Employers, human resource managers and business owners in the South Central Region (Butler, Douglas, Ozark, Oregon, Howell, Texas, Shannon, Reynolds, Carter, Ripley, Wayne, and Wright counties) are invited to attend the free "Empower, Engage, Employ: Work Without Limits" inclusion Summit, 8 a.m. - noon, Thursday, Oct. 5, at First United Methodist Church, 500 N. Main St., Poplar Bluff.
This second annual Inclusion Summit kicks off with Alicia Davis, project director of the Poplar Bluff, Mo., Job-Center, sharing her personal experience and insights on overcoming the stigma of disability while advancing in her education and employment.
Register online @ www.scwib.org/rsvp.php. Registration fee is $25.
Break-out sessions will be offered following the opening presentation. Topics include: WOTC and Federal Bonding; Registered Apprenticeships (a new State of Missouri initiative that helps small businesses offer this valuable credential to key employees); Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation supportive/training services; assistance to support aging employees, MERS/Goodwill Senior Community Service Employment Program; and Missouri Job Center services for employers (including subsidized wage programs).
National Motivational Speaker Carey Portell of St. James, Mo. will close the summit by sharing her personal story of overcoming the odds and embracing diversity through her message, "Stronger Than Yesterday."
Attendees are invited to enjoy a relaxing networking luncheon from 11 a.m. - noon.