Cape chamber has online link for HR issues

At capechamber.com area businesses can access human resource information that is valuable and pertinent to their operations. Chamber members, however, can get the detailed information they need to make sure they are in compliance with federal and state employment laws.

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce & Industry makes the site -- HR Solutions Center -- available to local chambers of commerce. The site gives businesses direct access to a complete suite of services to help businesses -- especially small businesses -- manage policies and practices. Business owners can get on-demand answers from accredited industry leaders.

HR compliance affects employers of all sizes. There is compliance worksheet at the site that represents an overview of how many employees an employer must have to be covered under certain federal statutes. In some instances, the law also depends on requirements other than the number of employees.

John Mehner, Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce president, said the link has been a member benefit for almost two years.

"Anyone can access the information site, but you need to be a chamber member to access the detailed information such as a monthly newsletter," said Mehner. "The vast majority of our membership are small businesses that don't have human resource departments. This gives us the ability to put useful information at their fingertips."

Cathi Schlosser, director of membership development at the chamber, trains new members how to navigate the site.

"The HR Solutions Center is an added benefit for our members," she said. "The center has a monthly bulletin that's full of good, up-to-date information, and the center offers ways to create in-house business policies and job descriptions."

Schlosser said she schedules monthly orientation meetings with new chamber members to explain the benefits of being associated with the chamber.

"This online link is a very outstanding resource, especially for small businesses, but we have some large businesses that also appreciate this service," she said.