Join Us On August 20 for "Local Compensation Trends and Topics"
Chapter Discussion Group Update
Legislative Update
Dulles Chapter To Sponsor Fall Certification Prep Study Group
"Work Site Accommodation"
Board Meeting Minutes
George Mason Discounts Available For Dulles SHRM Members
Register Early For The Virginia State Conference
Book Report #3
Mark Your Calendar
Some Useful Information On The Va Department Of Rehabilitative Services
Skillsource Centers In Northern Virginia
Check Out Previous Newsletters
Join Us On August 20 for "Local Compensation Trends and Topics"
With Mark Avery of MarketPay Associates
Wednesday, August 20
Join us in August when Mark Avery of MarketPay Associates, an Alexandria-based compensation consulting firm, presents valuable data on local compensation practices in our region and practical ideas on solving your compensation challenges. Mark’s presentation will begin with an overview of MarketPay’s local 2003 compensation surveys including “data you can use” on local salary increase budgets, structure adjustments, turnover, overtime practices, and more. Then Mark will discuss some of the more popular compensation practices such as survey analysis (market-pricing), market-based pay programs, pay-for-performance, and incentives. During his presentation, Mark will share key success factors, do’s and don’ts, and helpful guidelines. Bring your questions to this informative session.
Mark Avery has been a compensation consultant for 13 years and has experience with companies of all sizes in many industries. He has an MBA from The George Washington University. MarketPay Associates assists local organizations in developing base salary, incentive, sales commission, and executive compensation programs. MarketPay conducts several compensation surveys in the Baltimore/Washington Region and offers web-based technology services to help companies manage their survey data.
Sponsor: We welcome our sponsor, Berkshire Associates, a leading, full service Affirmative Action and Salary Equity consulting and software development firm. Learn more at www.berkshire-aap.com or by contacting Megan Pollock at 410-995-1195 (x1307).
This program has been approved for 1.0 recertification credit
hour toward PHR and SPHR recertification through HRCI. For more information, visit www.hrci.org.
Chapter Discussion Group Update
The Chapter Discussion Group scheduled for August, “I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification,” has been rescheduled for Thursday, September 4. The location will be announced next month. Check the newsletter and the Dulles SHRM website for further information. You may confirm your attendance to Cindy Loison at cloisonhr@aol.com.
Legislative Update
Submitted by Mary Lynn Billitteri, Chapter Legislative Liaison
Letters still needed: Updating Fair Labor Standards Act regulations.
Information from SHRM, HR Voice
Representative King (R-NY) has introduced legislation that would block the Secretary of Labor from finalizing the Wage and Hour Division’s proposed rulemaking that brings overdue modifications to Section 541, the White Collar Exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
The FLSA, the law that governs wages and overtime pay, is out of date as are the current regulations. These regulations, which have not been substantially changed in 54 years, are complex, confusing, and make it next to impossible for workers to know whether they are entitled to overtime, for employers to know how to pay their employees, and for the Department of Labor (DOL) to enforce these important workplace protections. Numerous hearings held over the past several years have demonstrated the need for the current regulations to be updated to meet the needs of the American workforce.
After nearly three decades, the DOL has finally proposed a balanced rule that increases the salary level for overtime from a range of $155-$250 per week to $425 per week - the largest increase in the 65-year history of the FLSA - while clarifying who is an executive, administrative, and professional employee for purposes of paying overtime.
Action Needed
Please go to the SHRM website at www.shrm.org to enter your member number and last name. Then click on www.shrm.org/government/writecongress.asp, click on Write Your Elected Officials, select the letter titled White Collar Modifications, FLSA (US House & Senate), and click Write a Message. Should you have difficulties accessing the Write Your Member of Congress section of the SHRM website, please contact Amani Council at Acouncil@shrm.org.
Dulles Chapter To Sponsor Fall Certification Prep Study Group
- Thinking about taking the PHR/SPHR exam?
- Find the thought overwhelming?
- Need the discipline of a regular “class” to motivate you?
“Yes” you say? Then plan to join your fellow HR practitioners at the upcoming Dulles SHRM Fall Certification Prep Study Group. Once again, Eileen Taylor will be leading our study group using the SHRM Learning System complete with CDROM. Classes will begin on Tuesday, September 9 in preparation for the exam to be held on December 6. Here are the details:
Class Schedule:
Study sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings from 5:45 to 8:30 p.m. Classes will extend from Tuesday, September 9 to Tuesday, December 2.
