HR Networking Season in Houston

There was a sea of name badges at Sam's Boat on Thursday evening. There was also a Texans game on in the background just for us...and the Texans won just for us too.

Special guest Foster Williams, one of leaders, drove in from Dallas with another Texas HR Pro, so they could connect with our Houston professionals.

MC Marvin Martin also announced prizes donated from Precise Hire of Dallas and Successful Events of Houston throughout the evening.

The next Houston mixer will be in November; however, stay tuned for more training, seminars, and events we can attend together. 

Some of Our Professionals

HR and IT Members with Marvin

Leaders Foster and Eric with Texas HR Pro Member

 

Our Blogger and the famous Foster Williams

Winner!

Winner!

Talent Management Executive (TME) Forum

On Wednesday, a group of HR professionals and Executives redefined the DNA of high-potential employees (Hi-Pos) and shared best practices during an employee engagement workshop delivered by TalentGuard’s Spring Talent Management Executive (TME) Forum.  The TME Forum is also a group located on LinkedIn and holds forums in other cities.

Thanks to the Starbucks and donuts from Pariveda Solutions, we had a spirited discussion about the traits of Hi-Pos and how to identify these game changers beyond the use of competency profiling.  There are typically many Hi-Pos in an organization; however, many may not be suitable for promotion due to biased perceptions.  We also discussed best practices for developing the next generation of high potential leaders. 

The annual employee survey is complete and HR is not surprised by the results: Employees still feel they are not being heard, think their company lacks career development opportunities, and want better understanding of job expectations. Sound familiar?

We discussed the 10 drivers of employee engagement and how organizations of all sizes can adopt them to close the engagement gap by reinforcing the company's culture. We learned best practices from HR leaders at the Rockets, Parevida Solutions, and MD Anderson, for implementing engagement initiatives that improve performance, collaboration, and feelings of connectedness to a company and its values. 

Engagement all starts from up top which is no surprise.  My favorite story was about how Whataburger's CEO eats at Whataburger everyday and truly gets to know the employees. Yes, he is fit (I know you were wondering).

My favorite best practice was how Pariveda Solutions utilizes a structured succession plan, so that all positions can evolve to a CEO position within a certain timeline.  Pariveda also has a structured intern program and calls their interns "Phins" taken from their dolphin logo.


There were several takeaways from this workshop, so TalentGuard will be posting this information on their blog.

SHRM Presents: "Compare the Candidates" Romney v. Obama

Back to School Time: Rice University Offers Online HR Certification Courses

The Institute for Human Resource Education at Rice University is the largest producer of certified HR professionals in Texas and one of the largest university programs of its kind in the country. It offers extensive educational opportunities for human resource professionals.

There are two program formats available: Classroom and Web-Delivered.  Both formats employ the same curriculum and textbooks. In addition to instruction, you will be provided with access to online study tools that include practice exam questions.

Classroom Programs
The classroom programs are delivered in a traditional classroom on the Rice University campus. Face-to-face contact with peers and instructors provides the best environment in which to learn and interact with others.

Web-Delivered Programs
The Web-delivered programs are live, instructor-led and fully interactive. This unique approach to education allows students to attend a virtual classroom using their computer and communicate with the instructor using a headset and voice-over-IP technology. From your home, office or on the road, as long as you have a computer and Internet connection, you can access the virtual classroom.

Grant for PHR/SPHR Prep Course at San Jacinto College

San Jacinto College will be offering a PHR/SPHR prep course for Fall 2012 beginning in October. The prep course will be held from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, on Saturdays, at their Central Campus in Pasadena. Details regarding the program will be shared at the Orientation on August 30.

The grant covers the course and materials.  Participants will need to pay for their PHR/SPHR exam fees. Exam fee info.-  http://www.hrci.org/hrcertification.aspx?id=159

Orientation for Grant and Prep Course 

Interactive Learning Center (front building at San Jacinto College)

San Jacinto College Central Campus
Thursday, August 30
8060 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX
(281) 476-1501
www.sanjac.edu
Interactive Learning Center which is Building #1 on the attached map in Room T106  (park out front of the main doors)
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM 

Please email BloggerAdmin@TexasHRPros.com for grant application forms, fill them out, and bring them with you to the Orientation. 

