President's Report

Several of our WCASHRM Members at the recent ELLA Conference. More members attended but missed our photo opportunity.

May was another busy and exciting month for WCASHRM! Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Happy Hour and monthly membership meeting. At our membership meeting, Kanya and Ebony Olivier shared with us valuable insights on “Maximizing ROI from Departing Employees.” Special thanks go to Alyssa Myraz with Paylocity for sponsoring the meeting.

Did you miss the meeting or want to revisit a previous session? Remember that all meeting registrants receive access to the virtual meeting recordings. Recordings remain available for one full year, making it easy to rewatch and revisit valuable content anytime.

We are excited to invite you to our next in-person membership meeting on June 30, 2026, at the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce. Stuart Jackson with Wright Lindsey Jennings will be presenting on Workplace Accommodations. Your registration fee includes lunch, and we look forward to another great opportunity to connect and learn together.

While registering, please consider supporting either the SHRM Foundation, which helps advance and support HR professionals, or Sunshine Therapeutic Riding Center, our second-quarter community outreach partner. Sunshine Therapeutic Riding Center is currently seeking monetary donations to assist with much-needed fencing and gate repairs. Your support can make a meaningful and lasting impact in our community.

Finally, registration is now open for the 21st Annual Manager Seminar! This premier management training event will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hot Springs Convention Center. The seminar is an excellent opportunity for both new and experienced managers to gain practical knowledge and training on a variety of leadership and management topics.  We are especially excited to welcome our keynote speaker, Cindy Rowe, who will kick off the day with her presentation, “The People First Advantage: Building Loyalty and Leading with Kindness.” Reserve seats for your team today. We cannot wait to see you there!

Please mark your calendars for the following Programs/Events of interest:
June 16-19, 2026 – SHRM Annual Conference – Orlando, FL
August 27, 2026 – WCASHRM 21st Annual Manager Seminar – Hot Springs, AR
October 14-16, 2026 – ARSHRM State Conference-Hot Springs, AR
December 3-4, 2026- Arkansas VLBM (Volunteer Leaders)- Mt. Magazine, AR
April 8-9, 2027 - ELLA Conference - Little Rock, AR 

Sincerely,
Jen Vaughn

Jen Vaughn, SHRM-SCP | WCASHRM President | EMAIL ME

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Monthly Sponsor

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Meeting Topic

Accommodations in the Workplace:  More Than Just Disabilities with Stuart Jackson

JUNE 30 | 11:30 a.m. | IN PERSON MEETING WITH LUNCH INCLUDED.

$15 FOR WCASHRM CHAPTER MEMBERS. $20 FOR NON-WCASHRM MEMBERS. $5 LATE FEE IF REGISTER AFTER Noon on FRIDAY prior to meeting.

IN PERSON LOCATION: Greater Hot Springs Chamber | 659 Ouachita Ave. | Hot Springs, AR 71901 

In this session, Stuart Jackson of Wright Lindsey Jennings Labor & Employment team will discuss the duty to accommodate your employees under a variety of laws for a variety of reasons, including the accommodation of disabilities, sincerely-held religious beliefs and pregnancy/childbirth-related conditions. 

Learning Objectives:  Understand general employer obligations under the ADA, the PWFA and Title VII; discuss the various types of accommodations that should be considered under the ADA, the PWFA and Title VII; and understand common scenarios where an accommodation may be needed.

Stuart Jackson has been practicing in the employment law field for more than thirty years and focuses his practice on advising employers on compliance with civil rights laws and developing personnel policies (including policies on medical marijuana), employment agreements and covenants not to compete.

Jackson also defends employers in federal and state court litigation and appeals, including claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, 42 U.S.C. Sections 1981 and 1983 and state law claims involving trade secrets, non-compete agreements, arbitration agreements, wrongful discharge, the Arkansas Civil Rights Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act.

One hour of SHRM PDC & HRCI is approved.

WCASHRM is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP.

HR Certification Institute's® (www.HRCI.org)  official seal confirms that this Activity has met HR Certification Institute’s® (HRCI®) criteria for recertification credit pre-approval, including SPHR® and PHR®.

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Community Involvement

WCASHRM's second quarter Community Outreach is supporting Sunshine Therapeutic Riding Center. The Sunshine Therapeutic Riding Center (STRC) is an equine-assisted therapy organization 501(c)3 that strives to improve the lives of individuals of all age groups, including children with disabilities, through the partnership and therapeutic power of horses.

