July 2017

HR InTouch

The Monthly Newsletter of the Greater Madison Area SHRM

In This Edition

President's Message

By Melissa Chadwick
 

Government Affairs & Legal Updates

Elimination of Work Permit Requirements for Minors 16-years or Older Signed Into Law

IRS Announces Updates to HSA and HDHP Requirements for 2018 

Want to Help Shape Future Government Affairs Programming?
 

Professional Development

2017 WISHRM State Conference - HR's got Talent

SHRM Foundation Certification Scholarships

GMA SHRM Idea Exchange

Workforce Readiness & Diversity


GMA SHRM Media Relations

Media Relations Committee

Forward HR


GMA SHRM News & Upcoming Events

Casino Night - Networking and Volunteer Recognition

View the 2017 Calendar of Events!
 

GMA SHRM Member News


GMA SHRM Member Spotlight

Welcome New Members!

Movin' Up

In Transition

 


 

 

President's Message

GMA SHRM
2017 Corporate Partners

Gold Level

Boardman & Clark Law Firm
Career Momentum
Godfrey & Kahn
The Payroll Company
Remedy Intelligent Staffing
Threadfellows

Silver Level

Bunbury & Associates
First Choice Dental
Hausmann-Johnson Insurance Group
M3 Insurance
QPS Employment Group
Summit Credit Union
Ultimate Software

Bronze Level

Adecco Engineering & Technology
The Alliance
Edgewood College
Escape This! Team Building - Special Events
The QTI Group
Stark Relocation
Unity Health Insurance

Thank you!

 


 

Greetings GMA SHRM Members –

 Happy New Year!  Yes, that’s right; our GMA Chapter started its new fiscal year on July 1.  We had such a great year last year and look forward to another fantastic year as an organization and with our board.  I want to take an opportunity to first welcome our new board members as well as welcome back last year’s board.  With our expanded board, I know we’ll be able to accomplish even more in the coming years.  Please join me in congratulating our 2017-2018 Board of Directors:

President: Melissa Chadwick
President-Elect: Tammy Wacek, PHR
Past President:  Vacant
Vice President of Finance: Missy Roth, SHRM-CP,  PHR
Vice President of Membership: Michael Johnson
Vice President of Programming: Jane Maule, SHRM-SCP, SPHR
Vice President of Communications:  Tia Gibson, MBA, SHRM-CP, PHR
Vice President of Community Outreach:  Tracy Nelson, SPHR, CPLP
Director of Corporate Relations:  Shaun Thomson, SHRM-CP, PHR
Director of Compensation Survey:   Rachel Martin, SHRM-CP
Director of Volunteer Engagement:  Ben Lohdahl
Director of Retention & Recruitment:  Gene Sarmiento
Director of Professional Development Summits:   Brian Goodman
Director of Human Capital Conference:  Dana Denny
Director of Workforce Readiness: Jon Stinemetz
Director of College Relations: Tyler Wood
Director of Governmental Affairs: Jeffery Palkowski, MHRM, PHR, SHRM-CP
Director of Media Relations: Brittany Hanson, MBA, PHR
Director of Diversity:  OPEN

 As you can see, we have a highly qualified board and look forward to serving you in the coming year.  Please feel free to contact any of the board members to learn more about their committees, how to get involved or to share your ideas.  And of course, my phone is always on.

I challenge you to become more involved in the coming year with GMA.  You’re a member already – so why not take even more advantage of your membership benefits?  I challenge you to consider joining a committee (commitment can be as little or much as your schedule allows!), attend a PDS or networking event, attend an HR Advice Network Roundtable or post in the Idea Exchange. 

To that point - we look forward to seeing you at our Casino Night event on August 17 at the Brink Lounge!  This will be a night of networking, member and volunteer recognition, Casino games and prizes!  Registration will open soon and you will want to be sure to sign-up to attend. 
Enjoy the summer – we all know it will go by too quickly!


