HRAConnection

Important Dates in this month's Newsletter

August 14th HRACI Monthly Meeting
August 26th HR Consultant's Forum
September 11th SMA Event

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

SHRM Spotlight...

Submitted by Brian Cox

This Month's SHRM Spotlight highlights this year's SHRM National Diversity Conference. If you have not attended in the past, be certain to check out all the details on this excellent offering!

Diversity Conference Sure To Be a Conversation Starter by Rebecca R. Hastings, SPHR

When a group of change agents gather in one of America’s most historic southern cities, interesting conversations are likely to ensue.

The setting is the SHRM Diversity Conference & Exposition to be held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis hotel in Atlanta from Oct. 27-29.

Lisa Ling, host of National Geographic Channel’s “Explorer,” special contributor for “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and former co-host of Barbara Walters’ hit daytime talk show “The View,” is scheduled to be the opening keynote speaker. Ling has traveled around the world in search of the truth behind some of the most challenging issues of the day, including female suicide bombers, gang rape and the trafficking of teens. “I want to raise consciousness about issues and stories that don’t always make the headlines,” she says on her blog.

The second keynote will be delivered by Frans Johansson, author of The Medici Effect. His book, inspired by the Medici banking family in Renaissance Italy, explains how those who find opportunities to “intersect” with people from other fields are more likely to generate ideas which turn into groundbreaking innovations. He says three driving forces—the movement of people, the convergence of scientific disciplines and the leap in computational power—are increasing the number and types of intersections we can access.

Bill Strickland, president and CEO of Manchester Bidwell Corp., will close the event by sharing his unique insights on leadership. Strickland set out in 1968 to provide a better environment for at-risk kids in the Pittsburgh area by opening a ceramics studio in a run-down row house. His simple vision, inspired by his high school art teacher, has grown into a 62,000 sq.-foot facility where Pittsburgh teens can learn clay making, photography, culinary arts and more.

A special session on “Global Diversity and Inclusion Issues in the 21st Century” features panelists Steve Bucherati, chief diversity officer for The Coca-Cola Co., Dr. Rohini Anand, senior vice president and global chief diversity officer for Sodexho USA, and Deborah Dagit, executive director of diversity and work environment for Merck & Co.
Attendees can further enhance their professional development by registering for one of three optional pre-conference workshops:

Grace Odums, a Philadelphia-area consultant, will share a 10-step process for becoming, and remaining, a true strategic partner to the CEO and other members of the C-suite.
Dr. Edward E. Hubbard of California-based Hubbard & Hubbard Inc. will illustrate how to create a strategic diversity return on investment plan.
Mary Jane Sinclair of Sinclair Consulting in New Jersey will describe how to start a diversity initiative from scratch.

First-timers should make attending the conference orientation session, scheduled for Oct. 27, a priority to learn how to get the most out of their conference experience.

Abundant Networking Opportunities

The ability to have courageous conversations is lauded by some diversity experts as a key business skill. Attendees will have ample opportunities to practice this skill as they network with fellow diversity and human resource practitioners during the two-and-a-half day event. The always popular Diversity Doctor Networking Breakfast should not be missed.

New this year is an opportunity to participate in SHRM’s first ever conference book club, to be held Sunday afternoon. Visit the “conferences” tab on the SHRM web site—www.shrm.org—for complete details.

The conference hotel is located just minutes from the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, where Dr. King is entombed, as well as Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium. Visitors can also taste Coca-Cola products from around the world at the New World of Coca-Cola, just a few city blocks from the hotel.

SHRM members who register by Aug. 1 can attend for $1,025. Non members who register by the same date pay $1,270 unless they join SHRM at the same time, in which case the combined fee is $1,170. Between Aug. 2 and Sept. 26, the member fee is $1,130, while nonmembers pay $1,375. Registration is also available onsite.

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HRACI in the “News”

Submitted by Karen Seketa, SPHR

WFYI, National Public Radio will be the newest forum for HRACI to get the word out about our organization! We will begin running three 15 second spots each month during drive time as a branding initiative for HRACI. We would love to hear from you if you happen to hear our spots as we continue to focus on raising the brand awareness of our organization.

INDYSTAR.com Business blog:
Submitted by: Susan Martin

Be sure to visit Indystar.com business section blog titled “Minding Your Business” on August 20th to see our next featured HRACI member contribution.

This month, Judy Carley discusses: “One of the biggest dilemmas facing employers today is finding the right people for the right positions. A good solution is hiring college students.”

