SHRM Skagit-Island (previously SIHRMA) News

Chapter Meeting Tomorrow!

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:16:58 GMT

Come join us virtually tomorrow, March 12th for our 2nd Thursday Monthly meeting! Events

Matt Insco, Branch Chief of the BLS West Region will be giving us a statistical update from the BLS national level. Only $5 for SHRM Skagit-Island Members!

Introducing SHRM Co-Branding

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 17:58:48 GMT

Happy Friday, Members!

If we haven't met, I'm Jenna. I recently stepped into our Marketing & Communications role and am excited to share a chapter update with you today.

SHRM recently launched a “Co-Branding” opportunity for chapters, and we were selected to be in the first round of participants! This means SHRM provided us with an entire marketing suite update for our chapter, at no cost to us. The goal of SHRM's Co-Branding project is to increase awareness of the association between SHRM National and local SHRM chapters like us.

Keep reading for more info.

Introducing SHRM Co-Branding

What is Co-Branding?

Co-Branding is a project that aims to help chapters increase awareness of their legitimacy and association with SHRM National through partnered branding efforts.

Through this project, SHRM provided us with an updated marketing suite. This means no member funds were needed to update our chapter logo and marketing materials! Member funds can instead continue to go towards better events and continuing education opportunities for you.

Why a Co-Branded logo?

This project is based off national and local feedback:

Lack of SHRM National Association Awareness. Locally, we've heard it’s not well understood that we aren’t an independent group but are associated with a nationwide HR Association (SHRM). Nationally, other chapters have heard this as well, and want to increase familiarity with their association to SHRM National, and all of the SHRM National benefits that come with local membership.

Dual Membership can be confusing. Co-Branding will hopefully clear up confusion about Dual Membership – which means National SHRM membership includes affiliate membership, and visa versa! It’s two memberships in one.

Lastly, we've heard “SIHRMA” can be hard to spell/pronounce.

While we'll miss the personal touch of our tulip logo, we hope a small shift from SI-HRMA to SHRM-SI that now includes the SHRM national logo will continue to increase awareness of the important work we do to elevate Human Resources in our community.

What's the plan?

Today we're announcing the project and will be rolling out updated flyers, website, and social media materials over the next month. For now, continue to use www.SIHRMA.org and our info@SIRHMA.org email.

Please let us know what questions you have now and through this process!

Warmly,
Jenna Blade
Marketing and Communications

EDASC is Seeking Your Feedback!

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 17:22:09 GMT

Lack of access to early learning and childcare is a critical workforce issue in Skagit County. To further understand how this issue may be impacting Skagit businesses, the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC) is asking all business to complete this 10-minute survey. Your individual answers and information will remain confidential.

Click here to start the survey.

Survey Focus

Current Policies and Practices: Share what childcare benefits you currently offer.
Barriers: Identify obstacles preventing you from offering childcare benefits.
Future Opportunities: Highlight potential benefits you'd like to offer with the right support.
Impact: Help us understand how childcare challenges affect your workforce dynamics.

Why Participate?

Influence the development of solutions to support working families.
Gain insights into effective childcare policies.
Contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

This survey was created with support from the Center for Retention and Expansion of Childcare, Skagit Population Health Trust, the State Department of Commerce, and the NW Educational Service District 189.

Fall Workshop!

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 04:32:50 GMT

We can't wait to see you all at SIHRMA's annual fall workshop in beautiful Anacortes, WA this Thursday, October 12th! Our breakfast menu includes cinnamon rolls, waffles, potatoes o'brien, and more! Yum!

Join us from 8 am to 1 pm and earn 3.25 HRCI and SHRM recertification credits!

