VSHRM's "The Resource"

I hope everyone has been enjoying the summer so far, it will be over far too fast. Before you know it, we'll be complaining about our Michigan winter!

The VSHRM Board met July 15th to review last year, acclimate new members and roles and most importantly, plan for this upcoming year. A major topic was Programming. We reviewed YOUR feedback from the Programming Survey and planned topics and preferences accordingly. The VSHRM Board is committed to providing our members quality meetings with timely topics.

We will launch the year with our first meeting on September 14th. The meeting location is still TBD as Horizon's is not available. The topic will be Behavioral Interviewing, the HRCI credit status is pending but approval is anticipated.

Another exciting project discussed is upcoming enhancements to the VSHRM web site. We want to make this a tool our members go to more than once a month to check the meeting location! Enhancement details can be found in the Communications Chair message from Wendy Yelsik.

Don't forget to visit MISHRM's Website for details on the upcoming state conference in Grand Rapids October 4-6.

It is with great anticipation and pleasure that I will be serving as your VSHRM President and look forward to the 2010-2011 year!

Ann A. Meeks, PHR

VSHRM President

Director of Human Resources

Mistequay Group, Ltd.

VSHRM Communications

In July, a survey was emailed to all members asking for input on our chapters communication methods. Out of our 169 regular members, 88 responded. That is 52% of our regular membership.

VSHRM Communications include: website, legislative news, newsletters, emails, etc.

Here is a brief summary of the results:

Everyone (100%) responded that communicating through email is the best method. the second communication method was the website at only 10.2%.
68% of the respondents felt that VSHRM communications were satisfactory. 22% feel it is somewhat satisfactory, 9% felt neutral, and 1% were dissatisfied with communications.
None of the respondents visit our website on a daily basis. 79.5% visit the site on a monthly basis, 9.1% on a weekly basis, and 11.4% on a yearly basis.
Most respondents like the look of our website but agree it could be organized better.
The Resource Newsletter would be more effective if emailed before the monthly meetings and the same time each month.
Most respondents would like more networking opportunities.
VSHRM is considering using a social network such as LinkedIn for networking. 34.1% were in favor of this idea, 26.1% dislike this idea, and 39.8% are unsure of this idea.

During our Strategic Planning Retreat, the Board of Directors reviewed the results in detail and discussed ways to improve our communication methods based on the survey results. Here are two of the changes discussed:

Instead of using an attached Newsletter in Adobe format, we will be using an email version of the newsletter like this one. Newsletters will be sent out following a tight schedule and will be linked with our website. FYI: This method of communications was a "Best Practice" from another SHRM chapter.
The Board agreed that the website needed to be re-organized and have contracted with a Midland company to help with the reorganization. The updated website should be introduced before the end of the year.

VSHRM is dedicated to helping professionals in the Great Lake Bay Region with human resource issues. Our intent is to provide our members with an educational forum through a variety of communication channels such as our website, monthly meetings, emails, newsletters, etc. We also strive to create and maintain a constant level of productive networking among our members and the profession.

As always, if you have any suggestions or feedback please contact any of your board members.

I look forward to another successful program year!

Wendy Yelsik

VSHRM Communications Chair

HR Director

Fabiano Brothers

wyelsik@fabianobrothers.com