President's Blog

Hello All!

August is here! Summer is winding down, kids are getting ready to go back to school, and cooler mornings are becoming more often. While very few are wishing summer away, fall is quickly approaching. That means lots of exciting things coming up for SESHRM!

We have some great programs coming up this fall with monthly sponsors as well.  Thank you to the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and WIN Summit teams in sponsoring our August meeting! If your company is interested in sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to me with questions.

This fall will also be our SESHRM Board Elections. We are looking for volunteers for our President-Elect, Programs Co-Chair Director, Legislative Director, Student Chapter Director, and Workforce/Diversity Director roles. If you are interested, please reach out to Julia Disburg!

Also, this fall, we will have our Workplace Excellence and HR Professional of the Year awards. We are planning to switch these up a bit this year, so watch for more information coming out soon!

Sarah

Happy July!

How is it that we are already over halfway through 2022 and stores are stocking school supplies already?! I hope everyone is getting opportunities for rest and relaxation this summer and remembering to take time for yourself. So many people depend on us both at work and at home, taking the time for self-care, rest, and relaxation is very important.

We are excited for two great events this month focused on hiring great talent! One of those events is the hands-on workshop on July 26^th. Spots were limited to maintain the ability to have that workshop approach. If you’re unable to attend, please notify us so those on the waitlist may be able to participate in your place. We hope that there will be great value found for all participants and that we will be able to offer more experiences like this in the future.

Soon you’ll start to see communications from the board on Workplace Excellence Awards, HR Professional of the year, and Board Elections. Please start thinking about nominating your company and who you want to recognize for HR Professional this year. These are amazing recognition opportunities. Joining the board is a phenomenal opportunity for development and networking. Please reach out to Julie Disburg with questions on board elections!        

Sarah

Hello Everyone!

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and finding opportunities for self-care and relaxation! I’m excited to announce that SESHRM earned the 2021 Platinum Excel Award! This award recognizes accomplishments and strategic initiatives that elevate the HR profession, ultimately creating workplaces where employers and employees can thrive together!

Our Programs Co-Directors and Committee is putting the finishing touches on the programing for the remainder of 2022. Be prepared for some great speakers and topics! Thank you to everyone who provides us with the great content every month!

We’re especially excited about the hands-on workshop coming up in July to focus on the workforce shortage. The team leading that initiative has put a lot of hours into creating this experience for our members. We hope that there will be great value found for all participants and that we will be able to offer more experiences like this in the future.

Lastly, congratulations to the SoDak State SHRM for earning the 2021 Platinum Excel Award! This is the highest award bestowed upon a State Council by SHRM. This award recognizes outstanding achievements in Chapter/State Council operations and a commitment to providing meaningful programs and services to their members/HR professionals in our State. It also is recognition of their continued growth and development as a business leader, capable of developing strategies that lead to business success! 

Sarah

Happy May Everyone! 

I was fortunate to be able to attend the SD State SHRM Conference earlier this month and listen to SHRM CEO, Johnny C. Taylor Jr. open the conference! If you ever get the opportunity to hear him speak, take it! He was very engaging and entertaining. He gave all attendees an extra boost of motivation and renewed our passion for our profession. My favorite quote that he shared was, “HR”s job is to rid the world of poor employee experiences.” That one resonated well with me and I feel it is reflective of all HR professionals no matter your area of focus. I hope each one of our members know their value to the profession, to your teams, and to your employers. Be sure to take the time for your own professional development by attending our monthly chapter meetings, participating in the mentor program, or consider volunteering to serve on a SESHRM Committee or a Board Position.

Speaking of board members, we are excited to welcome Stephanie Keizer and Maggie Garry to the SESHRM Board! Stephanie is serving as our Conference Director and Maggie is our new Legislative Director. Thank you to Alex Clark for all he’s done with SESHRM over the last few years and most recently as our Legislative Director. We wish he and his family the best of luck in their new adventures in Minnesota!

Sarah

Somehow it is April already, but that also means Spring is here and more of the spring weather should be following soon! Speaking of Spring, a BIG shout out to all of the members of the Conference Committee that put on a wonderful Spring Conference. Jennifer McClure and Ali Payne were fabulous! 

The SESHRM board has been busy coming up with ways to engage with our members more. We hope that each of you find something that fits you – if you don’t please reach out to one of us with your ideas that we can incorporate in the future. A simple engagement opportunity includes posting/responding to other members via our social media channels including, Slack, LinkedIn, and Facebook.  Upcoming opportunities include being a mentor or mentee as part of our SESHRM Mentor Program. Reach out to Kassie Van Wyk for additional information. Another great opportunity is to join our board. In another article you’ll see specifics on the Conference Director spot that we are looking to fill now. Early this fall you’ll see more about the positions that will be coming available at the end of the year. Reach out to Julia Disburg for more information on how to join our board.

Other opportunities to watch for in the future include Certification Scholarships, Award Nominations, Member Resource Groups, Committees (Programs, Salary Survey, Conference, etc.), Conference Registration Drawings, and more. 

On behalf of the board, we look forward to engaging with you soon!  Happy Spring to all!