When: Thursday, October 12, 2023

Where: NW Educational Service District
1601 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA 98221

Time: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Workshop Schedule:

08:00 am to 09:00 am: Buffet breakfast and networking
09:00 am to 10:00 am: "Shaping your Voluntary Benefits Strategy" by Christina Buchholz
10:00 am to 11:00 am: "Deep Dive into HR Audits" by Kathy Henderson
11:00 am to 11:15 am: Break
11:15 am to 1:00 pm: "Culture: What, Why, and How?" by Kevin Meenaghan

This workshop will equip professionals with information and tools to address topics that are trending in today’s organizations.

Don’t miss out on this popular training opportunity!

Early (Online) Registration SHRM/SIHRMA Member: $55
Early (Online) Registration non-SHRM/SIHRMA Member: $65
Student & Displaced Worker: $30
Regular Registration (Walk In): $75

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Gold Sponsors:
Dispute Resolution Center
All Things HR
LeGros Buchanan & Paul

Silver Sponsors:
EDASC
Express Employment Professionals

SIHRMA Board of Directors now accepting 2024 Board Member applications!

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Are you looking for a local starting point to network and gain professional development in the field of Human Resources? Look no further than SIHRMA, an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management. Whether you're a seasoned HR expert or new to the field, we offer continued support and information to ensure excellence in HR. If this sounds interesting to you, please submit an application! Inquires can be sent to info@sihrma.org.

HR Day on the Hill

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 21:03:01 GMT

Register now for HR Day on the Hill! Join Washington State SHRM for this 100% virtual event on January 28th, 2022. Catharine Morisset, Bob Battles, Kara Craig, and Jason Barrett will shed some light on Washington State legislative updates that will directly affect your business and your employees.

You'll also earn 5 recertification credits for HRCI and SHRM.

New SHRM Certification Preparation Webinar Series!

Tue, 11 May 2021 03:09:41 GMT

The SHRM Educational Programs roster has expanded and now includes the New Certification Prep Webinar Series! These webinars are a great opportunity for applicants to put the finishing touches on their exam preparation and learn best practices for exam success! Share this news with your chapter certification leaders and individuals currently studying for their exams!

REGISTER TODAY!

Best Practices For Exam Success

These tried and true best practices for SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP preparation exam have supported thousands of individuals to first-time exam success. An expert facilitator provides guidance on how to ‘Study Smart, Not Hard’ and shares recommendations that have proven to be beneficial to examinees including how to overcome text anxiety. A Q&A session will also be included to answer your specific exam preparation questions.

Webinars Starting May 19, 2021
Click Registration Link to Access Additional Dates

Mastering The Exam Questions
SHRM-SCP & SHRM-CP

Led by an expert facilitator, you’ll gain valuable insight into how to master both types of multiple-choice questions on the exam: stand-alone knowledge-based items that assess your knowledge and understanding of factual information, and scenario-based situational judgment items that assess your judgment, application and decision-making skills.

Webinars Starting May 12, 2021
Click Registration Link to Access Additional Dates

SHRM Member Price: $89 for one session
Non-Member Price: $99 for one session

*All sessions are live and held at noon Eastern Time

HR Day on the Hill Virtual - January 29, 2021, 8:15am – 4:00pm

Sat, 09 Jan 2021 00:42:00 GMT

To register, go to https://wastatecouncil.shrm.org/events/2021WAHRDOTH

2021 Washington State Employment Law & Human Resources Conference

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 02:27:40 GMT

2021 Conference Registration is Open

Date:	March 12, 2021, 8:00am – 4:00pm
Location:	VIRTUAL
Credits:	Earn up to 20 HRCI and 20 SHRM-CP/SCP Recertification credits
Website:	www.wastateshrm2021conference.org

Washington State Employment Law & Human Resources Conference

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 23:16:30 GMT

Washington State Employment Law and Human Resources Conference

March 13, 2020 - Hyatt Regency Bellevue

Mt Baker Employment Law Workshop

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 18:13:56 GMT

Our neighbors to the north have a workshop in November that you may want to participate in. For more information you can go to their website.

https://mtbakershrm.shrm.org/events/2019/11/2019-employment-law-update-12-day-workshop

Free On-line Diversity Equity and Inclusion Webinar

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 17:07:04 GMT

Looking for something to enhance your Diversity or Cultural Competency Program?

Here is the trailer for the October 7 - October 11, 2019 event:

https://youtu.be/Twmn-Kp8R7Q

Check out belongingatworksummit.com

Galen Emmanuelle at Snohomish SHRM

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 14:44:18 GMT

If you haven't seen Galen before he is inspiring and makes communication fun! Don't forget about the September 23rd Professional Development program in Snohomish.

The New Rules of Equal Pay Mt. Baker SHRM

Sat, 07 Sep 2019 14:58:28 GMT

Here is your chance to hear Jodi Slavek speak about Equal Pay. Jodi often speaks at WASHRM. Join our neighbor to the north, Mt. Baker chapter and enjoy their lunch meeting on September 11 at 11:45.

https://mtbakershrm.shrm.org/events/2019/09/september-2019-luncheon-new-rules-equal-pay-it-s-not-just

What's Next Washington

Thu, 23 May 2019 17:59:59 GMT

If you would like me to email you the slides from the last meeting please contact me at awilson@chinookenterprises.org.

Phishing Warning!!!!

Wed, 01 May 2019 23:09:43 GMT

Phishing emails using SHRM name

I just wanted to give our members a heads up that there is an email being sent out to HR professionals. It claims to be an invoice from SHRM for your annual membership fees. The scammers have lifted logos and such and even give the correct phone numbers. It looks like they are trying to get you to send a check to their fake address. That was the piece of information that didn't match SHRM website information.

It would probably be safer to go to SHRM's website and renew over the phone or through their secure payment portal. If you need to pay by check you can go to their printable application here: https://www.shrm.org/about-shrm/Documents/SHRMProfessionalMembershipApplication.pdf

Please be cautious when you receive requests for information or payment that you didn't instigate. It seems every year there are more schemes out there.

Domestic Violence Slides

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 17:15:47 GMT

Please let us know if you would like a copy of the Domestic Violence in the Workplace PP presentation that Skagit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services Presented at the April SIHRMA breakfast Meeting. You can contact awilson@chinookenterprises.org for more information.

Volunteer Opportunity

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 12:11:15 GMT

Here is your chance to help out our community. SIHRMA is sponsoring a workshop for job seekers to help them strengthen their resume, interview, networking and social media skills. Please contact Annemarie or Anusha to volunteer.

Career Fair in Burlington

Fri, 12 Apr 2019 16:51:39 GMT

May 1st at the Christ the King Community Center. Contact Bill Adamek, Local Veterans Employment Representative at wadamek@esd.wa.gov

Mt. Baker SHRM Meeting topic is Focus on Mental Health Bolsters Workplace Wellness

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 19:08:49 GMT

You can register for this luncheon training at Mt Baker SHRM Meeting registration.

Focus on Mental Health Bolsters Workplace Wellness

Date:	April 10, 2019, 11:45am – 1:30pm
Organizer:	Mt. Baker Chapter of SHRM
Location:	Northwood Hall 3240 Northwest Avenue Bellingham, WA 98226
Price:	See below for prices
Event Type:	Chapter Luncheon/Speaker/Meeting
iCal link	Add to Calendar

Many employers are taking a more holistic approach to employee wellbeing. A key component is recognizing the diverse needs within your population. However, many times mental health is left out of the equation. Although 1 in 5 adults in the United States are coping with a mental health issue, adapting your company culture and wellness programs to meet this broad spectrum of needs presents a significant challenge. This session will provide strategies to create an inclusive culture, reduce stigma, and focused approaches for meeting the mental health needs of your employees.

Learning Objectives:
• Participants will have a greater understanding of mental health issues in the workplace
• Participants will be able to identify steps for nurturing inclusiveness and engagement in the workplace.
• Participants will learn strategies to manage common challenges including stigma, organizational and/or individual resistance.