Registration:
Now through August
Cost:
Dulles SHRM Members and National-Louis Students: $700
National SHRM Members: $725
Non-SHRM Members: $750
Location:
National-Louis University No. VA Campus
8000 Westpark Drive, Suite 125
McLean, VA
For more information or to register, contact Kurt Cowles at kcowles@mitre.org or call 703-883-7674.
"Work Site Accommodation"
Monday-Tuesday, September 22-23, Holiday Inn, Rosslyn at Key Bridge
Whether you have an entry-level or advanced knowledge of work site accommodations and ADA issues, you’ll benefit from this two-day symposium sponsored by the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). You’ll receive practical advice on topics such as safe evacuation and accommodation of people with disabilities, workplace accommodations for persons with psychiatric disabilities, ADA considerations in telecommuting, and a special opportunity to present unusual, unique, or difficult accommodation questions to JAN consultants and other attendees.
Date: September 22-23
Location: Holiday Inn, Rosslyn at Key Bridge
Fee: $225 (includes continental breakfast, lunch, reception, breaks)
For more information and registration, visit www.symposium.jan.edu or call 800-526-7234.
Board Meeting Minutes
The minutes from the Board meetings are available on our web site - please take a few minutes to review them in full. Click Here to View.
George Mason Discounts Available For Dulles SHRM Members
George Mason University’s Office of Continuing Professional Education (OCPE) is offering several SHRM Learning System classes this fall throughout northern Virginia, including Fairfax, Herndon, Arlington, Alexandria, and Prince William. The University is also offering an Online section. Dulles SHRM Chapter members will receive $50 off the registration fee PLUS 10% off if three or more members from the chapter register for any single course or program. Registration for the SHRM Learning System class includes the full SHRM Learning System with CCD and a George Mason University Certificate of Completion upon successful completion. For more information, visit
www.ocpe.gmu.edu/certificate_programs/hr.html.
In addition to the SHRM Learning System program, the University is offering a 10% discount to chapter members for the Human Resource Fundamentals class. Classes are scheduled in Herndon and Alexandria. For more information, visit www.ocpe.gmu.edu/noncredit/human_resources/shrmfunds.html.
Register Early For The Virginia State Conference
October 15-17, Fairview Park Marriott
The NOVA SHRM and Dulles SHRM chapters and the Washington Technical Professional Forum will be hosting the 2003 VA State Conference this year. The conference theme is “HR-The Next Generation” with sessions covering a wide variety of topics, including international sessions. Keynote speakers will include:
- Sue Meisinger, President & CEO, SHRM
- Dr. Peter Cappelli, Director, Center for Human Resources, The Wharton School
- Cari Dominguez (invited), Chair, U.S. EEOC
- Bruce Tulgan, President, Rainmaker Thinking, Inc.
Entertainment on Thursday evening, October 16, will be presented by the The Capitol Steps, the Washington-based troupe of Congressional staffers turned songwriters.
You may take advantage of early registration by sending your conference payment before August 15. For more information and to obtain an electronic registration form, visit www.novashrm.org/StateConf/StateConference.php. For questions or additional information, call 703-560-3535. To volunteer, please visit www.dullesshrm.org/eventvsc.htm or contact Alice Waagen at worklearn@aol.com and/or Maggie Chan at maggie.chan@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Book report #2
"Assimilating New Leaders: The Key To Executive Retention"
By Diane Downey (with Tom March and Adena Berkman)
This book won the SHRM 2002 Book Award and is a helpful handbook for HR leaders working with top executives to develop an assimilation strategy or anyone adjusting to being a new leader in a company. Downey points out that many companies overlook a structured assimilation process for their top leaders. She suggests that an HR leader can act as a “touchstone” for the new executive to help assimilate and assure that organizational needs are being met.
The book is easy to read and organized into chronological sections. Part One describes the successful assimilation process and why it is so critical (cost of turnover, length of successful time, etc.). Chapter 3 in Part One gives tips for “pre-hire goals and actions” and can be used by any HR leader managing their own career transitions. Part Two further defines the process, and Chapter 5 in Part Two is full of guidance for coaching new leaders.
There are many practical checklists, charts, and other helpful navigations. This book is worth the investment ($26.95 at the SHRM bookstore) for the appendix alone: The New Leader’s Handbook. If you’re managing your own career transition to a top leadership position, or coaching other executives, this handbook gives guidance every step of the way.
