Holiday Greetings HRMA Members,

Human Resources Getting Involved in Preparing Future HR Professionals

A recent article in the October 2011 HR Magazine, "Connect with Business Schools" by Susan R. Heylman, encourages HR professionals to give back to their fields of expertise by participating in business school advisory councils. These advisory councils link the working world to the academic world and whose main purpose is to assist guiding the strategic plan, student recruitment and placement, and fundraising. A major component of HR involvement in business school advisory councils also includes a focus on the curriculum of a department or a degree that offers input regarding the current HR needs of today's organizations. HR experts are helpful in providing feedback regarding specific HR course work ensuring current and specific HR terms and materials are used. Furthermore, additional opportunities include HR professionals offering mentoring programs, internships, and hiring students.

Benefits for HR professionals serving on a business school advisory council include giving back to the profession by contributing towards student success; connecting real world to academia; networking with peers; keeping informed of changes in the profession of HR; and learning about the latest research on HR issues. This type of opportunity helps bridge the gap between researchers, academics, and HR practitioners.

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) members may read the full article in last's month edition of HR Magazine.

My challenge to you this holiday season is to ask yourself...What kind of potential exists for you to give back and advance your HR profession? The meaning of the holiday season is giving! Why wait? Start exploring the possibilities to get involved!

Traits of an Award Winning Organization: What Employers Can Learn from the Best Practices and the Family Oriented Native American Culture and Business Model Applied at AMERIND, 2009 Best Places to Work

HRMA is pleased to have Kent Paul, AMERIND's Chief Executive Officer, join us to present this topic on Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at 11:30 a.m. at the Embassy Suites. Kent has successfully led AMERIND for 12 years. During his tenure, he was awarded the 2009 Risk Innovator of the Year by Risk and Insurance Magazine; the 2009 Responsibility Leader of the Year by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, and the 2011 Leadership Award by the U.S. Leaders and Entrepreneurs Association.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Kent and was inspired by his passion for leadership and for the organization he serves. AMERIND was recognized as the 2009 Best Places to Work in the insurance industry for employers under 250 by Business Insurance Magazine as well as recognized by the New Mexico Business Weekly as one of the Top 3 Best Places to Work in New Mexico for employers under 150 employees in 2010.

Join us at this event to learn best practices from a top notch local organization as well as an outstanding leader in our community. You may register for this event now online at www.hrmanm.org.

Congratulations to the 2012 SHRM New Mexico Conference Raffle Winner
 HRMA hosted a successful SHRM Foundation Event in October. The winner of the Free Two Day Registration for the upcoming 2012 SHRM NM Conference that will be held on Monday, March 26, and Tuesday, March 27, 2012, was announced. Congratulation goes out to Debbie Strain! We look forward to her joining us at the conference. For more details on the conference or to register, please visit http://shrmnm.org/State_Conference.aspx. Early bird registration discount ends November 30, 2011.

This month marks the time the holiday season begins. Remember to manage your stress while leading the way for wellness in the workplace. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Life has so much to be grateful for!    

With Gratitude,

Denise Montoya, MA, SPHR

President, Human Resources Management Association of New Mexico