Presidents Pen
by Cherilyn Stephens. PHR

Happy New Year! What an amazing year we had in 2006! The chapter was awarded the Chapter of the Year by the Indiana SHRM State Council and we exceeded 1000 members in October. At the close of 2006 we are now 1,053 members strong. In addition to our membership growth, we provided new program offerings and expanded our knowledge and skills by hosting a variety of speakers.

Our theme for 2007 is “Focus on the Basics”. To execute on this theme, we will be evaluating what we can do to ensure our chapter is operating efficiently and smoothly. We believe that a strong foundation is critical for our continued growth. You can expect targeted, practical programs, valuable speakers, more networking opportunities and an emphasis on getting you involved.

I would like to extend a special thank you to the board members that ended their terms in 2006. Their leadership has left us with a strong plan to build on. I welcome the newest members of our board for 2007. I’d like to acknowledge the recent appointments of Pamela Dolas, PHR as Vice President of Membership and Lisa Helms as Director of Special Interest Groups. I speak for all of us in saying we have a great year ahead of us.

I look forward to working with all of you to make 2007 another amazing year for HRACI!

My best wishes to you for a wonderful year,

Cherilyn Stephens, PHR

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• More ‘HRCI Approved’ programs, which enables our members to earn recertification credits toward PHR and SPHR certification.
• Monthly topics presented by local and national speakers that are pertinent and of concern to HR professionals.
• More networking events at various locations in greater Indianapolis.
• Invitations to attend events of our special interest groups, such as the Employment Management Association (EMA) and HR Consultants Forum at no additional cost.
• PHR/SPHR certification classes to help you prepare for exams.
• Full access to our enhanced website
• The opportunity to post HR job opportunities for your organization at a discounted rate and to help in your personal job search.

If anyone needs help looking up your Legislator, click on this link: http://www.in.gov/apps/sos/legislator/search/

Once you know who your Legislators are – do you know what they are proposing for the New Year? Many Senate Legislators currently have surveys available for you to voice your opinion. Below are samples of questions being asked by our State Senators. Not all questions listed below are being posed by your Legislator, but they are questions currently being posed on one or more surveys.

1. It is estimated it would cost about $1 billion to provide subsidized health insurance for low-income Hoosiers that currently have no health care coverage. Proponents of this idea propose an increased cigarette tax and a new hospital bed tax to generate part of the funding. Are you in favor of this idea?
2. Should the state repeal the constitutional requirement that all counties have an elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, Auditor, Recorder, Treasurer, Sheriff, Coroner, and Surveyor to allow counties to choose a different organizational structure?
3. Do you support allowing parents to send their child to any private or public school using taxpayer dollars, knowing that if they send their child to a private school, it will reduce the amount of taxpayer money going to existing public schools?
4. There are almost 800 children on a waiting list who are eligible to be adopted in Indiana. Should same-sex couples be allowed to adopt children or become foster parents?
5. Do you believe your direct correspondence with your state legislators should be available to the public and members of the media?
6. Currently, 28 states offer a higher minimum wage than the $5.15 required by federal law. Do you support or oppose legislation which would allow the General Assembly to increase the minimum wage in Indiana?
7. Do you support or oppose legislation that would eliminate the 6% state sales tax on gasoline? (If gas is $2.50 per gallon, this would mean a savings of 15 cents per gallon.)
8. Should smoking be banned in all Indiana restaurants and bars?
9. Should Indiana recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?
10. Should the state ban motorists from using cell phones while driving
11. Do you support or oppose legislation to impose tougher penalties on businesses that hire illegal immigrants?
12. Do you support the governor’s recent proposal to sign a contract with a private company for the construction of the Indiana Commerce Connector, a toll road bypass around Indianapolis?
13. In an effort to provide parents with more opportunity to be involved in their child’s education, State Senator Sue Errington, (D-Muncie) has filed legislation that would require an employer to provide paid leave to parents for school conferences and other educational activities that are scheduled during the parents' work hours.

