Speaking of change, by now I know you've all heard about the change that has taken place with SHRM's new certification where professionals can earn the credentials SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP. Anyone currently-certified (PHR, SPHR, GPHR, HRBP, HRMP) can take the online tutorial at no charge through December 31, 2015 and earn the additional new certification. Once you complete the process, you will begin a three-year certification cycle and you will not lose or have to give up any of your current credentials. This is a great opportunity to earn the next generation of certification!

The new guidelines have expanded eligibility for certification, so those professionals who may not have qualified for the PHR or SPHR will now find they can attain the new credentials. For more information on the requirements, follow this link to the SHRM Certification web page http://bit.do/2ckY.

You do not have to be a SHRM National member to attain the new certification, but the value of membership far outweighs the cost! As a SHRM member, you gain access to research, sample forms, policies and toolkits, webcasts on topics relevant to HR and professional development and answers to any question you can think of! All of that and more (estimated at a minimum of $2,170) for an annual investment of $190! If you are a first-time member, you are eligible for a discount of $15 if you use the promotional code 0118. And, as a SHRM member, your chapter membership is also discounted!

Your Michiana SHRM Board appreciates your membership and we encourage you to become more engaged by volunteering a few hours of time each month to become more involved. There are many opportunities to work with committees (Diversity, Certification, Workforce Development, Legislative, Conferences, Programming, College Relations, Community Relations) and the return on your time investment will be rewarded with networking and professional growth. There is an immediate need for a Social Media Director, so if you like to post on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and are able to devote a few hours a month to your Chapter, we could use your skills! Contact any Board Member or email michianashrm@gmail.com and we will give you more details.

Michiana SHRM Chapter is proud to be a sponsor of LeadMichiana, an event hosted by Justin Maust on May 22 at the Century Center. LeadMichiana was created to bring the best thought leaders from around the country to our local leaders. As HR professionals in your organizations, you are in a great position to help foster Justin's belief that "When leaders improve, everything they lead improves. When leaders grow, everyone around them can grow." Your company can be a program sponsor of this event for $1,000, which entitles them to a ½-page ad in the event's program and 3 general admission tickets. What a great way to promote leadership development in your organization and highlight their product or service! Contact us at michianashrm@gmail.com for more details.

Finally, the Board has made the decision to change the date of our annual conference to the Spring rather than October. As you know, the 4th quarter is a busy time for our members and some of our sponsors, so we believe Springtime might be better for both. Watch for details coming soon about the 2016 annual conference. Plans are underway for a half-day workshop to be held in October and we will be sharing more information about that event in the coming weeks. Anyone wishing to volunteer for either of these events is welcome to join us!

Remember-this is YOUR Chapter! Let us know how we can better serve you in your professional development. As we develop the luncheon topics for the second half of 2015, we want to make sure we've included any suggestions you have so we can maximize your membership investment.