CAHRA Sept 2013 Newsletter 
President's Report
CAHRA Members,
It is hard to believe that we are about to enter the fourth quarter of 2013. Fall is almost here. This is one of my favorite times of the year, from the weather getting cooler to football season, I absolutely love it! As we move forward in 2013, CAHRA has some special events planned so mark your calendars now.
On October 15th, CAHRA will once again partner with the Arkansas Democrat Gazette for our Fall Job Fair at the Statehouse Convention Center. As an HR Professional, this is an opportunity not only for you to give back to our community by sharing your HR knowledge with those in need, it is also an opportunity for your company to obtain a booth and find some great new hires. CAHRA will once again host our resume review booth that has literally helped thousands of people over the years update their resumes so they can place their best foot forward in their job search. We also have another special service planned for the job fair attendees. CAHRA will be conducting mock interviews with the job seekers and provide them with immediate feedback on their interview. Our goal is to help increase their interviewing skills. For those of you that would love to volunteer in either area, we would love to have you. There are many job seekers who could use your help!
At our remaining 2013 Monthly Chapter meetings, we have some special speakers lined up. October is national Diversity Month. In keeping with that, Mac Bell from Easter Seals will present "Untapped Talents: Recruiting Employees with Disabilities." In November, CAHRA will focus on the issue of Workplace Flexibility. SHRM is sending one of their representatives, Cassidy Neal, here to Central Arkansas to update us on this changing issue. Then finally in December, we will have our annual Honors Event. This meeting is one of my favorites each year, and will put us all in the Christmas spirit. We are currently taking nominations for the awards that will be presented. Please consider nominating one of your fellow CAHRA members for their hard work this year.
As we wind down 2013, I would like to personally thank the members of CAHRA and the Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve this year as CAHRA President. It has been an amazing honor and privilege. As I look to the future, I strongly encourage each one of you to become more active in CAHRA, ARSHRM and SHRM. Through my involvement with each of these organizations, I have grown both personally and professionally. I wish the same for each of you.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Gentry, PHR
CAHRA President
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to the following CAHRA businesses for being named to the Arkansas Business' Top 12 Places to Work in Arkansas!
ARKANSAS BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD
CROSS, GUNTER, WITHERSPOON & GALCHUS, PC
DELTA DENTAL OF ARKANSAS
Check it out: http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/93501/arkansas-business-reveals-best-places-to-work-in-arkansas
Welcome New Members
We would like to welcome the following professionals and students who have joined CAHRA in 2013:
- Renetta Cheatham, Office/ Finance Manager, Arkansas Literacy Council
- Judy Sanders, Director of Human Resources, University of Arkansas Community College Morrilton
- Ada Brooks, HR Manager, Holman Distribution
- Marcus Carruthers, Director of Business Development, IMWell Health
- John McGowan, Safety & Process Improvement Manager, Certain Teed
- Sylenia Crout, Student, Strayer University
- Leah Fahlenkamp, Student, UALR
- Millicent Milner, HR Manager, Administrative Office of the Courts
- Heather Smith, HR Associate, LM WindPower
- Antarah Hasan-Lambert, Student, Webster University
- Catherine Carrowan, HR Assistant, MB Kahn Construction
- Teresa Phillips, SPHR, Regional HR Director, National Dentex Corp.
- Carmen Hall, Student, Webster University
- Shelby McEntire, Student, UALR
- Kendra Jackson, HR Coordinator, Sage V Foods
- Kendra Norman, HR Specialist, US Military
- Allison Ramsey, PHR, Branch Manager, Staffmark
- Barbara "Bobbi" Ragsdale, HR Manager, Priority Wire & Cable
- Dawn Haralson, HR Director, Presbyterian Village
- Dennis Murray, HR Generalist II, Windstream
- James Wyatt, Student, UALR
- Angela Wages, UALR Student
- Sharon Aung, UALR Student
- Jalessa Flowers, UALR Student
- Suzanne Bussard, UALR Student
- Erica Sorrells, HR Representative/Benefits Coordinator, Wilson & Associates, PLLC
- Michele Lax, HR Manager, UAMS
- Melissa LeCrone, State Equal Employment Manager, AR National Guard
- Veronica McCuien, HR Supervisor, O'Reilly Auto Parts
- Wren Ward, Corporate Recruiter, Garver
- Evan Bell, Attorney, Nash, Raley & Rippy, PLC
- Indiya Lee, UALR Student
- Wilma Perry, UALR Student
- Dana Bloodworth, Human Resources Manager, L'Oreal USA
- Sylvia Heien, PHR, Sr. HR Specialist, Southwest Power Pool
- Robert Wayland, J.D., SPHR, R.F. Wayland Labor Arbitrator, Labor Arbitrator
- Liz Harris; Academic Strategist, Philander Smith College
- Brenda Simpson, MBA, Retired Military (HR Generalist)
- Kimberly Clark,UALR Student
- Amber Davis, UALR Student
- Amanda Thomas, Webster Student
Volunteer Opportunities
Attention CAHRA Members:
We need your help with the upcoming 2013 fall Job Fair on October 15th, co-sponsored by CAHRA and the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.