Assimilating New Leaders: The Key to Executive Retention was published in 2001 by AMACOM. Diane Downey is president of Diane Downey Associates International, a consulting firm that specializes in organizational change, helping new leaders assimilate, and executive development and coaching. (Submitted by Mary Lynn Billitteri, July 2003)
Note: We invite book reports from members on specialty or general interest publications related to the Human Resources field. Submissions are published in the monthly newsletter and posted on the Chapter website.
Mark Your Calendars
Upcoming SHRM Conferences and Seminars
- 2003 VA SHRM State Conference, October 15-17, 2003 at the Fairview Park Marriott. Learn more at www.novashrm.org.
2003 Chapter Dinner Meetings
- August 20, 2003 - “Compensation Trends” with Mark Avery, MarketPay Associates
- September 17, 2003 - “From Expatriation to Repatriation” with Christine Smith, Wolf Group
- October 15, 2003 - “Diversity” with Katherine Huston, Freddie Mac
- November 19, 2003 - “Background and Drug Screening” with Vicki Tilton, Edge Information Management
- December 3, 2003 - Annual Holiday Party
- December 10, 2003 - Transition Board Meeting
Some Useful Information On The Va Department Of Rehabilitative Services
Submitted by Dulles SHRM Assistant Diversity Director Evelyn Kaiser
In partnership with people with disabilities and their families, the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) collaborates with the public and private sectors to provide and advocate for the highest quality services that empower individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence, and full inclusion into society. Services such as vocational counseling, on-the-job training, school-to-work transition, assistive technology, and other specialized services enable individuals with disabilities to join today’s workforce so they can put ABILITY to work.
More and more businesses are realizing that people with disabilities make valuable employees and customers in our communities. The Department of Rehabilitative Services provides employers with tools and resources they need to not only diversify their workforce but broaden their consumer base and improve their bottom line of business. At no cost, businesses can benefit from the following DRS services:
Staffing: At a time when qualified job applicants are at a premium, DRS helps employers combat today’s recruiting challenges by giving access to prescreened, qualified job applicants who meet job specifications.
Job and Workplace Analysis: DRS’ Vocational Evaluators provide employers with assistance in developing or revising position descriptions, identifying reasonable accommodations for prospective or existing employees with disabilities, and providing recommendations for workplace accessibility.
Financial Incentives: Hiring and/or accommodating persons with disabilities can provide businesses with tax and reimbursement benefits. Learn about the various tax incentives applicable to your business.
Disability Awareness and Diversity Training: Businesses can request disability etiquette training and learn about best practices for hiring, accommodating, and communicating with employees with disabilities. This training program will enable employers to enhance their disability and diversity programs and allow for positive work environments within their company.
Access to Resources: DRS connects businesses with community resources and networks that help advance their diversity and disability programs. Ask about joining the Virginia Business Leadership Network or a local Workforce Network.
For Additional Information:
Evelyn Kaiser
Dulles SHRM Assistant Diversity Director
703-313-4407
kaiserev@drs.state.va.us
Skillsource Centers In Northern Virginia
Submitted by Dulles SHRM Assistant Diversity Director Evelyn Kaiser
The NVWIB, though its two SkillSource Centers and five affiliate sites, works with two groups of customers: businesses and job seekers. Center staff works with businesses to identify training needs and employment opportunities in the region. Additionally, the SkillSource Centers provide services to job seekers to increase their marketability, including job search assistance, skills assessment, career training, resume preparation, including job search assistance, skills assessment, career training, resume preparation, and interview coaching. All of the services provided to businesses and job seekers through the SkillSource Centers are free, and many services and resources do not have eligibility requirements.
The SkillSource Centers welcome a diverse population and have been awarded several grants that specifically target individuals with significant barriers to employment. One of these grants, called OneSource, provides training and employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities. Another initiative that targets people with disabilities is Project Train IT, which provides information technology training via distance learning in the client’s home. Other programs include the National Emergency Grant project, which provides services to workers that were dislocated as a direct result of the attacks on September 11th, and MetroTech, a program to upgrade the skills of technology workers in the DC Metro region. Contributing to the capacity of the SkillSource centers to serve a diverse population are multi-lingual staff members, who speak a variety of languages including Spanish, Vietnamese, and Farsi. Assistive technology is also available to individuals with disabilities.
For more information on the Northern Virginia Workforce Investment Board and the SkillSource Centers, visit the DRS website at
www.myskillsource.org or contact Evelyn Kaiser at 703-313-4407 or by email at kaiserev@drs.state.va.us.
That’s all for this month unless you have any ideas or suggestions? This is your chapter - let us know what’s on your mind!
Judy Perrault
President
Dulles SHRM
vprez@mindbank.com
