December 1, 2011

This is the last newsletter in 2011. What a better way to end the year reflecting back on what we achieved and what we learned. This document represents just that, a HRMA Executive Summary. Not one individual made the difference in any of these endeavors; rather, the Board worked diligently in a collaborative manner to accomplish all that we did.

The test of a truly successful team is whether the deliverables are achieved and the same individuals seek to work together again or keep working together. This holds true for the 2011 HRMA Board; since most of the board members volunteered and were elected to continue to serve on the 2012 HRMA Board. What a dynamic team of individuals in 2011!

In late 2010, the Board strategically determined the top three priorities to achieve in 2011 for HRMA members. The following highlights the 2011 HRMA Board strategies and results produced:

Increase the planning and quality of professional development opportunities resulting in increase of membership

Results Produced:

Professional Development

• Provided 41.25 HRCI approved pre-certification professional development opportunities, 19.5 hours qualified as Strategic Business Management credit.
• Formed an 8 member advisory committee to plan 2012 professional events and provide support for seminars, workshops, and other professional development opportunities.
• Created an Annual Professional Development Survey with the purpose to provide membership feedback and align presenters with requested topics. This information is currently being used to plan future programs and to provide our speakers with in-depth knowledge of HRMA.
• Provided a public policy update as the monthly luncheon topic for HRMA membership.

Legislative Activity

• Invited State legislators to attend monthly luncheons resulting in four legislators attending HRMA luncheons.
• Contacted by one Senator regarding HRMA perspective on legislation regarding the use of credit checks in employment screening. Legislator ultimately did not co-sponsor the bill (HRMA was not in favor of the bill).
• Added chapter name to SHRM's written comments to the NLRB regarding the proposed quickie election and persuader activity rules.
• Submitted chapter letter to NLRB regarding quickie election rule.
• Educated Board regarding unemployment tax rate issue and sent letter from Board of Directors to Governor Martinez regarding unemployment insurance tax rate issue addressed in the special session.
• Provided legal updates at monthly luncheons.
• Participated in SHRM "A Team" legislative activities
• Chaired the workplace issues committee of the Association of Commerce and Industry (ACI) through May 2010.  ACI is a state-wide business lobbying group. The Workplace Issues Committee formulated positions regarding anticipated legislation, and these positions and issues were relayed to the HRMA Board.
• Informed members of key issues being considered in the legislature and what their potential impact would be.
• Polled Board members regarding whether HRMA should take a position on various bills being considered.
• Contacted state representatives by phone and email regarding bills being considered.
• Participated in drafting a revision to the state minimum wage act, which was introduced (but did not pass).
• Governor Martinez announced a "small business-friendly task force." Polled membership regarding the regulations they found the most difficult to comply with and coordinated with ACI regarding getting a voice on the committee.

Certification

• A total of 48 HRMA members and prospective members participated in the study groups held twice a year to prepare them for the nationally recognized HR certification. One was held in the spring and another in the fall. In the spring 2011, 8 took the exam and 5 passed resulting in a 63% pass rate which exceeds the national average. The Fall 2011 results are yet to be determined. However, the Fall 2010 study group resulted in  a 70% pass rate, again exceeding the national average with 10 taking the exam and 7 passing.
• During the Fall 2011 session, guest facilitators participated with the group that meets weekly to assist in the learning process of the SHRM study modules.

Community Service

• In 2011, HRMA continued to serve the NM Commission on the Status of Women and their welfare-to-work program, Team Works. HRMA members conducted mock interviews, participated in advanced employment skills classes, and successfully assisted in preparing 20 Team Works graduates which resulted in job offers for each of them in the first quarter of the year. HRMA and Team Works worked towards a common goal - to assist parents with meaningful employment. Unfortunately, TeamWorks lost government funding in June 2011 so the partnership was dissolved.
• HRMA researched various other organizations that could benefit from HR expertise. The first program HRMA invested in a partnership with is St. Martin's Hospitality Center, offering a number of different services such as shelter/food programs, mental health services, job assistance and other critical programs here in NM. In addition, HRMA determined a need for a second partnership with Heroes Hiring Heroes-Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) providing various services to veterans and military families, some of which is assisting in the identification and coordination of employment opportunities for Service Members. Both partnerships provide services to veterans and those in need to include mentorship programs, interviewing skills sessions, resume writing guidance, and conducting mock interviews.

Diversity

• Sent a survey in May to seek input and help identify a diversity topic for October. The feedback resulted in identifying and securing a diversity speaker for the October 2011 Membership Luncheon.
• Began short icebreakers for monthly luncheons to engage/allow new networking for members.
• Secured a speaker for the August meeting related to Albuquerque's health care quality initiative.