As most of you know, one of the highlights of this event for job seekers is the opportunity to have their resume reviewed by an area HR professional from CAHRA. We are also going to be doing mock interviews this year!!! We need volunteers to conduct short interviews (Questions provided) with Job Seekers in order to help them increase their interviewing skills.
Because resume reviews and mock interviews are expected to be popular attractions at the job fair, it is important that we have a minimum of 3 volunteers available to conduct mock interviews and at least 7 volunteers at the resume booth each hour from 10:00 AM 3:00 PM. It would be great if volunteers can sign up for at least one session of both! Please email me today at [email protected] and let me know what time slots you would be available to work and whether you would like to do resume review and/or mock interviews.
Also, if your company is currently hiring or planning on hiring soon, the job fair is an extremely cost effective recruitment tool. For more information, please contact Tabitha Cunningham @ 501-918-4539, [email protected] or go directly to the job fair website, http://showtime.arkansasonline.com/jobfair/.
Thank you in advance for volunteering. I promise you'll enjoy the experience while giving back to the community and your profession.
Sincerely,
Mary Cooper
Chair, Job Fair Committee
[email protected]
Annual Award Nominations
CAHRA is pleased to announce it is accepting nominations for CAHRA's annual awards to be bestowed during the CAHRA Annual Honors Luncheon, December 12, 2013 at the Union Train Station/Next Level Events, 1400 West Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72201. Please submit your nominations for the following awards:
• Russell Gunter Member of the Year Award
• Rising Star Award
• Friend of CAHRA Award
• Legislative Advocacy Award
Please read these requirements carefully. Submit names and information requested for award recognition by e-mailing [email protected]. All submissions will be reviewed by the Recognition and Nominating Committee. All award submissions must be submitted by November 1, 2013 in order to be considered.
If you have any questions, please contact Roberta Clark, MBA at [email protected]. Thank you for the submissions and we look forward to seeing you at Honors.
Russell Gunter Member of the Year Award
I. Purpose
The purpose is to recognize service to the Central Arkansas Human Resources Association in the field of Human Resources Management. This person has given many years of service to the association and profession. They are a “go to” person for the association and fellow members.
II. Requirements
Must be a voting member of the Association. Must have been engaged in the field of human resources management for at least five years. Must have made significant contributions to the CAHRA. Must have demonstrated a high degree of competency and professionalism to his/her employer.
III. Selection
The President shall appoint a committee to nominate a minimum of three candidates to be presented to the Board of Directors for the selection of one (1) to receive the Member of the Year Award.
IV. Recognition
The recipient shall receive a suitable award and recognition from the media and the CAHRA. The award is normally presented at the annual Honors Luncheon.
For person being nominated, please include:
1. *Chapter Involvement (Describe how member has been involved with our Chapter)
2. Leadership (List ways member has served as leader in CAHRA, i.e. Offices, Committee Chairs, Committees, etc.)
3. *Contributions to CAHRA (Describe the contributions member has made to CAHRA and the Human Resource profession)
4. Community Involvement (Explain how this member has been involved with community activities)
5. Additional comments and reasons for nominating this member.
RISING STAR AWARD
I. Purpose
The purpose is to give special recognition to a new member who has actively demonstrated their support of the Association and our profession.
II. Requirements
Must have been a member of CAHRA for no more than eighteen (18) months and have demonstrated dedication to the association.
