Published in the Dec. 21, 2016 – January 3, 2017 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By Bev Stenehjem

Bev Stenehjem

In the midst of an ever-changing minefield of employment law, it’s vital for business owners to network with peers who face the same challenges. With the start of the new year, I encourage you to consider becoming a member of the Gavilan Employer Advisory Council, a nonprofit group that can give you many amazing opportunities to network and share information and resources to help their business thrive.

The Gavilan EAC is an organization made up of local employers who represent a variety of industries between Morgan Hill and Hollister. Like the other chapters of the larger California Employer Advisory Council, the Gavilan EAC partners with the California Employment Development Department to help identify current business needs and ways to improve services. More importantly, the partnership provides the opportunity to learn more about the services available through EDD that can result in saving time and money.

Six bi-monthly seminars each year feature expert speakers on issues addressing employment law, difficult employees, staff training, marketing, employment tax, unemployment insurance and other relevant topics. Typically, the speakers are employment attorneys who specialize in the seminar’s topic.

The seminars are held at the Hilton Garden Inn, a central location in southern Gilroy with easy access to the freeway. A hot buffet breakfast with made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls is included in the price of admission. For members, the seminar cost is $40 per person, and for non-members the cost is still quite reasonable at $55 per person. The breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. with a warm welcome and introduction to new members, the seminar starts at 8 a.m. and from there it’s a brisk two-hour event, ending at 10 a.m.

Depending on the topic, seminars can attract between 40 and 100 industry professionals ranging from the county, high-tech, agriculture to restaurants and wineries. Many of the attendees are human resources professionals, managers or business owners — sometimes all three rolled into one.

Membership in the Gavilan EAC provides business owners with access to the management hotline staffed by a labor law attorney who provides legal assistance to specific questions regarding employer-employee relations, employment law, policies, and practices.

As a nonprofit organization, the Gavilan EAC makes charitable donations to U.S. veterans. This year, a donation is being made to Operation Freedom Paws, an organization in San Martin that unites trained service dogs with veterans who need them. In addition, the board will be volunteering their time in support of Wreaths Across America — by placing holiday wreaths at the headstones of fallen veterans in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Gilroy.

The Gavilan EAC welcomes new members to experience the networking opportunities, low-cost seminars with breakfast included and access to an employment attorney. Annual membership is $75. But those who sign up before Dec. 31 will receive a $25 Visa gift card. The EAC also invites those seeking a volunteer board opportunity to apply.

The next seminar will inform employers about the annual legal update about new employment laws for 2017, will be held Jan 26. Call Roberto Barrandeguy, EDD Coordinator, at (408) 216-6043 to reserve your space or become a member.

Gilroy resident Bev Stenehjem is chairperson for the Gavilan Employer Advisory Council. She wrote this column for Morgan Hill Life.