Latino Chamber to host small business forum on March 29
Date: 3/28/2012
March 28, 2012By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.comSPRINGFIELD — If you're small business owner and confused about state regulation, then a new workshop may be of help to you.
The Patrick-Murray Administration is sponsoring "Compliance Made Simple," a forum on March 29 at the Massachusetts Latino Chamber of Commerce, 225 High St., Holyoke. There will be an English language session from 4 to 5:30 p.m. followed by a Spanish forum at 6 p.m.
Elizabeth Cardona, director of the governor's Western Massachusetts Regional Office, told
Reminder Publications the forum came about "based on information we've received from businesses looking to familiarize themselves with state agencies in order to build synergy [between them]."
Essentially, she said the forum would give the participants the opportunity to "have a conversation with government."
The forum will present topics such as policies on wages, benefits, safety and health as they apply to businesses.
Panelists will include, Phillip Hillman, director of the Department of Industrial Accidents, Barbara Dillon DeSouza, assistant attorney general, Fair Labor Division, office of Attorney General and Michelle Amante, director of revenue, Department of Unemployment Assistance.
Cardona said that business owners would be able to speak about his or her specific needs and the participants already registering for the event range from a bodega to a dental office.
"We hope to make this as personal as possible," she said of the forum.
"The Patrick-Murray Administration has been a reliable partner to our friends in the business community and will continue to do make the investments necessary to ease the cost of doing business," Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialeki said. "These meetings help assist small businesses by providing a roadmap on how to start a business and grow in the Commonwealth."
The forums are free of charge, but participants must register at wmasscompliance.eventbrite.com.
