Changing markets, mill cutbacks and closures, changing rules for employment law, and new health care regulations. This is the stuff of nightmares for today's industry HR managers.

To focus on these important topics, the Pulp and Paper Management Association (PPMA), will bring together a host of industry experts at its annual Human Resources conference, October 23-25 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

"With the theme "212° The Importance of the Extra Degree," the Annual Meeting will provide attendees with "information that can be used to improve business performance, both personally and within their companies," notes PPMA Executive Director, Dick Kendall. "In addition, we have a strong speaker line-up featuring a panel discussion about the latest in human resources issues and solutions."

Topping the list of presenters is John D. Williams, President of Domtar, who will provide this year's CEO's perspective on our industry as he focuses his address on Domtar's business approach.

Industry experts scheduled to speak include:

• Thomas Evans, Training Logic
  "Taking Organizational Culture to the Next Degree."
• Guy Morrison, Marsh and McLennon Agency, and Peter Marathas, ERISA Litigation Practice Center
  "Complying with PPACA and Managing Company Costs."
• Dan Murphy and Mark Tilkens, Constangy, Brooks and Smith
  "Taking Labor's Pulse: What we can learn from Watching the Indicators"
• Eric Hobbs, Michael Best & Friedrich Law Firm
  "An Employment Law Update"
• Mark Kinnich, Right Management
  "Workforce Management in Changing Times"
• Ron Bridges, Genesis Performance Partners
  "Becoming a Person of Influence"
• Tom Mackenzie, Linder and Marsack Law Firm
  "Strategic Positioning approaching negotiations"

A panel discussion will focus on PPACA compliance and what you can do to best position your company. Panelists include:

• Scott Koenigs, VP and Chief HR Officer, Carustar
• Kerry Arent, Sr VP of HR, Appvion
• Alexandra Bourke, HR Generalist, Gusmer Enterprises
• Guy Morrison, Marsh and McLennon Agency
• Peter Marathas, ERISA Litigation Practice Center

While at the PPMA conference, attendees will be able to network with top HR professionals from Fortune 500 companies. On Wednesday evening, attendees will have the chance to network and relax with fellow attendees at The Safe House, one of Milwaukee's most unique restaurants.

Registration for the conference is $490 for PPMA members and $590 for nonmembers. For more information, contact Elise Hitchcock at: ehitchcock@ppmausa.com, or 770-209-7214.

For more information, go to www.ppmausa.com/2013annualconference.

For seventy-five years, PPMA has served as a primary source of information on labor settlements, human resources, governmental and operational issues. It conducts surveys, hosts educational conferences, provides industry summary data, and conducts research into member inquiries. Its current membership includes union and non-union facilities involved in producing and converting products allied with the paper industry.