Presented by: Anna Meiners, MA | Director of Account Services at Cascade Centers, Inc.

Anna Meiners is the Director of Account Services at Cascade Centers, Inc. She holds a MA in Counseling Psychology from Pacific University with an emphasis on Organizational Behavior. In addition, Anna has completed health coach certification through the National Society of Health Coaches. Anna’s experience includes provision of direct clinical services, wellness program development and consultation in all areas of Employee Assistance Services. Anna is an experienced presenter on the topic of mental health integration into the workplace. Her focus is on helping people achieve measurable health improvements while reducing organizational costs.

Program Generously Sponsored by: San Juan Cruises

San Juan Cruises is a locally owned and operated company based in Bellingham, WA that operates four deluxe tour vessels: Victoria Star, Chinook, Salish Express and Salish Sea. With four vessels that can accommodate groups as small as 20 people, or as many as 149 people, we are the go-to company for scheduled tours, private cruises and group functions on the water. We strive every day to bring the best of Bellingham and the San Juan Islands to folks visiting from out of the area, as well as locals looking for a fun time out on the water. For more information please click here.

We have a new Facebook Page

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 20:08:07 GMT

We have a new Facebook page. Come check it out!

https://www.facebook.com/sihrma.org/

Do you need Max's Handouts?

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 18:29:31 GMT

Did you attend the 3rd Party Mediation Breakfast in February? Would you like a electronic copy of the handouts?

Send me an email at awilson@Chinookenterprises.org with the subject:

"I need Max's Handouts" and I will shoot them to you!

SHRM Membership Coupon

Sun, 31 Mar 2019 15:03:54 GMT

Is it time to renew your SHRM membership or you want to become a member? This coupon code is good for the whole year on a professional membership. Enter coupon code STATE20 to receive $20 off your membership.

Chapter Meetings

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 20:22:00 GMT

Can't make it to our Skagit Meeting on April 11th? Here is another SHRM opportunity:

Focus on Mental Health Bolsters Workplace Wellness

Date:	April 10, 2019, 11:45am – 1:30pm
Organizer:	Mt. Baker Chapter of SHRM

Want to help us with Happy Hour with HR at Skagit Valley College?

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 20:09:32 GMT

We are going to work with the students at Skagit Valley College on June 11th from 4 pm to 6 pm.

Interested in using your HR skills to help people find jobs? You can help review resumes, work on mock interviews or networking!

Join us! Contact Annemarie Todd (todd.Annemarie@jobcorps.org)

Washington State Employment Law & HR Conference

Sat, 02 Feb 2019 16:09:37 GMT

I have attended this conference over the last few years. I always come away with new knowledge, new friends and lots of new ideas. You will also earn some recertification credits for both SHRM and HRCI. Check out the flier here. Print Flyer for 2019 WSELHRC.docx

SIHRMA Board of Directors

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 19:19:47 GMT

SIHRMA is currently seeking members to serve on the 2019 Board of Directors. If you are interested, please reach out to one of the current board members to express your interest. This is an opportunity to not be able to serve the HR profession in our area, but is one that can help shape and influence the profession within the state as well. Membership on the board also bring with it certain benefits that are unique to those board members. Again, for more information, please reach out to a current board member.

Yes Vets Employer Participation

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 12:28:59 GMT

Does your company want to participate in the Yes Vets program? Please see the attached document to see how.

YesVets Template for Chapter Websites.docx

2018 YesVETS Recognition Ceremony

Sat, 19 May 2018 16:53:25 GMT

YesVets is holding their recognition ceremony on July 10th in Yakima, WA to recognize employers that are actively hiring veterans in their organizations.

