State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said that a business summit called Employers in The Know will be held in Thomaston on Wednesday. The summit is one in a series of 12 being held throughout the state.

“We began holding these seminars because employers throughout the state told us they needed better access to information,” Butler said. “At these seminars, the employers get up-to-date information and the opportunity to network with other employers.  And, as a state agency, we get value from hearing directly from the employers, so we can improve and better serve them.”

Commissioner Butler will discuss current labor department initiatives and programs designed to encourage job growth and economic development throughout the state. The GDOL provides labor market data necessary for economic developers and businesses to make sound decisions about starting or expanding businesses. The GDOL helps match employers with qualified job seekers, as well as helping job seekers be successful in securing jobs and developing their careers.

Other presenters and their topics include:

- Rachael Mast, a community outreach and resource planning specialist with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, speaking on Top Tips for Employers on the Fair Labor Standards Act;

- Bruce Medders, an analyst with the GDOL’s Policy and Procedures Section, on Unemployment Insurance;

- W. Jonathan Martin, II, a partner with Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP, a law firm on Labor Law Update; and

- Connie Smith, director of GeorgiaBEST, the GDOL’s initiative that teaches students the importance of workplace ethics.  

The summits, which help employers learn how to better understand and conquer compliance challenges in the workplace, are sponsored by the  GDOL and local employer committees.  This one is cosponsored by the Northeast Georgia Employer Committee.  

The Thomaston summit will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Building B on the Flint River Campus of the Southern Crescent Technical College located at 1533 Highway 19 South.   

Employers may register at the event. The cost is $50.