September 2026 |
HR InTouchThe Monthly Newsletter of the Greater Madison Area SHRM |
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In This EditionPresident's Message By Wanda Manning, MBA, SHRM-CP
Legal Update:Rounding the Punch Clock Professional Development and Events September 15th PDS Features Darcy Luoma and Liz Aidoo! Member Referral Contest! New Members Save $40! 2026 Member Roundtables Open for Registration!
Community Connect Series: nINA Collective Diversity Observances in August and September
GMA SHRM Retiree Membership Welcome New Members! Congratulations to our 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 year anniversary members!
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Greetings and Happy Fall, GMA SHRM Members!
September in Wisconsin is hard to beat. From colorful fall foliage and cranberry harvests to tailgates, fire pits, and the return of football Saturdays, this season reminds us that change can be both energizing and full of opportunity. As we enter the final months of the year, it's also a great time for reflection. The HR profession continues to evolve rapidly, and the most successful professionals are balancing business needs with the human experience. Today, three trends are shaping our work more than ever: leveraging AI responsibly, building skills-based talent strategies, and enhancing employee well-being and experience. Through all of these changes, our role remains the same: we help organizations succeed by supporting their people. One insight that stayed with me from our August Professional Development Summit was the importance of psychological safety. When employees feel safe sharing ideas, asking questions, and learning from mistakes, we see engagement, innovation, and productivity thrive. As HR professionals, we have a unique opportunity to help leaders create environments built on trust, active listening, and open communication. As you think about your own organization this month, I encourage you to consider one simple question: Do employees feel safe enough to speak up? Sometimes the smallest actions—asking for honest feedback, listening with curiosity, or recognizing new ideas—can have the greatest impact. Looking ahead, I hope you'll join us for our upcoming events and learning opportunities: Professional Development Summit (PDS) - September 15 | Marriott Madison South* Join us for two outstanding sessions:
• Bridging the Wealth Gap: Tailoring Financial Wellness Benefits for a Diverse Workforce presented by Liz Aidoo • Thoughtfully Fit Teams: Create a Winning Culture presented by Darcy Luom *Please note that we do have a new location! Virtual HR Advice Network Roundtables Connect with peers, exchange ideas, and gain practical solutions to your most pressing HR challenges. With three roundtables offered each month, there's an opportunity for everyone to participate. Member Referral Contest Now through October 16, help us grow our GMA SHRM community! Share the code SAVE40 with HR colleagues, business partners, and friends interested in joining. New members receive $40 off their first year of membership, and members who refer them will be entered for a chance to win Amazon gift cards valued at $200, $100, or $50. WI SHRM State Conference, October 14-16 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells It's always one of the year's premier opportunities to learn, network, and recharge. If you haven't registered yet, now is the time. Thank you for your engagement, your leadership, and the impact you make every day in your organizations and communities. Together, we continue to strengthen the HR profession and build workplaces where people and organizations can thrive. May your employees be engaged, your leaders be coachable, your audits be uneventful, and your workplace culture continue to thrive. Warm regards, Wanda Manning, MBA, SHRM-CP President, GMA SHRM wlmanning@wisc.edu
Government Affairs & Legal Updates Legal Update: Rounding the Punch ClockSubmitted by Brian P. Goodman, Storm Larson,and Emmerson Mirus, Attorneys at Boardman & Clark LLP, a Platinum Partner
 Many employers utilize punch clocks, require employees to complete time sheets, or use computerized time-recording systems to track hours worked by hourly employees. In the past, punch clocks stamped a timecard, requiring someone to review the timecards and calculate the total hours worked. Time sheets involved similar complexities. To simplify this process, many employers adopted a rounding practice for time entries. When employers switched to electronic time-tracking systems, the rounding practice sometimes remained.The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) permits employers to round employees’ punch-in and punch-out times to the nearest 5 minutes, tenth of an hour, or quarter of an hour. The Department of Labor (DOL) approves of a rounding system so long as it does not result, over time, in the employer underpaying employees. The problem with a rounding system is that it can be difficult to adopt a system that does not favor the employer. The FLSA envisions that, on average, employees sometimes punch in a little early or a little late, without advantaging either the employer or the employee. However, in practice, this is not always the case. Sometimes there are long lines at the punch clocks in the morning when everyone is getting started for the day, but the lines are shorter at the end of the day. As a result, employees’ morning punches may be rounded down, while punch-out times might rarely be rounded up. While this may seem like a small amount of time, employee-side attorneys have recently brought class action lawsuits on behalf of every hourly employee in such cases. That small discrepancy can add up to much greater potential liability. Employers should review their policies for rounding punches, as well as how those policies play out in practice. Given the wide availability of computerized time-recording systems, employers can now calculate an employee’s worktime closely, potentially down to the second. Employers should consider adopting a new timekeeping system and work with legal counsel to ensure proper timekeeping practices. September 15, 2026 - Professional Development Summit UPDATED LOCATION! - Marriott Madison South (John Nolen Drive, across from Alliant Energy Center) Featured Presenters
Registration open!
