*Roundtable Discussions

Each Roundtable Discussion will occur twice allowing you the opportunity to experience more than one topic offering.

1. Boost Your Staffing Firm’s Bottom Line with R&D and WOTC Savings

Stephanie Banuelos and Mark Echols, CTI 

With the cost of doing business consistently on the rise and as it becomes more difficult to find/retain great employees, companies are turning to staffing agencies to assist them with their employment needs.  This is great for staffing agencies and there is no better time to pursue the Research & Development (R & D) and Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). The R & D Tax Credit is a federal tax credit program that incentivizes businesses to stay competitive through technology. With the integration of software, many staffing firms can claim the R & D Tax Credit to increase cash flow and reinvest back in their business. The WOTC is a federal tax credit program that incentivize employers to hire individuals who typically face barriers to employment such as Veterans or an individual who was previously unemployed. 

Participating in credit programs like the R & D and WOTC program can minimize a company's tax liability and offset the high capital costs associated with new, expanding, or relocated business sites. These credits can also enhance cash flow to your business and can be used to offset the need for cutbacks and allow funding for other special projects.

2. Watch Your Multi-Generational Workforce Thrive!

Kristin Lindblom, Assurance

Jourdan Block, Block Staffing Services, LLC

Today’s workforce is largely comprised of Baby Boomers, Gen X-ers, Millennials, and even Generation Z. Join this roundtable for insights on the differences between these groups and an open discussion of strategies to successfully motivate and manage your multi-generational workforce.

3. Managing your Workplace in the #MeToo Era

David Sprong, Becker LLC

Now more than ever, the prevention of sexual harassment in your workplace is an everyday concern. Today’s world demands nothing short of a culture shift, including careful policy review and revision, updated training and cutting-edge compliance and documentation. The roundtable will address real world concerns and discuss real world solutions as to the best practices for preventing, investigating and remedying sexual harassment, such as:

• Are your anti-harassment practices and procedures years or even decades old, and should they be updated?

• Do you have an existing culture of avoidance or tolerance in the workplace? 

• Is your training innovative enough to foster a safe, positive workplace? 

• And many more.

4. Is Your Organization AI Ready?

Rudi Asseer, IMI                                                                    

In the ever-changing world of technology, Rudi Asseer will discuss how AI will impact your organization from a cultural perspective. Rudi is the current CEO of IMI, one of the most progressive and largest automation and controls installation companies in North America. IMI has had the pleasure of working with Amazon, Tesla, FedEx, UPS and Cirque du Soleil. Rudi has hands-on experience with designing, pitching, implementing and maintaining IMI’s AI solution called Rhonda. Rudi’s core vision centers around implementing responsible digital transformation that can modernize an organization and exponentially increase efficiencies using technology.

5. How to Turn ACA into a Financial Gain for Your Staffing Firm

Carl Stecker, Benefits in a Card

Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) came into effect, many providers have only promoted an avoidance strategy when it comes to offering benefits. The goal is simple: avoid the penalties at all costs. However, very few providers have even considered whether there is a better strategy on the table. Sit with Carl Stecker, Founder and CEO of Benefits in a Card, and learn about the tools available that can help your staffing company benefit from ACA such as 125 plans, re-insurance and auto enroll.

6. Key Decisions Every Staffing Owner Should be Making Today to Leverage the Current M&A Market

Patrick Morin, Transact Capital Partners

Martin Borosko, Becker LLC

The staffing industry is in the first leg of a large scale consolidation, which is being driven by an influx of capital from private equity firms and the emergence of technology as a key driver of industry success.  As there is in any large scale industry consolidation, there will be clear winners and losers. The owners who plan for the consolidation now by asking themselves the right questions and making key decisions are most likely to exit winners.  Patrick and Marty will lead a lively discussion regarding the key decisions staffing firm owners should be making today to succeed in the consolidating market. The discussion will cover topics such as:  (1) whether to be a shark or a minnow; (2) developing a scorecard to help you succeed as either a shark or minnow; and (3) the top ten things to NEVER say to the other party in M&A negotiations.