Hello Everyone,

What a great 2023 Annual Conference we had in Ontario, California this past week.

EDD Deputy Director Javier Romero kicked off our Conference and introduced his panel of EDD Representatives; Tax Branch Aldegunda (Nuna) Aguilera,Division Chief, Field Audit and Compliance Division, Workforce Services Branch Annie Taamilo, Deputy Division Chief San Diego/Imperial County Region, Unemployment Insurance Branch Natasha Gillyard, UI Northern Operations Division Chief and Disability Insurance Branch Claudia Perez, Outreach Analyst.  They shared with us so many benefits that are offered to employers including Outreach, Webinars, Online Support and more.

Then, AALRR Partner’s and Senior Associate took the stage giving us some tangible tools around Disability Accommodations and Understanding the Interactive Process, Wage & Hour Developments, Handling Harassment Complaints and Resolving Conflict in our workplaces which all qualified for 5.5 recertification credits through HRCI and SHRM. 

Carol Marozuk, The Executive Lion Tamer gave us 9 steps to dealing with toxic employees successfully and taught us to identify the different levels of disengagement and toxicity before acting. 

Not many conferences offer the chance to have fun while learning, but we did.  AALRR sponsored the Check-In Reception with spirits and networking.  During lunch we honored three organizations who consistently demonstrated positive policies toward U.S. veterans in hiring and promotion, as well as through employee retention efforts, ongoing training and benefits.  The organizations were National Veterans Foundation, United Parcel Service and United States Postal Service (District 1).  Then, during dinner we congratulated some well deserving and passionate volunteers.  Duane Ebesugawa of Contra Costa County EAC as Outstanding EAC Coordinator, Willa Robinson of West Los Angeles EAC as Outstanding Chairperson, Santa Clara County as Outstanding EAC, Jennie Wong for Distinguished Service and Mary Williams for the Cal Farmer Award.

And, on Friday we continued to network, make friends and learn how we can continue to make this the best organization for the employer community.

We look forward to serving you throughout the year, keep an eye on our website for additional updates.

Tisha Snyder