AUGUST -- 2005

IN THIS ISSUE
 
Win a $100,000 Small Biz Technology Grant!
How would $100,000 in free information technology education, products and services transform your small business? Enter The World of Difference contest by September 6th and share your vision for creating a profitable, reliable and thriving future. Community Partners (i.e. Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Corporations) can also earn a chance to win $25,000 in technology and a trip to New York to the award ceremony by registering for the contest and inviting their small business members to enter. Contest sponsored by the Small Business Technology Institute and Intel®. Click here for  MORE
A Picture is Worth . . . A Trip to the Courthouse
Negotiate before you hide surveillance cameras in the workplace, says the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. In a unionized environment an employer does not have the unilateral right to use covert surveillance cameras for corporate security purposes. Instead, their use is a mandatory subject of negotiation since the information gathered from the surveillance potentially impacts “terms and conditions of employment.” While an employer is not required to identify the precise location and timing of the surveillance, it is required to bring the issue to the bargaining table.  MORE
 
General Contractors May Delegate Safety Responsibilities
The Appellate Court of Illinois (Second District) recently ruled that a general contractor may delegate its Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA) responsibilities to a sub-contractor. In making this determination, the court found that if the general contractor retained no control over the actual operations of the project, it could not be found liable for negligent acts of the subcontractor.  MORE
 
What's in a Name?
Is a race discrimination claim limited to illegal conduct relating to physical or other “genetically determined characteristics such as skin color”? No, says the controversial 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. According to the court, seemingly innocent remarks may be riddled with discriminatory intent. And, if such a determination is made, get ready to pay. MORE
 
Raiding the 401(k)
Those who leave for greener pastures often depart with a horde of cash when they close out their 401(k) retirement accounts. In polling almost 200,000 workers, HR outsourcing giant, Hewitt Associates, found that 45% of those who switch jobs cash out their retirement account instead of keeping it with the employer or rolling it over.  MORE
 
Job Growth Chamber’s Top Priority
Job growth is the single most important issue affecting Illinois businesses, says Chamber President & CEO Doug Whitley. As head of the largest business association in the state, “our aim is to promote business, create jobs and create wealth for all,” Whitley told top business leaders at a meeting in Lockport last week. According to Whitley, Illinois can no longer claim to be “open for business” after the onslaught of pro-labor initiatives passed and signed by the current governor. “Illinois is not as business friendly as it needs to be. The Illinois Chamber is working hard to change that.” For more on this story, click here.
Midwest Manufacturing Jumps
Economists have something to smile about as Midwest manufacturing exceeded expectations in July. The National Association of Purchasing Management-Chicago reports that the business activity barometer jumped to 63.5 in July from 53.6 in June. Economists had forecast July’s barometer reading to be 55.5. New orders also rose to 69.6, the highest level since March. While prices paid rose slightly to 61.3 from 59.7, the increase was not as high as some had feared.

However, economist Ian Shephardson issued a word of caution. "This is very welcome but could be a local story; the Chicago PMI is often influenced by the strength of the auto market, which has been very robust in the past two months as a result of GM-led price cuts."
 
Illinois Employers to Offer Paid Leave for Blood Donation
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed new legislation offering workers up to one hour of paid leave to donate blood. The provisions of House Bill 324, entitled, The Employee Donation Leave Act, extend to those who work for either local government or private sector companies. The legislation takes effect on January 1, 2006. MORE
 
The HR Library
Just a click away! For the latest HR news and analysis, CLICK HERE or use the button at the top of the Chamber home page. The site is updated daily to keep you informed on current developments in HR and how they might impact your bottom line.
Current Economic Indicators
For the latest on the economy, visit the Chamber's ECONOMIC INDICATORS website.
 
New Illinois Chamber Health Care Options
No employer, regardless of size or location, is immune to the devastating affects of high health costs. This year, most employers will again face health care premium increases in excess of 10 percent with expected averages in the Midwest at 11.8% and Nationally at 12.5%. As an employer, your options, budget and time are limited. The Illinois Chamber is here to help you find a solution! Our new Three-Prong Approach links essential best-practice programs and best-in-class partners to provide your company with the highest Quality Wellness Programs, Health Plan Options and Drug-Free Workplace Programs - all working together to provide you and your company with full-service solutions to health cost management. Click here for  MORE
 
Illinois Chamber HELPLINE
Knowing what you can and can't do will help you prevent costly mistakes. Call Howard Parker, our Chamber HR expert. He will help you deal with problems safely and avoid disputes. You can reach the Helpline toll-free at 800-322-4722.
 
Business Services
Check out some of our programs and see how your membership pays with the Illinois Chamber: Learn more about these programs and how they benefit your company when you Join the Leaders!
 
Support Your Guard & Reservists!
The Chamber urges all Illinois employers to recognize their Guard and Reserve employees by signing and displaying the ESGR Statement of Support. To get yours, simply complete an online form and you will receive a personalized certificate that demonstrates your support. Also visit the SBA Veteran's Business Development web site for assistance to small business owners that have employees activated in the Guard or Reserves. Click  MORE

The Exec Report - Susan S. McComb, J.D., SPHR, Editor
Copyright © 2005 The Illinois Chamber