To apply and/or qualify for the Adult Basic Education Grant (ABE), you will also need to bring with you the following original documentation to the Orientation.

1. Driver’s License
2. Social Security Card
3. Birth Certificate or Passport
4. Selective Service Registration Number – male applicants only - # can be found by logging into www.sss.gov
5. Four weeks proof of income OR Unemployment Insurance Benefits verification letter from Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).   
6. TABE Test Results – You will take the test at Orientation which is approximately 2 hours – if you are unable to attend either Orientation, you must take the exam at any local Workforce Solutions.  It will be TABE, Level D.

Recipients must be eligible to take HRCI.org exam  http://www.hrci.org/Exam_Eligibility/.  There is a max of 15 students for the grant. 

  

Questions?  Please contact... 
David Lewis, Director Business & Professions, Continuing & Professional Development
281.542.2061 or Laurie M. 281.542.2056   Fax: 281.542.2097 
David.lewis@sjcd.edu

LinkedIn Stats

Did you know that you are--
40% more likely to get found if your profile is 100% complete;
7x more likely to be found with a profile photo; and
12x more likely to be found with 2 most recent positions?

Source: www.springboardworks.com

Free Investigation Webinar with HRCI Credit on August 30

The benefits of building rapport during investigation interviews are obvious. Without good rapport, an interviewer loses credibility and trust, without which true communication is impossible. An interviewer who fails to build rapport with interviewees will have difficulty getting information and may never get to the truth.

Anyone who conducts investigation interviews should possess solid rapport-building skills as one of the essential tools of the trade and, luckily, these skills can be developed through education and practice.

Join us for a free webinar on Thursday, August 30, at 2:00 PM EDT, as Brian Fox and Richard Schumacher share tips for building and maintaining rapport with interviewees in investigation interviews.

Over the course of an hour, Fox and Schumacher will discuss:

• Two effective means for building rapport
• The role communication plays in building rapport
• Real world examples for building rapport

​To register, please visit: http://i-sight.com/building-rapport-in-investigation-interviews/

*This program has been pre-approved for 1 (General) recertification credit hour toward PHR, SPHR and GPHR recertification through the HR Certification Institute.

I hope you can attend!

Joseph Gerard
VP Sales & Marketing
i-Sight

NAFTA Lunch Seminar by FosterQuan and Greater Houston Partnership on 8/30/12

Please join the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP), FosterQuan, LLP and the Consulate General of Mexico for this informative presentation. Canada, Mexico and the United States have very different immigration systems tied together by the North American Free Trade Agreement. Attendees will learn the commonalities and the differences related to moving key workers through North America. Find out how this one agreement is implemented differently in all three countries.

This seminar features a representative from the Consulate General of Mexico who will address consular procedures and requirements for certain Mexican visa applications. In addition, experts from FosterQuan, one of the largest immigration law firms in the United States, will speak on NAFTA-related immigration issues in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Speakers:
Maria de Jesus Ramirez Padilla
Consul, Consulate General of Mexico

Robert F. Loughran
Partner, FosterQuan, LLP

Amanda Hansson
Attorney, FosterQuan, LLP

José Ramírez IV
Attorney, FosterQuan, LLP


When: Thursday, August 30, 2012 | 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: GHP Board Room | 1200 Smith St, Suite 700, Houston, TX
You may park in the Allen Center parking garage, discounted parking will be provided.
Cost: Members & Nonmembers: $35 |Lunch will be provided

An application for accreditation of this activity has been submitted to the MCLE Committee of the State Bar of Texas and HR Certification Institute general course credit accreditation.

Have Questions?: Contact Victoria Rivera atvrivera@houston.org or 713-844-3632.

The Greater Houston Partnership comprises the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development and International Business. The Partnership is the primary advocate of Houston's business community and is dedicated to building regional economic prosperity. Join the Greater Houston Partnership today.

