Impact of Workplace Non-Discrimination Policies on Ohio Small Businesses Focal Point of Roundtable
Event open to all small businesses; chance for entrepreneurs to learn about current workplace discrimination laws and the importance of implementing a statewide workplace non-discrimination policy
Columbus, Ohio—The Franklinton Board of Trade, in conjunction with small business organization Small Business Majority and the office of State Representative Michael Stinziano, will host a roundtable on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, on Ohio's current workplace non-discrimination laws and ways small businesses can benefit from more robust non-discrimination laws and policies.
Scientific opinion polling from Small Business Majority shows more than two-thirds of entrepreneurs believe federal and state laws should prohibit employment discrimination against gay and transgender people, and that employers should not be able to fire or refuse to hire someone who is gay, lesbian or transgender based on the employer's religious beliefs. What's more, the poll also revealed seven in 10 small employers already thought such laws existed.
"We need small business owners to engage in candid conversations with policymakers and fellow small business owners about the importance of workplace non-discrimination laws and policies," said State Representative Michael Stinziano. "Promoting an open and safe environment for employees makes good business sense and we need to implement non-discrimination laws that allow employers to treat all people equally, regardless of sexual orientation. This will help small businesses retain quality employees and create a happier, healthier workforce."
The free event, which is open to all small business owners, will feature Small Business Majority's Midwest Outreach Manager, Michaela Hahn Burriss, who will help facilitate discussions with policymakers and fellow small business owners about Ohio's workplace non-discrimination laws and how those policies can help boost small business and the economy.
A question and answer period will follow the discussion.
"Our polling shows a sweeping 81 percent of small business owners didn't realize it's currently legal under federal law to fire or refuse to hire someone because they are gay, lesbian or transgender," said Burriss. "But, we also know from our poling that entrepreneurs support workforce non-discrimination policies because laws that protect against discrimination can help employers attract the best and brightest employees, regardless of whether an employee is gay or transgender, and improve their bottom lines."
The roundtable will take place on Wednesday, April 1, beginning at 10:30 am (EST). The event will be located at Franklinton Board of Trade, 924 W Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43222.
Small business owners can register for the interactive roundtable online here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/workplace-non-discrimination-and-your-ohio-small-business-tickets-16146318072.
For more information, please contact Michaela Hahn Burriss: [email protected].
The Franklinton Board of Trade
The Franklinton Board of Trade is a non-profit organization that advocates for neighborhood businesses and encourages new commercial growth. We work in partnership with many other organizations to improve the Franklinton community and create a robust business environment. We are proud to provide networking and educational opportunities to help our neighborhood businesses thrive.