MEETING MINUTES – March 12, 2003

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Association held on Wednesday, March 12th, at the Renaissance Hotel in Asheville.  Should you have any questions, comments or corrections, please contact Bridget Downey, PHR, our Chapter Secretary.

Chapter Business:
The meeting was opened by President Lorraine Poe, SPHR.  Guests and first-time members were introduced.

Frank Pomeroy introduced the vendor for the month, Ted Dippy, an Independent Agent from Pre-Paid Legal Services who relayed that  Pre-Paid Legal plan participants have access to top-quality law firms for less than the cost of a cup of coffee a day.  Partners In Justice, LLC is in business to bring individuals, employees, and businesses affordable, accountable access to top law firms and business consultants across North America. They carry a full line of legal care and business consulting plans to fit the needs of their clients.  Ted stated there is never any pressure or obligation to buy. 

Renee Anderson announced that the 2003 Workshop Survey has been mailed to members.  Due to some e-mail problems, Renee will re-send the survey.  Participation is very helpful in planning the next workshop and will be greatly appreciated.  This survey form is now online also.

Lorraine Poe and Donna Cator has been working with Shelly Prochaska, SHRM Area II Manager, to ensure that the structure and content of our website meet  SHRM standards.  Thanks to Donna's hard work and diligence, the site is not only attractive and functional, but complies with everything on the SHRM checklist.  

Deborah Stewart has had some interest in setting up a study group from members seeking HRCI certification.  Please contact Deborah if you have questions about PHR and SPHR certification or the study group.  See our webpage on Certification. 

Thanks again to Lisa Claxton and Carol Rovello for completing the February Newsletter.  Some members reported that they had not received theirs, so Terry Clark will be re-sending the newsletter to everyone.

Bettina Hall was unable to be present, due to SEI losing its first group of employees. On March 19, 2003 from noon to 5:00 p.m. SEI will be hosting a job fair.  They have 82 employees to relocate.  Members interested in participating in the job fair can contact Bettina.

Lorraine Poe announced that Goodwill will be holding a job fair at the end of April.  In past years, employers have presented information on what it takes to be successful in different positions in their organizations. 

Terry Clark & Kaye Waugh are finalizing the WNC Human Resources Association Membership List, and will be sending copies out to all members.  This should be treated as confidential material.

Mission St. Joseph's Health System will be presenting a free workshop on employment law on March 25, 2003.  Contact Tonya at Kelly Services for more information. 

Program Highlights:

Lorraine Poe introduced Dr. John Sherlock from Western Carolina University, who presented a talk on the Financial Aspects of HR.  Dr. Sherlock was previously COO of the Personal Communication Industry Association, and is a strong proponent of financial education to help HR professionals become strategic partners in their organizations.  He reviewed the evolution of Human Capital Metrics from the first simple formulas to more complex, but far more meaningful methods of calculating the contribution of Human Capital. 

Dr. Sherlock instructed members in the use of other commonly used financial metrics, including a 7-Step process for computing Training ROI.  His handout contained sources for additional information useful in developing financial skills.  He advised members to become proactive in working with their organization's CFO and assured us that any CFO would openly welcome HR's interest and participation.

Members were invited to e-mail Dr. Sherlock with any questions at sherlock@email.wcu.edu

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.