Judy is an Employment Consultant with Human Resources at IUPUI, working with employers to create part-time and internship jobs for current IUPUI students so they can earn while they learn. Prior to joining IUPUI, Judy developed a private consulting practice focusing on career counseling and educational advising. She holds a degree from the University of Cincinnati in Urban Planning.

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HRACI August Meeting

Career management in today’s complex corporate world is anything but linear. Career progressions may be both vertical and lateral, and employee development often proceeds in fits and starts. Business and workforce needs can change in a flash, cutting some career paths short while creating new ones overnight. As a result, employees and managers in many companies find themselves confronting a confusing jumble of jobs, roles and hierarchies, complicating everything from the recruitment process and reward management to staffing and employee development.

Effective — and ineffective — career management resonates on every level of
the organization. Career Map does the following:

Allows for alignment and consistency across your business.
Creates an internal platform for determining job value, job family progressions
and corresponding titles.
Ensures that business needs dictate staffing models.
Facilitates lateral development, talent mobility and targeted development activities and investments.
Provides employees with the ability to tailor their learning and development,
and to manage their careers.
Clarifies employee roles, performance expectations and responsibilities from one level to another.

Click here to read more about Career Mapping

Speaker Bio:
Julie Womack is a Principal with the Executive Compensation and Rewards practice in Towers Perrin’s Chicago office. She specializes in the design and implementation of compensation and talent management programs that align with an organization’s business strategy.

Her work covers a broad spectrum of projects, including design of reward strategies, base pay programs, annual incentive plans, performance management programs and career management programs, in a variety of industries.

Julie holds a bachelor of business arts degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an M.B.A. from Washington University, St. Louis. Additionally, she is a member of WorldatWork and has presented at multiple conferences.

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*
Date:	Thursday, August 14, 2008
Speakers:	Julie Womack, Towers Perrin
Topic:	Career Mapping
Location:	The Murat Center Michigan and New Jersey Streets, Downtown Indianapolis Parking is included (be sure to mention you are with HRACI)
Agenda:	11:30 a.m. Registration & Networking 12:00 a.m. Luncheon 12:30 p.m. Announcements 12:40 p.m. Program 1:20 p.m. Adjournment
Cost:	Members $25 Guests $35 Student $15
*Register Now*
Sponsored by

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

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HRACI Membership Committee

Submitted by Angie Ritz

The HRACI Ambassador program has been in place for almost a year now and it’s going great. The Ambassador program was started to help assimilate new members into the organization and ensure they received the most value from their HRACI membership. Ambassadors are volunteers who make contact with a new member outside of the normal meeting venue. The Ambassador is there to answer questions, suggest resources within HRACI, and make the new member feel that they are a welcome addition to the organization. If you would like to be an Ambassador or if you are a new member and would like someone to contact you, send an email to Linda Rotert Linda.Rotert@ecolab.com or Sue Bard sue_bard@us.aflac.com. They will be able to help get you connected with the program.

Have you been a member of HRACI for 5, 10, 15 even 20 years? We want to recognize you for your commitment to this organization! We are in the process of putting something together so watch for more details in next month’s newsletter.

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HR Consultant's Forum

Submitted by Jim Schaffer, PHD

What does it take for one to be successful in a down economy? How does one
begin to define and measure success? What can one do to be successful in a difficult economy? Discover for yourself the principles that will motivate you to achieve your personal and professional best even when the economic forecast is not so bright. Plan to attend this fun…fast-paced…fact-filled session!

Deno Rousopoulos is a positive presenter of business management and motivational speeches and seminars. He is nationally recognized as an expert on “Improving Productivity through Servant Leadership”…and award winning as a customer service specialist. His…fun…fast-paced…and fact-filled programs have delighted audiences all across the United States. Deno maintains an unwavering commitment to helping his audiences improve productivity…profitability…and professionalism. He is passionate about encouraging and empowering people to achieve their personal best…and he does it well and on purpose.

You do not have to be registered for the State Conference to attend this program.

Free for HRACI members and conference registrants.
$10 for non-HRACI members and those not registered for the conference.

Register Now!
Topic:	“Maintaining Success in a Down Economy”
Speaker:	Deno Rousopoulos
When:	Tuesday, August 26th, 2008 Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Location:	Westin Hotel Indianapolis, First Floor, Council Room 50 South Capitol Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46204
Cost:	Free for HRACI Members and Conference Registrants Non-Members and those not registered for the conference - $10 (must pay in advance of meeting)
Register Online, or RSVP to Alysia Ploutz - alysia@mprecords.com

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SMA-Central Indiana September Event

Submitted by Eric Mellendorf

“Creative Recruiting and Retention Strategies”
“ What can we do to attract the hires we want?”
“ What can we do to keep the employees we need?”