Sarah

My daughter (6 years old) has been looking forward to March because that means spring is here. She was a bit disappointed to have it snow, but still made the best of it and was soaking up the sun while laying in the snow. I think we can all agree with her that we are excited for Spring to officially be here! Spring means more sunshine, warmer temperatures, and grass and flowers growing! Speaking of spring and growing - Be sure to GROW WITH US on March 15^th to hear from Jennifer McClure and Ali Payne about Succession Planning and Talent Retention! This year’s Spring Conference is sure to give us tips and tricks to grow our retention plans in this dynamic talent market. 

May 4^th – 6^th is the SoDak SHRM State Conference in Watertown. Registration is now open! We will also be giving away TWO registrations to the state conference during the Spring Conference. 

Another way to grow yourself this month is to submit your application for the National SHRM Conference Scholarship! We are giving away TWO this year! The deadline is March 11^th so don’t delay!

Be on the look out for more ways to grow your network, career, and resources throughout the year! We have exciting things to come around Programming, Mentoring, and more.

Hello Everyone!

Wow that first month of 2022 flew by!  A big thank you to the Programs Co-Directors and Committee for our January speaker, Scott Welle. What a great way to start the year and focus on goal setting! Thank you all for sticking with us, virtually and in-person as we adjusted to our new facility in January.  We appreciate all the feedback you’ve shared with us! Please be sure to complete the surveys each month after each event. Our vision is, “To create a learning and networking environment that will inspire and develop Human Resources Professionals”. Your feedback helps us in aspiring to meet that vision. 

This month, our Member Resource Groups (MRGs) are kicking off. Thank you to all the Advisors, Facilitators, and Participants. We are excited to offer this extra benefit to our members. Also, this month watch for more information about our upcoming Spring Conference!  Be sure to follow us on your favorite social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Slack, Twitter) to see updates!

We are excited to see you all on February 15^th for our February Chapter meeting:  Building your Brand!

Sarah

Happy New Year! We hope you all had a joyful holiday season with family and friends!  The SESHRM board just met on our focuses for 2022 and our theme is GROWTH. We want to focus on increased member engagement both in person and virtually, diversifying in development opportunities being offered, and expanding our communication and outreach. Watch for more details soon!

On January 18^th, we will be holding our January half-day session with Scott Welle.  He will be helping us start off the year right by inspiring us to perform our best selves both personally and professionally. Be sure to register today! Don’t forget that our new venue is the Hilton Garden Inn South.   

One last thing I’d like to remind you of is to follow us on all of our social media channels: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Slack. Slack is a great opportunity to network and start conversations with other HR professionals on topics or questions that are on your mind.

Thank you for the opportunity to lead our wonderful organization this year!  I’m looking forward to a fantastic year!

Sarah Hanson

President

Wow…. I really can’t believe this is the last newsletter of the year! I am very grateful for all of the support from the SESHRM Board as we continue to advance the SESHRM Chapter!

A big shout out to several of the SESHRM Board Members that will come off at the end of year. Each of them has made huge impacts and shared valuable information. They are: Cindy Krekelberg, Past President; Jen Adix, Conference Director; Anna Mitchell, Marketing Director; Justin Rey, Treasurer; and Sheila Rozeboom, Secretary. They will all be missed but we know they won’t be far away.

December is time for us to have some fun at our Social on December 14^th at 3:00 p.m. We have a ton of fun activities and networking plans.

Here is on the agenda:

• Announce Professional of the Year and Workplace Excellence Awards.
• Recognize all 2021 SESHRM Volunteers. Each volunteer will receive a complimentary raffle ticket to enter in the Basket give-away.
• Recognize departing and incoming SESHRM Board Members.
• Participate in the Annual Basket Raffle to win awesome baskets donated by various companies and/or people around the Sioux Falls area. All proceeds will go towards the Center of Hope – Sharing Christmas.
• Bring business clothing for “Dress for Success”. Check your closets and see if you have business clothing that you would like to donate for a great cause. Each person donating will receive a complimentary raffle ticket to enter the Basket give-away.
• Wear an Ugly Sweater for our 1^st Annual Ugly Sweater Contest. Short Staff will be judging, and fabulous prizes will be awarded to the 1^st, 2^nd and 3rd prize.

Remember…. January 2022 will be at our new location!

Thank you to each of you for allowing me to serve as your 2021 SESHRM President. It has been an honor!

Mary Jo Vance, SHRM-SCP

Each year the SESHRM Board reviews the potential venue options for our monthly meetings.  After careful consideration, we have made the decision to make a move in 2022.  We will be moving to the Hilton Garden Inn at 5300 S. Grand Circle. In addition, we have also made the decision to invest in some technology equipment to ensure we can continue with our in-person and virtual meeting options. See more information on the link in the newsletter!

Our November meeting will be one that you won’t want to miss! Steve Schad, President of Optima Advisory, LLC will be presenting on the New Approach to the Labor Shortage. Businesses are confronting unprecedented labor shortages that only dramatic shifts in either demographic trends or immigration policies will change. Be prepared to learn some different approaches to the labor shortage.

Bring your CASH for the November meeting as we will be holding our annual SHRM Foundation 50/50 Raffle. The SHRM Foundation's mission is to mobilize the power of HR and activate the generosity of donors to lead positive social change impacting all things work.  By doing this raffle, SESHRM can help with their mission.

Have a nice November and Thanksgiving!

Mary Jo Vance, SHRM-SCP