Affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management
Chartered in Peoria, IL
In the first days after I learned that I was to be the President of the Heart of Illinois HR Council for 2013 I spent quite a few moments thinking about what I wanted to help bring to this wonderful group of HR Professionals. I have served on the board of our council under 4 presidents and admire each of them for how they helped to grow our chapter. It is my hope to work well with this year’s board to continue to enhance all that we have to offer. There are many projects that we will continue to work on; in addition, I want to spend a little time looking back. As I was thinking about the coming year, the phrase “Be seen in 2013 – Tell your HIHRC story” continued to run through my mind. I hope to take time each month to invite members of our council to share their own stories about what our council has meant to their professional or personal journeys in human resources and in doing so help to create an even higher level of community among our members. So, I’ll go first…here is the short version of My HIHRC Story:
I began attending monthly luncheons with colleagues from my office as a young HR Professional in the late 90’s. I was inspired by the educational aspects of the meetings and by the people. I truly loved and valued the connections that I made. After about 5 years of regular attendance, my schedule did not allow me to attend any longer and I truly missed the HIHRC so much. Thankfully, I was able to return to meetings about 5 years ago. I joined the board in 2009, serving in a variety of roles. I attended a study group with HIHRC members and fulfilled a professional goal by earning my PHR. I was able to attend several conferences and even got to go to Capitol Hill to speak about HR laws. I have had so many wonderful experiences, but what I cherish most of all is the relationships that I have built. Some are more professional in nature and some are wonderful friendships. I am thankful for the Heart of Illinois HR Council!
Would you like to meet other HR professionals and learn from your peers? Would you like to earn recertification credits? If you would like to know more about our council or how you can get involved please contact me directly or any of our board members.
If you have not attended a meeting yet and would like to come as a first time guest at no cost please let us know. We would love to have you join us and consider membership.
Sincerely,
Welcome to the Heart of Illinois HR Council, SHRM Chapter # 326, where HR professionals in the Peoria area find professional development opportunities, networking, and resources.
As a chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world's largest association devoted to HR management, we are an influential voice in the Society's mission to ensure that HR is recognized as an essential partner in developing and executing organizational strategy.
You are invited to join us for our monthly programs, featuring leading edge speakers. Our goal is to have all meetings HRCI approved. Its our way of bringing value to you at each and every meeting.
Our Current Quarterly Newsletter - May 2013 (click here)
Our newsletters provide valuable information to our chapter members regarding current activities going on in our chapter and timely updates from Board members. Archived newsletters can be found in the Members Only section of the website.
Our Mission
To provide our members with the knowledge required to attain the highest standard of performance in human resource management. Our objective is to bring together diverse industries to provide professional development through high quality, responsive programs, with opportunities for open discussion.
SHRM Links
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) announced the Heart of Illinois Human Resources Council as one of seven professional chapter winners of the 2011 Pinnacle Award during its 2011 Leadership Conference in Arlington, VA on November 18, 2011. The awards program began in 1991 and honors the highest achievements in SHRM chapter and state council operations that enhance the development of effective HR management. An Illinois chapter has not been a recipient of this high honor since 1995.
The Heart of Illinois Human Resources Council was bestowed this prestigious award for their partnership with Peoria Park District’s Elite Youth Program, an intense 10 week in-school program aimed at preparing youth for competitive employment. Students receive training in social skills, employment soft skills, money management, customer service, and other imperative job skills. After completing the curriculum, students are eligible for certification from a community panel. Graduates earn the opportunity to interview for a part-time job from an ELITE employer.
The Heart of Illinois Human Resources Council volunteer workforce of 25 individuals provided feedback on resumes and applications for 170 students participating in the program. In addition, volunteers conducted training sessions in seven area schools on the topics of Interviewing Skills and Job Fair Etiquette. Mock interviews were held onsite at each of the schools with additional feedback provided on the spot. All of these activities were to provide students with the skills required to begin employment in the community as a successful employee. An estimate of over 225 preparation hours, 14 classroom hours, 85 review hours, and 70 hours associated with the job fair were logged by Council volunteers. The program’s impact was felt not only within the local Council, but also reached the lives of young people, their families, future employers, and the community.
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