The Retention Summit Online on Thursday, August 30

LinkedIn Group Invite
Group: Human Resources IQ
Subject: The Connection Between Employee and Customer Retention

Dear HRIQ Member,

Employee and customer retention are more innately related then people usually think. Without productive, happy and engaged employees, it’s nearly impossible to build a successful business and without customers you literally have no business.  Therefore, keeping both your employees and your customers happy is essential for organizational growth.

More to the point, employees and customers are incentivized by the same thing – feeling valued for their contribution to your business. Showing appreciation to your employees and customers is what keeps them coming back.

So, join us on Thursday, August 30, at noon for our complimentary, online event, THE RETENTION SUMMIT.  This event features the exclusive presentation “Retaining Your Customers….Your Business Depends on It”  which is headlined by industry standout & FirstMerit Bank’s senior vice president and customer contact center director, Michael Adams.  In this session, we  focus on opportunities to develop meaningful customer and employee relationships throughout the entire life cycle. Our case study-fueled sessions will explore the proven business implications of designing the entire business experience around retention initiatives, the untapped value of proactive customer care and strategies for building  satisfaction and loyalty at each and every touch point in your organization.

We are proud to be able to present you this opportunity, and we hope to see you there. To register for this free online event, visit http://www.theretentionsummit.com.

Election Notice from SHRM

Employee Engagement Infographic

Texas HR Pros Mixer is Thursday, August 30

Community Training Network Monthly Lunch Seminars

Kevin Karschnik, Donna B., Bobby L., Heather C.

Today, a couple of us Texas HR Pros attended a leadership seminar led by Kevin Karschnik of iSpeak based in Austin.  He taught us how to take direction tips during his seminar "Great Leaders have Purpose, Priorities, and Persistence".

Having a Purpose (knowing what you want), setting Priorities (organizing your day), and being Persistent (never quitting) will help you become a more effective leader.   We learned leadership success factors via visuals for tracking for greater efficiency, performance, productivity, and commitment.

Wheel of Life...Are You Balanced?

Take-aways from today's seminar--

• "There is no best; there is always better."
• Balancing and Zig Ziglar's Wheel of Life
• "Everything is difficult, until it isn't."
• Exercises to teach multitaskers, distracted training attendees, and disengaged workers
• Survive a Well Like a Donkey
• Terry Tate Office Motivator and Liability

About the Speaker

Kevin Karschnik has been a professional speaker and corporate trainer for the past 20 years.  Kevin uses humor and his broad business knowledge to present to audiences ranging from call center agents, managers, sales representatives, to corporate executives. He has spoken to tens of thousands of individuals in Panama, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Scotland, the United Kingdom, Dubai, Malaysia, and all across the United States.  His client list includes well-known companies such as AT&T, Fox Television, Dell, Budweiser, National Geographic, State Farm, Cameron, AMD, US Oncology, and The Ronald McDonald House. Kevin is the co-author of workbooks titled Selling4Success, Servicing4Success, Presenting4Success, and Leading4Success. His next book, Corporate Ovations, will be in bookstores and available on Amazon.

About Community Training Network (CTN)

CTN is an exciting way for ASTD Houston to bring learning directly to the learner.

Meetings are created so professionals can share in each others’ development and success. CTN provides a forum for presenters to discuss current issues, best practices, and trends in workplace learning and development. CTN meetings are open to everyone interested in learning in how they can enhance their own skills, or the knowledge and skills of others. The sessions are designed to provide for a facilitated session, networking and discussion .

Join the CTN(s) of your choice so that you can receive notification of upcoming events and participate in ASTD Houston LinkedIn Subgroups and find your favorite CTN subgroup discussions.
  
If you are interesting in participating as a speaker, please contact 713-839-1757.  A part of ASTD Houston's commitment to attendees is that presenters are asked not to "sell" their services or materials.

CareerSpa Offers Free HRCI Webinars

CareerSpa welcomes Texas HR Pros to a refreshing opportunity to join a monthly live broadcast with industry experts!

With ever-increasing pressure to provide exceptional human resource services for your employees while providing an efficient, competitive value for your employer, it's very easy to neglect taking personal time to gain additional wisdom and encouragement for yourself.

