MEETING MINUTES – September 10th, 2003

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Association held on 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.

Frank Pomeroy introduced Mike Williams and Louise Gass of SSEACO  ( Something Special Enterprises and Career Opportunities).  Their services include:

1. Working with people with disabilities to provide vocational rehab and other services to those trying to re-enter the workforce.

2. Screen printing of ball caps, t-shirts, and other items.

3. Mass mailing services.

4. Specialty items.

5. Industrial contracts.

Additional information was made available to members at their display table.

Deanna Lane of Community CarePartners announced the Second Annual Industrial Rehabilitation Symposium, to be held Friday, September 26, 2003 at the Reuter YMCA.  This is a joint effort by CMSA, OHN, NCARP and CarePartners.  The symposium, “Communication: Making the Pieces Fit”, focuses on how each person presents an important piece of the complex puzzle required to guide injured workers back into employment.

Denise Snodgrass from UNCA introduced the services of her organization, the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement.  This program produces education, learning, leadership and service opportunities for people from 40 to 90 and older.  You don’t have to be retired to participate. Enhancement skills are provided for workers.  They are looking for ways to better serve the WNC community and welcome suggestions.  NCCCR provides an “unretirement” option – an in-depth program for people nearing retirement age who are looking to change careers.  This is an employee benefit that costs the employer nothing.

Lorraine Poe presented information from SHRM on certification.  This is a means of attaining public recognition for professional achievement, and is an aid to career enhancement.  The test is given the first Saturday in December and in May from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.  Those taking the exam have about one minute per question.  Over 50,000 HR professionals are currently certified, with Texas having the highest percentage and NC at about 3^rd or 4^th place.  The test is given through HRCI, SHRM’s credentialing body.  Go to their web site at www.hrci.org to download a handbook of certification information and view sample questions.  The PHR focuses more on administrative and operational issues, while the SPHR has a more strategic focus.  At least two years of exempt-level experience are required to take the exam.

Program Highlights:

Bettina Hall introduced today’s presenter, S. Denise Plemmons with the NC Employment Security Commission.  Ms. Plemmons began work with the ESC doing counseling and placement for unemployed and is now a Labor Market Developer.  The services she provides are one of the best-kept secrets at the ESC.  She works with employers at their request, and at no cost to the employer.  Samples of services provided include

• Employee Opinion Surveys

• Turnover Consultation

• Personnel Records and Procedures

• Job Analysis and Specifications

• Labor Market Information

• Clerical Testing

For samples of job descriptions and a link to a job description writer, Ms. Plemmons suggests going to http://online.onetcenter.org.

The ESC also provides seminars and presentations on:

• Sexual Harassment

• Performance Appraisals

• Turnover and Absenteeism

• Employee Handbooks

• Interviewing and Hiring

• ESC Services

• Other topics as requested

A wealth of additional information is available at the NC Employment Security Commission website at http://www.ncesc.com .

Chapter Announcements:

There will be no meeting in October.  Instead we will be presenting our Fall Professional Development Workshop.  More information can be found on our website.  Frank Pomeroy announced that he has only a few openings left for vendors and sponsors, so interested vendors need to act quickly.

Lisa Claxton and the Newsletter Committee are accepting submissions for the next issue of the newsletter.

Katherine Unger from the student SHRM group is looking for members who would like to speak to their group and tell them about your company, describe how you acquired your present position, and answer student questions.

The JobLink Career Center has moved to The Maple Building at the AB Tech Campus.  Call them at 828-250-4761 for additional information.

The EEOC is hosting a workshop on October 30, 2003 at a cost of $295.

The SHRM State Conference will be held on September 22 & 23, 2003.  Please let Lorraine know if you plan to attend.