The Commerce Company | Retirement and Investment Services

Current Employer and HR Issues Discussed In-Depth at Eighth Annual Luncheon Series

PORTLAND, Ore., October 3, 2010– The prospect of solid advice from local experts seems to have Employers and HR Professionals filling the seats for the Commerce Concepts seminars. The events, which provide education for Employers, HR Professionals, and Benefits Coordinators over a gourmet lunch, cover a whole range of topics - from retirement plan and labor law updates, to exploring variable pay and social medial in the workplace.

Now in its eighth year, the five scheduled luncheons have become increasingly popular among Portland area professionals, and continue to bring together local business people and top experts in employee relations, HR management, and labor law issues. Last year, registrations doubled with a record-breaking attendance. What draws the crowds? “The presentations explore new trends and solutions in workforce management, but also provide solid, conventional advice. That will always be in demand.” said Jed Schlanger. Schlanger is President of The Commerce Company, which organizes and sponsors the events.

Of course, the gourmet meal and continuing education credits may have something to do with it. Lunch and dessert are provided by local caterer Vibrant Table, and qualified HR professionals can earn one hour of Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) credit per session.

Past attendees speak highly of the seminars. "The presentation over lunch is fantastic," said Allen Hunt, Executive Director of the William Temple House. "They (The Commerce Co.) are aware that most of us are small businesses and can't afford week-long seminars." Linda Bailey, HR Director at Pear Bureau Northwest and participant for the 8th straight year adds, “this is critical information…the stuff HR professionals need to know.”

The series begins on October 7 with The Most Bizarre Employment Law Cases of the Year, presented by Shari Lane, Attorney and Founder, Northwest Employment Law, LLC. On October 19, Controlling Fixed Costs: The Growing Trend of Variable Pay will be presented by Judy Clark, SPHR®, President, HR Answers, Inc. Social Media at Work: How to Manage the Chaos will be presented by Isaac Dixon, SPHR®, Associate VP and Director HR, Lewis and Clark College on October 26. Workforce Management: Creating a Culture of Accountability, will be presented on November 4 by Linda Carpenter and Stephanie Smith, Co-Founders, Carpenter Smith consulting, LLC, followed by Retirement Plan Update: Your Ever-Increasing Fiduciary Responsibilities on November 16, presented by Daniel Martin, President, Pension Planners Northwest.

The presentations are held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Cheatham Hall of the World Forestry Center. Cost per session is $15 and includes a gourmet lunch and dessert catered by Vibrant Table. Each event offers HR professionals one hour of HRCI credit. Parking is free. The Commerce Company is donating 20% of all registration fees to Loaves and Fishes, the Meals-On-Wheels People.

The Commerce Company was founded in Portland in 1995 and provides corporate retirement and investment planning for small to mid-sized businesses throughout the Northwest. An independent registered investment advisor, the firm also has a wealth management office in Tacoma, Washington.

Securities are offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA /SIPC. Jed Schlanger is a Branch Manager with RJFS. Portland office is located at 5440 SW Westgate Drive, Suite 110. Tacoma office is located at 1919 N. Pearl Street, #B1.

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Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC.