02 2009 Newsletter - Evansville-Area Human Resource Association

This month’s meeting issponsored by:See the last page for moreinformation on our sponsor11:00 to 1:00pmAbout the SpeakerJohn Sinclair is a Principal and the Midwest Consulting Practice Leaderof Mercer Health and Benefits. He provides consulting services to employers,providers and managed care organizations throughout Ohio, primarily in the development of healthcaremarket strategies, managed care approaches, and effective human resource management. His recent experienceshave included assignments in developing health system strategic and marketing plans, union negotiations,integrated disability management programs, flexible benefit plans, direct contracting, consumer driven health,and other progressive health management strategies.John has over 25 years of experience in the employee benefits and healthcare field, including 16 years withMercer specializing in the development of employer health care strategies. Most recently he has served on Mercer’s Health Industry leadershipteam, representing the Health and Benefits Business. John's clients include public and private employers, healthcare providers,and State governments with particular emphasis on improving all elements of the healthcare delivery system.John received a BS in finance from the University of Southern California and a Masters in Health and Hospital Administration from XavierUniversity. He is on the Board of Trustees of Talbert House, The Cincinnati Health Collaborative, the Greater Cincinnati CommunityHealth Outcomes Steering Committee, and is a Fellow and Past President of the Cincinnati Chapter of the International Society of CertifiedEmployee Benefits Specialists.About the ProgramPlease join us for an in-depth review of Mercer’s 2008 National Survey of Employer-Sponsored HealthPlans 2008 survey results, the nation’s most influential survey on health benefits. We will be discussing thefollowing major survey findings:• Employers held health benefit cost increases to about 6 percent in 2008 for a fourth straight year– but that has meant shifting morecost to employees• Consumer-directed health plans are offered by 20 percent of large employers, up sharply 14 pecent last year• More large employers add incentives to encourage health-conscious behavior• Employers shed retiree medical plans in 2008, but with health reform looming there was no further erosion of active employeeplans.***Reservations acceptedthrough 12:00 noon on Monday,February 16, 2009 online atwww.ehranet.org by clicking“monthly program” or by contactingAngie Fetscher at (812)463-4308 or AFetscher@vnahc.org.If you choose to register online,please enter your phone numberusing format with area code inparentheses, e.g., (812).Please notify us of any accommodation. Registered attendeeswho do not show will be invoiced.EHRA MEMBER: $15EHRA STUDENT MEMBERS: $10GUESTS $20For just $20, you can bring a friend or coworker,no strings attached! If they like the program, wewould love for them to join EHRA.This month’s meeting will be held at:The Centre– Walnut Rooms715 N. Locust St.Evansville, IN 47708Map it!View it!EHRA: February 2009Page 2aaa

PRESIDENTAndrew Ellerbrook, PHRaellerbrook@scvl.comPRESIDENT‐ELECTCris Stichler, PHRcstichler@stmarys.orgTREASURERJason Braun, PHRjlbraun2@stmarys.orgASSISTANT TREASURERIngrid Lindy, PHRilindy@usi.eduSECRETARYAngie Fetscher, PHRafetscher@vnahc.orgDIRECTOR OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTMichelle Choate, GPHRmlchoate@redspot.comDIRECTOR OF COMPENSATION SURVEYVickie Warren, SPHRvwarren@evansvillearc.orgLEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS CHAIRPERSONMolly Harris, SPHRmolly.harris@cmcone.comCOLLEGE RELATIONS CHAIRPERSONSteve Custer, SPHRswcmusic@hotmail.comCOMMUNICATIONS CHAIRPERSONNick Lindynlindy@scvl.comFINANCE CHAIRPERSONJohn Halversonjohn@humanresourcesupport.netDIVERSITY CHAIRPERSONOrvietta Shannon, PHRorvietta.shannon@tema.toyota.comMEMBERSHIP CHAIRPERSONAnn Bourne, SPHRann.bourne@rexam.comSHRM LIAISON CERTIFICATIONCHAIRPERSONMary Thompson, PHRmary_thompson@mss‐in.comWEB CHAIRPERSONMichelle Davismdavis@scvl.comBOARD OF DIRECTORSHappy 2009! For those of you I haven’t met,my name is Andy Ellerbrook and I’m honored toserve you this year as President of the Evansville-Area Human Resource Association, Inc. (EHRA).This year promises to be a challenging one for ourcountry and our profession. Many of us are sifting through the new regulations ofthe of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with DisabilitiesAct Amendments Act (ADAAA), legislation has already been drafted that willimpact the ease of unionization and the pay practices of our organizations, and theeconomic crisis is impacting the financial stability of our companies and retirementaccounts of our employees.While our lives may seem a little hectic at the moment, the good news is thatour profession seems to thrive in times of crisis. Did you know that the term“personnel