Monday, October 19, 2009

Improve cash flow using a Professional Employer Organization

Companies can improve cash flow by using specialists for tasks like human resources outsourcing which is one of the tasks of a Professional Employer Organization (PEO).

There are several strategic reasons to use a PEO:

  • PEOs know HR laws and the latest employee-related regulations
  • PEOs can steamline a HR workload for the busy owner or manager who wears many different hats in a small company
  • PEOs can reduce employment costs and lower insurance premiums
  • PEOs can offer solutions on Worker’s Compensation
  • PEOs can offer input on one specialty area such as retirement plans or health plans

If you’re considering the type of PEO to use, check their credentials with industry trade associations such as NAPEO, the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations, the largest nationwide trade association for professional employer organizations. The organization has about 400 PEO members in all 50 states.

If interviewing potential PEOs, ask them what clients they've had, how they operate and how much money they have saved companies.

Using a PEO can free up the tasks facing a busy owner or manager of a company even a company that has as few as 15 employees.

Most PEOs will usually give a no-cost assessment on how they'll move forward and how they'll improve efficiency. One PEO rep told me, "guess how much it would cost a company to fight a lawsuit they could have otherwise avoided" or reduced insurance expenses.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Solar energy industry associations

Solar energy industry associations are valuable when researching the benefits of solar energy for commercial or residential purposes. They can also help individuals interested in investing in solar energy learn about the industry from an objective perspective.

Here are a few:

Solar Energy Industries Association http://www.seia.org
SEIA was started in 1974 and provides research on expanding the use of solar technologies and provides education about solar power and the overall industry.

Visit the web site to learn about federal and state issues and upcoming important conferences.

California Solar Energy Industries http://calseia.org/
California Solar Energy Industries Association supports the widespread adoption of solar thermal and photovoltaic systems by educating consumers, supporting solar legislation and conducting business in a professional and ethical manner.

Calseia provides complete information on tax credits and complete information on home and commercial use for solar energy.

Mid-Atlantic Solar Energy Industries Association http://www.mseia.net/
This organization represents New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Established in 1997 by solar energy advocates, it is an historic and highly-effective membership organization that consists of solar developers, contractors, manufacturers, architects, engineers, consultants and other industry professionals.