The Rejuvenate Webinar Series is an intimate, high-quality collection of ongoing events designed to inform and inspire you, the Human Resources industry professional, on a variety of relevant topics -

• Outplacement Trends
• Cost Per Hire Research
• Tips for Elevating Your HR Career
• Building Quality Leadership in Your Organization
• And more

As our gift to you, these events are provided FREE courtesy of Talent Connections® and Career Spa™! Space is limited. Please Review and Register for any of the following upcoming events:

Wednesday, Aug 22, 2012 at 12:00-1:30 PM EDT.
TOPIC: Mystery Solved! SHRM Unveils New Research on Cost Per Hire
Approved for (1.5) hour Specified- Business Management Strategy credits for HRCI recertification
Learn More and Register Digital Invitation - Download Here and Share

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 12:00-1:00 PM EDT.
TOPIC: Four Ways to Elevate your HR Career

Approved for (1) hour General credit for HRCI recertification
Learn More and Register

Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 12:00-1:00 PM EST.
TOPIC: Courageous Leadership
Learn More and Register

Past Events:

Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 12:00-1:00 PM EDT
TOPIC: Trend in Outplacement - Give Employees a Choice of Provider
Watch the Recording

HR Future Workshop

To see full promotion...click here.

Best Days and Times to Tweet Job Openings and Company News

Networking and Training Event this Friday and Saturday at the Texas Business Alliance - Houston

LinkedIn's CEO Jeff Weiner Shares Q2 Results and Future

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Two for One at HR Houston

Article by:  Bonnie S., "HR Cert Expert"

HR Houston held its monthly meeting this week at the Marriott West Loop where nearly 200 HR professionals had the opportunity to attend three sessions.  It was a “Two for One” event where attendees had the opportunity to learn simple and cost effective ways to reward employees and receive an update on the effects of the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding healthcare.  Participants earned up to a total of 4.5 HRCI credits depending on what sessions they attended.

Attendees received a free book!

Sessions 1 and 2 featured Dr. Bob Nelson who made a Houston stop during his national book tour for 1501 Ways to Reward Employees.  The topics that he presented included the following:

• pending shortage of skilled workers; 
• rise of the millennial generation;
• expansion of contingent workers; and
• globalization of the labor market.

Dr. Nelson provided humorous examples and kept the crowd entertained, while driving home strategies the HR professionals could take back and implement to engage their employees and show appreciation for the work they do. 
Session 3 featured Monica Toth, JD, the Area Vice President - Compliance, for Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc.  Monica presented information regarding the effects of the recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which upheld the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).  As such, employers must now prepare to implement the Act – unless repealed following the November election. This session reviewed the requirements that apply in the short term for 2012-2013.  She also discussed the landscape of the new health insurance marketplace in 2014 and what it means for employers.

Upcoming Free LinkedIn Class at Leisure Learning Houston by Social Media Leader Shelley Roth

Roth teaching Constant Contact and social media platforms

Shelley Roth of Springboard Social Media has worked for large corporations, has served on the advisory boards of technology companies, and served as a mentor and member of --the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, the Houston Technology Center, and MIT Forum.  She is the founding member of The Greater Houston Partnership and Emerging Business Council.  In addition to her leadership and tech expertise, she has judged for the Rice Alliance SW Business Plan Competition and Texas A&M Technology Transfer Competition.

How lucky is Leisure Learning to have a professor like this teach us the social media ropes?  Well, there's more good news...she is conducting a free LinkedIn class on Thursday, August 23, 2012.
Sign up here.
Schedule
8:30 a.m.- 9:00 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m.-10 a.m. Social Media Marketing Made Simple
10:00 a.m.-Noon LinkedIn Key Strategies for Growing Your Brand
Where:  Leisure Learning  2990 Richmond, 6th Floor  Houston, TX 77098

Roth will also be teaching a social media class to a recruitment organization on August 24. For more information on this event, see www.JillHickman.com.  Roth is available to speak and train at organizations.