administration” was born out of the events surrounding World War I, unionizationlegislation set in motion the resurgence of our vocation during the GreatDepression and our profession became a critical element in business during WorldWar II? When we look back at this year, let it be one of accomplishment and success.Let’s use this moment to propel ourselves into the new era upon us.So what does our organization plan to accomplish this year? In response tomany different influences, I’ve challenged the board to focus on the following objectives.It is our intent to continue to build on the successes of the past 70+ years ofour chapter.Strengthen the Chapter (STC)Support the Members (STM)Assist the Community (ATC)Please let me know how we are doing throughout the year. Both positive andconstructive feedback is welcomed. Let’s press forward as a whole for the bettermentof our government, employers and employees.Sincerely,Andrew Ellerbrook, PHRPresidentEvansville-Area Human Resource Association, IncNOTE: Please check out the Board Spotlight portion of this “new and improved”newsletter if you are interested in learning more about my background and that ofother board members throughout the year.EHRA: February 2009Page 3aaa

What can the Indiana Economic Development Corporation do for you?Through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), the state of Indiana offers many incentive programs for companies creatingjobs and raising income in Indiana. Economic development incentives include tax credits based on job creation and capital investment, traininggrants, and public infrastructure assistance. Some of these programs are:Skills Enhancement Fund - The Skills Enhancement Fund (SEF) provides financial assistance to businesses committed to training their workforce.Trainees must be Indiana residents. SEF reimburses eligible training expenses during a two-year term. Companies may reapply for additionalSEF funds after their initial two-year term. IEDC typically does not provide reimbursement for training that is required by law. Companiescan receive reimbursement – up to $200,000 – for retraining existing workers. Supplemental grant awards may be available for trainingnew employees. Businesses receiving SEF training assistance must commit to continuing their operations at the location where the SEF trainingassistance is provided for at least five years after the training grant is completed and closed.Technology Enhancement Certification for Hoosiers Fund - The Technology Enhancement Certification for Hoosiers (TECH) Fund is areimbursement grant program designed to help Indiana companies meet the demands of the new information economy by rapidly increasingthe number of certified information technology workers in Indiana. This program provides financial assistance to existing companies that arecommitted to training their workers in the latest information technology skills. Indiana companies receiving TECH funds must be in good standingwith state regulatory agencies. The TECH Fund reimburses up to 50 percent of the training budget of $2,500 per employee for activitiesthat result in a full-time employee receiving a portable certification in systems administration, systems engineering or software development; aprofessional certification; or other certification in advanced e-business enabling applications.If you are interested in gaining additional information about these opportunities, please contact Dorrie M. LoBue at (812) 492- 4415 ordlobue@iedc.in.gov. You may also visit their website at www.AccelerateIndiana.com. - TRMary Thompson has been a member of theEHRA board for two years this time around, butshe has also served previously. Mary has servedas Finance Chairperson, Diversity Chairpersonand Communication Chairperson. She currentlyserves the role of SHRM Liaison/ CertificationChairperson. Mary proudest accomplishment as a board memberwas planning EHRA’s first Diversity Event in 1999. Mary believes thatthe single greatest issue facing HR professionals today is that HR is anon money‐making part of any company which makes it difficult todemonstrate value sometimes.Andrew Ellerbrook has been a member of theEHRA board for 4 years. In his time on the board,Andy has held many positions to include, Directorof Compensation and Benefits Survey, President‐Elect and now President. Over the years, Andyhas participated in many different projects and events, but he says heis most proud of his work on the Compensation Survey and the EmployerSupport of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) signing ceremony.Andy is currently an HR Manager for the Corporate Office of ShoeCarnival in Evansville, IN. Outside of work and EHRA, Andy enjoyschurch, family, running, watching sports and home improvement.EHRA: February 2009featuring ways to get involved with ourcommunity, have fun, and help promotethe Evansville-Area Human ResourcesAssociation.Girls in Bloom provides opportunities for 5ththrough 8th grade girls and their parents orguardians to participate in social activities suchas art, writing, music and dance, and to seekways to stimulate dialogue in our communityabout the challenges adolescent girls face. The EHRA hasbeen invited to participate in the February 28, 2009 event,which is focused on Community Involvement. Volunteers fromEHRA are need to present an interactive program. If you areinterested in volunteering or learning more about Girls inBloom, please contact Tara Ricketts at Tara.Ricketts@amr.netor by phone at 812-421-6500 ext. 303.Do you know of other ways EHRA can get involved inour community? If so, please send an email tonlindy@scvl.com and let us know!Page 4aaa

