President's Blog

As we wrap up another year, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all our members, sponsors, and volunteers. Your dedication has made 2024 an incredible year for our chapter that was filled with growth, learning, and meaningful connections.

This will be my final message as your Chapter President, as I prepare to hand over the reins to Lucinda Noronha. It has been an honor to serve in this role, and I am proud of all we’ve accomplished together. I am confident that under Lucinda’s leadership, our chapter will continue to thrive and reach new heights. While we are still seeking a President-Elect to step into this important role, we are fortunate to have a strong collaborative plan in place. I will be working closely with Lucinda and the SESHRM board to ensure stability and continuity during this time of transition.

If you or someone you know is interested in shaping the future of our chapter, please reach out—we’d love to hear from you! The President-Elect position is a unique opportunity to lead, grow, and make a lasting impact on the HR community.

Come and celebrate the season with us at our Annual Social on December 17^th from 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm. This fun and festive event will feature the announcement of our Community, HR Emerging Professional of the Year, and Distinguished Professional for the Year awards. This is a time to connect with fellow HR professionals, enjoy delicious food, fun games, basket raffles, and drinks. We hope to see you there!

Don’t forget to continue the success, education, networking, motivation, and fun by renewing your SESHRM membership for 2025! The deadline to renew is December 31^st this year, and you have to be renewed (and paid) in order to attend the January ½ day session without charge! It’s easy to renew! Just log on to our website and follow the steps from the home page. Please reach out to a board member if you need assistance.

Make sure to join us on January 28^th, 2025, for our ½ day workshop as we welcome Wendy Alexander from POET.  Wendy will be presenting a workshop on how to enhance team dynamics with disc training by providing an understating on how DISC personality assessments can improve team dynamics and communication within organizations.

To all our members, volunteers, and sponsors—thank you for your continued support and engagement. Your dedication makes our chapter a thriving and vibrant community.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year!

Thank you,

Monique Vanden Heuvel

November is a time for reflection, gratitude, and preparation as we head toward the close of another year. It’s a season for appreciating the contributions and hard work that bring us closer to our goals, and for setting the stage for what’s to come. As we move through the season of Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to recognize the impact we each make, support one another, and celebrate the progress we’ve achieved together. Here’s to a strong finish to 2024 and a bright outlook for the year ahead!

Please join us on November 19^th for a very important topic affecting our community.  This session will be providing valuable insights, support mechanisms, resources, and a supportive community for HR professionals dealing with mental health and suicide in the workplace.

Please be sure to vote in our upcoming Board Elections. We have one last chapter meeting in November and then our Holiday Social in December. At the Holiday Social we will be announcing the winners of the HR Professional Awards and the Workplace Excellence Awards.

Don’t forget to continue the success, education, networking, motivation and fun, by renewing your SESHRM membership for 2025! The deadline to renew is December 31^st this year, and you have to be renewed (and paid) in order to attend the January ½ day session without charge! It’s easy to renew! Just log on to our website and follow the steps from the home page!

Just a reminder that anyone who renews their membership by December 31 will have their name put in a drawing for a complimentary 2025 State Conference registration, which will be held in Rapid City, April 30 – May 2. 2024. This will be awarded during our January session.

Thank you,

Monique Vanden Heuvel

How many of you looked at the calendar and could not believe it was October? I know I was certainly in that boat. As the temperatures cool and the leaves change, October is a perfect time to reflect on the year’s progress and look ahead to the final months of 2024.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Please make sure to join us on October 15th. Emily Shuman from RMADAC will be presenting on Minimizing Implicit Bias. Emily is RMADAC's public spokesperson and works directly with regional and national media to ensure the public understands their rights and responsibilities under the ADA.

Although it’s a busy time for most, please consider nominating a peer for the HR Professional of the Year awards and/or an organization that has taken an intentional approach to encourage diversity, community involvement or their culture for the Workplace Excellence awards. Watch for upcoming information. The nomination period closes on November 8th, 2024.

October kicks off our membership renewal season! Renew your membership by 12/31/2024 to be eligible to attend the January Half Day Workshop for FREE!

The SESHRM Chapter is committed to fostering community involvement and supporting HR Professionals in their pursuit of knowledge and excellence. As part of this commitment, we are pleased to announce that we will offer (2) memberships exclusively for non-profit organizations in 2025. These scholarships are designed to provide valuable resources and education to HR professionals within non-profit organizations, empowering them to support their organizations and employees better. To apply for one of the scholarships, complete the scholarship application on the SESHRM website. The application period closes on October 11, 2024.

If you are interested in one of the SESHRM Board vacancies for next year, please reach out to me or one of our SESHRM board members. This is a phenomenal opportunity for self-development and networking. We are still looking to fill the following positions: President-Elect, Communications Director, Conference Director, Marketing Director, Programs Co-Chair.

