Conference Schedule
Wednesday, May 17, 2023

John Throckmorton is a Senior Trainer Consultant with Tomo Drug Testing. He has been with Tomo since December 2000, serving as a collection technician, field manager, breath alcohol and drug collection trainer, operations manager and account executive.  Often referred to as “JT”, John has assisted businesses with the development and implementation of substance misuse testing programs as well as program reviews for compliance with State and Federal regulations. As a Senior Training Consultant, John annually conducts over 100 educational training seminars and webinars. John is a graduate of Baptist Bible College where he met Carol, his wife of 43 years. They have two grown children and three grandchildren. John has been involved in public speaking for over 45 years.

Emily Cantwell is a litigation attorney whose practice focuses on business litigation, specifically in the areas of commercial, banking and real estate litigation, loan enforcement, employment, title disputes, and mechanic’s liens. Emily serves as the Partner in Charge of the firm’s St. Louis office.

Business Litigation. In her representation of businesses, Emily handles all aspects of civil, commercial and real estate litigation
matters. This includes all aspects of the case, from inception, to fact gathering, to completion. Her representation of her clients is founded on the ideas of superior service and the best possible results.

Financial Institutions. Emily represents financial institutions, protecting and enforcing their rights through litigation of breach of contract actions, asset protection and other matters involving real estate and loan collateral.

Receiverships. Emily has handled multiple receiverships for her clients, ranging from small commercial properties to expansive multiunit buildings. Serving as counsel for both lending institutions and the receivers, Emily is well versed in the requirements and issues surrounding this unique remedy available to her clients.

Labor & Employment Law. Through her practice, Emily assists entities in navigating the employment law process, from the administrative level up to and including litigation. She serves as counsel in the defense of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour and other employment lawsuits, mediations and arbitrations.
Additionally, she advises employers on daily human resources matters, including labor relations, non-compete issues and helps to conduct investigations of employee complaints.

Prior to her joining the firm, Emily served as a congressional intern in the U.S. House of Representatives, as a communications intern for a non-profit organization, and as both a teaching assistant and faculty fellow at Saint Louis University and its School of Law, respectively.

Ellen Rudolph is an employment attorney at the Lathrop GPM law firm. She works with employers of all sizes to defend claims of discrimination (including age, gender, race, religion, disability) and retaliation. Ellen has extensive litigation experience in state and federal court, and she also represents employers before various state and federal administrative agencies. Ellen also counsels her clients on a broad range of human resources issues including discipline and discharge, personnel policies, family and medical leave, disability accommodations, and workplace investigations.

With a reputation for creating award-winning workplaces. He is skilled in leading and facilitating cost-saving strategies including lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, systems thinking and TQM; and in improving employee engagement.

His past career assignments include: SVP Global Human Resources at ESPN / ABC Media Networks, VP Human Resources & Training at ARAMARK/Galls and VP Human Resources & Training at Cox Communications.

Today, Daryl is an award-winning teaching professor at the Trulaske College of Business at the University of Missouri.  His areas of teaching include various courses in HR/OB. Daryl has received campus and national teaching awards, as well as awards for advising and service.

He has effectively served on over fifty (50) boards, including industry associations and non-profits.  He is passionate about causes relative to education, youth, diversity, people with disabilities and families in crisis.

Daryl holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration from the University of Missouri in Columbia MO and a Master’s in Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis MO.  He has completed executive education programs at Cornell University in Ithaca NY and Stanford University in Palo Alto CA.

After trailing around 17 local fast-food joints looking for a job, and being rejected by all of them, a Missouri teen decided not to give up and instead change his track.

Bell, a full-time student and senior at Parkview High School, said he always knew he had the spirit to work for himself in the future; however, he didn’t know that it would be before the age of 18. After being turned down by local businesses, the then-15-year-old knew he had something much coveted in the modern world—and he knew he could use it.

“I’m part of Gen Z,” he said. “Growing up with technology and social media is something I’ve always been great at.”

With some past experience in marketing, combined with educating himself in learning algorithms and how social media truly works, Bell launched his own business—Bells Marketing Consultant LLC, a digital marketing firm in Springfield—at the onset of the pandemic in April 2020.