Best Wishes,

Melissa Chadwick
President
GMA SHRM

Click here to view the full GMA SHRM Board of Directors
 

Return to Top
 

Government Affairs & Legal Updates

Elimination of Work Permit Requirements for Minors 16-years or Older Signed Into Law

Submitted by:  Jeff Palkowski, Director of Government Affairs GMA SHRM and SHRM Advocacy Captain (Wisconsin 1st CD)

Governor Scott Walker signed Assembly Bill AB25 into law as 2017 Wisconsin Act 11 on June 21, 2017.  This legislation, introduced by Rep. Amy Loudenbeck (R-Clinton) ends the century-old requirement for 16- and 17- year olds to obtain a work permit through the Department of Workforce Development prior to employment. 
 
The law also updates statutory language to replace the phrase “child labor” with “the employment of minors.”
 
Proponents of the legislation believe that the previous requirements were unnecessary and created a barrier for low-income minors who wished to seek employment.  Prior to this change, 16- and 17- year olds who wished to work had to present a signed letter from both the employer and the parent or guardian, provide proof of age (i.e. birth certificate), a social security card, and pay a $10 permit fee to obtain the work permit for each job.  Opponents of the legislation are concerned that this change may create issues with a parent’s ability to manage a work/school balance for their children.
 
2017 Wisconsin Act 11 does not make any changes to state labor laws that govern how many hours or the time of day that minors can work.
 
To view the final language of 2017 Wisconsin Act 11, click here: http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2017/related/acts/11
 
To receive notifications for any legislative activity that you may be interested in, you can set up personalized email notifications here: https://notify.legis.wisconsin.gov/login?ReturnUrl=%2f

Return to Top


IRS Announces Updates to HSA and HDHP Requirements for 2018 

Submitted by:  Mary Wilkosz, HR Specialist, Therma-Stor

The IRS has just announced the 2018 HSA (health spending account) contribution limits and the required deductibles and out-of-pocket limits for HDHPs (high deductible health plans).  These figures are based on cost of living adjustments and are as follows:
 

HSA Limits 2018

An individual enrolled in self-only coverage in a HDHP can contribute up to a maximum of $3,450 to his/her HSA for 2018; this is up $50 from 2017’s maximum contribution amount.
Individuals enrolled in family coverage can contribute up to a maximum of $6,900 to their HSA for 2018; this is up $150 from 2017’s maximum contribution amount.
HSA participants aged 55 or older remain eligible to make catch-up contributions of $1000 annually.
Enrollment in a HDHP is required for an individual/family to contribute to an HSA.  In addition, the HDHP must meet certain deductible and out-of-pocket limits.

HDHP Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Limits 2018

The minimum HDHP deductible for self-only coverage is $1,350 for 2018; this is up $50 from 2017’s minimum required deductible amount of $1,300.
The minimum HDHP deductible for family coverage is $2,700, up $100 from 2017.
The out-of-pocket maximum remains at $6,650 for self-only coverage and $13,300 for family.

For more information visit the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rp-17-37.pdf

Return to Top


Want to Help Shape Future Government Affairs Programming

Submitted by:  Jeff Palkowski, Director of Government Affairs GMA SHRM and SHRM Advocacy Captain (Wisconsin 1st CD)     


Are you interested in providing input to several future government affairs professional development events?  If so, the GMA SHRM Government Affairs Committee would welcome your ideas for topics and speakers for two upcoming events.

  • GMA SHRM Professional Development Summit – November 14, 2017
    The GMA SHRM Government Affairs Committee will be providing topics and speakers for this PDS.  We are hoping to secure our speakers by August.  If you have any ideas for legislative, employment law, or government affairs topics, please provide your feedback to Jeff Palkowski at jcp@athletics.wisc.edu by July 15, 2017. 

