Small business owners getting information, direction

Human resources, or personnel departments in larger companies, as they have been labeled in the past, “is a growing need in small communities,’’ especially for small businesses that don’t have the staffers or experience in handling matters like payroll or hiring, said Jamie Janezich, an AHRA member.

“We live in a rural area, so we don’t have all the information’’ available to business owners or professionals in a metro area like the Twin Cities, he added.

The group has members from Grand Rapids and Hibbing to the Quad Cities and International Falls, rotating meetings to serve members in their own areas. An all-day conference is set for Oct. 1 at the Mountain Iron Community Center, which will help with training and discussions on topics such as unemployment insurance, employment law, or wellness programs.

The group also gives support and helps in the development of the human resources profession, and for small business owners, meetings are a good place to get feedback or advice on some issues, he explained. “Each person in the group is an expert in some area.’’

AHRA is offering a $500 scholarship in each of two areas, one for a human resources professional seeking certification, and one for a college-age student in studying for the profession.

The deadline for applying for the scholarships is June 15. The group’s Web site is at arrowheadhra.org, and there are details how to apply for a scholarship online.

Janezich is upbeat about belonging to the AHRA, which has “been able to help me grow as a professional.”