harassment training. Make sure Madera District Chamber of Commerce can prove the same. In addition to our required course for California supervisors, we recommend a full solution of harassment prevention products: • California Harassment Prevention Training—Employee Version 20% off! • ALL-NEW National Supervisor Harassment Prevention Training covers federal laws regarding sexual harassment and is useful for California-based companies with employees in other states (except Connecticut and Maine, which have their own required training). Also available, National Employee Harassment Training Course. Discounts are not available for National Training courses. • Harassment in the Workplace mini-book Hiring, Evaluating, Disciplining, Terminating & Paying Employees Minibook Bundle
The full set with sleeve is just $25. Mini-books are also sold by individual title in packs of five for $25. This is a must-have series of books that give managers an overview of the HR rules that apply to hiring, evaluating, disciplining, terminating and paying non-exempt employees. This is a series of mini-books purchased by HR for company managers that provides an overview of the regulations that pertain to Hiring Employees: Recruiting, interviewing and making the employment offer
This mini-book will give managers an overview of regulations that pertain to hiring, recruiting, interviewing and making an employment offer. This mini-book uses a simple do’s and don’ts format to help with defining the job, advertising the open position, conducting interviews, making the employment offer and completing new employee paperwork. This product is perfect for use by anyone who hires, evaluates, disciplines, terminates and pays employees.
Evaluating Employees: Developing, preparing and conducting performance evaluations
This mini-book will give managers an overview of the HR rules that apply to evaluating employees. This product will provide an overview of developing, preparing and conducting performance evaluations. Evaluating Employees uses a simple do's and don'ts format to help with monitoring performance, creating an evaluation format, preparing for the meeting and setting the tone for communication successfully with employees. This product is perfect for anyone who has the role of evaluating employees.
Disciplining Employees: Communicating, documenting and discipline methods
This mini-book gives provides an overview of HR rules that apply to disciplining employees. Disciplining employees uses a simple do’s and don’t s format to assist with choosing progressive vs. positive disciplinary methods, documenting and controlling attendance problems. The product also gives insight into conducting accident investigations and making responsible disciplinary decisions. This mini-book is perfect for any manager who has to deal with disciplining employees.
Terminating Employees: Preparing, documenting and executing legal termination
This mini-book provides an overview of terminating employees. This product covers preparing, documenting, and executing legal termination. It is formatted with the simple do’s and don’ts to explain limitations on at-will employment, contracts and implied contracts. Also explained are termination tips, final pay and required notices that you must give to terminated employees. This mini-book is a perfect product for anyone in the company who has the responsibilities dealing with termination of employees.
Paying non-exempt employees: Scheduling, enforcing and documenting
This mini-book gives managers an overview of the HR rules that apply to paying non-exempt employees. It provides clear and easy-to-understand instructions for managers about the rules regarding meals, rest breaks, overtime and reporting time. This product also covers holiday pay, alternative workweeks, traveling and final paychecks. It is a perfect guide for anyone who manages payroll for employees.
2009 Employee Handbook Software for California Employers
Skip the weeks of legal research and rewriting. Now you can create your employee handbook in minutes. This software eliminates stress and frustration while giving companies peace of mind. Just click through the wizard's brief set of questions. Then it will automatically create a customized employee handbook that's compliant with California and federal labor laws. And, if you already know which policies you want in your handbook, you can produce it even faster. You'll end up with a handbook customized according to your company's size and types of benefits offered. *When ordering this product please be aware our software is only PC compatible. 2009 HR Handbook for California Employers
Whether you’re a business owner or HR manager, if you employ anyone in California in 2009, don’t start the new year without this crucial and easy-to-use guide that gives answers fast. Too busy to dig for HR answers? Just reach for them. The 2009 HR Handbook for California Employers addresses the latest legal standards—and how they apply to your company—in a quick Q & A format. It also includes online access to the latest official forms and checklists. No matter what your HR responsibilities are, this guide will help you hire and terminate with confidence, pay wages and administer benefits fairly and legally, and take the steps to help protect your business from fines and lawsuits. Learn employment law in class, not in court.
Employment law gets more stringent and complex every year, and 2009 is no exception. Make sure your management staff is up to speed on the latest legislation that affects policies at Madera District Chamber of Commerce. These engaging seminars are taught by California Chamber of Commerce attorneys. Seminars are held in a collegial setting with an open Q & A forum, plus attendees receive a free continental breakfast and special seminar materials. The full-day seminars are approved for 6.0 credit hours and the half-day seminars are approved for 3.50 credit hours toward PHR and SPHR recertification through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). HR102: Labor Law Administration
This full-day class is the perfect intro or refresher with even more HR specific instruction than 101 courses. Participants receive a FREE 2009 Labor Law Administration book (a $79 value). This user-friendly guide clearly outlines how to implement these complex legal requirements to effectively run your company. Master topics with important 2009 updates, such as standards for wages and hours, rest breaks, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) reasonable accommodations, investigation procedures, and terminations and layoffs. All classes run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
HR201: Labor Law Update
This is a half-day advanced course for more seasoned HR managers. In 2009, even experienced HR professionals will need to know the impact of the new laws. This session will show how to apply guidelines related to this year's big issues, such as FMLA amendments, cell phone use and text messaging, same-sex marriage, rest breaks, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, and much more. Attendees will also learn about regulations and case law that they should be aware of this coming year. Please note that those new to HR or those seeking a refresher course should attend HR102 above. All classes run from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
2009 California Employer Poster
Regulators are cracking down with fines up to $17,000 for not posting all 16 required notices conspicuously where all employees and applicants can see them—even if you have only one employee. These notices include your Workers’ Comp benefits, pay day schedule, emergency contacts and more. For your convenience, we’ve included all 16 notices, updated for 2009, in our California Employment Notices Poster. Make sure every workplace in your company has one. Choose from laminated or non-laminated. If any of your company’s workers are Spanish-speaking, you will also need the Spanish version. Lets you post all required notices efficiently and affordably with our 26”x 39.75” poster, which easily fits on a door, in a break room or a main hallway. The poster includes required notices about: Equal employment opportunity EDD notice to employees Minimum wage (federal and state) USERRA military leave benefits Safety and health (Cal/OSHA) requirements Workers’ Compensation guidelines Discrimination and harassment (DFEH) Family/medical leave and pregnancy leave (federal and state) Whistleblower protection Time off for voting Polygraph protection Unemployment insurance, disability insurance and paid family leave Plus space for your local emergency and Cal/OSHA contacts, and your payday schedule which MUST be posted.