We are seeking monetary donations as Sunshine Therapeutic is very specific with their needs. Currently, they have a horse right now that has eaten through most of their fencing/gates. There are 16 gates that need to be repaired so they need funds to assist with those repairs.  

In addition, Sunshine Therapeutic's Horsemanship Fund (Horsemanship Fund) is for kids whose families can't afford all the services. Insurance can cover some of the costs, but this care fund allows more patients to be seen, which is their goal.

For more information, watch this video: Sunshine Therapeutic Mission Video or visit: https://www.sunshineridingcenter.org or https://www.facebook.com/sunshinecenterar.

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Managers' Seminar

Registration is now open for the WCASHRM Managers Seminar.
Cost is $95/per person and includes lunch. Watch our site for more information on the sessions. We will offer 6 hours of CE.

We are seeking sponsors and vendors for our event. Thank you to 1st Employment for their continued support as our Presenting Sponsor.

This distinguished, award-winning event typically draws over 300 attendees from more than 75 organizations across Central and South Arkansas, encompassing a diverse audience from small business proprietors to senior-level managers across various industries. We currently have sponsorship and vendor spots available

To reserve your position or to request additional information, please contact Janet Edgar at (501) 627-3215 or Jenny Sales at (501) 304-5050 or email [email protected]. Registration is also available for completion online at www.WCASHRM.org/Seminar

$1000 Lunch Sponsor
Logo on Website (Seminar Page and Meeting Page)
Logo on Onsite Program
Logo on Luncheon Signage
Vendor Booth
Market to 300+ registrants 
Recognition at Keynote Session and Concurrent Session Before Lunch
Registration List after event 
Three (3) complimentary registrants

$500 Break Sponsor
Logo on Website (Seminar Page)
Logo on Onsite Program
Logo on Break Signage
Vendor Booth
Market to 300+ registrants 
Recognition at Keynote Session
Registration List after event 
Two (2) complimentary registrants

$250 Concurrent Session Sponsors - one session
$350 Concurrent Session Sponsors - two sessions
Logo on Website and Onsite Program
Market to 300+ registrants 
Recognition for Session
Introduction of Speaker  (optional)
Registration List after event
One (1) complimentary registrant

$225 - Vendors
Face-to-face time with 300+ individuals 
representing over 75 companies
Booths include 6X30 table with 2 chairs
Electricity with $50 payment
Registration List after event
One (1) complimentary registrant 

Visit our Seminar page for more information including registration. 

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ARSHRM Events

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Join the Board!

Elevate Your Career: Serve on the 2027 WCASHRM Board!

It's time to step up and shape the future of HR in Central Arkansas! We are seeking passionate, driven leaders to join the 2027 WCASHRM Board of Directors. Serving as a volunteer leader is a transformative opportunity to grow your expertise, expand your influence, and give back to the community that supports you.

Here is what you gain by serving:
- Grow Your Expertise: Your knowledge and skills will expand exponentially by volunteering alongside a community of amazing HR leaders and continually learning from their diverse experiences.
- Boost Your Resume & Network: Be recognized as a leader in the field and expand your professional network with HR professionals across the state.
- Earn Recertification Credits: Hours spent as a volunteer leader can be counted toward your recertification for SHRM and HRCI.
- Give Back to the Profession: Embrace the "full circle" of leadership by nurturing and giving back to the next generation of volunteers, which is just as important as the learning you receive.
- Access Exclusive Opportunities: You gain the chance to apply for an Area Foundation Scholarship and attend SHRM’s Leadership Conference at a reduced rate.
- Build Lasting Friendships: The additional benefit of serving is building amazing friendships.

Ready to make an impact? If you are interested in staying in your current position or exploring a new role for 2027, please reach out to Jenny Sales at [email protected] to discuss this beautiful opportunity!

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Diversity

JUNE Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 2026

June is a meaningful month to celebrate the richness of our diverse communities and reaffirm our commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all. From Pride Month to Juneteenth, this time offers an opportunity to recognize the history, achievements, and contributions of individuals from different backgrounds, identities, and experiences. It’s also a moment for reflection, considering how we can continue to foster belonging, respect, and equity in our workplace and beyond.