The Evansville-Area HumanResource associate would like torecognize the following newmembers to our organization.Jason Martin joined the EHRA in November.Jason previously served as Human ResourceManager at Holiday World, but has since beenpromoted to Director of Food and Beveragewhere he oversees many of the HR functionshe served previously. Jason joined EHRA tonetwork with other HR professionals.Elizabeth “Ellie” Anticona joined the EHRA inDecember. Ellie serves as the Manager of BilingualRecruiting for American General Finance.Ellie’s favorite aspect of her job is projectmanagement and national recruiting.2009 Indiana State HR GamesThe 2009 State HR Games will be held on Friday, February6 th in conjunction with the Indiana SHRM Leadership Conferenceon the campus of IUPUI in Indianapolis. HRGames is a “jeopardy-style” competition that featuresquestions focused on the entire HR body of knowledgeand is good preparation for students interested in takingthe PHR examination. Teams from the Oakland City Universityand University of Southern Indiana student SHRMchapters will compete against other student SHRM chaptersfrom universities across our state. Stay tuned for arecap of this year’s event in next month’s newsletter.Melinda Stout joined the EHRA in January.Melinda currently serves as the HR and BenefitsCoordinator at Progressive Health.Melinda joined EHRA because of her experiencein the Tulsa Area HR Association whereshe always enjoyed the committees and seminars.Amanda Wilhelm joined the EHRA in January.Amanda currently serves as a Human ResourceGeneralist at Red Spot Paint and VarnishCompany. Amanda joined EHRA to networkwith individuals in her career field andbetter develop herself through EHRA programs.Lauren Kaiser joined the EHRA in January.Lauren currently serves as a Human ResourceBusiness Partner for Fifth Third Bank. Laurenchose to join EHRA to be more connected tothe HR Community.Please take some time at our nextmeeting to get to know all of ournew members and welcome themto EHRA.featuring ways to get involved with ourcommunity, have fun, and helppromote the Evansville-Area HumanResources Association.“Finding Your First Job” program at Central LibraryThe EHRA and the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library islooking for volunteer presenters for a “Finding Your First Job”program at Central Library. The audience expected will beteens looking for employment locally.The subjects are:-Completing a standard employment application – basic doand don’t information.-Completing an on-line employment application – includinghaving an e-mail address for replies.-Interviewing skills – including how to dress for the interview.Subjects can be individual or can be combined. The date ofthe program is to be determined dependent on presenter availability;it is tentatively planned for one of the first three Tuesdaysin April at 6 pm.If you are interested, please contact Don Crankshaw at 812-428-8203 or donc@evpl.org.MAP ITSEE ITDo you know of other ways EHRA can get involved inour community? If so, please send an email tonlindy@scvl.com and let us know!EHRA: February 2009Page 5aaa

2009 REGIONAL COMPENSATION & BENEFITS SURVEY COMING SOONMark Your Calendars for February 1 stAre you tired of guessing what your competitors pay? Need a survey that looks at our region at a very reasonable cost –FREE!Then go to your calendar mark out a couple of hours beginning February 1, 2009 and make sure that you participate in the 2009Regional Compensation & Benefits Survey. All participants in the survey will get the results at no cost. If you do not participate,you will have to purchase the results. This is very comprehensive report covering a pay practices for a wide range of industries includingfinance/insurance, government, healthcare, high education, manufacturing, and retail/service. The survey is summarized byall participants, industry segment and employer size.You can use this report to benchmark your salaries, for future strategic staffing, organizational planning and new business development.With the economy downturn, you will need to know how to remain competitive. Your participation is crucial so be sure tocomplete the survey the online survey at www.ehranet.org under “Compensation Survey” and submit responses by Friday, February27, 2009.What