With a mission to help small companies get through the pandemic and survive the unpredicted, the whizz-kid took charge of managing their social media accounts, online marketing, search engine optimization, and web design.

“I wanted to make an impact on business owners’ lives, providing the highest quality of services while maintaining a healthy business relationship,” Bell said.

Almost two years on, the business is a resounding success.

“I’ve grown my company and now have five employees to help me out,” the young entrepreneur said. “I worked with 15-plus small companies in 2021. What I consider success is knowing I’m an asset to other companies and not just my own.”

Bell’s incredible work ethic has earned him praise from his clients. According to News-Leader, Brent Gilstrap, a realtor with ReeceNichols Real Estate, contacted Bell on LinkedIn after being amused by his profile.

Impressed by his story, Gilstrap hired Bell to increase his social media presence.

“He came back and he had a proposal and a fee for what he was going to do and it was just incredible,” Gilstrap said. “He’s got a great work ethic, a great mindset.”

Crediting Bell for an increase in his social media presence, Gilstrap added that, while communicating with the teen, it didn’t seem like he was in high school.

“Never tell anyone you’re too young to start a business, not even your parents,” Bell said. “We are the generation that’s going to change the world; no one is stopping you but yourself. Break that habit, live, learn, and love what you’re doing, it’s working for me, and it can you.”

Kelli Risse works with overstressed high-performing professionals who are pulled in too many directions use stress to their advantage.

Kelli is the founder and CEO of Rise Up and Live Wellness. She is a contributing author in the Amazon International Best Seller “Fearless and Fabulous,” and the podcast host of “Winning In Business.”

She is a master coach in neuroscience, mindset, and behaviors with multiple certifications.

Through her speaking engagements and private coaching business, Kelli has helped hundreds of people navigate stress, increase focus and productivity, avoid burnout, and move to the next level of success.

Kent joined Bukaty Companies with 30 years of experience building, running and consulting for companies ranging from small to Fortune 500.

He understands what it takes to design an employee benefits program that is attractive to both employers and employees. With all his talents in the finance and operations world, Kent works diligently to provide solutions across the nation the many services Bukaty Companies can assist companies and executives with — Group Health Insurance, Commercial P&C, HIPAA compliance, COBRA administration and payroll, to mention a few.

By keeping the client’s needs as the driver, Kent implements a strategy that allows his clients to stay focused on what they do best.  His new clients have been averaging over a $1,600 per year savings per employee… and they now have better benefits.

Kent is a seasoned public speaker on multiple topics and is known a ones of the nation’s leading expert on Wellness programs, Contributions Strategies, Strategic Plan Design, Direct Contracting and Cost Containment programs. No one brings more passion to their clients than he does.  Kent and his team deliver a world class benefit / insurance experience -so his clients can stay focused on running their company. 

Kent graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia, with a combined degree in Marketing/ Management/ Public Relations.

Licensed in Life & Health / Commercial Property & Casualty 

Verticals

 All companies over 10 employees – Associations, Auto, Banks, Churches, Construction, Distribution, Food Industry, Gaming and Hospitality, Manufacturing, Marine, Medical providers, Public, Schools, Utilities, 501-c3’s.

Andrew Metcalf is Employment Law Counsel for Human Interest Inc., a company that provides affordable and easy-to-administer 401(k) and 403(b) retirement solutions for employers. In that role, Andrew contributes to the company’s workforce compliance efforts, including leave administration, payroll, and workforce management. Prior to his current role, Andrew was a Shareholder at a national employment law firm.

 Presentations

2023 Legal Update

Time for your legal update! The past few years have brought no shortage of critical labor and employment developments that employers should be aware of. Come learn about them in this interactive discussion about workplace legal obligations in 2023 and beyond!

Ripped from the Headlines: Employment Law Stories from Real Cases

In this session, we’ll review employment lawsuits and regulatory actions from the past year alleging workplace discrimination, harassment, and wage-and-hour violations. We’ll cover situations that led to big courtroom “wins” and “losses” for employers and talk about the lessons that can be learned. Don’t miss this interactive discussion on the latest developments and risk areas for employers in 2023!

