HRAConnection

Important Dates in this month's Newsletter

April 10th: Consultant's Forum
April 17th: 2008 Diversity Conference and Vendor Marketplace

Read on for details on these and other important HRACI activities!

President's Pen

Spring is here! Despite the dreary, cold weather of winter, our volunteers have been very busy. As the first quarter closes, I’d like to acknowledge some of the great things that have already taken place in 2008.

We’ve made great strides in our efforts to becoming the voice of HR for central Indiana. Earlier this year we agreed to partner with Indystar.com and provide them with an HR article each month for their new online feature. This is an excellent opportunity for our members to get recognition for their HR knowledge.
On March 6th we held our first “Best Practices Forum” at Monarch Beverage. This event was the first of several opportunities that we have planned for networking and sharing this year.
On March 19th a new SHRM student chapter was inducted at the IUPUI Kelly School of Business. We look forward to sponsoring these students as they embark on this exciting adventure.
We officially launched our new Ambassador program to replace the new member orientation program. We hope to provide our new members with more customized and personal treatment through this welcome program. As our membership continues to grow each month we will need you, our dedicated members, to step up and be ambassadors.

I’d like to close by inviting all of you to make 2008 the year you get more involved with HRACI. Without volunteers we would not be able to offer the wonderful programs and events that we do today. Check out our volunteer opportunities page on the website, http://www.hraci.org/HRACIvolunteering.htm, to see how you can contribute to the success of our organization and the advancement of the HR profession.

Sincerely,
Cherilyn Stephens, PHR
President

SHRM Spotlight...

Submitted by Brian Cox

How do you gain visibility and credibility for your professional organization? How do you become the voice of HR in the community or better yet, on Capitol Hill? How does every SHRM member benefit from their Professional Organization? Through National Branding, that's how!

One of the strategic initiatives for both National SHRM and your local HRACI, is to continue to build the brand of HR in the community by striving to be recognized as the voice of HR as viewed by news agencies, chambers of commerce, legislators and Capitol Hill. Many of the efforts instituted are paying off.

For example, on the local front, HRACI has entered in an agreement to write a weekly column on HR issues. Join in and share your expertise and your voice today!

On the National front, SHRM has been engaging in national advertising campaigns as just one of their many efforts in brand building. Click on the SHRM.org website and see the latest commercial now running on CNN, Fox News and Fox Business News. (Upper right-hand corner of the homepage in the video links section):

Meeting the Challenges of a Changing World
SHRM’s 30 second commercial, “Most Important Asset”, is advancing the profession on CNN, Fox News and Fox Business Network.

--return to top--

HRACI in the “News”

Submitted by Susan Martin

The INDYSTAR.com Article Project (ISAP) is underway and we would like to thank our many volunteers who have stepped up to help make this a successful partnership.

Volunteer Writers:
Katy Allen, Judy Carley, Harry Danz III, Theresa jasper, Shawna Lake, Susan Martin, Greg Medcalf, Toni Richards Thompson, Terri Ryckaert, Karen Seketa and Jessica Stephenson

Volunteer Coordinators:
Heidi Herald and Vicki Noblitt

If you are interested in becoming a contributor to this publication opportunity, please contact Susan Martin at smartin@uspatent.com.

Keep watching the HRACI website for more information on an upcoming free “article writing” session to be conducted by the experts at the Indy Star coming soon!

--return to top--

Membership Committee Update

Submitted by Angie Ritz

Membership with HRACI offers many great benefits to HR professionals. HRACI is committed to advancing the human resource profession and the capabilities of all human resource professionals in Central Indiana. We would love to hear from you if you have a story to share on the benefit of joining HRACI (and/or SHRM). If you would like to share your testimony just send an email to Angie Ritz at angie@ctrwd.org.

--return to top--

HRACI Consultant's Forum

“Strategic Planning for the HR Consultant”
Terry Wilkin

In today’s ever complex and changing world of client needs, what is the function of a strategic plan? Is a strategic plan really necessary anyway? In this discussion, we will explore the need for planning to help keep focus on the core value of our organization and to bring some order in what is often a chaotic world of change. We will explore the keys to develop a flexible approach to gain and keep a competitive edge, emphasize results, and build a relationship that lasts.

Terry Wilkin has been a Business Consultant with the Small Business Development Center in Indianapolis since 2001. In this position, he consults with a variety of small businesses throughout Central Indiana. Prior to his present position, Terry was a HR Professional for over 20 years working in industry, government and education. He possesses a MS in Human Resources and has been on the faculty of Indiana Tech University since 1999.