III. Selection
The President shall appoint a committee to nominate candidates to be presented to the Board of Directors for the selection of one (1) to receive the award.
IV. Recognition
The recipient will receive a suitable award and recognition from the media and CAHRA. The award is normally presented at the Honors event.
For person being nominated, please include:
1. *Chapter Involvement (Describe how member has been involved with our Chapter)
2. Leadership (List ways member has served as leader in CAHRA, i.e. Offices, Committee Chairs, Committees, etc.)
3. *Contributions to CAHRA (Describe the contributions member has made to CAHRA and the Human Resource profession)
4. Community Involvement (Explain how this member has been involved with community activities)
5. Additional comments and reasons for nominating this member.
FRIEND OF CAHRA AWARD
I. Purpose
The purpose is to recognize member companies that have shown an interest in promoting the association and in helping CAHRA advance the profession.
II. Requirements
• The company must have a representative member in CAHRA.
• The company must show the extent of their support to maintain and encourage participation in human resources management.
• The company must show the extent of their support for CAHRA (Ex: chapter officers, committee members, facilities, conferences, sponsorship etc.)
III. Selection
The President shall appoint a committee to present a candidate to the Board of Directors for approval to receive the Friend of CAHRA Award.
IV. Recognition
The recipient's Chief Executive Officer or designee shall receive a suitable award and recognition from CAHRA at the annual Honors Event and recognition from the media.
For Person/Organization being nominated, please include:
1. *Chapter Involvement (Describe how company has supported and been involved with CAHRA)
2. Leadership (List employees that are members of nominated company and how they have served as leader in CAHRA, i.e. Offices, Committee Chairs, Committees, etc.)
3. Contributions to CAHRA (Describe the contributions company has made to CAHRA and the Human Resource profession, i.e. facilities, conferences, sponsorship, donations, etc.)
4. Additional comments and reasons for nominating this company.
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY AWARD
I. Purpose
The purpose is to recognize service to the Central Arkansas Human Resources Association with outstanding contributions of time and effort in local, state, or federal legislative advocacy on behalf of the Human Resources profession.
II. Requirements
Must be a voting member of the Association. Must have been engaged in the field of human resources management for at least three years. Must have made significant contributions in local, state, or federal legislative advocacy on behalf of the Human Resources profession. Must have participated in committees, task forces, or work groups involving legislation, inspiring members who are learning how to increase their legislative advocacy skills, and promote improved understanding of the importance of legislative advocacy and activities on behalf of the Human Resources profession.
III. Selection
The President shall appoint a committee to present a candidate to the Board of Directors for approval to receive the Human Resources Legislative Advocacy Award.
IV. Recognition
The recipient shall receive a suitable award and recognition from CAHRA at the annual Honors Event and recognition from the media.
For Person being nominated, please include:
1. *Legislative committees, promotions, inspiration (Describe how member has been involved with Human Resources legislation efforts)
2. Leadership within Legislation areas (List ways member has served as leader in CAHRA, i.e. Offices, Committee Chairs, Committees, etc.)
3. *Contributions to CAHRA (Describe the contributions member has made to CAHRA and the legislation efforts of the Human Resource profession)
4. *Community Involvement (Explain how this member has been involved with community legislative activities)
5. Additional comments and reasons for nominating this member
Kathleen McComber Scholarship
The Central Arkansas Human Resources Association is proud to announce the availability of the Kathleen McComber Scholarship for a student with a demonstrated interest in Human Resources Management who has maintained a high level of academic achievement.
One scholarship of $1000 will be granted for undergraduate and graduate studies.
THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS NOVEMBER 15, 2013
To be eligible, applicants must:
Have a major in Human Resources Management or a related field with a career emphasis in Human Resources Management
Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in business classes and a 3.0 overall average
Be a junior or senior college student, or in a graduate program at an accredited post-secondary institution in the state of Arkansas
For an application or information about the Scholarship, please go to www.cahra.net and click on the Scholarship Application button. You can also contact us at - [email protected]
or by US mail at:
CAHRA-College Relations Committee
P.O. Box 25964, Little Rock, AR 72221
Phone: 501-244-2472
College Relations
The College Relations Committee asks that you consider being a Mentor to an HR Student. The program requirements and guidelines are listed below. To submit a Mentor enrollment form, go to www.CAHRA.net and click on the green button - Mentor an HR Student.
