Topic: HR/Risk Management: Managing the Increased Pressure of Compliance and Employee Liability

Speakers: Emily Gardner, Strategic Business Consultant and Angela Renee Smith, Business Consultant, Paychex

CPE credit: 1 hour

Agenda:

- 5:30pm: Networking and food

- 6:00pm: Introductions

- 6:15pm: Presentation

- 7:00pm: Q&A

- 7:15pm: Conclusion

Presentation: Finance and HR leaders today are balancing rising labor costs, growing compliance demands, and increasing pressure.

- Rising labor cost pressure, compliance complexity, and growth challenges

- Where payroll, HR, benefits, and reporting gaps create friction with recruitment and retention

- Cross-industry perspectives from financial services, construction, real estate, software, healthcare, retail, nonprofit, education, manufacturing, and small business environments

- Practical discussion around operational efficiency, workforce strategy, and decision-making trends.

- Where Safety Services and OSHA provide preventative measures for a safe workplace

Speakers’ Bios: 

Emily Gardner:

I partner with organizations across Florida to help address challenges related to HR, compliance, risk, and rising business costs. With a background in hospitality and more than 10 years of experience supporting businesses through SaaS, managed services, and shared services solutions, I’m passionate about building strong relationships that drive continuous improvement, strengthen human capital management strategies, and support healthier P&L performance.

Originally from Maryland, I’ve proudly called Florida home since 2021. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my spouse, our two corgis, and our cat, testing out new baking recipes, exploring Florida’s theme parks and beaches, and catching live concerts with friends.

Angela Smith:

I am a Small Business Consultant that works collaboratively with CPA/Accounting firms to provide payroll, HR/Benefits and compliance services to businesses from 1-20 employees. I provide updated legislation that impacts small businesses including tax credits. My business is only referral based, and in the four years I have been with Paychex, I now cover three counties on the Central East Coast of Florida.

I’m a proud University of Washington alum, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology & Society. I have over 15 years of Small Business Development experience including working for Washington State helping businesses navigate compliance. When I am not cheering on the Seahawks, my days off are spent gardening, enjoying the Florida sun, or volunteering for a non-profit. I love staying busy, being outdoors, and finding meaningful ways to give back.

Food: TBD