MEETING MINUTES

 Introductions:

Carolyn Worthington, our chapter president, announced that we have increased our membership to 147.  To begin, she invited everyone to introduce themselves.  As food was being served, she encouraged everyone to make use of the time by networking and telling visitors about our organization. 

 Chapter Business:

Copies of the proposed bylaws and marked up copies showing the changes made were distributed for review.  Members will have until next month’s meeting to review the changes, and make any suggestions. 

There was no featured vendor this month.

Karen Ballard has agreed to assume responsibility for the Newsletter Committee.  Lisa Claxton has a baby on the way, and no doubt appreciates Karen stepping in.  Karen encourages members to send her HR news and info, interesting facts, and articles.

Carol Rovello announced that the July 13 meeting would feature a program on the Changing Demographics in WNC and the impact that is having on workforces and workplaces.

Laura Misner distributed and explained the survey for the WNCHRA’s school to work efforts.  She expressed her appreciation for the responses and offers of help she has received.

Katherine Unger distributed instructions for joining and participating in our on-line discussion group.  This is a members-only benefit and a good way for busy HR folks to share best practices and get advice on difficult issues. 

WCI has become a HRCI preferred provider.  All HR related classes taken through WCI receive HRCI credits.

George May announced that the Buncombe County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the Blue Ridge BBQ in Tryon.  Check with the Chamber for details.

Gail Baylor has been sending meeting announcements in to the Asheville Citizen-Times.  If you see WNCHRA mentioned in the paper, please cut the article out and get it to her.

The deadline to file for consideration as the 2007 State SHRM location is June 30.  This year it will be October 13-14 in Fayetteville.  See the state SHRM site for details at www.ncshrm.org/.

Program:

Carol Rovello introduced George Fleming to speak on the Benefits of Humor in the Workplace.  George’s extensive travels have taken him to the Himalayas and given him the opportunity to meet Mother Theresa.  George works as a personal and business coach and is a graduate of the Hyena Comedy Institute.

While I couldn’t begin to do justice to George’s unique approach to surviving a day in the workplace, I can direct you to his web site www.insightaction.com.  There you will not only find out lots about InsightAction, but if you look closely, you’ll locate the way to get a free half-hour coaching session. 

Throughout our working lives we have told that we must behave professionally.  That almost sounds like business and humor are operating at cross purposes.  That couldn’t be farther from the truth.  Some of the benefits of humor in the workplace include:

·        Builds relationships

·        Good for our health

·        Creates positive energy

·        Improves productivity

·        Adds to our emotional bank account

·        Gives us perspective and a new vision

·        Makes the day go by faster

·        It’s one of the top 7 skills needed to be an effective boss.

Sounds like yet another demand on our all-too-hectic schedules?  Not necessarily.  George provided us with dozens of ways to lighten up while working from wearing silly hats to acting paranoid in the elevator. 

If you need more ideas on injecting some humor in your workplace, a good source is www.teachmeteamwork.com – or you can e-mail George, who will personally give you ideas for funny games and ways to lighten up your day.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.