President’s Pen
by Jeff George, SPHR

As our Association approaches its twenty-ninth anniversary, I'm pleased to state that we are in the best possible position: we are able to build on a strong legacy to meet our members' needs for the future. All of us are amateurs in association leadership, yet we should remember that amateurs built Noah's ark, while professionals built the Titanic. Last month Kim Vosburg reviewed the significant strides we made in 2002. Over the past ten years, we have grown not only in membership, but also in quality services and strong leadership. We are well prepared to be the central Indiana means to SHRM's mission of STP/ATP — Serving the Professional and Advancing the Profession.

I'd like to detail our major goals for the New Year:

• Continue to Grow membership. We will strive to exceed 830 members with a ratio of at least 50% SHRM national members. For several years our membership has peaked at between 700 and 800 members, but coupled with Programs goals, we anticipate continued growth.
• Continue to Grow programs. We will continue the seminar approach with re-certification credits for our annual comp/ benefits update, and for a diversity program. And, although attendance at the downtown luncheons reached new heights in 2002, we will strive to offer a variety of meeting sites and formats.
• Continue to Grow services. We will continue to develop our new website to be your main source of Indiana HR networking and information. We will expand our certification study groups as well as our outreach to college students. And, we will strive to be the foundation of local networking/support for our profession.

I am pleased that so many strong volunteer leaders have agreed to serve on our Board. We will accomplish great things with the enthusiasm they bring. Kim Vosburg has often reminded us that our organization depends on its members and volunteer leaders for its existence. In closing, I'd like to recognize Kim's loyal service as President for the last three years; he brings absolute dedication and commitment to everything he does. HRACI has benefited enormously from Kim's leadership.

HRACI Presents: Compensation Mistakes To Avoid When Economic Times Are Tough”

Date:
Thursday, January 16, 2003

Location:
Murat Center; Michigan and New Jersey, in downtown Indianapolis. Parking is free.

Time:
11:30 a.m. Registration & networking
12:00 noon Luncheon
12:30 p.m. Presentation
1:20 p.m. Adjournment

Program Cost: Members $20, Guests $30, Students $10

Sponsor: Phil Beanblossom, Crown Moving & Storage, Inc. www.crownmovingstorage.com

Reservations: Click here to register securely online using your Visa or MasterCard, or call (317) 767-9275 or email meetingreservations@hraci.org by January 10, 2003. Please be sure to include your name, company name, phone number and indicate whether you are a member, student or guest. No reservations will be accepted after this date.

Payment Method: If not registering online, bring payment to the meeting. Checks should be made payable to HRACI.

Cancellations: Cancellations after 5:00 p.m. January 10, 2002 will result in a billing for the meeting cost.

Next Meeting: February 20, 2003: Legislative Update
Come learn from Chris Schrader, IN SHRM Legislative Director.

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What: Human Resource and related folks meet, talk and enjoy a drink or two.

Why: Just a place and time for HR types to “get away” for a bit. No planned agenda or presentations, just casual discussion, advise, war stories or just relax and network.

Who: You and any guest(s) you want to bring along!

When: 6:00 pm, Thursday, January 16th.

Where: Bill Simpson’s Flat Top Restaurant, West I-465 and Rockville Road (US 36), in front of Sam’s Wholesale Club (5801 Rockville Rd, 244-7638) Ask for the HR group. (Location will change each time we meet) Call me if you have any questions. See you there!

Contact: Greg Medcalf, SPHR for more information.
Cell phone 501-6791
Director of Human Resources, Milestone Contractors, LP.
(317) 788-6890 ext. 257
Greg.medcalf@milestonelp.com

If you would like to be on the email list for future notices, just email Greg.

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Register now for the Spring PHR/SPHR Certification Study Group:

Are you planning to take the PHR/SPHR certification test on May 4, 2003 and need help studying for the many topics for which you will be tested? If so, let HRACI help you prepare. Sign up now in order to guarantee a spot for the upcoming PHR/SPHR Certification Study Group course.

When: Begins Wednesday, Feb. 19, through April 23, 2003. Meets weekly (no session April 2) 6:00 – 8:30 pm

Where: Kelly Services location at Keystone at the Crossing, 3815 River Crossing Blvd.

Cost: $175 for HRACI members and $235 for non-members.

We will be providing the following materials included in the course fee:

(1) HR Textbook (Jackson & Mathis, 10th edition)
(2) HR Workbook (companion book to HR text above)
(3) HR Certification Guide, updated in 2002 to reflect the current exam

Click here to register

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Are you interested in teaching a topic for the upcoming Spring PHR/SPHR Certification test?

HRACI is offering a PHR/SPHR Certification Study Group to help those taking the test on May 4, 2003 to prepare for it.

We need volunteers to help with our Spring Certification Study Group.We are seeking HR professionals to provide instruction for one of the various topics tested on the certification test. The study group is planned to begin on Wednesday, February 19, 2003. Instructors must be PHR/SPHR Certified and have experience training/speaking in front of a group.

Instructors are needed for the following topics:

• Workforce Planning
• Strategic Management
• Other topics such as Training or Benefits

All instructors will be provided with a current Human Resource Handbook to help prepare materials for their respective topic.

Interested applicants should send an email with resume/credentials to Kelly Gangl at kelly.gangl@bmgdirect.com or feel free to call her at 317-542-6424 with any questions.

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HRACI is offering a $1500 scholarship to one future human resources professional. Juniors and non-graduating seniors at accredited colleges or universities in Marion County or surrounding counties are eligible to apply. Click here for details. Click here for an application.

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The HRACI website now has a members-only area. Your user name is your membership number and password is your last name. You can make changes to your membership profile there, renew your membership on a secure server and also browse the membership list. You should have received an email earlier in November with a reminder of your membership number and password information. You can email hraci@mprecords.com for technical issues for the website.
You can now pay your membership dues and register for meetings securely online using your Visa or MasterCard.

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HRACI is offering more sponsorship opportunities in 2003!

HRACI is excited to announce a new vendor marketplace where you can have a link to every member who visits the HRACI web site. We will offer a link and a short description of your services (1-2) sentences for only $50.00 per year.

HRACI is also offering banner web site ads, employment page advertising and an opportunity to sponsor the monthly newsletter. Contact Kellie Miller, HRACI Director of Marketing, kmiller@EQRWORLD.com, (317) 915-4583.

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February 20, 2003: Legislative Update
Come learn from Chris Schrader, IN SHRM Legislative Director.
Sponsor: Jean Brandolini, ADP Total Choice Solutions.

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