2010 Membership Meeting Summaries
Click on a link below to read the meeting summary for that month:
December 2010
November 2010
September 2010
July 2010 - Employment Law Conference
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
December Holiday Party & Installation Dinner
HR Martin County’s Holiday Party & Installation Dinner was held December 8, 2010, at Monarch County Club in Palm City. The event began at 5PM with cocktails, hors d’ouevres and networking. Angelique Lyons welcomed attendees and guests at 6PM followed by a dinner buffet. Following dinner, Angelique highlighted HR Martin Chapter accomplishments, including the very successful Employment Law Conference and Best Places to Work Event, Book Drive, Members in Transition Program, SHRM Foundation Auction, Food Drive and Superior Merit & Chapter Champion Designation. The 2010 Board of Directors and Committee Chairs were given a beautiful desk clock as a token of appreciation for their service. We all had lots of laughs at the very clever poem Angelique presented incorporating all of the board and committee chair names.
2011 President Maryellen Castellano, SPHR 2011 Board of Directors Installation Ceremony
The annual President’s Award was present to Louise Auclair Sikorski, the 2010 Public Relations Chair, for her efforts in getting media attention for the chapter, service on committees and business support of HR Martin County. Pat Szczesny presided over the installation of Officers for 2011 and the gavel was officially passed to Maryellen Castellano, 2011 HR Martin County President. We all wish Maryellen a very successful year.
Thanks to all attendees who brought toys to be donated to the House of Hope.
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November Meeting Summary
HR Martin County’s November 2010 Membership Luncheon was sponsored by Keiser University. Leslie Haviland-Smith, Associate Director of Student Services, provided information on Keiser’s employment services cooperative effort with CollegeCentral.com. Employers can register online and post full-time, part-time, internship, seasonal and freelance jobs. The registration process also gives employers the ability to search student and alumni resumes to find outstanding candidates.
November Sponsor, Leslie Haviland-Smith from Keiser University
HR Martin County President, Angelique Lyons, presented a brief report on the December’s Holiday Party and Installation Dinner which is being held on December 8, 2010, at Monarch Country Club. To encourage everyone to attend, cost is being kept to a minimum, $25 person, or $50 with a guest. An update was also presented on the Best Places to Work Program, which was a tremendous success this year. Check out the HR Martin website for the announcement of the winners and great photos.
The November Diversity Topic was the SECURE Project for Sensitivity Training, based on the Lee Memorial Health Systems program. The speaker was Mary Craig, Senior/Outreach Services Director for the Council on Aging of St. Lucie, Inc. This training gave the participants a real insight and understanding of the challenges of our senior citizens, both at home and in the workplace. Mary provided “hands on” simulations to experience how the aging process affects vision, hearing and manual dexterity. We all had a great time laughing at ourselves as we tried to do the exercises, but quickly realized for our seniors these challenges are part of their everyday lives.
Speaker, Mary Craig from Council on Aging of St. Lucie HR Martin members, Louise Sikorski and Denice Polselli
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September Meeting Summary
HR Martin County’s September Membership Luncheon was sponsored by Harmony Healing Arts Center: A Creating Wellness Center. Dr. Bruce Hansbrough, Director of Corporate Programs, provided attendees with a wonderful, healthy lunch. Dr. Hansbrough, a member of HR Martin, frequently supports the Chapter by providing lunch. We appreciate his generosity.
Nicki Schoonover presented the 2010 Schoonover Professional of the Year Award to Jan Foselli. Jan has been an active member of HR Martin for many years, serving as an officer and on numerous committees. She is tireless leader contributing her time to Chapter events, the business community and nonprofit organizations. She consistently displays the highest characteristics of professionalism. Congratulations, Jan, Well Deserved!
The program, “The 7 Crucial Elements of a Highly Effective Workplace Wellness Program,” was presented by our meeting sponsor, Dr. Bruce Hansbrough,
Harmony Healing Arts Center
. Dr. Bruce highlighted the statistics of the rising obesity rates in the
United States
. He pointed out the components of adopting a healthy lifestyle; Eat Nutritious Food, Be Physically Active, Avoid Tobacco Use and Think Well. He outlined the 7 Crucial Elements of a Highly Effective Workplace Wellness Program which are;
Create A Vision, Make Goals, Set Objectives, Provide Implementation & Timeline, Market the Plan to Employees, Prepare a Program Budget and Evaluate Results. Remember the motto…….Be Fit, Think Well, Eat Right. Thanks to Dr. Hansbrough for the very informative presentation.
The final part of the meeting was our annual SHRM Foundation Auction & Raffle!
There were several generous donations for auction from Sandhill Cove, Treasure Coast Urgent & Family Care, Angelique Lyons, Mariner Sands,
PGA
Golf, Wellhaven & Associates, Corporate Benefit Advisors,
IBM
SE Federal Credit Union, Premier Realty and Christine’s Total Care & Massage Studio.