Planning for the 2025 SoDak SHRM State Conference, So Much HR, So Little Time, is in full swing. The team from Black Hills SHRM needs your help! We are looking for volunteers to help us with the Vendors & Sponsors Committee and assist us with reaching out to individuals who may be interested in being a Vendor or Sponsor for the upcoming event! If you have some free time available and would be willing to help, please reach out to Mary Drumm mdrumm@petelien.com or Tye Kuyper, tkuyper@monument.health.

Lastly, be sure to watch for more announcements coming soon for our December Social Event! The December Social will be held on December 17th from 3pm-6pm!

Thank you for all you do!

Monique Vanden Heuvel

As we step into September, we find ourselves at the crossroads of summer’s warmth and the crisp promise of fall. It's a month of transitions, where the energy of the new season invigorates our spirits and sets the stage for fresh beginnings.

It is also the time of year when SESHRM begins to prepare for our annual elections. This year, we have several positions that will be open: President Elect, Secretary, Membership Director, Marketing Director, Treasurer, Conference Chair, Communications Director, and Program Co-Chair. Each of these positions offers a unique opportunity to serve our chapter and gain valuable leadership experience. If you are interested in running for any of the open positions, please reach out to myself or one of our current SESHRM board members as we would like to open up our board elections October 2024.

Our September meeting will be presented by Faith Minnich Kjesbo, MAMFT, NDCCDP, manager of Formation and Culture Competence, Avera Mission Services. This will be an interactive session to explore proactive skills and behaviors that will help equip us with different avenues to help effectively navigate diverse views at work.

Watch for upcoming announcements regarding our HR Professional of the Year and Workplace Excellence Awards – then consider who you could nominate in the respective categories. Nominating takes a little thought, but not a lot of time and the value of that recognition pays dividends to that HR Professional or that employer. Employers do not need to be SESHRM members to be nominated.

Lastly, please be watching for an email regarding membership renewals for 2025. Renewals will open up around October 1^st. We are looking forward to a busy fall within the chapter. Don’t forget in December we will come together to celebrate with each other and look forward to another amazing year!

Thank you,

Monique Vanden Heuvel

August is here and it is hard to believe that summer is winding down, kids are getting ready to go back to school in the next couple of weeks and fall weather will be upon us before we know it.

Thank you to all who were able to join us in July for our annual legal update with Jean Bender and Brooke Schmidt. This meeting exceeded our expectations in attendance both virtually and in person. We would like to extend our appreciation to all our incredible speakers who have generously shared their knowledge and expertise with us.

SESHRM is excited to be partnering with the Business Resource Network to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month with an event in October! More information will be available about this event soon.

Our August meeting will be presented by Rachel Gackle & Christy Westerman, Employee Benefits Consultants with Marsh & McLennan Agency. They will be exploring the progressive evolution of employer wellness programs and exploring innovative ideas for reimagining your own program.

Our organization thrives because of the dedication and passion of its members. As we look to the future, we need additional leaders to help steer our organization. We are calling on you to consider running for one of our open board positions. We are actively recruiting for the following board positions for 2025: President Elect, Secretary, Membership Director, Marketing Director, Treasurer, Conference Chair & Communications Director. Everyone’s involvement is crucial for our continued success and growth. Please reach out to one of our current board members if you are interested as we would like to roll out board elections in October 2024.

Thank you for all you do!

Monique Vanden Heuvel

As we celebrate Independence Day this month, it is important to remember the service men and women who have made so many sacrifices so we can enjoy the freedoms we have. I would like to personally thank our SESHRM members and the family members who have given their time and talents and sacrificed time with their families to serve our country. We are so blessed to have you among our ranks and are eternally grateful for your service.

SHRM held another amazing annual conference in Chicago last month, according to several SESHRM members who attended! This year’s attendance topped 26,000. The 2025 annual SHRM conference will be in San Diego, CA, information is already available for registration on the national SHRM website.

Our July Monthly Meeting will be packed with great information on Navigating the Changing Landscape: FTC’s non-compete rule and DOL’s Overtime ruling. Jean Bender and Brooke Schmidt of Davenport, Evans Hurwitz & Smith L.L.P will be presenting on this subject, there is still time to sign up.

I would like to acknowledge and thank our volunteers for everything that they have been doing to support our chapter, and the HR profession. Our chapter will have seven open board positions available this fall, and we are looking for volunteers to help in the growth of our chapter. If you have any questions regarding any of these positions, please reach out to any of our board members.

Thank you!

Monique Vanden Heuvel

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and was able to enjoy the beautiful weather! The sunshine is definitely a welcome change from all the rain.

Make sure to register for the June meeting! Shari Nornes, a principal consultant from Morgan HR will be presenting: Impactful Pay Conversations. This should be another great meeting so don't miss it!

Our Programs Co-Directors and Committee are putting the finishing touches on the programing for the remainder of 2024. Be prepared for some great speakers and topics. Thank you to everyone who provides us with the great content every month!

The SoDak SHRM State Council will be hosting a one-hour, virtual training that will be offered to all chapter members at no cost to the members. They are hoping to hold the virtual training in July or August, during regular business hours. Once we have more information on this session we will pass on the information for the session.