Mentor Program Requirements:
Students:
• Must be a full-time or part-time student in good standing (2.5 GPA or higher, not on probation with the university, etc…)
• Must be enrolled in a Business/HR related degree program and showing an interest in HR post-graduation
• Must have completed 9 hours in HR related courses
• Must be a SHRM/CAHRA student member
• Must complete a mentor application.
Mentors:
• Must be an active member of CAHRA and/or national SHRM.
• Must actively participate and support professional CAHRA events.
• Must be a current HR practitioner.
• Must be willing to commit to the mentor program for a specified period of time.
Mentor Guidelines:
• Mentor must make initial contact with protégé within two weeks of assignment.
• Mentors must communicate with protégés at least once every two weeks.
• Mentors and protégés must complete at least two of the suggested activities. (see Suggested Activities list at the end of this document.)
• Protégés must keep a mentor program journal.
Mentor Contact Guidelines:
Phone Contact
• Mentor calls protégé to arrange initial meeting and discuss scheduling.
• Protégé calls mentor to arrange joint attendance at chapter meetings.
• Protégé calls mentor as needed for advice on HR-related course work and career direction.
First Meeting Discussion Points
Student:
• Discuss how each of you became interested in the HR profession
• Discuss the perceptions and expectations of the mentor relationship
• Discuss what you believe HR is like in the workplace (class room development of what you are learning vs. real life workplace situations)
Mentor:
• Discuss current job responsibilities
• Explain how you got into the profession
• Discuss your academic and personal preparation needed for your career
• Share the importance of networking and continued professional development
Other Meeting Ideas
• Protégé spends a day "shadowing" the mentor during a typical working day.
• Discussion of the shadowing experience. Completion of a suggested mentor/protégé activity. (See list below.)
• Discussion of the mentor experience.
• Discussion of the value of additional meetings or contact.
• Completion of a suggested mentor/protégé activity
Suggested Mentor/Protégé Activities
• Lunch with mentor, protégé, and several other HR professionals to discuss everyday challenges practitioners encounter in their work.
• Protégé attends a company training program with mentor.
• Mentor and protégé discuss proper business and telephone etiquette and corporate protocol.
• Protégé attends a safety committee meeting with mentor.
• Protégé attends a company staff meeting.
• Mentor and protégé attend a professional SHRM chapter meeting together. Mentor introduces protégé to other HR professionals.
• Protégé accompanies mentor to other professional meetings attended. Mentor discusses common employee grievances and issues such as sexual harassment and substance abuse. Explains how they are handled.
• Protégé observes the development of a special project such as a wellness program or health fair.
• Mentor reviews protégé's resume and offers suggestions for improvement.
• Protégé observes a day of recruiting.
Upcoming CAHRA Events
On October 15th, CAHRA will once again partner with the Arkansas Democrat Gazette for our Fall Job Fair at the Statehouse Convention Center. As an HR Professional, this is an opportunity not only for you to give back to our community by sharing your HR knowledge with those in need, it is also an opportunity for your company to obtain a booth and find some great new hires. CAHRA will once again host our resume review booth that has literally helped thousands of people over the years update their resumes so they can place their best foot forward in their job search. We also have another special service planned for the job fair attendees. CAHRA will be conducting mock interviews with the job seekers and provide them with immediate feedback on their interview. Our goal is to help increase their interviewing skills. For those of you that would love to volunteer in either area, we would love to have you. There are many job seekers who could use your help!
At our remaining 2013 Monthly Chapter meetings, we have some special speakers lined up. October is national Diversity Month. In keeping with that, Mac Bell from Easter Seals will present "Untapped Talents: Recruiting Employees with Disabilities." In November, CAHRA will focus on the issue of Workplace Flexibility. SHRM is sending one of their representatives, Cassidy Neal, here to Central Arkansas to update us on this changing issue. Then finally in December, we will have our annual Honors Event. This meeting is one of my favorites each year, and will put us all in the Christmas spirit. We are currently taking nominations for the awards that will be presented. Please consider nominating one of your fellow CAHRA members for their hard work this year.
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