about a Sponsorship? Sponsors will be acknowledged in the report that will be sold throughout the year to local businessesand those looking to enter into the area. Sponsorships are available at the 2008 price level and will be marketed in the survey fromMay through December:Platinum or Full Page Ad $800Gold or 1/2 Page Ad $600Silver or 1/4 page Ad $400Bronze or Business Card size is $200This is a great opportunity for exposure to decision makers in compensation and benefits. Time is limited, so do not delay in contactingLaurel Meny at the Southwestern Indiana Chamber of Commerce by email at lmeny@evansvillechamber.com or VickieWarren, Director of Compensation Survey at vwarren@evansvillearc.org.Remember, this is the only local compensation survey with over 100 participants in this regional area. Do not miss this importantopportunity!In Partnership with:EHRA: February 2009Page 6aaa

Adult Education Work in Indiana...employee learning is job #1Goals:Adult Education Works, a division of the Indiana Department of Education, strives to create a coordinated system for workforce basicskills training in Indiana by effectively strengthening, linking, and building the capacities of Hoosier employers, employees, and IDOEAdult Education programs.What we do:Since inception, AEW has delivered on-site, customized training to over 5,000 employees. Over 200 employers throughout Indiana havereceived assistance from AEW to increase the basic skills of employees. By increasing basic academic skills, the employees are better preparedto be successful with future on-the-job training, to be successful in postsecondary classes, and to be a successful team member. Instructionfor English as a Second Language is also available.AEW offers assistance through grants that pay for licensed instructors, customization of curriculum, as well as materials and books. TheAEW staff will even write the grant for your company. Working with the local comprehensive adult education program, AEW will locateand train a licensed teacher to work directly with the adult employees in your workplace setting. We ask that you supply the learningspace, the learners, and an incentive for the learner to attend.Employees enrolling into a workplace class will be assessed using the nationally recognized TABE assessment. This allows the instructorto prepare the most effective instruction. When completing several weeks of instruction, the learners will once again be assessed to measureeducational gains. Last year, nearly 70% of the learners finishing an Indiana AEW class made a level gain (equal to improving twograde levels).Benefits of improved skills include:Reduction of on-the-job injuries—by understanding memos or verbal language betterReduction or elimination of waste—by using better reading or better math skillsReduction in production errors—by using better math skillsIncreased customer retention—less errors produce happier customersIncrease employee retention—employees feel valued and more confidentWhether your employees need to prepare for the GED, brush up before entering a certificate or college course, increase English skills, orjust increase basic educational skills, the Adult Education Works in Indiana team is ready to help your company. Contact the southernIndiana regional Workforce Adult Education Specialist, Donna Taylor Bouchie, at 812 881 9067. - CSVendors for our 2009 Spring HR SeminarIf any member of EHRA is employed by a company or youknow of any company that could like to be a vendor at our2009 Spring HR Seminar please contact Mary E. Thompson,PHR at mary_thompson@mss-in.com. Any questionsplease call 812-304-0005.The 2009 Spring HR Seminar is scheduled for April 23 atThe Centre.featuring ways to get involved with ourcommunity, have fun, and help promotethe Evansville-Area Human ResourcesAssociation.The EHRA and Small Business Development Center(SBDC) Wants YOU… to Share your Expertise!• The SBDC will host HR-related seminars every-other-month.The one-hour sessions will be coordinated and marketed bythe SBDC. The EHRA is looking for speakers for July and November2009 presentations. Dates are based on youravailability. If you are interested in presenting, please contactTara Ricketts by email at Tara.Ricketts@amr.net or by phoneat (812) 421-6500 ext. 303.Do you know of other ways EHRA can get involved in ourcommunity? If so, please send an email tonlindy@scvl.com and let us know!EHRA: February 2009Page 7aaa