Month-Long Observances

Pride Month: Celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, honoring the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and advocating for equal rights.

National Caribbean American Heritage Month: Highlights the rich history, culture, and contributions of Caribbean Americans in the U.S.

Immigrant Heritage Month: Acknowledges the diverse backgrounds and shared heritage of immigrants who shape society.

National Indigenous History Month (Canada): Celebrates the heritage and resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Key Diversity Days

June 12: Loving Day (commemorating the 1967 Supreme Court decision striking down anti-miscegenation laws)

June 14: Race Unity Day (promoted by the Baha'i Faith to advocate for the elimination of racial prejudice)

June 19: Juneteenth (commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S.)

June 20: World Refugee Day (honoring displaced persons globally)

Terry Davis | Diversity Director | EMAIL ME

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Certification

Price Drop: SHRM Certification Just Changed!

SHRM Certification application rates across all applicant categories have been announced! 

SHRM-CP:
New Member Price → $399
New Non-Member Price → $499
SHRM-SCP:
New Member Price → $399
New Non-Member Price → $499

SHRM Certification Website

Scholarship

WCASHRM  offers a scholarship for certification testing fees reimbursement per testing window for chapter members. 

The chapter will reimburse up to $600 for four (4) chapter members, who successfully pass their certification testing annually.  The reimbursement is available to chapter members who are national SHRM members and their employment does not pay for their certification testing. Applications will be accepted after successful exam results. You can download the scholarship form here.

If you are planning to test and want to find a study buddy or would like information regarding our scholarship, please reach out to me.

Jennifer Greer, SHRM-SCP | Certification Director | EMAIL ME

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College Relations

Jennifer Vaughn, MBA, SHRM-SCP
ARSHRM College Relations Director | EMAIL ME | 541-990-9798 cell

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Membership Corner

WELCOME NEW WCASHRM MEMBERS

Your Name Could be Here! 

Know someone who is in HR but not a chapter member? Share our chapter with them! Since we meet virtually 8 months of the year, we reach all areas of the state.

WHY JOIN SHRM?

Today is a great time to renew your annual membership with SHRM!  As a SHRM member, you’ll gain access to over $13,000 worth in HR tools, research, training and resources that can enhance your role as an HR Professional.  A SHRM membership provides value daily and is a solid investment for any HR professional.  If you renew now, you can lock in your 2026 annual membership for $299. Check out the SHRM Membership Benefits Guide for more details on all the benefits of being a SHRM member.

As the cost of doing business goes up, getting the most out of your resources is more critical now than ever.  When you become a SHRM member, you’ll gain access to over $13,000 in tools, research, training and resources that can enhance your role as an HR Professional.  A SHRM membership provides value daily and is a solid investment for any HR professional. 

New! Tiered SHRM Professional Membership

Below is a Tiered HR Professional Membership that SHRM recently launched, which will include:

• Professional ($299): Foundational support for credible HR practice. This tier reflects SHRM’s current HR Professional membership, and benefits remain the same.
• Professional Plus ($595): Deeper insight and decision support for experienced leaders. Benefits include more education products including access to the People Manager Qualification (PMQ), SHRM Conferences on Demand and eight eLearning Modules.
• Professional Premium ($995): More executive level content for workforce intelligence designed for leaders accountable for enterprise-wide outcomes. Benefits include the education products outlined above and a dedicated SHRM Connect community; two specially curated research webinars each year; access to an executive session at SHRM’s Annual Conferences & Expo; discounted (40%) leadership coaching offering through SHRM Linkage and 50% off one SHRM Specialty Credential each year.
  

Each tier builds upon the previous one, ensuring that members can choose the level of support that best aligns with their role, goals, and professional needs. 

Here is the link to this tiered membership: www.shrm.org/membership/hr-professional-tiers.

The Tiered Membership is being launched to a targeted group of individuals including former members (long lapsed) or new individuals, and eventually to Volunteer Leaders.

This beta phase is intentionally designed as a focused learning phase. Early participants will help SHRM refine the experience, inform future investments, and shape how Tiered Membership evolves through 2026 to all audiences. The feedback will be critical to ensuring that this model delivers real value in real-world decision moments.