For a Summary of the 2006 Laws check out this website http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/homepages/newlaws/2006/Lawson.pdf

By: Dennis Stull, SPHR, Director of Legislative Affairs, HRACI
Executive Consultant, Kelsey & Associates (http://www.kelseyandassociates.com/)

For more information, Email Dennis at: dastull@insightbb.com or telephone: 765-482-6787
Professional Profile (http://www.linkedin.com/pub/2/586/6a7)

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By Larry Burk, SPHR

Reason No. 10—Do “one more thing” for yourself professionally
this year and become certified. Or, if you already have your PHR, plan on taking the SPHR exam or GPHR if you have international HR experience. If you do one more thing to develop your skills each year, or even every six months, you will significantly enhance your effectiveness and credibility with your company.

Reason No. 9—Certification is the “badge” of your profession. It
says that you take pride in being an HR professional and leading the people side of your organization.

Reason No. 8—You receive extremely strong support from HRCI
and SHRM in preparing to take the exam and for your recertification efforts once you become certified.

Reason No. 7—As a state council or chapter leader, you enhance your ability to be a model of professionalism for your fellow board members and your total membership.

Reason No. 6—Among your HR community, the credibility and professional“ look” of your board is enhanced if many or all board members are certified.

Reason No. 5—In these uncertain times, a job search can loom just on the horizon, and a “PHR,” “SPHR” or “GPHR” after your name can increase the possibility of finding a truly desirable position.

Reason No. 4—For three months after becoming certified, you have the right to begin each sentence with the phrase, “Now that I have my SPHR …”

Reason No. 3—Studying for the exam assures that you will become current in your profession, and a commitment to recertifying every three years will assure that you remain current.

Reason No. 2—Computer-based testing! HRCI’s new approach to administering the certification exams offers a number of advantages to those taking the exam.

And Reason No. 1 to Become PHR, SPHR or GPHR Certified—
You enhance your ability to become a strategic business partner with your company’s top management.

For more information about becoming certified, visit the Human Resource Certification Institute’s (HRCI) Web site at www.hrci.org.

Reprinted with permission from SHRM. Retrieved by Jennifer Lange, PHR, Director of Certification, HR Business Partner, AVP, Old National

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HRACI is now accepting registrations for the Spring 2007 PHR/SPHR Certification study group. There will be TWO LOCATIONS (each session will be limited to 25 participants) – One on the NORTHSIDE at JWF/ONB Insurance Group in Parkwood Crossing Office Complex (96th Street and College) and the other is DOWNTOWN at Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana, Inc. off of Michigan Street near IUPUI.

The NORTHSIDE group will meet on TUESDAY evenings from 6:00 pm to no later than 8:30 pm beginning on Tuesday, February 20 and ending on Tuesday, April 17. Again, the location for this group is:

JWF Companies/Old National Bank Insurance Group
600 East 96th Street, Suite 400
Indianapolis, IN 46240

The DOWNTOWN group will meet on WEDNESDAY evenings from 6:00 pm to no later than 8:30 pm beginning on Wednesday, February 21 and ending on Wednesday, April 18. Again, the location for this group is:

Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana, Inc.
1635 West Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46222

Materials:
Again, this Spring we’re going to be using the HRCP study materials (this is NOT the same as SHRM Learning System) which includes 6 study booklets covering each section of the exam (specifically Strategic Planning, Workforce Planning and Employment, Human Resource Development, Compensation & Benefits, Employee & Labor Relations, and Safety). 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 go to www.HRCP.com.

Facilitators:
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

Late Registrations = any registrations on/after February 5, 2007 will have a $50 late fee charged.

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:
Exam registrations can be done online at www.hrci.org. Please go to www.hrci.org to learn more about the application/exam fees, testing locations, and requirements.

By Jennifer Lange, PHR, Director of Certification, HR Business Partner, AVP, Old National

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We are STILL looking for 12 PHR or SPHR certified individuals to facilitate units for the study groups. If you are interested in volunteering to facilitate any of the following units (and ideally we’ll need 2 people for each unit): Strategic Planning, Workforce Planning and Employment, Human Resource Development, Compensation, Employee Relations, and Labor Relations – please contact Jennifer Lange, PHR at jennifer.lange@oldnational.com or at 317-706-9531.

There are several “benefits” for being a facilitator:

• Eligibility to count instruction/prep time toward PHR/SPHR recertification (see www.HRCI.org for details)
• A copy of the student study booklet (if requested)
• ALL facilitator materials—multiple choice study questions/answers, discussion questions/answers, and canned PowerPoint presentations (which can be edited) are provided FREE of charge from HRCP for each instructional topic (website and login/password will be distributed once facilitator is confirmed)
• up to $50 reimbursement for materials cost, etc. (receipt required)
• on-site laptop/projector, white board, markers, etc. furnished at facility
• AND a little thank-you gift from HRACI (valued at $25)

Interested/ Thinking About It/Have Questions? Please contact Jen Lange at 317-706-9531 or jennifer.lange@oldnational.com.

