Help for business owners, managers with HR

In addition to the daily responsibilities of keeping a business running, managers also have to become human resource specialists in their quest to find and retain the best employees.

To help develop those skills, Purdue Extension in Huntington and Whitley Counties will offer the Becoming the Employer of Choice program on April 2, 3 and 4, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Whitley County 4-H Center, 680 West Squawbuck Road, Columbia City. The program is a series, so participants should plan on attending all three sessions. The popular program, developed by the University of Wisconsin Extension, is designed to improve human resource skills through hands-on activities and interactive sessions.

“An issue identified across the board for businesses is the tight labor market and lack of skilled labor currently available,” said John Woodmansee, Purdue Extension educator in Whitley County. “You have to objectively ask yourself what your strengths and weaknesses are as a manager, and if your farm or business is the kind of place where people want to work.” Content will apply to managers of any size business, helping firms become employers of choice who can more effectively compete for the best available employees.

Attendees will gain effective and practical approaches to managing human resource challenges. The program consists of seven modules, addressing topics such as different leadership styles, developing skills to provide effective feedback, and learning ways to address and work through conflict.

The registration deadline is March 28. The registration form can be downloaded from the Purdue Extension – Whitley County website www.extension.purdue.edu/whitley or by contacting jwoodman@purdue.edu or by calling (260) 244-7615.

The cost is $45 for the first registrant and $10 per person for additional attendees from the same business or farm operation. The fee includes handouts, program resources, and snacks. If you have questions about this event, contact Ed Farris in Huntington County at emfarris@purdue.edu, or by calling (260) 358-4826.