Current Board Meeting Minutes

DULLES SHRM BOARD MEETING MINUTES
ARTEL, Inc.
May 7, 2007

Board Members Present:
Teresa Buchholz (via phone); Judy Carter; Sarah Cower (via phone); Andy Drescher; Joseph Gregory; Denise Henderson; Evelyn Kaiser; Nidhi Kanungo Cindy Loison; Amy Lourenco; Marlene Mouanga; Lynn Padgett; Craig Petry; Mary Saily; Tina Strasheim (via phone); Chas Sumser

Board Members Absent:
Maggie Chan; Jamey McNamara

Agenda:
The meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m. 

Secretary:
Amy moved and Denise seconded a motion to approve the April 9, 2007, Board Meeting minutes with one correction, i.e., the spelling of the GMU Student Chapter rep discussed in the Student Liaison & Scholarships section is Meredith Sawyer. 

Treasurer:
Tina presented the Treasurer's report dated May 7, 2007.  Our checkbook balance as of April 9th is $9,162.77. In addition, we have $32,141.92 in a separate cash management account (as of March 31st).   There are pending deposits of $1,995.00 and pending withdrawals of $1,880.67.

Membership:
Joseph and Lynn reviewed our demographics through Q107.  They haven't changed much over the same quarter of 2006.  As of the end of the quarter, there were 192 total members.  The majority (approx 82%) joined/renewed during January & February; keep in mind that those that join/renew during Q4 of the previous year are also lumped in here.  Eighty percent (80%) of our members are paying for their membership on-line, a 6% jump from last year.
Lynn has reached out to NOVA SHRM for info about their renewal rates.  She talked to a Board Member (although not Membership) who said that their experience was similar.
The Directory is in its final state.  There are currently 28 folks in the database that have "joined" but not paid.  It was decided that Tina would send them one "last chance" e-mail giving them until Friday, May 11th to pay in order to be included in the Directory.  (This is in addition to the several e-mails she has already sent each of these folks.)

Communications:
Denise reported that she needs items for the May newsletter by May 10th - no exceptions.  In addition, she will be on vacation in June and therefore needs items for the June newsletter (regarding July speakers, sponsors, etc.) by June 5th. 

The June costs for the website will increase because our webmaster is going to be making changes to jobs, etc. - things that Denise typically handles. 

She discussed adding a blog to our website, something that is becoming more prevalent and that is featured on SHRM National's website.   Jay quoted a one-time cost of $75 to add this feature.  Denise plans to moderate the blog.  We decided to test this feature for a time to gauge the response.

Legislative Affairs:
Craig reported that the Capitol Hill trip is planned for May 23rd.  As of right now, only 5 people are signed up for a trip that can accommodate 15.  The big issues at SHRM National are immigration reform and electronic verification.  A position brief from Sue Meisinger on electronic verification has been published.

Programs:
The speaker originally scheduled for July 2007 has cancelled.  Judy reported that she may be able to have that speaker switch with the other speaker scheduled for a breakfast meeting (in October).  We also suggested that she pursue switching with another speaker for a dinner meeting.  (Teresa reported that switching topics will be a non-issue with sponsors, who for the most part aren't even asking about the topic.)  Sadly, cancellations seem to be on the rise.  We also briefly discussed the HRCI policy about getting a "relief" speaker certified on the topic.

Judy presented a list of possible speakers for 2008, most of whom have simply reached out to us for the opportunity.  There was considerable discussion about some of the speakers and/or topics.  The Board was asked to focus on the topics that achieved high levels of interest on the member survey and to follow up with Judy with info on possible speakers on those topics. 

Registration:
Amy reported that guaranteeing 95% (vs. 90%) of the registered attendees seems to be working well.  In addition, beginning this month, Andy will be taking over Registration during Amy's leave.  Board members were asked to help out at the Registration desk as needed.

Monthly Meeting Prizes:
Marlene presented a list of available prizes (in addition to those provided by sponsors) and how they would be distributed each remaining month.  She mentioned that she needs someone to take her place at the May meeting; Teresa offered to help, in addition to several new members who have expressed an interest in getting involved.

Networking:
Mary asked for feedback on the table-specific networking.  It appeared to be positively received.  The type of networking that we do at each meeting will be dictated by the number of attendees. 

State Council:
Denise reported on the recent meeting she attended (along with Evelyn and Tina).  The focus was on three major topics: membership, meeting location, and succession planning within Chapter leadership.  A variety of good ideas were brought back.  The next meeting will be held on July 27 at the VA International Raceway in Alton.

Workforce Readiness:
Evelyn reported on the April 26th VASHRM-sponsored Workforce Readiness event she attended.  Areas represented included workforce, education and the greater community.  Many challenging ideas were put forth by futurist Ed Barlow.  One of the most important points is that education needs to change to meet our changing needs, and that business involvement is needed to ensure that that happens.

Disability Employment Project:
Evelyn reported on the steering committee meeting that she led and that included Denise, Howie Feldman, and Chris Carlson.  The project will mirror the goals of SHRM/ODEP, in particular strategies for business to utilize to increase employment of the disabled.  Some relevant issues include the effect that hiring the disabled might have on benefits and retention.  We will be adding a tab to our website including links to best practices and resources.  If you know of any, please let Evelyn know.  The committee is also brainstorming how to drive traffic to the site.

SHRM Re-Branding:
SHRM National has a new logo and 5 themes to go along with it.  Mary showed us collateral materials they sent, including posters on each of the themes.  It was decided to discuss one theme each meeting.  Mary will be responsible for having the posters mounted, etc.

Miscellaneous:

• Marlene asked that all Board members add her to their e-mail distribution lists.  Jamey will be tasked with re-sending the updated list to all.
• If you haven't already, please review your position description that is posted on our site.  Send your corrections to Denise ASAP.
• The Helios Apollo Awards Breakfast will be held on June 8th.  They had an overwhelming number of nominees and are quite pleased with the response.  They announced who is on the panel of judges.  Sponsors for the event are still being sought; if interested, contact Kathy Albarado at Helios.
• Cindy thanked folks for their responses to her query on dial-in capability for Discussion Groups.  It appears that both the cost and the changed dynamics make this a less than desirable feature.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Amy Lourenco