2009 Required Pamphlets
Each required pamphlet is also available in English or Spanish and sold in 20-packs, as you may need additional copies. The Workers’ Compensation, State Disability Insurance, Paid Family Leave, and Unemployment Insurance pamphlets also have mandatory changes for 2009. Worker’s Compensation Pamphlets - Employers are required to give a Workers' Comp pamphlet to all new employees. The pamphlet informs employees about their right to workers' comp benefits should they become injured or ill at work. Most of the pamphlet is informational, but one section (the predesignation form) is for the employee to use to designate whom he or she wants to treat them for industrial injuries.
Sexual Harassment in California Guide for Managers
Find out what you need to do with a guide that puts key compliance information at your fingertips: Learn how to comply with the most recent sexual harassment laws. Find out how to handle sexual harassment claims legally and discreetly. Quizzes and case studies highlight key points. Protect your company from costly lawsuits with one compact, user-friendly guide. Stay organized with online access to all required forms and checklists.
On-Demand Web Seminars
The information you need, when you want it. Introducing the new On-Demand Web Seminar Library on CalBizCentral. CalChamber's CalBizCentral On-Demand Web Seminar Library offers 90-minute recorded Web courses that give you the expert guidance, practical knowledge and step-by-step procedures that help you with your critical, and often complicated, HR responsibilities. Our employment law experts present you with the most legally current information so you walk away the knowledge you need to effectively manage your company's compliance efforts. In addition to the recording, you receive seminar materials and Question & Answer documents that you can download. The On-Demand Web Seminar Library includes: 2009 Labor Law Administration
This book complements the Labor Law Digest by both referencing the law and presenting HR best practices in an easy-to-understand, step-by-step fashion. Topics cover the entire employment cycle, from recruiting for a position all the way to implementing a termination decision. You'll find detailed information on leaves of absence addressing common trouble spots for employers, such as how different types of leaves interact. Accommodating Customers with Disabilities Minibook
A guide to improve service to customers with disabilities - The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) makes it mandatory for you and every employee to accommodate certain requirements your customers may have. “What Everyone Needs To Know About: Accommodating Customers with Disabilities” enables businesses with high employee/customer interaction to improve customer service to clients with disabilities and eliminate costly ADA liabilities and risks, by using CalChamber’s expertise in business compliance and reducing business risk. Purchase Serving Customers with Disabilities , and every member of your team can have their own easy-to-read reference for avoiding costly scenarios while improving customer service. Workplace Violence, Conduct & Harassment Minibook Bundle
The complete series of employee mini-books, What Everyone Needs to Know About , includes: Appropriate Workplace Conduct Minibooks for Employees
This visual training guide creates an understanding of the company policy for conduct in the workplace including dress codes, actions that can offend co-workers or customers, actions and behaviors that could cause termination and the importance of demonstrating respect towards others. This mini-book is divided into three sections based on severity of the behavior; bad behavior, violating company policy and behaviors that violate the law. This is a low cost solution for promoting appropriate workplace conduct for all employees and creating a defensible position against litigation.
Preventing Workplace Violence
This visual training guide should be purchased by HR and company managers to educate all workers about workplace violence specifically, warning signs, actions and appropriate responses.
Harassment in the Workplace Minibooks for Employees
Help prevent sexual harassment and the creation of a hostile work environment with this clearly illustrated, easy-to-follow mini-book. Each of these mini-books is pocket-sized (5'' x 5''), and makes liberal use of pictures and universal symbols for easy reading. These books are inexpensive enough that you can distribute them to your entire workforce. Each book is in English and Spanish. Get these benefits:
Clearly spell out unacceptable behavior and what to do when it occurs. Create a positive and respectful work environment for workers and customers. Build a defensible position against possible litigation.
Guide to Military Leave under USERRA
When a veteran asks for his or her job back, will you know what to do? Be prepared with our Guide to Military Leave under USERRA. According to the most recently updated Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), returning veterans are entitled to reinstatement at your company. Written in plain English for employers and employees, our Guide offers practical advice that can help you effectively bring these valuable employees back to your company. Drug Free Workplace Motivational Poster
Clearly communicate your company’s zero-tolerance policy regarding drug abuse. This poster is suitable for all employees, and will give you, your managers and employees a quick, visual resource for preventing drug abuse in the workplace. Help to create a drug-free work environment for your employees and help protect from accidents, workers' comp claims, and compromised productivity. Each is laminated and durable, and measures 21" x 27.5".
Be prepared for an emergency!
See these tips for businesses and homes from the state Office of Emergency Services
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