SoDak SHRM Scholarship Program: In recognition of the need for skilled Human Resources professionals to support the workforce within the state of South Dakota, the SoDak SHRM State Council will award one (1) $500 scholarship per academic year to an eligible undergraduate student recipient. Submit application materials by August 9th for the following academic year, defined as August through July. The scholarship recipient will be notified of award status by August 15. Check out the full application process here: https://lnkd.in/gw6j8QcR

Have a great month of June and always thank you for all you do!

Monique Vanden Heuvel

Congratulations SESHRM!! We have been awarded the 2023 Gold Excel Award! This award recognizes a chapter's outstanding achievements in providing meaningful programs and services to our members. Additionally, it is recognition of our continued growth and development as a business leader that is capable of developing strategies that lead to business success!

I, and several SESHRM members, had the pleasure to attend the SoDak State SHRM Conference held in Pierre, SD last month. There were some great sessions put on and the featured speakers were motivating. Thank you to the Pierre SHRM chapter and the SoDak State SHRM Board for hosting and being so hospitable. The 2025 SoDak State SHRM conference will be held in the Black Hills, April 30^th, 2025- May 2^nd, 2025. Mark your calendars for 2025 and hope to see everyone in the Black Hills!

Speaking of our May meeting, Trudy Billion will be joining us for a valuable session on BASK in your HR Expertise!  She will present items on taking your career to the next level by career mapping, how to leverage the BASK to be a strategic HR partner for the organization and components of the SHRM Bask.

Please always feel free to reach out to myself, or any SESHRM Board member with comments, questions, concerns or ideas! Also, a desire to volunteer on a committee, or serve on the SESHRM Board of Directors can be directed towards any board member!

The following positions will be open for 2025: President Elect, Secretary, Membership Director, Marketing Director, Treasurer, Conference Chair & Communications Director.

Have a great May!!

Monique Vanden Heuvel

Spring has sprung (finally)! What a treat!

A BIG Thank You to our Spring Planning Committee for all their work on putting together such an engaging and thought-provoking Spring Conference. Mother Nature threw us wild ball; however, this committee was able to pivot on a moment’s notice and still bring us an impactful conference. What an eye-opening session on elevating our confidence to the next level. I know that I will be implementing some of the tricks and tips that Treva presented to our group. Hopefully you all enjoyed!

Thank you as well to our SESHRM Spring Conference Sponsors, Sanford Health Plans, UKG, Think 3D, Well365, Woods Fuller, Time Management Systems, University of Sioux Falls, Paychex, Workforce, and Short Staffed, Inc. The generosity of our sponsors is a huge help in bringing in top notch speakers.

Congrats to Kristen Steen, winner of the SDSHRM State Conference Registration (Megan Petermann is the alternate), and Ashley Anderson, winner of the one-hour session with Treva!

Congratulations to our Conference Scholarship winner, Stephanie Clenney. She will be attending the SHRM Talent Conference & Expo taking place this month. We look forward to hearing all about it!

Our April meeting will be held on 04/16 and we will be welcoming Jackie Payne. Jackie will provide an overview of the FranklinCovey approach to coaching effectively and will provide a set of mindsets, toolsets, and skillsets that – when implemented intentionally- will unleash greater potential in others.

There is still time to register for the State SHRM Conference, April 30th – May 2nd in Pierre. Diverse breakout topics will include Culture, Legislative Updates, Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, AI and more. I look forward to seeing you there!

I wanted to remind our group that the May Monthly Meeting will be held on May 20th (Monday), rather than the typical Tuesday.

Have a great April.

Monique Vanden Heuvel

We can all agree that spring is in the air and many of us are counting the days to more sunshine, warmer temperatures, and grass and flowers growing. Speaking of spring, the “Spring” conference is right around the corner. If you haven’t registered to attend “Mastering Confidence: Science-Backed Strategies for Success – presented by Treva Grave”, you still have time. Register today through the SESHRM website! The first 100 onsite attendees will receive Treava’s latest book, Self-Doubt Detox. Those in attendance will have an opportunity to win a FREE State Conference registration.

The SESHRM Board is excited to announce our 2024 Strategic Initiatives! This year, the Board of Directors, committee members, and many volunteers, will be focusing on three important initiatives / projects. These include community involvement, chapter experience and increasing membership in our local and national chapter.

Early bird registration pricing for the SoDak SHRM state conference in Pierre is ending on March 31st. To register, or for more information: 2024 SoDak SHRM State Conference | South Dakota SHRM State Council

Another way to grow yourself this month is to submit your application for the National SHRM Conference Scholarship! We are giving away two conference scholarships this year. The deadline is March 22nd, so don’t delay!

Please always feel free to reach out to myself, or any SESHRM Board member with comments, questions, concerns or ideas! Also, a desire to volunteer on a committee, or serve on the SESHRM Board of Directors can be directed towards any board member! The following positions will be open for 2025: President Elect, Secretary, Membership Director, Marketing Director, Treasurer, Conference Chair & Communications Director.

Thank you for all you do!!