By Jennifer Lange, PHR, Director of Certification, HR Business Partner, AVP, Old National

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HRACI 2007 Volunteer Opportunities

You are a member of a great association that is rapidly growing and we need your help to keep the efforts going. HRACI has several opportunities to become more involved to continue to provide events/services that are of interest to our members. We are getting ready to ramp up for our 2007 Season and have new opportunities to donate your time sporadically for a special event or to join a committee.

Those currently volunteering have the opportunity to join a different committee, renew your interest in the same committee, or redirect your volunteer energies to those opportunities that come up on occasion.

We encourage you to review the information for each committee and find the one that best suits your interests, skills and commitment level. We will ask that you provide 3 committee choices on the application so that we can ensure equal opportunity for everyone.

A link to the HRACI Volunteer Form can be found below the committee descriptions. Please complete and submit your form.

If you have any questions, please contact Tami Murphy, Director of Volunteer Recruitment, at tami@temporaryavenue.com or 317-469-4141.

Committee: Certification
Committee Chair: Jennifer Lange, PHR
Key Responsibilities: Provide structured group process to exempt level HR persons in preparation for PHR/SPHR certification examination.
Meeting frequency: Quarterly with Career Services

Committee: College and Community Relations
Committee Chair: Scott Kincaid, SPHR, PHR
Key Responsibilities: Develops and coordinates career development opportunities for members including mentoring programs. Promote membership volunteer involvement in community volunteer organizations. Promote Groundhog Job Shadowing Day. Participate in one or more job fairs.
Meeting frequency: Quarterly

Committee: Sponsorship
Committee Chair: Patti Daniels
Key Responsibilities: Focus on securing sponsors for monthly luncheon meetings; promote website advertising, and developing new marketing strategies for HRACI.
Meeting frequency: Quarterly

Committee: Communications
Committee Chair: Susan Martin
Key Responsibilities: Produce monthly e-newsletter for HRACI members and to provide assistance to local media by connecting them with HR Specialists who will offer an HR perspective to their articles. Develop plan to increase public awareness of HRACI. Establish relationships with local media. Develop plan and ideas in order to serve as a resource to the community or local media on HR issues.
Meeting frequency: Quarterly

Committee: Diversity
Committee Chair: Erin Brothers, PHR
Key Responsibilities: Increase member awareness of area diversity resources. Improve member knowledge and skills on the business need for diversity and enhance HRACI’s community visibility in diversity.
Meeting frequency: Quarterly

Committee: Programs
Committee Chair: Helena Masters
Key Responsibilities: Coordinate all professional development activities including seminars, workshops and other events for the chapter membership. Provide a variety of programs for the memberships that are pertinent to current HR issues.
Meeting frequency: Monthly

Committee: Membership
Committee Chair: Pam Dolas
Key Responsibilities: Recruit new members and retain current members by creating a welcoming and nurturing environment in which members can network and learn together.
Meeting frequency: Monthly

Committee: Legislative Affairs
Committee Chair: Dennis Stull, SPHR
Key Responsibilities: Monitors and communicates, on a continuing basis, pending legislative, regulatory and legal action at the federal, state and local level which may have an impact on the management of human resources and employee benefits. Encourage active participation in the legislative process among chapter members.
Meeting frequency: Quarterly

Committee: Volunteer Recruitment
Committee Chair: Tami Murphy - tami@temporaryavenue.com or 317-469-4141
Key Responsibilities: Coordinate the members who wish to volunteer for HRACI.

Click here to visit our online volunteer form http://www.hraci.com/HRACIvolunteerform2007.htm

Click here to download a volunteer form in MS Word Fax back to (317) 841-8206

By: Tami Murphy, Director of Volunteer Management, Director, Temporary Avenue, LLC

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Steve Haigh
Heather Balogh
Tressa Schnippel
Shannon Crowder
Shirley Petticord
Maureen Pettypool

Valarie Gossage
Kimberly Dennis
Jessica Thomas
Debra Buntyn
Dee Dee Deffez
Wanlyn Berich