SHRM Foundation

• Fundraised and donated $1,035 for the SHRM Foundation.

Student Initiatives

• In March 2011, the Student Advisory Committee (SAC) was created to link the University of New Mexico (UNM) SHRM Student Chapter to HRMA in an effort to build mutual relationships between the two chapters. The SAC serves to increase student awareness of SHRM beyond the college chapter, and to create a transition from being a student chapter member to becoming a member of HRMA. The SAC also promotes mentorship of students through an initiative that matches each UNM Student Chapter Board member with a corresponding member in HRMA.  The purpose of this mentorship opportunity is to provide real-world knowledge and assistance to students aspiring to become HR professionals.

Increase funding resources to ensure HRMA Board's fiduciary responsibility and to support initiatives

Results Produced:

HRMA Budget

• HRMA ended 2010 with a balance of $2,350 and will end 2011 with a balance of approximately $25,000.

Fundraising

• Raised $20,850 in 2011 which far exceeded the goal of $10,000.

HRCI Study Group Scholarship and HRMA Membership

• In partnership with the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) New Mexico Council, HRMA awarded 6 scholarships of $75 each to HRCI study group participants who do not receive reimbursement for the taking of the exam from their employer.
• This year, HRMA initiated a $50 participant fee for all HRCI study group attendees that were not members of HRMA. That fee was then converted towards HRMA membership fees. Results produced 3 new HRMA members.

SHRM, UNM's Student Chapter Scholarships

• Two $500 student scholarships were awarded this year through HRMA members' generous contributions to the monthly Student Prize Drawings held at the HRMA Luncheons.

Money Management

• Changed Merchant Credit Card processing and updated Merchant website resulting in the elimination of problems with linking payments and reservations.

HRMA Partnerships

• Improved financial position by engaging in professional development opportunities for members and partnering with Lewis University and the Soaring Eagle Institute.  Improved management of expenses.

Increase the quality of HRMA's website to provide improved communications for membership

Results Produced:

Membership Increase

• Improved database integrity resulting in improved membership tracking. Conducted a membership audit of records reconciling with SHRM national records mid-year. This audit not only resulted in accuracy of information, but also reflected a 36.77% increase in SHRM members since the beginning of 2011 placing HRMA in Super Star status!

Diversity Initiatives

• Developed and executed a comprehensive on line diversity calendar with sponsorship for its HRMA membership.
• Updated website and mass marketing HRMA events for various luncheons, seminars, and HR initiatives. Updates also included publishing information on membership rates and luncheon prices.
• Worked with outside vendor to create an event calendar to allow members to easily identify upcoming HRMA events.
• Created an HRMA Facebook page allowing the HRMA board to quickly update members of upcoming activities.
• Developed an online community where questions, concerns, ideas with in the committee can be addressed and archived for future reference and succession planning. Additionally, documents can be uploaded and shared for review or corrections. This helpful archive will ensure continuity of the work and success of the program.

Legislative Activity

• Responded to member legal questions through the website.
• Forwarded regular updates for the website regarding HR-related legislation introduced during the session.

You Made the Difference in 2011 HRMA Board - Thank You!

President: Denise Montoya, SPHR

President-Elect: Bob Daniel, SPHR

Administration Vice President: Cara Waymire, SPHR

Certification Vice President: Barbara Marcus, SPHR

Communications Vice President: Michael Brown, PHR

Community Relations Vice President: Tracey Fria

Diversity Vice President: Mary Romero-Hart, SPHR, GBA

Finance Vice President /Foundation Chair: Madonna Vandeventer

Finance-Elect Vice President: Sherri Bornhoft, SPHR

Legislative Affairs Vice President: Whitney Warner, SPHR, and assisted by Julie Fritsch

Membership Vice President: Tammy Jaramillo

Professional Development Vice President: Jose Sanchez

Public Relations Vice President: Theresa Padilla

Student Activities Vice President: Jason Blankenship, PHR, and assisted by Jessica Edlinger

HRMA Board left an impression. Actively listened. Made a commitment to excellence. Influenced greatness. Created opportunities. Encouraged enthusiasm. Took responsibility. Inspired us to achieve. Accomplished goals. Performed above and beyond. Motivated our team. Made things happen. Nurtured new ideas. Demonstrated conviction. Uncovered solutions. Guided success. Promoted cooperation. Increased confidence. Inspired creativity. Fostered flexibility. Expanded potential. Rose to the challenge. Believed in our mission.

It has been a pleasure serving HRMA membership in 2011.

With Gratitude,

Denise Montoya, MA, SPHR

President, Human Resources Management Association of New Mexico