September 1, 2011

Annual Convention - Early Bird Deadline Approaching

Don’t forget to register for the Annual Convention, October 5-7 in Grand Rapids, by September 6 and save on registration! We’ve also shortened the Convention to accommodate your travel budget. Convention will kick-off with the opening general session at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 5, instead of the traditional general session on Tuesday afternoon, saving you one night at the hotel.

Join us as we’re Taking it to the Streets in the heart of Grand Rapids during the final week of ArtPrize, where you’ll see firsthand how arts and culture are transforming that city’s image on a worldwide scale. It’s the perfect backdrop for our message on Why Place Matters in building better communities for the 21st century. Our impassioned presenters are bringing a powerful message on how YOU can find your rhythm in today’s embattled economy.

Many thanks to this year’s sponsors, click here to see the full list.

Public Employment Law Seminar
October 25, 2011
Lansing

Statistics indicate that municipalities continue to experience high levels of financial loss because of errors and poor judgment calls in employment situations. This full-day seminar is designed to provide municipalities with the information and tools they need to reduce their risks related to public employment issues. The day will be comprised of sessions presented by professionals specializing in the topic areas listed below. Presenters will provide a general overview of each of the topics, provide information to reduce risks, and supply materials to be used as practice tools. This is a must-attend seminar for every municipal manager, mayor, attorney, and human resources professional.

Topics to be covered include:
- Employment Issues & Records Retention
- Independent Contractors - Do's & Don'ts
- Whistleblower Cases
- Healthcare Reform
- Michigan Medical Marihuana Act
- Social Media & New Technology Use

Going into Labor - The Essentials of Michigan's New Labor Laws
September 22, 2011
Lansing

This spring has brought a whirlwind of legislative changes that affect the way public employers do business. Join us to hear from labor law experts about changes to PA 312 binding arbitration, PERA, health care, the Urban Cooperation Act, and more. These changes present a lot of opportunities for local units of government to control costs.

Learn how to navigate these significant changes and make them work in your community on September 22, in Lansing. Registration is open!

2nd Annual Green Communities Conference
October 28, 2011
Lansing

The Michigan Green Communities Conference will provide local government and university leaders an opportunity to learn about cutting-edge environmental projects and policies from their peers and experts from around the state. Sessions will be structured in an interactive format that offers attendees an opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and to brainstorm new solutions.

This conference will help local government and university staff gain knowledge of sustainability practices that work in the state of Michigan. It is brought to you in partnership with the Michigan Energy Office, the Midwest Regional Sustainability Network, the Michigan Townships Association and the Michigan Association of Counties.

Registration available soon! Please visit www.mml.org.