The Auction & Raffle raised $890 and HR Martin donated and additional $110 for a total of $1,000. The SHRM Foundation is the 501(c)(3) non-profit affiliate of SHRM. A leading funder of HR research grants, the Foundation produces publications and educational resources to advance the HR profession. Their work is made possible by tax-deductible donations.
October 28, 2010
, is the annual Best Places to Work in Martin County Annual Awards Luncheon at Monarch Country Club. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
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2010 Employment Law Conference Summary
HR Martin County’s 2010 Employment Law Conference: Reality HR - Applying the Law to Real Life was held at Monarch Country Club on July 23, 2010. The conference was sponsored by IBM Southeast Employees’ Federal Credit Union for the second year. We are so grateful for their continued support. In attendance were 62 HR professionals and CEO’s from both profit and nonprofit organizations. The conference provided a wealth of information, a great brunch and a comprehensive handout. Four (4) HRCI Credits were available for certified SPHR/PHR professionals.
HR Martin County President, Angelique Lyons of Constangy, Brooks & Smith and Robert Kilbride of Fox, Wackeen, Dungey, et al, presented in four significant areas of information:
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Best Practices in Employment & Pre-Employment including Employment Applications, Interviews, Background Checks, Drug Testing, Handbooks and Arbitration Agreements was presented by Bob Kilbride and included some humorous information from the “1943 Guide to Hiring Women.” Women definitely have come a long way!
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Effective Documentation presented by Angelique Lyons stressed that the information must be Meaningful, Important and Specific. Performance evaluations, Discipline, Termination, Access and Retention of Documents were issues discussed.
Thanks and appreciation to Angelique Lyons and Robert Kilbride for giving their time to present such a wonderful learning opportunity.
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June Meeting Summary
HR Martin County’s June Membership Luncheon was sponsored by Corporate Benefit Advisors. CEO and Managing Partner, Heather Leck, highlighted some of the employee benefit services the company provides including group health, life, dental, vision and disability insurance, wellness programs, 401(k)s, and individual products/strategies for business owners, executives and key employees. Since CBA believes that your good health is a solution, they provide a comprehensive wellness program to their clients to keep their employees healthy. CBA was the winner of the WELCOA’s Well Workplace Small Business Award for 2010.
President, Angelique Lyons, the Board and Committee Chairs made several announcements:
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The Book Drive was a great success. Many of the books were delivered and additional books will be delivered soon .
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The Members in Transition program provides two members an opportunity to attend the monthly membership lunch at no cost.
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The Employment Law Conference, “Reality HR, Applying the Law to Real Life,” will be held, July 23, 2010, at Monarch Country Club. The cost is $55 per person which includes a brunch buffet. Angelique Lyons and Robert Kilbride are the featured speakers. Four HRCI Credits are confirmed. Members are invited to participate and also spread the word about this great educational opportunity to professional colleagues and CEO’s.
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Donations are needed for the SHRM Foundation Auction in September
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Instructors are needed for the fall certification classes
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Professional clothing for the women residing at Safespace can be brought to the July meeting (Legal Conference). Members who can volunteer their time to assist the women with interviewing and resume writing can contact Jodi Dargan.
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A membership event is being planned for Aug 18th at 4PM. Madeline Greenwood will be doing a training on the benefits of laughter. More to follow.
Peggy DeMars, our program chair, will be presenting a monthly “Wellness Watch.” She provided material on smoking cessation programs and diabetes medications available at no cost.
The program, “Do’s & Don’t’s: Responding to an EEOC Charge & Best Preventative Practices’” was presented by Nitza Wright, EEOC Enforcement Manager from the Miami District Office. Ms. Wright’s lively presentation provided very valuable information on a timely and relevant subject to all HR professionals. She advised that the amount of EEOC claims have tripled in the past two years. The top four charges in her district are claims related to race, retaliation, national origin and religion. Businesses must develop a strong EEO policy and train managers and employees on EEO laws and hold them accountable. She also provided the attendees with an excellent handout.
See everyone at the Legal Conference in July!
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May Meeting Summary
Treasure Coast Urgent & Family Care sponsored HR Martin County’s May Membership Luncheon. Treasure Coast Urgent & Family Care, located in the Monterey Medical Center, provides family medical and emergency services, from routine physicals to broken bones, seven days a week, Monday thru Friday 8-6, Saturday and Sunday 9-2.
President, Angelique Lyons, announced that the book drive to benefit the Library Foundation was going well and the chapter will continue to accept books until the end of May when they will be delivered.
The Employment Law Conference, “Reality HR, Applying the Law to Real Life,” will be held, July 23, 2010, at Monarch Country Club. The cost is $55 per person which includes a brunch buffet. Angelique Lyons and Robert Kilbride are the featured speakers. Four HRCI Credits are pending. Members are invited to participate and also spread the word about this great educational opportunity to professional colleagues and CEO’s.