 

  • WI SHRM Day on the Hill – February 20-21, 2018
    The GMA SHRM Government Affairs Committee will be assisting the Wisconsin SHRM State Council with planning for the annual event which will be held in Madison at the Park Hotel and State Capitol.  Last year, the event featured the Lt. Governor, and speakers from the Department of Workforce Development, and Marquette University Law School Poll.  The planning committee is starting to look at topics and speakers for the 2018 event.  If there are any specific topics and/or speakers that you would like to suggest, please provide your feedback to Jeff Palkowski at jcp@athletics.wisc.edu by August 31, 2017. For information about last year’s event, visit: http://www.wishrm.org/2017-Day-on-the-Hill 

Please save the dates for these two upcoming events.  Information about both events will be posted in future newsletters as programming is finalized.
 

 Return to Top


Professional Development

 

2017 WISHRM State Conference - HR's got Talent

Mark your calendars!  The premier Human Resources conference in Wisconsin is happening October 11 – 13, 2017.  This year’s conference will take place at the family-friendly Kalahari resort in Wisconsin Dells. 
In the past, conference attendees had the opportunity to:

  • Hear high caliber, nationally-renowned keynote speakers deliver thought-provoking, inspirational and entertaining keynote speeches
  • Network with fellow HR peers from across the state
  • Meet with vendors ready to support their HR efforts with all kinds of services including solutions to meet your talent, software, legal needs and more
  • Pick and choose from numerous learning sessions to tailor their learning
  • Earn both general and business credit towards SHRM and HRCI recertification

You can plan to attend for the same amazing benefits.  Register early for the best rate!  Registration is open now!

Visit the WI SHRM Conference page for more information.
 
Return to Top


 

 

SHRM Foundation Certification Scholarships

Getting your HRCI or SHRM certification? 
 
Both organizations now have MOBILE APPS that you can download to help in your certification prep! 
 
Check out the App Store in your smart phone (iPhone or Android) for these helpful tools!  
 

Sheree Yates, WISHRM Certification Director

In 2017, the SHRM Foundation will award almost $500,000 in support of students seeking undergraduate, graduate, certification and professional development opportunities. It would be great to see Wisconsin SHRM members be recognized as scholarship recipients!
 
Scholarship funds may be used for any combination of test preparation expenses, such as SHRM Certification Preparation tools and/or exam fees.
 
In addition to the SHRM Foundation Certification Scholarships, your WISHRM state council sponsors a Certification Scholarship in the amount of $750 for a SHRM national member who lives or works in Wisconsin and is preparing to sit for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification exam.
 
When applying for a SHRM certification scholarship, eligible applicants will be considered for both the Foundation and WI State Council sponsored scholarship. To apply go to the SHRM Foundation Scholarship page.

The deadline for the Spring offering is coming up soon so make sure to get your application in.

The WISHRM Certification Scholarship will be awarded in fall 2017. 

Return to Top


GMA SHRM Idea Exchange



Sometimes you just have that question…..you would really just like to ask an HR colleague quickly.  Perhaps it is limited to your field of work, or a specific situation.  Let GMA SHRM help! 
 
In response to a specific need, we are excited to launch the “Idea Exchange” as part of your membership in GMA SHRM!  The goal of the Idea Exchange is to provide a secure area for all GMA SHRM members to be able to start a dialogue and find someone to network with on a particular issue, and to share files in a more secure format - or at least share contact details so files could be shared.
 
This great new tool is available to all members of GMA SHRM.  You simply sign in on the GMA SHRM Home Page (click on Member Log In at the top) to access questions or to provide your response!”



Once you are logged in, click on ‘File Library’ at the top right, and Idea Exchange will appear on the drop down menu. 



Interested in joining the Social Media & Technology Committee? 
 
Simply want to learn more about what we do? 
 
Join our next committee meeting via telephone conference!   Contact Contact Tia Gibson (tia.gibson@covance.com)  for details – all interested GMA SHRM members are welcome!