Law School for HR Professionals

Welcome to class! HR professionals wear many hats. They serve as workplace counselors, mediators of disputes, and occasionally, they contribute to legal matters. In this session, let’s head to law school and learn how legal disputes play out in court. Attendees will leave the session with a detailed knowledge of legal procedure as it applies to HR matters. After this session, if your company faces a legal hurdle, you’ll know what to expect and how it might be handled!

Audit your HRIS: How to Make Sure your Systems are Compliant with Labor and Employment Laws

Human Resources information systems make our lives so much easier. But how can we make sure they’re legally compliant? In this session, we’ll review some key aspects of pay, records management, and leave management. Attendees will leave with a checklist of items to review in their systems.

Jenn has an extensive career in design and sales focused on aligning solutions to the needs of her clients.  Jen is a Talent Optimization Consultant with The BecomeMore Group and leverages her experience and passion for working with organizations and individuals to level-up and be the best they can be through hiring top talent, aligning strategy and building dream teams. 

• Graduate and Former Football Player for the MISSISSIPPI STATE Bulldogs #hailstate
• Former High School Biology, AP Biology Teacher, Football, Baseball, Track, Strength & Conditioning Coach
• Banking Industry for 9 years
• 7 ABA Certifications
• Fitness & Yoga Enthusiast, & Fitness Instructor
• Traveler and Philanthropist
• Applications Trainer | Jack Henry & Associates, Inc

Reggie is Mississippi Boy, born and raised who moved to Missouri 11 years ago.  He known for his holistic and enthusiastic approach to presenting, facilitating, consulting and coaching.  He has a wide variety of experiences with people and organizations that has shaped and molded his approach

Reggie has been trained in a variety of presentation methods, personality assessments, emotional intelligence, time management, company culture, diversity and inclusion, strength finders and with his background as an educator, he has developed a unique approach to solving problems

Thomas R. Chibnall is an associate in the St. Louis, Missouri, office of Ogletree Deakins. He represents and counsels clients of all sizes in a variety of employment-related matters before both state and federal courts, as well as administrative agencies, including the Missouri Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR), the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA), and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Tom is experienced in the phases of discovery, trial preparation, and negotiation of settlements. Tom handles matters involving discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing, and many other employment-related matters.

Tom represents clients in a variety of employment litigation matters, including claims arising under Tide VII, disability claims under Title HI, and claims arising under state law employment statutes. Tom is an experienced litigator, having conducted several jury and bench trials in federal and state courts. Tom also specializes in workplace safety law, as he represents and assists clients in investigations, complaints, and appeals addressing environmental and work safety conditions under federal and state Occupational Safety and Health Acts and regulations as well as under the Mine Safety and Health Act. Also experienced in traditional labor matters, Tom has represented clients in labor arbitrations, union organizing campaigns, and has provided union avoidance and traditional labor relations training for clients.

Prior to joining Ogletree Deakins, Tom was an associate at a national labor and employment firm. During law school, Tom clerked for a Fortune 500 manufacturing company in St. Louis, participating in the Mergers and Acquisitions department, as well as the company’s real estate, environmental and immigration departments. He also served as a judicial extern to the Hon. Gary M Gaertner, Jr. of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, and as an intern in the Office of the General Counsel of Saint Louis University.

Sean Oliveira is an associate in the St. Louis office of Ogletree Deakins. He joins the firm with nearly fifteen years of experience as a federal investigator with the EEOC. During his time as an investigator, he handled all aspects of the administrative process including systemic and class investigations and the negotiation of complex conciliations under every type of discrimination claim. That experience has given him expertise in practicing before state and federal agencies such as the Missouri Commission on Human Rights and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

A California, Bay Area native, Sean received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Philosophy from the University of California at Santa Cruz. He graduated with an employment law concentration from St. Louis University School of Law and acted as Articles Editor with the ABA Labor and Employment Law Journal.

Sean previously lived in Paris for a year teaching English.

With a strong background in management defense and traditional labor law, Adam advises clients on union avoidance, union relations, union contract administration, unfair labor practice allegations, collective bargaining negotiations, contract administration and grievance investigations. In addition to providing day-to-day counsel, he regularly represents employers in National Labor Relations Board proceedings and arbitrations, as well as in litigation in both state and federal courts.

