Employee Free Choice Act ('EFCA')
It is widely expected that some version of the Employee Free Choice Act ("EFCA") will pass in 2009. The early versions of the legislation suggest that there will be two fundamental tenets: 1) mandatory union recognition based solely on authorization cards; and, 2) mandatory, binding arbitration if the parties do not agree to a contract within as few as 120 days after bargaining has commenced. This legislation would effectively do away with the secret ballot union representation election.

Under the proposed Act, if a union is able to obtain a simple majority of signed authorization cards from your employees, the National Labor Relations Board would certify the union as your employees' collective bargaining agent. The impact of the EFCA cannot be overstated. Because of the recognition and arbitration provisions, it could very easily create a national standard for wages and benefits that can be unilaterally imposed on employers.

On March 18, join the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce and the law firm of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP to learn more about EFCA and to discuss strategies for keeping your company union-free. This free seminar will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Swan Lake resort. Please RSVP to the Chamber at 936-2323 or email us at plychamber@plychamber.org.



Ray's Golf Car, Inc.
4150 Maple Road, Plymouth, 574-935-3320; www.raysgolfcars.com
Ray's Golf Car, a family owned & operated, Plymouth-based business, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year!

The business was established in South Bend in 1969 by Ray DeRyckere. In 1999, Ray retired and sold the business to long-time employees Dave and Angie Banicki. In 2004, the business outgrew its South Bend location so Dave and Angie decided to move the business to the current Plymouth location, centralizing them more in their 16-county service area.

The company has been a Club Car dealer since 1982 offering sales, service, customizing, parts, accessories, and rentals of Club Car golf cars, multi-passenger vehicles, utility vehicles, and the XRT rough terrain vehicles. They also offer parts and service for most other major golf car brands.

Current hours are Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM. Hours effective March 8, 2009 will be Tuesday through Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM, closed Sunday & Monday.


Morrow Insurance Agency
850 E. Jefferson St., Plymouth; www.morrowinsurance.com
Morrow Insurance Agency Welcomes Jim Galt.
A graduate of Ball State University, Jim has worked in the insurance industry in sales and management for over 19 years. While working as an agent, he has won numerous sales awards. Jim is licensed to sell property and casualty, life, health, and commercial insurance. He achieved the LUTC (Life underwriting Training Council) designation. Prior to his insurance career , he taught high school English and Journalism at Mishawaka High School, as well as coached basketball and varsity baseball.

Jim is a member of the Mishawaka Optimist Club - serving as president for two years; and as a board member for 5 years.

Jim has been married to his wife Donna for 23 years, and they have 3 children: Sheryl, Matt, and Erin. He has been very active with Plymouth High School boys and girls spring and summer basketball programs and was an IHSAA basketball official.

Jim will sell all lines of insurance, but will focus on commercial business. According to Dave Morrow, agency owner, 'Jim's experience in the industry, work ethic, and personal contacts will be an asset to our agency.'


Marshall County Habitat ReStore
Marshall County Habitat Restore is one year old!
They have contributed over $2,000 to Marshall County Habitat and have provided over $1,500 in material to the current building. They have also provided material free or at reduced prices to several not-for-profit agencies in Marshall County and they have diverted over 70,000 lbs. from the landfill.

A good portion of the material donated was sold to members of the community improving their lives by using the discounted material and furnishing on or in their homes.

Special thanks to the Marshall County Community Foundation. Without their grants, they could not have secured a store or the point of sale system to start the ReStore. Marshall County Habitat ReStore would like to thank you all for the donations.