Arrowhead Human Resources Association Meeting

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

10:00 a.m.  – 12:00 noon

Hibbing Park Hotel, Hibbing, MN

 

I.      Call to order:

The AHRA meeting was called to order by President Klima, at approximately 10:00 a.m. on January 14, 2009.   She introduced herself as the new President and asked for introductions of those attending.

II.      Guest Speaker:

Dan Morgan of Meadowbrook Insurance Group presented information on best practices for preventing workplace injuries.  The handouts provided will be posted aon the AHRA website.

III.      Business Meeting:

a)      Six Meetings Per Year:  President Klima discussed the change and rationale behind moving from four to six meetings per year.  The change was proposed by the Board because with the four meeting structure, missing one meeting meant missing 25% of all meetings held.  Also, most established Chapters meet more than four times per year.   Along with the traditional Wednesday meeting timeframe, some meetings will be held on Thursdays to increase flexibility in case Wednesdays do not work for everyone.  The next meeting (March 11th) is scheduled to be in the Grand Rapids area.  Jamie Janezich, Programs Chair, is currently exploring topics.  Ideas reviewed include the new changes to FMLA/ADA.  It was suggested that topics of interests be communicated to Jamie for future meetings.  Because the group likes to rotate meeting locations all across the Iron Range to accommodate its wide geography, President Klima also asked for volunteers to host the meeting, provided you have a conference room that can accommodate 25-30 attendees.  Carmen Bradach of the DNR, Grand Rapids indicated that her facility has the accommodations for the meeting.  Blandin Foundation also has accommodations. 

 

b)      Position Description Change/Board of Directors:  For better organization and ease of tracking membership, it was suggested that the Membership Chair/Treasurer positions be combined, instead of the current structure of having a Secretary/Treasurer.  Most of the funds for the organization come from membership.  Dale Gilbertson motioned to approve changing the Bylaws to combine the Membership Chair/Treasurer position.  The motion was supported by Jamie Janezich and passed unanimously.  The Secretary will continue to send out meeting notices, prepare press releases, and prepare agendas and minutes.  Janezich also suggested that the Board explore adding a past-president position to smooth the transition.

c)      Volunteer Opportunities:  President Klima mentioned that there are some committee chair positions available within the organization.  They are listed as follows:

Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) Coordinator:   This person is responsible for coordinating approval of seminars and presentations for HRCI credits for those with Human Resource certification.  This person would be asked to attend at least one webnar.

 

Legislative Affairs Coordinator:  This person is responsible for reporting on pertinent HR legislative activity at each meeting.

 

College Relations:  This person is responsible for coordinating activity with the college and would take the lead on AHRA’s scholarship programs.

 

Workforce Readiness:  This person is responsible to report on the topic of workforce readiness for our local.  Terri Nystrom (Curent Workforce Investment Board Chair can report on Workforce Center activity, including Range Readiness Initiative, etc.)

 

Diversity:  This person is responsible for communicating issues of importance regarding diversity issues.  Brenda from Essar Steel volunteered.

 

If anyone is interested in volunteering for any one of these positions, please inform Amy Klima.

 

d)      CAPS Report (Chapter Achievement Plan):  The plan is due January 31st and is being readied for submittal.  The Chapter goal is to – once again – achieve the Superior Merit Award.

 

e)      MN SHRM Leadership Conference is being held on January 18-19 in St. Cloud, Minnesota.  President Klima, Jenn Tiedemann and Jamie Janezich are all attending.  If anyone else is interested, let President Klima know as soon as possible.  The cost is $80.

 

f)        As part of our goal to give back to the community, AHRA asked for donations of either non-perishable food items or money to support the local food shelf.

 

g)      HRCI Information:  A pamphlet of information on becoming a certified HR professional was passed around to the group.  President Klima talked about the benefits of becoming certified and indicated that our Chapter does provide $500 scholarships for those interested in applying.

 

 

 

 

h)      Membership Report:  Connie Larson, Membership Chair/Treasurer, reported that there are currently 20 paid members.  She also talked about the benefits of becoming a SHRM member.  Even though our chapter doesn’t require SHRM membership, it is strongly encouraged.  Brochures for SHRM and for our local AHRA chapter are available.  Membership applications can be found on the website.

 

i)        Treasurer’s Report:  Terri Nystrom reported that the current checking account balance is $5,873.85.  The 2008 Financial Review is attached.

 

j)        Legislative Report:  Paul Carlson reported on some breaking news regarding President Obama’s support of two new pay laws addressing pay discrimination claims.  Carlson also mentioned that the changes to the FMLA laws that go into effect on January 16th are another top legislative item.  SHRM will be providing a webcast on these changes.  View the SHRM website for more information.  I-9 procedures will also be changing effective February 2, 2009.  The new forms are available on the web (www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-9.pdf.)  You can also call 800-375-5283 for more information.  Carlson closed with mentioning that there will be changes to the HRIC certification process going into effect in 2011 making the process more difficult.  He also encouraged that others bring legislative information to each meeting.

 

k)      e-folio:  Janezich circulated a flyer about efolio.  They are holding a luncheon on Friday, January 23rd, to present information on how efolio can help you make better hiring decisions, discover new recruitment possibilities and network with potential job candidates. 

IV.      Adjournment

l)        President Klima wrapped up the meeting by talking about the networking benefits of the meetings and encouraged discussion between group members. The meeting ended and the thank you lunch was served at approximately 11:45 a.m.

Respectfully submitted by:  Terri Nystrom, Secretary