Click Here to Register
Topic:	“Strategic Planning for the HR Consultant”
Speaker:	Terry Wilkin
When:	Thursday, April 10, 2008 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Location:	Indiana Tech University 3500 DePauw Boulevard, Pyramid 3010 Indianapolis, IN 46268
Cost:	Members - FREE Non-Members - $10 (must pay in advance)

--return to top--

HRACI Consultant's Forum 2008 Goals

Submitted by Mary Kay Conley

The following are goals the Consultant’s Forum would like to accomplish in 2008:

Offer 6 programs
Offer 2 – 3 networking events
Obtain PHR/SPHR credits for programs through Mark Records and Andrea Cranfill
Set fall meeting for 2009 planning (4 hour session)
- Send web-based questionnaire to steering committee before session to gather ideas and opinions and allow the committee to use the meeting time more effectively.

SAVE THE DATE! 2008 CONSULTANT'S FORUM SCHEDULE
Date	Location	Title	Speaker
June 5th	Indiana Tech University	Legal Issues in Consulting Firms	TBD
October 2nd	Indiana Tech University	Effective Sales Workshop for HR Consultants	Bill Caskey
December 4th	Indiana Tech University	Effective Negotiations	Sheldon Goldstein

--return to top--

2008 Diversity Conference

Submitted by Erin Brothers

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Presenter: Mark M. Butler, Diversity Manager, Marathon Petroleum Company, Findlay, Ohio.

Mark Butler- “Get it Right the First Time” This session is for those who want a practical, high-level overview of how to implement diversity within the corporation/organization. This session will establish the proper definition of diversity; identify the five elements needed in the diversity mission statement and the key differences between affirmative action and diversity; and discuss a diversity business case, the strategic approach needed to ensure success, the pros and cons of metrics and practical metrics to gauge success.

Presenter: Nancy L. Beck, CFP, President, Beck Financial Strategies, Inc., Indianapolis, IN

Nancy Beck- “The Brain Drain, Keeping Baby Boomers in Your Workforce” In the next five to seven years, organizations will lose significant amounts of their work force as baby boomers approach retirement. This session is for those who want to learn about the top incentives for age 50+ workers to stay in the workforce. Attendees will be introduced to programs that help maintain maturing workers, and the idea of partnership with the employer, the employee and a financial education to provide sought after information on financial education and employee benefits including retirement options.

Presenter: Rita M. Murray, Performance Consulting, Inc. Norman, OK

Rita Murray- Keynote speaker “Speed Reach the Generations” “Generational disunity occurs too frequently to ignore. It happens everywhere- in our homes, businesses, schools, government, and churches. Rather than drive deep wedges between unsuspecting individuals, let’s explore some provocative ideas and solve this generational puzzle.” Rita will engage and enlighten, discuss and provoke as she leads you through the impact of effective generational communication using powerful multimedia. She will provide four proven way to speed reach the generations.

This program has been approved for recertification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR and GPHR recertification through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the HRCI homepage at www.hrci.org

Register Now!
Topic:	HRACI Diversity Conference
When:	Thursday, April 17, 2008 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location:	The Murat Center Michigan and New Jersey Streets, Downtown Indianapolis Parking is included (be sure to mention you are with HRACI)
Cost:	Attend the Entire Conference Members: $59 Non-Members: $79 Students: $25	Attend the Luncheon and Keynote Speaker Only Members: $25 Non-Members: $35 Students: $15
	Special Corporate discount for 4 or more attending from the same company! $49 for every member $69 for every non-member to take advantage of this offer you must register everyone at the same time!
Schedule: 8:00 Doors open 8:30-9:00 Vendors/Networking and continental breakfast 9-10:00 Session I - Mark Butler 10-10:30 Vendors/Networking 10:30-11:30 Session II- Nancy Beck 11:30-12:00 Vendors/Networking 12:00 Lunch 12:30-1:30 Keynote Speaker - Rita Murray
Register Now!

Check out all of our currently scheduled 2008 programs online at: http://www.hraci.org/HRACIevents.php

--return to top--

Introducing The Kelley School of Business Student Chapter!

Submitted by Sarah Begarly, Student chapter Director of Communications

On Wednesday March 19, 2008 the Kelley School of Business Student Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management in Indianapolis had our induction ceremony. This is a new organization and we are very excited to get it up and running. We have had many people working hard to get this chapter off the ground and a lot of them were at the event to continue to show their support.

The evening started off with a welcome from our SHRM student chapter president, Bobbi Mace. She gave a brief history of how the chapter got started. After Bobbi welcomed everyone, our keynote speaker Cherilyn Stephens took the floor. She gave us and excellent presentation about the importance of networking and volunteerism. Next, the officers of SHRM were presented awards of recognition of all of their hard work and commitment to the start of this chapter. The formal ceremony ended with a presentation of our plaque to our faculty advisor Liz Malatestinic.

We were delighted to have the support of HRACI. Their enthusiasm is contagious and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future. Several members of HRACI were in attendance that evening, and we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to network with them.