Ten Major HR Newsletters

    Read full article on Recruiter.com

Ten Major HR Newsletters:

1. SHRM is the leading member organization for Human Resource professionals. They publish HR Week along with many specialized publications.
2. HR.com is a leading commercial portal for Human Resources. They regularly publish articles on everything from employment law and benefits to assessment, interviewing, and recruiting. They also feature HR webinars and virtual conferences.
3. SmartBrief is a major newsletter provider for many diverse industries. They focus on particular segments of business that include topics of interest to HR professionals. Their publications include workforce, executive leadership, and career topics that are highly relevant to HR.
4. Human Resource Executive and their online site offer a very well-established and cutting edge approach to HR. They have exceptional editorial coverage of HR technology in particular.
5. Human Resources IQ, a division of IQPC, regularly features practical HR advice and discussion of trends from HR practitioners.
6. HR TradeWinds is a newer publication from HRMarketer.com featuring news on employee benefits, training & development, talent management, and HR technology.
7. HR Examiner is a publication headed up by John Sumser which features current HR trends and developments, with an emphasis on highlighting thought leadership, social media, and talented individuals in the space.
8. HR.BLR.com offers email articles for HR professionals that focus on compliance and regulatory issues.
9. HRM Today, a resource from the Institute for Corporate Productivity, is a widely read publication that focuses on human capital management, talent management strategy, and workforce issues.
10. HR Communicator offers daily news and topics with an emphasis on workplace development and talent management. It additionally serves as an aggregation site for HR news.

HR Certificate at HCC - It's Back to School Time

M.L.Young, Houston Community College's (HCC) Business Program Director, explained the curriculum for HCC's HR Certificate Program and displayed their progressive text book that covers HR from A to Z. 

The Human Resource Certificate Course Series is a multi-course curriculum designed to meet the unique needs of working professionals in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for a broad range of positions in the field of Human Resources. These courses will help to enhance and expand professional skills for HR professionals, managers, and business owners. This certificate has no prerequisites.

Courses:

HRPO 1091	Introduction to Human Resource	8 hrs
HRPO 1091	Organizational Development	8 hrs
HRPO 1091	Talent Management	8 hrs
HRPO 1091	Employee Relations	8 hrs
HRPO 1091	Compensation and Benefits	8 hrs
Total		40 hrs
Certificate Cost	$830

HCC also has a PeopleSoft Certificate Program. 

For more information on HR-related courses, contact George Davis at 713.718.6772 or George.Davis@hccs.edu.

Texas HR Pros Learn Best Practices for Drug Testing Policies

Peter Mott, Workforce Solutions' Melissa and Danny, & Texas HR Pros

Ever hear the terms "shy bladder" or "presenteeism"?  Did you know that drug users operate at 66% of work productivity?

Drug testing was the exciting topic today for Texas HR Pros and other HR professionals at Workforce Solutions at Pasadena Town Square Mall.  Peter Mott, the Associate Director of Workplace Services for the Council on Alcohol and Drugs - Houston, taught us how to write a Texas company policy to promote a drug-free and safe workplace. 

We also discussed--

• how to test for bath salts and designer drugs like synthetic marijuana,
• why hangovers should still be addressed,
• how to write a Fitness for Duty policy, and
• why using the term "illicit" drug is more effective than using the term "illegal" drug.

For more information on drug testing laws and policies, Mott shared that attorney David Barron will be conducting a Federal and Texas Drug-Free Workplace workshop on August 23.  To contact Peter Mott for a presentation, email him at pmott@@council-houston.org.

If you have never been to a Workforce Solutions' HRCI training, they serve sweets with gourmet coffee, have wonderful PowerPoint handouts, are free yet are very valuable, and even offer door prizes and office goodies.  The best thing about the training is one gets to mingle with their peers and share how to handle HR scenarios.

Workforce Solutions' blog, Blog Force, is also featured on our blog site.  Stay tuned for more events they are sponsoring.

Texas HR Pros' Member at Houston Chronicle Job Fair

Bonnie Scherry worked the busy welcome and resume review booth today at the Houston Chronicle's Job Fair at Reliant Center. 

Bonnie (SPHR) recently relocated to Houston from Louisiana and is networking to find her next great senior HR opportunity. 

She found out about the networking opportunity through Between Jobs Ministry. 

Contact her on LinkedIn!

