Recent changes in the law have dramatically altered the landscape for the way West Virginia employers will handle drug usage and drug testing in the workplace. This Lunch & Learn Wednesday, July 12 will provide an in-depth discussion of the West Virginia medical marijuana law and the West Virginia Safer Workplace Act which provides greater latitude for employers to drug test employees.  Presented by Richard M. Wallace, Littler Mendelson labor law attorney and shareholder, the Lunch & Learn will offer practical advice for implementing policies and procedures in your organization to ensure compliance with the overlapping obligations contained in these statutes and other relevant state and federal laws. 

Wallace focuses his practice on both employment litigation and traditional labor law. He has experience in all phases of employment litigation in both state and federal courts, and his trial experience includes matters involving race, age, sex and disability discrimination; wrongful discharge; workplace harassment; violations of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act and breaches of the duty of loyalty. His extensive traditional labor law experience includes serving as lead negotiator in collective bargaining negotiations, handling numerous labor arbitrations, and providing assistance and advice prior to and during union organizing campaigns and strikes. He has served as lead counsel in multiple labor-related litigation matters in federal court and represented numerous employers in proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board, including unfair labor practice proceedings, and unit clarification (UC) and representation proceedings.In addition, Rick has developed affirmative action plans for employers and defended compliance audits by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.

Wallace received his J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law and his B.A. from the University of Virginia.

Registration is $15 for Alliance members and $20 for future Alliance members and includes a boxed lunch. Seating is limited. 

This Lunch & Learn is the second in a series about West Virginia's medical marijuana legislation, its implementation and the local business impact. 

Join the Charleston Area Alliance and Trojan Landing Marine for Business After Hours on July 13 from 5-7 p.m. Catering will be provided by The Barge Restaurant.

Trojan Landing Marine of Charleston is a one-stop shop for all your boat installation and maintenance services. They also offer superior storage services, superb customer service and a full range of boats for sale. Trojan Landing Marine takes the hassle out of boating!

Business After Hours events offer fantastic opportunities to network and meet the region's leaders in a relaxed setting. All ticket prices include complimentary food and beverages.

The cost is $15 for Alliance members and $25 for future members who register online by 5 p.m. July 12. Prices increase to $25 for Alliance members and $35 for future members after 5 p.m. July 12.Invoicing for groups of 10 or more; no refunds within 48 hours of event.

Head down to Capitol Street for Downtown Streetfest block party Saturday, July 22, headlined Your Lucky Stars.

Meet up with friends and family between 4:30 and 9 p.m. for live music, food and drinks, kid's activities, pop-up shops and much more. Grab a bite to eat at your favorite downtown establishments and listen to some live music.

The event is presented with title sponsorship support from City National Bank, beverage sponsorship from Capitol Beverage Company and Sprigg's Distributing Company, placemaking sponsorship from GAI Community Solutions Group and the Charleston Convention & Visitor's Bureau, and supporting sponsorship support from the Kanawha County Public Library and Tony the Tailor. 

Downtown Streetfest block parties are also scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 26 and Saturday, Sept. 23. 

• View your credit report and credit score
• Receive money management tips and budgeting help
• Get information on affordable home loans and refinancing
• Learn how to prevent foreclosure on your home
• Open a checking or savings account, or apply for a home mortgage, auto loan or credit card
• One-on-one evaluation of your personal finances
• Speak with credit counselors from non-profit agencies
• Learn about identity theft prevention tactics

The Charleston Area Alliance will host a Lunch & Learn at noon Monday, July 24 on Personal Finance and Small Business Lending, presented by Fifth Third Bank. 

Kim Zwier, Fifth Third business relationship manager, and Brian Lake, Fifth Third financial wellness specialist, will deliver the financial education program to empower class participants to become more financially fit. The easy to understand course is designed to help participants with their financial health, investment and planning and small business needs. Whether they are starting a business, managing a business's growth or buying a business, this Lunch & Learn will provide an overview of important small business lending options.

Registration for the Fifth Third Lunch & Learn: Personal Finance and Small Business Lending is free and open to the public. Everyone is invited to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to get help and stay on track financially. 

Fifth Third will also have its Financial Empowerment Mobile, also known as an eBus, at the Alliance from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, July 24. The 40-foot long retrofitted transit bus will providing free financial and mortgage counseling and free credit reports. Click here to learn about the services provided on board the Financial Empowerment Mobile.

This Lunch & Learn is a Fifth Third Bank L.I.F.E. (Lives Improved through Financial Empowerment®) program, which strives to reach consumers at every age and stage of life through foundational financial education in partnership with local community organizations.