Return to Top


 

Workforce Readiness & Diversity

Dane County Regional Job Fair

The Dane County Regional Job Fair is fast approaching!  Workforce Readiness is a perfect committee to partner with this event.  As in the past we are looking for volunteers to join us in an assistance capacity before the job fair starts. 
 
As HR professionals this is a fun and engaging way to demonstrate your skills in resume revisions for those less experienced.  How rewarding to have an opportunity to affect a resume for a jobseeker before it is submitted!
 
We are looking for up to 18 volunteers across a two hour time slot (10a-12p), prior to the start of the fair on Wednesday August 16th at the Alliant Energy Center.
 
If you have time and are willing to spend an hour or two helping out, please reach out via email to mary.kauffman@dwd.wisconsin.gov
 
Click here to join us for the Dane County Job Fair.

Return to Top


 

GMA SHRM Media Relations

Media Relations Committee

The Media Relations Committee (formerly the Social Media & Technology Committee) is being re-branded!
 
The word “technology” may have lead folks to believe you have to be a computer genius to be on the committee – not the case!
 
Instead, the Media Relations Committee is responsible for managing the GMA SHRM social media, monthly newsletter, and any media coverage we participate in. 
 
If you love social media, writing, being creative, marketing, or communications – the Media Relations Committee is for you!
 
Whether you are a ‘behind the scenes’ person, or a social butterfly, we have a spot for you on the Media Relations Committee.
 
ALL Media Relations volunteer work is done from the comfort of your own home or office – a great way to get volunteer experience on your resume, to network with other local HR professionals, and pave the way for a future spot on the Board of Directors, if that is a goal of yours.
 
To kick off our new fiscal year, we will be having our first Media Relations Committee Meeting on Monday, July 24th at 5:00pm at the Coliseum Bar in Madison (232 E Olin Ave, Madison, WI 53713) – this will be a brief 30 minute meeting for current committee members and GMA SHRM members interested in learning more about this committee.    
 
ALL are welcome to the meeting – it will be brief and informative! 
 
All who are interested in learning more or joining should contact Brittany Hanson at brittanyh@seniorhelpers.com


Return to Top


Forward HR

Want to know what’s going on in HR for the other areas of Wisconsin?  WI SHRM has a new blog, Forward HR. Click here to take a look.

Return to Top

 

GMA SHRM News & Upcoming Events

 

Get Excited for CASINO NIGHT! 

It’s time to sign up for our summer networking event AND volunteer appreciation event this August 17th!  We will be enjoying the evening with a casino night, door prizes, great food/drink, and great company! 
 
We have decided this year to combine our networking event with our volunteer appreciation event that we hold every year to thank all of those who have taken time out of their busy schedules to keep GMA SHRM running smoothly! 
 
We have so many volunteers and members who do countless tasks and have not had the opportunity to thank them as much as we should.
 
These new awards include:

  • GMA SHRM Rising Star award  -  This award will be given to a volunteer who has been volunteering less than 2 years with the chapter and has made a big impact on GMA SHRM. 
  • GMA SHRM Champion award  -  This award will be given to a volunteer who has been volunteering for 5+ years and is someone GMA SHRM has always been able to count on to help where needed.  They are committed to the chapter and the greater Madison HR community. 
  • GMA SHRM Ambassador award  -  This award will be given to a volunteer or member who has been with GMA SHRM for 3+ years and has always spoken highly of GMA SHRM and is always advocating to the greater Madison Community about our chapter and what we offer.This event is open to all members and especially our volunteers.  If you have volunteered this year, you will receive extra chips and drink tickets as a thank you for your dedication this past year.

Hope to see you there! 

More information and registration.


Return to Top


View the 2017 Calendar of Events!

Get out your calendars and save these dates now for the 2017 GMA SHRM Programming and Networking Calendar!

Click here to view the calendar!

Return to Top



GMA SHRM Member News
 

GMA SHRM Member Spotlight

Name: Brittany Hanson                     
 
Where do you currently work?  Senior Helpers
 
What is the focus of your position?  