--return to top--

Volunteer Recognition – Membership Committee

Submitted by Chris Seidel

Committee Recognized: Membership Committee

Member Name(s): Teresa Alles, Andre Arnold, Sue Bard, Catherine Bates, Bill Coit, Jaime Flannagan, Matt Kistler, Dana Mitchell, Sarah Raines, Angie Ritz, Linda Rotert, Ivory Shields and Barb Witz. I would also like to recognize two individuals who have recently left our committee who have been very active in their service the past year: Susan Crawley and Connie Wisner.

Reason for Recognition: This group is highly dedicated to the retention and recruitment of HRACI members. Last year we put together the Ambassador program and kicked that off before the end of the year. We also follow up with visitors and provide information regarding HRACI membership and opportunities available through that membership. We’re sure you have been greeted by one or more of our friendly committee members when you attend the monthly luncheon programs. We strive to make everyone feel welcome and will invite new people to sit with us if they are attending for the first time or don’t know anyone.

Special Recognition/Acknowledgement: Many thanks to all the committee members who have spent countless hours sending out renewal notice follow-ups the past couple of months. Also many thanks to all those involved in getting the Ambassador program off the ground and our wonderful group of Ambassadors (we need more people, so please consider becoming an Ambassador if you haven’t already).

Board Member responsible for Recognition: Pam Dolas, VP of Membership

--return to top--

Recap of Easley Winery Networking Event

Submitted by Susan Martin

Easley Winery hosted HRACI’s March social on Thursday March 13th. I believe we all had a fun time based upon the numerous smiles and lively conversations. All who attended reconnected with friends and met new ones. The wine tasting and hors d’oeuvre table was a big hit, as well as the tours. Thank you, Easley Winery for showing our members such a nice time. Click here to view even more photos!

--return to top--

Monthly Luncheon Recap with Chip Madera

Submitted by Kim Dinwiddie, SPHR

Chip wanted to start the discussion on a high note – talking about depression. That statement received a lot of laughter from the audience. The discussion was an interactive one – participants were asked to turn to the person on their left and their right and state, “You are the best looking person I’ve seen all day”. Once again, laughter resonated through the audience.

The main point of the discussion was to take complex things and make them simple. The area discussed included branding – It’s all about the branding. Branding is my identity: I am a leader (strategist), I am a problem solver, I am a people developer. The secret to building strategic partnership is attitudinal, not circumstantial. The secret is found in your most significant attribute: confidence. “We gain confidence when we know who we are, what makes us significant and the essence of our true value”.

The discussion revolved around the model of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Chip separated this makeover into the following areas:

Demolition – myths; You cannot pick and choose when to be strategic - you must be strategic 24/7
Blueprints and Design – 3 fundamental truths: I behave the way I see myself; I teach others how to treat me; Others treat me the way that they see me. In essence: It’s All About Me!

How do we implement this change and get an invitation to the table? Our performance defines our wholeness: Change your thoughts which will lead to Changing your beliefs which leads to Changing expectations which leads to Changing attitudes which leads to Changing behaviors which leads to Changing performance. How do you change your thoughts? By speaking words!

--return to top--

HRACI needs YOU...to get in the game!

Do you remember what it was like the first time you attended our monthly luncheon and saw a room full of people but didn’t know anyone? It’s a little daunting to say the least!

Now YOU can make a difference for a new member that is coming to their first event. If you like meeting new people, and are enthusiastic about our wonderful organization- being an HRACI Ambassador could be the perfect volunteer opportunity! As an Ambassador, you will have the opportunity to introduce HRACI to a new member via the phone, meeting before the luncheon, or going for a quick cup of coffee during the week.
Your primary role is to share your HRACI experience, answer questions, and help the new member become involved and feel they are a welcome addition to our organization.

The new Ambassador program is designed for busy HR executives or associate members – it’s totally flexible because you set the schedule of when, and how often you meet with your new member during their first few months of joining HRACI. It’s the perfect volunteer opportunity if you joined HRACI to network – or if you want to volunteer, but can’t commit to a year-long committee. For more information- contact Cat Bates at 291-1754 (cbates@cort1.com) or Tami Murphy on the Volunteer Committee. Come be a part of the winning team and help others to do so as well! Thanks!

--return to top--

Welcome New Members

Mila Stahl
Kelly Dorn
Wendy Harrold
Kyle Phillip
Jennifer Spurgin
Ken Turro
Maleka Jackson
Howard Roher
Bob Mansur
Barbie Sparr
Robert Myers
Christina Harpenau
Thomas Darrow
David Phoebus
John Henning
Tom Wiederin

Karen Green
Don Fuller
Alexandra Ziegler-Davis
Corliss White
Rachel Powell
Brittney Duell
Shannon Crawford
Teresa Conroy-Roth
Mary Whitehead
Eric Kleinert
Sally McCartney
Bobbi Mace
Cathy Johnson
Devon McCoy
Joe O'Brien
Sarah Begarly
Emily Lefebvre

--return to top--