While Adam works with clients in a variety of fields, he concentrates much of his practice on manufacturing companies, as well as on their distributors in the transportation industry. He is extensively familiar with the issues driving those industries’ relatively high union participation rates, and the legal issues that arise as a result.

After pursuing a degree in business administration, Adam chose to concentrate on labor and employment law, which allows him to help a wide variety of employers work through workplace legal issues every day. He understands that clients’ primary concern is their business and its operational strategy, so while managers and employers want to follow all laws and regulations, they rarely have the time or capacity to stay on top of every facet of quickly-changing labor and employment laws. That’s where Adam comes in: his goal is to know and study the law so that he can serve as clients’ trusted business partner. Adam works to protect clients’ interests by advising of risks and best practices to avoid litigation, and by defending against claims that cannot be avoided, so that business owners and managers can focus on their operational goals.

Ray McCarty has served as president and CEO of Associated Industries of Missouri (AIM) since 2008. He also serves as the executive director of the Taxpayers Research Institute of Missouri, the tax division of AIM.

McCarty previously served various employers of Missouri and trade associations as a governmental relations consultant and in various posts in the Missouri Department of Revenue ranging from revenue agent to legislative liaison. He has worked with the Missouri legislature since 1989.

McCarty works for the benefit of AIM members, drawing upon his wealth of experience in government and working with the business community, the public and the media.

In addition to his duties at AIM, Ray is a member of the National Public Affairs Steering Committee and the Tax & Budget Policy Committee of the National Association of Manufacturers, member of the Institute for Professionals in Taxation, member of the Board of Directors of the Missouri Civil Justice Reform Coalition, member of the Board of Directors of Missourians for Transportation Improvement, member of the Midwest Manufacturers Association, former member of the Board of Directors of the Clay County Economic Development Council and previously chaired the Missouri Business Alliance, a group that worked to increase employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Associated Industries of Missouri was founded in 1919 and is the oldest general trade association in Missouri. Associated Industries serves as “The Voice of Missouri Business”®, representing employers in the Missouri legislature, courts, and general public.

Andrew Metcalf is Employment Law Counsel for Human Interest Inc., a company that provides affordable and easy-to-administer 401(k) and 403(b) retirement solutions for employers. In that role, Andrew contributes to the company’s workforce compliance efforts, including leave administration, payroll, and workforce management. Prior to his current role, Andrew was a Shareholder at a national employment law firm.

 Presentations

2023 Legal Update

Time for your legal update! The past few years have brought no shortage of critical labor and employment developments that employers should be aware of. Come learn about them in this interactive discussion about workplace legal obligations in 2023 and beyond!

Ripped from the Headlines: Employment Law Stories from Real Cases

In this session, we’ll review employment lawsuits and regulatory actions from the past year alleging workplace discrimination, harassment, and wage-and-hour violations. We’ll cover situations that led to big courtroom “wins” and “losses” for employers and talk about the lessons that can be learned. Don’t miss this interactive discussion on the latest developments and risk areas for employers in 2023!

Law School for HR Professionals

Welcome to class! HR professionals wear many hats. They serve as workplace counselors, mediators of disputes, and occasionally, they contribute to legal matters. In this session, let’s head to law school and learn how legal disputes play out in court. Attendees will leave the session with a detailed knowledge of legal procedure as it applies to HR matters. After this session, if your company faces a legal hurdle, you’ll know what to expect and how it might be handled!

Audit your HRIS: How to Make Sure your Systems are Compliant with Labor and Employment Laws

Human Resources information systems make our lives so much easier. But how can we make sure they’re legally compliant? In this session, we’ll review some key aspects of pay, records management, and leave management. Attendees will leave with a checklist of items to review in their systems.

Tom McNeill

Tammy Rogers is best known for helping leaders experience “Aha” moments in order to develop new ways of thinking, new attitudes and new behaviors that transfer to the real world.

Tammy is a certified coach. She’s been instrumental in nine business start-ups. She’s held Vice President titles in both Human Resources and Operations – and has had the opportunity to lead more than 200 employees in remote offices from Boston to Los
Angeles and Minneapolis to Atlanta.

Tammy has written more than 50 internationally distributed training programs. She has worked with best-selling authors like James Autry and Bob Nelson. And she has partnered with hundreds of companies – both large and small – to help them improve results through the building of people, processes and procedures.