Last night, we hosted our latest Executive Forum here at Henderson Franklin’s conference center.   An Executive Forum, for those of you who are not familiar, is a small gathering of human resources and other business professionals sponsored by our Employment Law Practice Group.  Attendees join us for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, networking, and a presentation on varied topics of interest in the employment law world.

About 25 professionals joined us last night for a presentation by Rob Teas of CIGNA on everyone’s favorite hot-topic — the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.  Rob shared a lot of great information, including several tips for employers as they tackle this massive legislation.  Among Rob’s tips?  Employers should review coverage once “essential benefits” are defined; consider the benefits of self-funding, especially for small businesses; and assess the value of “Grandfathered” status on a plan-by-plan basis given the interim final regulations.

Also worth a special mention is the retirement of Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida’s HR Director, Becky Hayes-Foriest.  Becky retires at the end of 2010 after 31 years with Goodwill.  Becky, who is pictured below (center) with Steve Csotty of WilsonMiller and Charlotte King of Hope Hospice and Community Services, was recognized and presented with a gorgeous gift basket from Norman Love Confections.  We wish Becky all the best in her retirement.

If you are interested in attending our next Executive Forum, which will be held sometime in early 2011, please let us know.  We would love to have you!