These are the questions that keep us challenged (and sometimes awake at night). And, depending on how we answer them, they’re the questions that bring us accolades or headaches.

Obviously, the answers are subject to all sorts of variables, from an organization’s industry, location, purpose, reputation, structure, and so on, to each department’s function and character, and to each individual’s needs and desires.

All of these variables have led to a continuing barrage of innovative ideas for employee recruitment and retention – from how candidates are sourced to how they are wooed and to how valued employees are enticed to remain within organizations.

What relatively new recruitment and retention ideas are now in practice? What is your company doing that most others are not? What’s differentiating companies from their competitors in the recruitment marketplace? What retention tactics are keeping employees in winning organizations? What strategies have your peers found most effective?

Join us for an interactive session during which you and your peers share innovative ideas and approaches to recruitment and retention. Recruiters, other HR professionals, hiring managers, and all other key stakeholders are welcome. We guarantee you’ll walk away with at least two ideas you can consider for implementation in your organization, or we’ll give you your money back!

Click Here to Register
Topic:	“Creative Recruiting and Retention Strategies”
When:	Thursday, September 11, 2008 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Location:	Residence Inn Marriott on the Canal 350 W. New York St. Indianapolis, IN 46202
Cost:	Members - FREE Non-Members - $10 (must be paid in advance of meeting)
Register Online, or RSVP to Alysia Ploutz - alysia@mprecords.com

Residence Inn Marriott on the Canal and Hoaglin’s Catering are our gracious sponsors for this event.

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Certification: CONGRATULATIONS!

Submitted by Jennifer Lange, PHR

The following HRACI Spring PHR/SPHR Exam Preparation Class participants recently earned their prestigious PHR (Professional in Human Resources) and SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) certifications between May 1, 2008 and June 30, 2008:

These individuals successfully earned their PHR Certification:
Allen Wilson, Ann Elliott, Brian Logan, Carrie Houston, Courtney Harreld, Deidre Suiter, Jennifer Aldridge, Jewell Carter, Kevin Corwin, Kristen Motes, Maureen Pinnick, Melody Cockrum

These individuals successfully earned their SPHR Certification:
Gina Hanrahan, Jolie Raufeisen, Mary Johnson, Vicki Noblitt

The certification, awarded by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), signifies that the above mentioned individuals possess the theoretical knowledge and practical experience in Human Resource management necessary to pass a rigorous examination demonstrating a mastery of the body of knowledge in the field.

" Certification as a Human Resource professional clearly demonstrates a commitment to personal excellence and to the Human Resource profession," said Mary Power, CAE, Executive Director of the HR Certification Institute.

To become certified, an applicant must pass a comprehensive examination and demonstrate a strong background of professional Human Resource experience.

The HR Certification Institute is the credentialing organization for Human Resource professionals and is an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world's largest organization dedicated exclusively to the human resource profession. The Institute's purpose is to promote the establishment of professional standards and to recognize professionals who meet those standards.

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Do You Need to Register for HRACI’s PHR/SPHR Prep Class?

Submitted by Jennifer Lange, PHR

HRACI is now accepting registrations for the Fall 2008 PHR/SPHR Certification study group. There will be TWO LOCATIONS (each session will be limited to 25 participants) – one will be DOWNTOWN at the Indiana Business College (near the intersection of Washington and East Street) and one on the NORTHSIDE at Somerset CPAs in the River Crossing Office Complex (Keystone-at-the-Crossing near the Marriott hotel).

Locations:
The DOWNTOWN group will meet on TUESDAY evenings from 6:00 pm to no later than 8:30 pm beginning on Tuesday, September 23* and ending on Tuesday, November 11. The classes will meet at:

Indiana Business College
550 East Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204

* The first downtown class will actually be on Wednesday, September 17 and will meet at the northside location because IBC will be closed for Fall break.

The NORTHSIDE group will meet on WEDNESDAY evenings from 6:00 pm to no later than 8:30 pm beginning on Wednesday, September 17 and ending on Wednesday, November 12. The classes will meet at:

Somerset CPAs
3925 River Crossing Parkway
First Floor
Indianapolis, IN 46240

Materials:
Again, this Fall we’re going to be using the Human Resource Certification Program (HRCP) study materials (this is NOT the same as SHRM Learning System) which includes six (6) study booklets covering each section of the exam (specifically Strategic Planning, Workforce Planning and Employment, Human Resource Development, Total Rewards (Compensation & Benefits), Employee & Labor Relations, and Risk Management).

Additionally, review questions and answers for each unit will be provided along with over 500 flashcards.