NEW PHRs, SPHRs, and GPHRsAll newly certified PHRs, SPHRs, or GPHRs please contactMary E. Thompson, PHR at mary_thompson@mss-in.com orphone 812-305-0005. EHRA recognizes all only certifiedmembers each year at our May EHRA meeting.SHRM and Certification CommitteeLooking for volunteers to help with the SHRM money fundraising project-if you can bring ideas and enthusiasm to theSHRM project, please contact Mary E. Thompson, PHR,SHRM Representative at mary_thompson@mss-in.com or812-304-0005.Don’t Forget the following important dates for all of those people who are studying for their PHR, GPHR, SPHR2009 Exam ScheduleExam Testing Window Duration 1st Testing Window 2nd Testing WindowPHR/SPHR 8 Weeks May 1-June 30th, 2009 December 1 to January 31, 2010GPHR, PHR-CA and SPHR-CA 4 Weeks May 1– May 31, 2009 December 1 to December 31, 20092009 Application DeadlinesExam Window Reg. Deadline Date Late Deadline DatePHR/SPHR May 1 to June 30, 2009 March 13, 2009 April 17, 2009PHR/SPHR December 1 to January 31, 2010 October 9, 2009 November 13, 2009GPHR, PHR-CA, SPHR-CA May 1 to May 31, 2009 March 13, 2009 April 17, 2009GPHR, PHR-CA, SPHR-CA December 1 to December 31, 2009 October 9, 2009 November 13, 20092009 PHR/SPHR FeesNonrefundable ApplicationFeeExam Fee if submitted byregular deadlinePHRTotal due if submitted byregular deadlineTotal due if submittedafter the regular deadline*SHRM Member $75.00 $175.00 $250.00 $300.00Nonmember $75.00 $225.00 $300.00 $350.00Student/recent graduate** $75.00 $45.00 $120.00 $170.00SPHRSHRM Member $75.00 $300.00 $375.00 $425.00Nonmember $75.00 $350.00 $425.00 $475.00*- A fee of $50.00 (U.S.) will be assessed on applications received after the regular deadline but on or before the late deadline.** For students/recent graduates, the balance of the PHR exam fee is required upon meeting experience and graduation requirements2009 GPHR Fees Nonrefundable ApplicationFeeExam Fee if submitted byregular deadlineTotal due if submitted byregular deadline (includesapplication and exam fee)Total due if submittedafter the regular deadline(includes application,exam and late fees)*SHRM Member $75.00 $300.00 $375.00 $425.00Non-Member $75.00 $350.00 $425.00 $475.00Student/Recent graduate $75.00 $45.00 $120.00 $170.00*- A fee of $50.00 (U.S.) will be assessed on applications received after the regular deadline but on or before the late deadline.** For students/recent graduates, the balance of the G{HR exam fee is required upon meeting experience and graduation requirementsSpecial GPHR exam administration—On April 2, 2009, HRCI will administer the GPHR exam in a paper-and-pencil formatduring the SHRM Global Conference in Toronto at the Fairmont Royal York at 8:00 a.m. The registration period for this exam isJan. 12 to Mar 6, 2009. Only paper applications will be accepted for this administration and the application must be postmarkedby 11:59 pm ET on March 6, 2009 to be processed.EHRA: February 2009Page

Legislative Affairs Update – Your Opinion Counts!With the new President, changes in Mr. Obama’s administration, and the new Congress, 2009 is expected to be a very activeyear related to workplace/employment legislation.SHRM is a great resource of information for human resource professionals and the Evansville-Area Human Resource Association.In addition to SHRM being a resource, the organization is also an advocate for its many members. In anticipation of theactive legislative year on the national level, SHRM’s Government Affairs area is requesting your thoughts and opinions. SHRMis asking members to complete the HR Advocacy Questionnaire. By completing the quick questionnaire, you can identify thetop three areas you would like SHRM to advocate on behalf of the human resource profession.The EHRA encourages you to complete the survey. If you have any questions, please contact Molly Harris, EHRA LegislativeAffairs Chairperson, at 812-647-9642.http://capwiz.com/legal-workforce/mlm/signup/?ignore_cookie=1Press Control on your keyboard to click the link directly.Dear Chapter Members,We hope you have enjoyed reviewing the new design of the newsletter. We want to make our newsletter the best it can be and provide morethe information our members want to see throughout the year.Over the past few months, we have been doing research of other HR organizations and trying to find out what we are missing. After a shortreview, we decided to streamline our newsletter design and bring more consistency to the publication. We have implemented Volunteer Cornerin an attempt to highlight these great opportunities for our members and place them in the same spot each month. Please make sure tocheck out pages 4-6 every month on the bottom right corner and assist us in some great networking and volunteer opportunities this year. Wehave also implemented a Message from the President. While reviewing other organizations’ newsletters, we noticed many of them have amessage every month to quarterly outlining what is going on in the field of HR today and how our organization is growing and changing.Other changes include Board Member Spotlight, Welcoming New Members and streamlining the monthly event page. This may not beenough!We are looking for suggestions of what we can add to the newsletter. All suggestions will be reviewed and we will try to implement as manynew articles and publish the information that you as a member of this chapter want to see.Please send me your suggestions to nlindy@scvl.com.Thank you,Nick LindyCommunications ChairpersonEHRA: February 2009Page 9aaa