SHRA 2009 Summary

The 21st annual SHRA conference has come and gone. Yellowstone National Park will never be the same. This was my 6th successive conference and like I said to the group, it is my favorite conference of the year. No offense to the other conferences, but SHRA has a intimate, unique vibe and I love seeing my HR buddies from the national parks. I always leave SHRA with either ideas and inspiration for my personal life or my business life. In short, SHRA = Value. My takeaways:

• HR continues to be a challenging job that attracts problem solvers and, in the case of the parks folks, those who are a bit more adventurous as evidenced by their participation in my live SHRA podcast.
• Technology is always changing and having a guide to help move you along the path is really helpful.
• Face to face networking is the best.
• The national parks offer amazing things to do in your time off.
• Cool Works Shack tours are free, but inspire enthusiasm.
• Elk roam free and the snow flies in Gardiner during the month of October.
• The physiology of bears is incredible. Hat tip: Yellowstone Association.
• Your recruiting message better match the reality of your work environment.
• Recruiting = Finding the right people at the right time for the right job.
• The questions on employment applications are there for a reason. Answer them!
• Coaching employees doesn't have to take a long time. Think 2-minute challenge and focus on what you have observed.
• If you need a great trainer, contact Dina at FUNdamental Training Solutions.
• Need guidance on "Independent Contractors?" Google or Bing "87-41"
• NEVA, the New Employee Verification Act, was introduced in 2008 and its goal is to prevent unauthorized employment. More thoughts about NEVA on the Department of Homeland Security journal.
• When dealing with employees, performance is always on the table.
• HR managers in the national parks get to use hatchets and magic wands. Making memories and changing lives.
• International agencies have also been affected by the recession. Their biggest challenge is meeting the needs of the ever changing requests of their employer clients.

To hear the HR managers talk about how they got to where they are and a bit about their parks, please take a listen to the Seasonal Human Resources Association live podcast. Sorry for the poor audio quality at the beginning, but the content should make up for it! Long live SHRA and bring on the 2010 conference! HR Rocks.

SHRA 2009 is coming to Gardiner

Check your travel budget and book your tickets, SHRA is coming to Gardiner, Montana. SHRA, the Seasonal Human Resources Assocation, will be gathering for the 21st time in the land of CoolWorks.com. Two of our team members make Gardiner their home and I'll be flying in for the festivities. The conference will take place from Sunday, October 25, to Thursday, October 29. By virtue of being on our home turf, Patty, aka SHRA Queen, has scored some great deals on the conference center and hotel. Fun should be had by all.

You can learn more and register for SHRA 2009 on the SHRA website.

Anticipated topics will include:

• Legal Update and Workshop ~ Employment Law presentation - Mark Berry, partner with Davis, Wright and Tremaine, LLC
• HR in the ObamEconomy - How our worlds have changed
• Social Networks - The fine line between maintaining a presence, being informed, being resourceful and lurking
• Employee Communication
• HR record keeping - updates, options and practices
• International Employee Session - J1 student market update, with additional H2B information
• A Christian Ministry in the National Parks ~ 2009 in review
• CoolWorks User Group - optional - chance to scheme/inquire

Human Resources is truly a career where having other HR folks in your virtual rolodex is key. Come meet colleagues, and in some cases, lifelong friends. Your office will appreciate your good mood once you return. Join us in Gardiner!

The group at the 2008 conference at Edgefield in Portland, Oregon.

Register TODAY!