 Return to Top Member Referral Contest! New Members Save $40!Now through October 16th, GMA SHRM is running a membership drive and referral contest! As a GMA SHRM member you already know that our organization offers support, resources, and opportunities to network with other HR professionals in the greater Madison area, so who in your network would benefit from joining GMA SHRM? Share code SAVE40 with your HR friends, colleagues, vendors, customers, etc. and new members will receive $40 off their first year dues! (This is for new memberships only.) Have them enter your name as "Referred By" on the New Member Application and you’ll be entered into the contest and a chance to win a $200, $100, or $50 Amazon gift card!. Learn more and find the partipation link below! Return to Top Board Spotlight: ProgrammingSubmitted by Brian Borkovec, Director of HR & Operations at Destination Madison and GMA SHRM’S Vice President of ProgrammingThe Programming committees work together to deliver GMA SHRM’s educational and professional development offerings, ensuring members have access to timely, high-quality learning experiences and certification resources. Specifically, these committees plan and execute the annual Human Capital Conference (HCC), determine content and speakers for the Professional Development Summits (PDS), and promote SHRM certification and recertification through study groups and educational resources. We recognize that the programming offered by GMA SHRM is one of the primary benefits we offer to members and are always seeking additional volunteers to help keep our programming top-notch. Volunteers on our Programming committees help serve the organization by:
Asked why they serve GMA SHRM by leading their respective committees, here are some thoughts from our current board members: “I serve on the GMA SHRM Board because I value the opportunity to give back to the HR community, build connections, and contribute to the growth of our profession. I volunteer to lead the Human Capital Conference because I enjoy bringing people together to create an engaging, meaningful event where HR professionals can learn from one another, make connections, and leave with ideas they can put into practice.” – Nancy Andrews, HCC Director “I volunteer with GMA SHRM because I genuinely believe in the value of bringing HR professionals together to learn, connect, and grow. Serving as Director of Programming and leading the PDS Committee gives me an opportunity to help create those experiences for our members and contribute to a professional community that I value. What I enjoy most is seeing an idea come together—from identifying topics and speakers that will be meaningful to our members to creating programs where people can walk away with a new perspective, a useful resource, or a valuable connection.” – Lisa Rusch, PDS Director “I volunteer with GMA SHRM because I believe in giving back to the HR community that has provided me with so much support, learning, and professional growth throughout my career. Serving as Director of Certification allows me to stay connected with HR professionals at all stages of their careers while helping others advance their knowledge and achieve their certification goals.” – Shanae Doerr, Certification Director Interested in learning more about getting involved with the Programming committees? Feel free to reach out to VP of Programming, Brian Borkovec, at vpprogramming@gmashrm.org Return to Top 2026 Member Roundtables Open for Registration!Join us for these virtual discussions facilitated by members! During Roundtables, members discuss their emerging HR challenges and when possible, others offer possible solutions, support, and resources. Come with those questions top of mind for your organization, offer your own experience and best practices, or simply join to network with others by using the registration links below. Roundtables are designed for human resource professionals who are interested in sharing their ideas and experiences in a confidential environment. It is expected that what members share in these roundtables will stay within the roundtable. We encourage members to exchange contact information and reach out to each other outside of these meetings to expand on the discussions. Roundtables are held 3 times per month!
