U.S. Chamber Provides Health Care Analysis For Businesses

Analysis of the recently passed health care reform is now available on the U.S. Chamber's Web site. Links to the summary of the reform, along with the timeline for implementation, are found the at following link: Click here for the full analysis. We encourage all members to review the sweeping changes that will impact you, your business, and your employees.

Wellness Fair Survey

The cost of health care continues to rise for employees and employers across the country and in our region. The problem is so massive that businesses are frustrated on what they can do to lower costs. One way is to promote wellness in your workplace.

Studies show a healthier workforce lowers costs. The Chamber's Health Care committee is considering holding a Wellness Fair later this year. The fair would potentially include vision and hearing screenings, flu shots, numerous exercise options, dietitians to advise on healthy grocery shopping, stress management, financial fitness strategies, healthy food samples, weight loss resources, programs for healthy seniors and children, tips to build activity into daily schedules and free and inexpensive options for exercise in the Rochester area.

To ensure this event is a success, please take a minute to answer three short questions by taking our survey located here.

Dr. Noel R. Peterson Founders Lecture Series, presented by the OMC Regional Foundation

The OMC Regional Foundation Board of Directors invites you to attend the third annual Dr. Noel R. Peterson Founders Lecture Series, presented by the OMC Regional Foundation, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Wed., May 14, at the Rochester International Event Center (7333 Airport View Rd SW, Rochester).

The lecture will feature Michael T. Osterholm, PhD, MPH, director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. His talk, "Pandemic Influenza: A Harbinger of Things to Come," will relate to his work on the threat of pandemic influenza as well as his extensive research on our national preparedness for managing acts of bio-terrorism.

CME credit of 1.0 hour will be available to attending clinicians.The lecture will be preceded by a dessert reception and is free/open to the public. Registration is required; please contact foundation@olmmed.org for more information or to reserve your seat.

The OMC Regional Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, was created in 2001 to advocate for and support Olmsted Medical Center and assist it in being an active, contributing partner in the communities it serves. The OMC Regional Foundation supports needed health care services to businesses, families, or neighbors requiring specific equipment or personnel, health and wellness education, and programs stressing preventive health care in OMC communities. The Foundation works on many levels to connect OMC health care providers with the people they serve, and in all of its activities strives to position and prepare OMC for the future.

Winona State University offers Lean Workshop

Winona State University’s Department of Outreach and Continuing Education, in partnership with the Center for Integrated Health Science Education and Practice, is offering a workshop for healthcare professionals designed to improve inventory processes. The workshop is a hands-on simulation of the Lean improvement principal, The 6S Tool.

The workshop will be held Friday, Nov. 16, 2007 from 8 a.m. - Noon at the Radisson in Rochester. Cost is $125 per participant (Mention you are a Chamber member and receive $10 off registration).

Organizations who have implemented the 6S tool have improved staff morale, better controlled inventory costs, fostered greater safety, and enhanced customer satisfaction. Healthcare professionals in charge of quality control are encouraged to attend. If you would like more information about this workshop please call Ann Durley at 507-474-3902 or e-mail Ann at adurley@winona.edu. You can also download the programs brochure here.

Health Care Summit - Employee Benefit Trends: Reconnecting Employer & Employee

Our annual Health Care Summit is right around the corner (next Thursday), but there is still plenty of time to register. The Summit's focus is employee benefit trends in the workplace. Here is some additional information on the session:

Chamber surveys indicate employers and employees are paying close attention to benefits offered at the workplace. With workforce shortages looming in the future, having a competitive benefits package will be critical for employee retention. MetLife has researched the issue and formulated a benefit trends seminar.

Susan Galya, MetLife’s Senior Marketing Consultant in employer-sponsored benefits, will lead the discussion. Galya has 12 years of consumer and international marketing experience.

Everyone involved in business can benefit from this session. Register today for this informative and interactive seminar, which is sure to improve your knowledge of benefit programs offered across the nation. Cost for the Summit is $25 for Members and $35 for Non-Members. A buffet lunch is included.

Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007; 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Radisson Plaza Hotel; 150 S. Broadway

CHAMBER CHAT SHOW - SEPTEMBER 2007

John Eckerman, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President - Government Affairs, discusses the school bond referendum, the upcoming annual Health Care Summit and the Workforce 2020 initiative on KROC AM 1340's Chamber Chat Show with Tracy McCray. Tune into 1340 the fourth Monday of each month at 9:50 to hear the show live!