Coastal Carolina University's School of Continuing Studies has established a new service that offers assistance in human resources and organizational development to small businesses and organizations in the region.

The POWER (People Organized With Effective Resources) Network, the first program of its kind offered by a university, was created by Bill Bayer, a human resources consultant with long experience in business management. Bayer directs the new program from his office in University Hall, the headquarters of Coastal's School of Continuing Studies.

"The Grand Strand area has many small organizations that can't afford a full-time human resources managers to develop policies and procedures for employees," says Bayer. "Small organizations also often find it cost-prohibitive to send employees to conferences and seminars to gain expertise in management and other aspects of operating a business. The POWER Network meets these kinds of needs by bringing the expertise to the business and serving as an on-site consultant on human resources matters, for a reasonable monthly fee."

Services offered through the network include assistance with the development and maintenance of employee handbooks and job descriptions, on-site consultation with managers and employees, assistance with employee problems as they arise, and comprehensive organization assessments. The network acts as a consortium to develop and deliver customized training activities.

Network members include small businesses, non-profit organizations and professionals in the medical, dental and legal fields.

Area businesses and organizations may become members of the POWER Network for a basic monthly membership fee of $75 or an annual fee of $800. For more information, contact Bill Bayer at 349-2694 or by e-mail at wbayer@coastal.edu.