YesVets Recognition Ceremony Invite_2018.pdf

2017 Platinum Award

Sat, 19 May 2018 13:36:12 GMT

Skagit Island HR Management Association Receives Prestigious SHRM Award

for Advancing the HR Profession

Washington, May 17, 2018 — The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) recently awarded SIHRMA its prestigious Platinum Award for the Chapter’s accomplishments in 2017.

The award aligns individual chapters’ and state councils’ activities with SHRM’s aspirations for the HR profession. The award recognizes accomplishments and strategic activities and initiatives that enhance the human resource profession.

“SHRM exists because of our great chapters and state councils like SIHRMA which work tirelessly to help advance the important mission of the HR profession through initiatives that support our future, build inclusive organizations and focus on workplace readiness,” said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, president and chief executive officer of SHRM. “Recognizing you as a recipient of this prestigious award is just one way to show that SHRM supports you and that we are by your side step by step as we move Together Forward.”

The EXCEL Award can be earned at four levels: bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Each level has a prescribed set of requirements and accomplishments that must be met. SIHRMA will receive recognition in SHRM publications and at conferences, a logo to display on its website, and information to share with its members about the significance of this award.

During 2017, SIHRMA expanded its communications with members and the business community by creating a LinkedIn group for our membership and participating in Schmooze Fair. SIHRMA also participated in assisting the Washington Employment Security Department in creating new curriculum for their resume writing workshops. Two of the board members presented an interview workshop for Miss Oak Harbor pageant. For more information about SIHRMA, visit sihrma.org.

About the Society for Human Resource Management

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world’s largest HR professional society, representing 285,000 members in more than 165 countries. For nearly seven decades, the Society has been the leading provider of resources serving the needs of HR professionals and advancing the practice of human resource management. SHRM has more than 575 affiliated chapters within the United States and subsidiary offices in China, India and United Arab Emirates. Visit us at shrm.org and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @SHRMPress.

HR Happy Hour at Farmstrong

Sat, 05 May 2018 16:20:23 GMT

More details will follow but reserve June 7th for a great chance to network and mingle with your fellow HR professionals.

NHRMA 2018

Sat, 28 Apr 2018 22:10:25 GMT

NHRMA Annual Conference

The West Sound Human Resource Management Association is proud to host the 80^th Annual NHRMA Conference and Tradeshow in Tacoma, WA September 5-7, 2018! Join us in exciting Downtown Tacoma as we reflect on the past and envision the future.

Businesses today require strong HR leaders to move organizations forward. At the 2018 NHRMA Conference we will look at The Evolution of HR: Reflecting on the Past, Envisioning the Future. This informative conference will cover the critical areas for HR Professionals, including Business Acumen and HR Strategy. You will also gain the knowledge you need to recruit the best talent and stay abreast on the most up-to-date legal and legislative updates.

If you’ve attended a NHRMA conference in the past, you know that we like to have FUN!! Along with the conference, NHRMA offers great networking opportunities, including after-hours functions to explore Tacoma and mingle with your HR colleagues. Don’t forget to visit the Tradeshow to learn about the latest and greatest services and partners available to HR professionals.

While you’re here, be sure to get out and explore beautiful downtown Tacoma! The Chihuly Museum of Glass and Tacoma Art Museum, along with antique shopping and northwest cuisine are among the many things to do and see in historic downtown Tacoma. The convenient light rail system will take you throughout the downtown area and Tacoma’s Ruston Way waterfront offers a scenic walking trail to enjoy while you’re visiting.

We look forward to seeing you at the 80^th Annual NHRMA Conference and Tradeshow!

Click here for more information!

Apple Valley Leadership Summit

Sat, 28 Apr 2018 21:59:28 GMT

Join other HR Leaders In lovely Leavenworth

Spend the day networking and learning. Want to learn the secret sauce that makes the "best places to work" so great? Executives who lead award-winning organizations across Washington State will share tools for how you can attract top talent, grow effective leaders and sustain a culture of success. Please see the attached flier for more information.