DATCP: Employee management workshops & webinar registration open

Contact: Ashley Huibregtse, 608-224-5002, ashley.huibregtse@wisconsin.gov

Jim Dick, Communications Director, 608-224-5020, jim.dick@wisconsin.gov

MADISON – Now more than ever, hiring and maintaining a high quality workforce is essential. That’s why the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) encourages those interested in learning more about employee management to register now for the Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Regional Workshop Roadshows titled, “Employee Management: Guiding the Herd.” New this year to the roadshows, the workshop will be available on a free webinar as well as in person at four locations across the state in December.

The employee management workshop will focus on increasing communication, performance and teamwork in the workplace. Topics will include interviewing, hiring, teamwork, employee evaluation, seasonality and delegating.

Speaking at the workshops will be Linda Halley, Farm Manager of Gardens of Eagan Farm. Halley has been growing organic produce since 1989. In addition to farming, she is engaged in development of the Organic Field School at Gardens of Eagan, dedicated to training farmers and focused on educating food citizens.

All workshops are 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Dates and locations are:

* Monday, December 12 at UW Barron County Campus, 1800 College Drive, Rice Lake

* Tuesday, December 13 at James P. Coughlin Center, 625 E County Road Y, Oshkosh

* Wednesday, December 14 at DATCP, 2811 Agriculture Drive, Madison (Also accessible by webinar)

* Thursday, December 15 at Viroqua Area Medical Clinic, 407 S Main Street, Viroqua

The cost of registration is $30 for the first registration, and $15 for any additional registrations of the same farm, organization or family. Lunch is included. The registration deadline is Friday, December 3.

The employee management workshops are the first in a series planned for winter 2011-2012. “Quickbooks 101 for Local Food Producers: Squash your accounting fears” is planned for January, and “Branding: It is not just about logos” will be held in late January and early February.

Register by mail or online at http://datcp.wi.gov/Business/Buy_Local_Buy_Wisconsin. To get a registration brochure or more information, contact Theresa Feiner at theresa.feiner@wisconsin.gov or 608-224-5112.