PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 28, 2011 — State Sen. Anthony H. Williams, in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania and the law firm of Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C., will host an upcoming employment workshop to provide small businesses with resources and a forum to discuss their issues.

The free lunch workshop for small businesses (under 100 employees) will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University of Pennsylvania, Claudia Cohen Hall, Terrace Room on the Perelman Triangle, 36th and Walnut streets.

The workshop will focus on labor issues, including wages, overtime, what to do when a business is audited, maintaining employment in a competitive market, harassment training, risk management and more.

The number of small employers in Pennsylvania was 236,775 in 2006, accounting for 98.4 percent of the state’s employers and 49.9 percent of its private-sector employment, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“Small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities. They are owned by and employ our neighbors and contribute directly to the financial stability of our state. In this economy, more than ever, we need to help them thrive,” Williams said. “I encourage local small business owners to participate in this informative workshop.”

Call 215-492-2980 to RSVP. For more information, visit www.senatoranthonyhwilliams.com

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