More Information and Registration Return to Top August and September Observances
Submitted by Lana Martin, Consultant Engagement Manager at Evergreen Healthcare Partners and GMA SHRM’S Director of DEI Committee  Community Connect Series: nINA Collective Welcome to Our Community Connect Series! In the coming months, the Community Connect Series will introduce our members to some of the many organizations and local resources that support employees, workplaces, and our community as a whole. Our goal is to strengthen the connection between GMA SHRM members and our community by bringing awareness to the organizations and services available to us. We hope this series provides opportunities to build stronger community partnerships, connect employees with valuable resources, and explore ways to collaborate with local organizations. Our hope is that together, we can co-create stronger workplaces and by extension, a stronger community. *Have a suggestion for this series? Email deicommittee.gma@gmail.com Community Connect Series: nINA Collective  nINA Collective is a Madison-based organization that works with organizations to build more equitable systems and create workplaces where people feel a sense of belonging. Their practice centers around justice, humanity, and belonging. nINA has supported organizations with work such as:
If your organization is looking to strengthen its work around racial equity, belonging, and organizational culture, nINA Collective is an incredible local resource to connect with: https://www.ninacollective.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com We encourage you to use observances we post monthly on our LinkedIn page. Let’s use this as an engagement tool to connect with others and practice inclusion! GMA SHRM and Member News
GMA SHRM – Retiree Membership
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| Amy | Chart | Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation | |
| Anika | Goel | MBA | Amazon |
| Heather | Gretzinger | SHRM-CP | Farmers & Merchants State Bank |
| Kristi | Kearns | Dental Health Associates | |
| Arjeta | Lumani | Illuminus | |
| Madison | Meador | Cottingham & Butler | |
| Dawn | Mullarney | Unique Connector | |
| Nicole | Neuberger | Illuminus | |
| Casey | Radtke | PSHRA-CP | City of Middleton |
| Emma | Rundquist | Findorff | |
| Brook | Schroeder | Human Interest | |
| Aaron | Schueller | Klaas Financial | |
| Tanya | Sime | One Community Bank | |
| Jody | Skallerud | SHRM-CP, PHR | Cru Concrete |
| Kelly | Stewart | SHRM-SCP | Abbott (formerly Exact Sciences) |
| Katie | Wales | The Gilded Tile | |
| Alexandra | Wildenborg | Horizon Develop Build Manage |
Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries!
August Anniversaries
Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries!
1 Year! (2025)
Amy Ableidinger
Becky Wiegel, SHRM-CP
Stephanie Pucci
Katherine Griffin
Kristi Walters
Amelia Skelton
Sara Peterson
Erica de Lacerda
Kendell Wright, SHRM-CP
15 Years! (2011) Nice!
Abigail LaCourser, PHR, SHRM-CP
25 Years! (2001) Impressive!
Sue Estes (Past President)
Cynthia Prest, PHR
Lori Sheets, SHRM-CP
30 YEARS! (1996) Wow!
Kristine Kreuger, PHR
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Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries!
1 Year! (2025)
Amy Ableidinger
Becky Wiegel, SHRM-CP
Stephanie Pucci
Katherine Griffin
Kristi Walters
Amelia Skelton
Sara Peterson
Erica de Lacerda
Kendell Wright, SHRM-CP
15 Years! (2011) Nice!
Abigail LaCourser, PHR, SHRM-CP
25 Years! (2001) Impressive!
Sue Estes (Past President)
Cynthia Prest, PHR
Lori Sheets, SHRM-CP
30 YEARS! (1996) Wow!
Kristine Kreuger, PHR
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HR InTouch Guidelines
Article Writing:
Do you have an interest in writing for the HR InTouch? We have an interest in learning more about your area of expertise!
Why should you volunteer? Top three reasons: 1) to share your knowledge and experiences to educate others; 2) to become more connected in the HR and Dane County communities; and 3) to contribute towards the advancement of GMA SHRM and the HR profession.
The first step is for you to choose a submission option: you can pre-submit an article to GMA SHRM at any time for us to use in any of the upcoming newsletters, you can sign up to write for a particular month, or we can put you on a list of people to contact in future months whenever we need articles.
Article length:
Because the HR InTouch is now in an online format, the size is flexible. The article should be engaging and hold readers’ attention. Include the core information in your article, and we will advise if it is too lengthy.
Solicitation:
GMA SHRM is conscious not to allow solicitation through the articles, in an effort to protect the interests of our partners and members. The nature of the article should be educational (i.e., what are the business advantages of having a product like yours) or informational. Otherwise, if you truly are interested in advertising through the HR InTouch, you can work with our Marketing Committee. As a rule of thumb for article writing, if the submission relates to a for-profit event, or specifically markets your company (vs. your industry), it is an advertisement, and should be purchased. If it is a not-for-profit event that your company is hosting, or an announcement (i.e., a SHRM member recently joined your company), it is an acceptable addition to the HR InTouch content. If you have any questions related to the appropriateness of your submission, please contact us.
If you have questions, or to submit an article, contact GMA SHRM at chapteradmin@gmashrm.org .
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