State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said that a business summit called Employers In The Know will be held in Augusta on Wednesday, Aug. 24. The summit is one in a series of 12 being held throughout the state. This is the third year the summits have been offered to employers.  

 The summits, which help employers learn how to better understand and conquer compliance challenges in the workplace, are sponsored by the Georgia Department of Labor and local employer committees.  This one is cosponsored by the Greater Augusta Employer Committee.

 The Augusta summit will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Jack B. Patrick Information Technology Center, which is Building No. 1000, at Augusta Technical College located at 3200 Augusta Tech Drive.

 “We began holding these seminars because employers throughout the state told us they needed better access to information,” Butler said. “At these seminars, the employers get up-to-date information and the opportunity to network with other employers.  And, as a state agency, we get value from hearing directly from the employers, so we can improve and better serve them.”

 Employers are encouraged to pre-register by Wednesday, Aug. 17, but may register at the event. To pre-register, visit www.dol.georgia.gov , look in the Spotlight Section and link to 2016 Regional Business Summits. If pre-registered, the cost to attend is $40 per person, which includes lunch. After Aug. 17, the cost is $50.

Commissioner Butler will discuss current GDOL initiatives and programs designed to encourage job growth and economic development throughout the state. The GDOL provides labor market data necessary for economic developers and businesses to make sound decisions about starting or expanding businesses. The GDOL helps match employers with qualified job seekers, as well as helping job seekers be successful in securing jobs and developing their careers.

Additional experts will discuss a range of employment and legal issues of importance to employers. Other parts of the program include presentations on labor laws, unemployment insurance, and how to use social media to make businesses more profitable.