To learn more about the HRCP materials, you can visit www.hrcp.com.

Facilitators:
PHR/SPHR Certified HR professionals will facilitate each unit and will be available to answer questions and/or give you insight as to what you can expect to see on the exam.

Cost:
The cost for the nine (9) week class which includes all of the materials is:

$400 = HRACI members
$525 = non-members who join HRACI for $125 (normal dues) + $400 for the class at the member rate
$650 for non-members who do not join HRACI
$25* = if you would like to have materials sent directly to your home or office
* Otherwise, you can pick up the materials on the first night of class without paying the extra $25 for shipping

Anyone who registers on September 1 or after will be charged a $50 late fee in addition to the amounts listed above.

Click Here to Register

Questions:
If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Lange, PHR at
jennifer.lange@oldnational.com or at 317-706-9531.

PHR/SPHR EXAM Registration:

To register for the actual PHR or SPHR exam, please visit www.hrci.org and get registered! NOTE – You need to register before October 10, 2008 to avoid paying a late fee!

Exam Eligibility:

To check eligibility requirements for the PHR or SPHR exam, please visit www.hrci.org

Click on the Certification tab > 2008 PHR/SPHR/GPHR Handbook > Applying for the Exam > Eligibility Requirements

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PHR/SPHR Exam Testing Information

Submitted by Jennifer Lange, PHR

2008 Application Deadlines
Exam	Window	Reg. Deadline Date	Late Deadline Date
PHR/SPHR	Dec. 1, 2008 - January 31, 2009	Oct. 10, 2008	Nov. 14, 2008
GPHR	Dec. 1, 2008 - January 31, 2009	Oct. 10, 2008	Nov. 14, 2008

2008 PHR/SPHR Exam Fees
	Nonrefundable Application Fee	Exam Fee If Submitted By the Regular Deadline	Total Due If Submitted By the Regular Deadline	Total Due If Submitted After the Regular Deadline*
PHR
SHRM member	$75	$175	$250	$300
Non-member	$75	$225	$300	$350
Student/recent graduate**	$75	$45	$120	$170
SPHR
SHRM Member	$75	$300	$375	$425
Non-member	$75	$350	$425	$475
* A $50 (U.S.) late fee will be assessed on applications received after the regular deadline but on or before the late deadline. **For students/recent graduates, the balance of the PHR exam fee is required upon meeting experience and graduation requirements.

2008 GPHR Exam Fees
	Nonrefundable Application Fee	Regular Deadline Exam Fee	Total Regular Deadline Fee (Includes application and exam fee)	Total Late Deadline Fee* (Includes application, exam and late fees)
SHRM member	$75	$300	$375	$425
Non-member	$75	$350	$425	$475
Student/recent graduate**	$75	$45	$120	$170
* A U.S.$50 late fee will be assessed on applications received after the regular deadline but on or before the late deadline. ** For students/recent graduates, the balance of the GPHR exam fee is required upon meeting experience and graduation requirements.

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Indiana SHRM Call for Candidates

We have several positions available this year for individuals looking for a leadership opportunity with the Indiana State Council. These positions are open for election for a two-year term beginning 1/1/2009. If you are interested in a leadership opportunity and think you can help advance the Indiana State Council mission, now is the time to volunteer.

The following positions are up for election for the 2009-2010 term (2 year commitment):

• Secretary-Treasurer
• Co-Legislative Director (Kellam)
• Director Diversity North (Stull)
• District Director for NW
• District Director for SW
• Director College Relations
• Director Certification
• Director Workforce Readiness
• Co-Membership Director (Brawdy)

Criteria for consideration:

• Local Chapter Member
• SHRM member
• Served in a leadership position on a local chapter board
• PHR/SPHR/GPHR certification preferred
• Ability to attend all state council meetings and fulfill expectations of the role (job descriptions can be found on the SHRM website)
• Ability to commit time to the position and the organization
• Strong leadership skills

If you are interested in being considered (or re-elected) for one of these positions, please complete the Volunteer Leader Information form and submit along with a resume no later than September 1st. The nominating committee of the Board (comprised of Past Director, Director, and Secretary-Treasurer) will review all candidates and recommend a slate of officers to the Indiana State Council Board. All candidates will be selected and notified by September 30th.

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Welcome New Members

Chris Stolte
Gregory Francis
Marie Haywood
Marissa Champa
Connie Golab
David Medved
Lisa Walton
Donna Gadient

Donna Parrott
Cynthia Ware
Ginger Ziglar Thomas
Tamela Jones
Mark Villilo
Judy Salmon
Jerry Garland
Daniel Bond

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