Our temporary staffing and permanent placement agency, Reliant Search, Inc., is one of the few to my knowledge, who provides benefits to our temporary workforce with no cost to the employee or client. The temporary workforce overall is an ever-increasing labor pool particularly in lean times. This is cost effective to organizations and even more so when they can rely on temporary consultants completing assignments without turnover, which can be costly. The #1 reason temporary employees choose to leave the temporary labor pool is to secure permanent employment offering benefits. Our clients are finding tremendous success with little to no turnover; many eventually hiring the employee, a win/win for all. Our benefit package includes medical, dental, vision, prescription and paid holidays, all of which are in place first of the month following 30 days of employment with 30+ hours weekly. Reliant Search has created a loyal employee base in a atypical loyal industry, greatly in part by offering a strong benefit package. I believe employers need to try and do what they can even when it cuts into profits. It's challenging for businesses to reach profitability; if our local government can develop a strong business friendly reputation employers will be able to make a conscientious decision to extend better benefit packages to employees, ultimately supporting Oregon's reputation as a quality of life state. We truly live in the best state; simply we all need to do what we can to ensure our residents can afford to stay here. The EBO is excellent! Vaughna Cochenour, President, Reliant Search, Inc. 503-598-0154 x1