My role at Senior Helpers has evolved since I began there in 2013 – as the current HR Manager, my focus is employee recruitment, retention, and relations.  We currently have a staff of 160 caregivers that  work independently in the field providing 1:1 in-home care throughout Dane County. 
 
How long have you been in the Human Resource field?
 
Since 2009 - In college at UW Madison I worked as a Supervisor for University Housing Dining & Culinary Services, and was responsible for the hiring, orienting, training, and supervision of 200+ student employees.  While it was a student position, I became passionate about creating a positive work environment for employees.  I remembered being extremely nervous and unsure when I first began working there as a young freshman – a brand new college student in a completely foreign environment living on my own for the first time – I felt that my role as a supervisor was to ease that nervousness for all employees, so that they would be happy at work, and perform better.  I adopted the “put yourself in their shoes” philosophy and have carried that with me throughout my career.  My sincere passion is to make employees happy and healthy at work, so they, in turn, perform well! 
 
Which of your career accomplishments makes you proudest? 
 
I received my MBA in 2013 and my PHR Certification in 2015.  I did not take a PHR prep course, but rather did self-study… it was nerve-wracking but I did it!  I also received the Volunteer of the Year Award from GMA SHRM at the Human Capital Conference in 2017.  While I greatly enjoy the volunteer work I do for GMA SHRM, it was great to be recognized, and I am very excited to attend the WI-SHRM Conference in October! 
 
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? 
 
I’ve been lucky to have so many strong female role models in my career – all have provided me with priceless advice that has helped shape my goals and actions.  However, one thing sticks out – when something upsetting happened, a former HR Director used to say to me “let it roll off you, like water off a duck’s back.”  She even had a collection of mini-rubber ducks in her office as a reminder!  That mentality has come in useful countless times – in the HR world, when we’re dealing with people and can’t control everything, sometimes it is necessary to move on from a situation, even if it isn’t perfect, for our own sanity and productivity! 
 
Why did you decide to join GMA SHRM? 

I joined SHRM in 2014 about a year after I began working at Senior Helpers – my career was always my top priority, and I knew that networking and professional development would put me on a clear path to success – this has already proven to be true!  Networking and professional development with GMA SHRM are so valuable – I’m also a serious ‘social butterfly’ by nature, so I truly have fun at all events/meetings GMA SHRM offers!    

If you’d like to be published in an issue of HR InTouch, please complete this profile and submit (along with a photo) to Brittany Hanson at brittanyh@seniorhelpers.com  

 


GMA SHRM Volunteer Spotlight ProfileThe GMA SHRM Volunteer Spotlight is under construction!
 
Keep your eyes peeled for a new format coming soon – with the goal of showing GMA SHRM Members what it means to be a volunteer! 

 

Return to Top

 

Welcome New Members!

GMA SHRM welcomes the following members who joined our chapter in May 2017!

Wendy Culver, SHRM-SCP, SPHR Mead & Hunt
Todd Febus Express Employment Professionals
Jennifer L. Genske, PHR M3 Insurance
Deborah Hines Wisconsin Reinsurance Corporation
Jocelyn Kopac Strang Inc
Emily Orner EatStreet, Inc.
Paula Rauenbuehler Sheraton Madison
Kathryn Smith Esker, Inc
Amanda Tetzlaff Vogel Bros. Building Co.




Return to Top


 

Movin' Up


Have you started with a new company? Has your organization recently promoted you to a new position? Or do you want to recognize a new person or promotion within your department? If so, we want to hear about it. Send us an e-mail, and we’ll publish your good news in the next HR InTouch!  

 

Return to Top


In Transition


If you are a member who is in between jobs, or who is currently employed but seeking new positions or career paths, write us a brief description of your skill set, areas of expertise, what you’re looking for, etc. Send us an e-mail. We’ll publish your information in the next HR InTouch.

Return to Top 


 


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 .

 

 Amended