VOW to Hire Heroes Act 2011 - For Employers

The Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, provides seamless transition for Servicemembers, expands education and training opportunities for Veterans, and provides tax credits for employers who hire Veterans with service-connected disabilities.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program provides eligible Veterans an opportunity to obtain training and practical hands

‐on experience concurrently through the Special

Employer Incentives (SEI) program. The SEI program is for eligible Veterans who face challenges in obtaining employment. VA is responsible for determining if a Veteran is eligible to participate.

Veterans approved to participate in the SEI program are hired by participating employers, and employment is expected to continue following successful completion of the program. VA facilitates the process by identifying suitable placements and coordinating efforts between all parties. As a result, the SEI program is beneficial for both Veterans and Employers.

For Employers- Hiring Toolkit http://www.americasheroesatwork.gov/forEmployers/HiringToolkit/

For Employers- Tax Credit
Tax credits and other incentives for employers to hire and train Veterans who are unemployed or have service-connected disabilities.

Are You An Employer Interested in Tax Credit Information?


The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a Federal tax credit available to private-sector businesses and certain non-profit organizations for hiring certain individuals, including veterans, who have consistently faced significant barriers to employment. The WOTC program enables the targeted employees to gradually move from economic dependency into self-sufficiency as they earn a steady income, while participating employers are able to reduce their federal income tax liability. See the WOTC Fact Sheet for more information.
Are You An Employer Interested in Hiring Veterans?


The Special Employer Incentives (SEI) program is for eligible Veterans that face extraordinary obstacles to obtaining employment. Veterans are hired by participating employers at the onset of the SEI program and employment is expected to continue following successful completion of the SEI program. As a result, the SEI program is beneficial for both employers and Veterans.

• Reimbursement up to 50% of Veteran's Salary during the SEI program to cover:
  
  • Additional expenses incurred for cost of instruction
  • Loss of production
  • Additional supplies and equipment
• Hire qualified Veterans trained to your agency's specifications
• Hire a trainee at an apprenticeship wage
• VA provides the necessary tool, equipment, uniforms and other supplies
  
• Appropriate accommodations are made based on individual needs


• Minimal paperwork required by the employer


• The employer has VA support during training and placement follow-up phase to assist with work or training related needs


To speak with a Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment representative,
• Call VA at 1-800-827-1000 and ask to speak with the Vocational Rehabilitation Division or Point of Contact.
• Locate a VA Regional Office near you using the VA Regional Office Directory

For Additonal Employer Resources

• Visit CareerOneStop for Employers

Department of Labor Event in Dallas/Richardson on August 16

Department of Labor (DOL) Calendar
Event Name:	US DOL Informational and Outreach Forum
Description:	Six US DOL agencies are hosting this major event. It is designed to promote public access to federal agencies and to increase the public's awareness of the DOL's mission. This Forum is free and open to the public. The attending agencies will host several workshops and informational sessions. The OFCCP will present a workshop for federal contractors or potential contractors to offer a wide and general overview of compliance with OFCCP regulations. The OFCCP will present its 90-minute workshop twice during the event. RSVPs are required. To register or request more information, please call.
Date:	Aug 16, 2012
Time:	8:30 to 12:45
Location:	Univ of Tex (at Dallas) - Science Learning Center 800 W. Campbell Road Richardson, TX 75080
For More Information:	972-850-2650
Secretary's Event:	No
Agency:	OFCCP

City of Houston Video and Workplace Violence

By:  RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI Associated Press

HOUSTON August 2, 2012 (AP)

Ominous music plays as a man in dark clothing, sunglasses and a backpack walks toward people working in a high-rise building. The narrator's voice warns: "It may feel like just another day at the office, but occasionally life feels more like an action movie."

Moments later, the man opens fire on a security guard near an elevator.

It's the beginning of a nearly 6-minute video created by the City of Houston in an effort to teach residents what to do during a shooting. Local Homeland Security officials said they realized during training exercises that first responders knew how to react but citizens were far less knowledgeable.

The video emphasizes a short mantra — run, hide, fight — to help people remember their options. The video was made using $200,000 from a federal grant, and its release was expedited following last month's movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colo.