President’s Pen
by Andrea Davis Cranfill, SPHR

Dear HRACI Members,

HRACI has planned many exciting activities and programs for 2006, but to accomplish our objectives, we need your help. To our current 80-plus dedicated volunteers, thank you! If you don’t currently volunteer but have been wondering how you can get the most out of your HRACI membership, it’s not too late to join a committee in 2006. Volunteering will provide you the opportunity to network, meet new colleagues, and make a difference within the business community. Can’t commit to a standing committee but still want to be involved? We also have an ongoing need for special projects or one-time volunteers.

Certification Committee
Provides structured study groups to exempt level HR professionals in preparation for the PHR/SPHR certification examination.

Career Services Committee
Develops and coordinates career development opportunities for members, including mentoring programs. Promotes membership volunteer involvement in community volunteer organizations. Promotes Groundhog Job Shadowing Day. Participates in job fairs throughout the year.

Sponsorship Committee
Secures sponsors for monthly luncheon meetings, promotes website advertising, and develops marketing strategies for HRACI.

Communications Committee
Produces monthly e-newsletter for HRACI members and provides assistance to local media by connecting them with members who can offer an HR perspective to their articles. Develops plan to increase public awareness of HRACI. Establishes relationships with local media. Develops plans and ideas in order to serve as a resource to the community or local media on HR issues.

Diversity Committee
Increases member awareness of area diversity resources. Improves member knowledge and skills on the business need