Denise Polselli, International Wholesale Tile, has accepted the Diversity Chair for HR Martin County. She will be working with her team to facilitate the Diversity Award, which will be presented in November. More to follow. Thanks, Denise!
Publicity for the Steps to Success program was a great success! The Your News, insert to the Stuart News, and the Good For You Section of the Stuart News, published our news release.
The program, “Workforce Planning Journey: From Selection to Succession,” presented by Seema Rafay, MBA, President of Spectrum Performance Management, provided 1 hour of HRCI recertification credit. Since employers invest so much in searching and selecting candidates and because employees are the greatest resource for continued productivity and revenue, getting top performers are an organizational imperative.
Seema talked about APRR, Attract, Promote, Retain & Reward theory and also the importance of job matching in succession planning. She also talked about the Harvard Business Review Study conclusions that “success hinges on a fit with the job,” finding the right person for the right job is the key to organizational success. Seema’s wealth of experience in the field or workforce planning gave us a great deal of information and insight into this very important function of human resources.
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April Meeting Summary
Welhaven & Associates sponsored HR Martin County’s March Membership Luncheon. Welhaven & Associates provides advertising specialties, awards/gifts, direct mail, commercial printing, public relations, electronic media, creative design and marketing consulting services. Lourdes Welhaven talked about how “their business brings more business to your business.” Several attendees won advertising specialty items, including umbrellas.
President, Angelique Lyons, announced that HR Martin County has achieved the Superior Merit Award for 2009 in addition to being designated a 2009 Chapter Champion from the SHRM Foundation. She also informed the members the SHRM Foundation Regional Scholarship Program is taking applications for both Academic and Certification Scholarships. The deadline is July 15, 2010. For more information, go to www.shrm.org/foundation, and click on Awards & Scholarships.
Jan Foselli reported the 10th Annual Steps to Success Program was a huge Success! Over 100 students attended, representing five local high schools. All expenses were underwritten by in-kind contributions, corporate sponsorship and private donations. (Visit our Chapter News page for more information and pictures!)
Susan Williams was picked as the winner for the free TCHR Conference Admittance for the HR Martin membership drive. Congratulations, Susan, and enjoy the conference!
Attendees were reminded that May is our 2nd Annual Literacy Book Drive. Members are asked to collect new or gently used books anytime through May and drop off at Fox, Wackeen & Dungey (Stuart) or Staffing Solutions of the Treasure Coast (PSL). The books will be donated to the Library Foundation of Martin County.
The program, “Leading without Authority is like Skydiving without a Parachute,” presented by Cynthia Krosky, CSP, LCSW, President of Achieving Corporate Excellence, Inc., provided 1 hour of HRCI recertification credit. If you have ever been in the position of having employees (or yourself!) lead teams or projects without direct authority over the employees involved, then you really related to this topic. Cynthia provided some time for the members to reflect on leadership support and obstacles, personal and professional growth opportunities and goals.
She discussed the process of self examination; How to nurture our growth, Understand our communication styles, Use professionalism when handling problems and Know how to give feedback. The final part of the presentation, Leading Without Authority Requires Strengthening Our Positional Power, Cynthia talked about how we Assess our needs, Include people, Take the initiative and Provide the example. Cynthia’s dynamic presentation was an inspiration to the members and with her parachute; we will all have a safe landing!
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March Meeting Summary
HR Martin County’s March Membership Luncheon was sponsored by American Portfolios Financial Services. Both Kenneth Hauck and Karl Nembach provided members with information about the services their company provides including 401K Plan Evaluation, Investment Review, Employee Education/Advice and Counseling Services.
The program, which provided 1 hour of HRCI CEU recertification credit was on Social Media Management and Employer Policy on Social Networking. Jennifer Hampton, CEO of Superior Virtual Services, gave an overview of Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter and Blogging.
Our President Elect, Maryellen Castellano, presented information on the legal issues of social media and the challenges that HR professionals face dealing with policy considerations. The information presented by both Jennifer and Maryellen was timely and valuable since so many of us are learning innovative methods as we enter the new communication environment.
Upcoming Event Reminders:
Prior to the meeting Christine Roberts gave an in depth Legislative Update and Jodi Dargan announced that HR Martin County received their 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS!
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February Meeting Summary
HR Martin County’s February Membership Luncheon was jam-packed with valuable information presented by Eric Gordon of Akerman, Senterfitt, Attorneys at Law.
Mr. Gordon’s presentation, “The 111th Congress: Recent Changes and Pending Legislation in Employment Law” highlighted possible changes in several federal laws including FMLA. He also discussed, among other things, important subjects including increased EEOC activity and the DOL’s commitment to FLSA enforcement. Mr. Gordon stressed how some of these proposed changes, if passed, could be particularly problematic to small employers.
Before we had our dose of serious issues, Florence Howe of Mr. Small Move, our February sponsor, packed up and delivered our own Jan Foselli!
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