DETAILS:

WCASHRM dues are free for SHRM members who primary designate their SHRM membership with our chapter, $30 for SHRM members designated to another chapter, or $45/annually. Our members consist of HR professionals, small business owners, office managers, payroll clerks, benefit coordinators, and others interested in the Human Resource function.

In addition, the national organization - the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) - provides a multitude of resources including articles, legal updates, research, online tools including job descriptions, templates, audit information, and expert help in HR and business. 

The paper membership application is here or the online membership application is here. If you're a SHRM member, you'll need to designate your membership to Chapter#467 with SHRM here.

Benefits of being a WCASHRM member include:
-Virtual meetings are free for members. (Virtual meetings are $10/month for non-members.)
-An opportunity to network on a monthly basis with local HR professionals.
-Regular legislative updates in the industry, community, state and federal levels.
-Recertification credits at our chapter meetings and annual Managers’ Seminar.
-Monthly topics that are relevant and of concern to Human Resource professionals.
-Monthly newsletters with information relating to the chapter, SHRM and HR industry.
-Participation in local workforce readiness activities.
-Certification study groups.
-Certification and College Scholarships.
-Chapter + SHRM (Dual) members get the best rate for ARSHRM
-Conferences.
-Post jobs for free on our website

Deanna Harris, SHRM-CP | Membership VP | EMAIL ME

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SHRM Foundation

There is a lot going on at WCASHRM this year! We are always looking for new ways for members to connect and engage, so be sure to check out these new opportunities for 2026.

NEW!! WCASHRM Foundation Sponsorship Levels 2026

Gold Sponsor - $500 

Recognition Includes:

Silver Sponsor - $250

Recognition Includes:

Bronze Sponsor - $100 

Recognition Includes:

Recognition opportunities may vary based on event format and communication channels. WCASHRM reserves the right to determine appropriate and equitable recognition.  If you are interested in becoming a Foundation Sponsor, or if you have questions, please contact me at [email protected]

2026 Goal

This year, our goal is to raise $2,026 to support scholarships, professional development opportunities, and workforce initiatives that strengthen the future of HR in our region. 

We encourage members to consider:

We are grateful for your continued engagement and generosity. Together, we are investing in the future of HR and making a measurable difference right here at home.

Ways You Can Donate

You can give via our West Central Arkansas WCASHRM - Catalog and we will submit your donation on your behalf or you can go directly to the donate.shrmfoundation.org website to give. Please be sure to list our chapter #467 so WCASHRM receives the credit for your donation. (If you donate via our website, please help us cover the credit card fees. For a $10 donation it is $0.75)

TOGETHER, WE CAN CREATE A WORLD OF WORK THAT SUPPORTS WORK FOR ALL.

SHRM Foundation - Building an Inclusive World of Work

Brandi Brazil, SHRM-SCP | SHRM Foundation Director | EMAIL ME

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Chapter Meetings, RSVP's, Payments

All 2026 Monthly Meetings will be held 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

In Person meetings for March, June, and September. The August meeting will be held on August 18 so it doesn't conflict with our Managers Seminar.

All other meetings will be virtually via Zoom.

IN PERSON LOCATION: 

The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce | 659 Ouachita Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901 | 501.321.1700

VIRTUAL ZOOM LINK:

We no longer email the meeting link the morning of the meeting. It is available in the confirmation email that you receive immediately after registering. Please save this email for access to the meeting. Please add [email protected] and [email protected] to your safe list so it doesn’t deliver to junk. If you can't locate the link, please email [email protected] for the link.

COST:

Virtual: Free for members; $10 for non-members.

In-Person: $15 for members; $20 for non-members. $5.00 late fee.

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About WCASHRM

Starting in February 2024, Google and Yahoo are implementing new email authentication requirements for all bulk email senders. The changes are to protect recipients from scams and phishing attempts by authenticating all incoming emails based on specific requirements. 

If you are having trouble receiving mail from your organization, a firewall or spam filtering service is likely the cause of the issue.  However, you can add several domains and IP addresses to your local Allow List ensure safe delivery.  Depending on your e-mail service, you may be able to do this yourself, or you may need the assistance of your IT administrator.  We recommend including the following:

• 166.78.71.148
• 159.135.230.118
• 159.135.230.230
• 159.135.230.228
• 159.135.230.229
• 159.135.230.23
• starchapteremailhost2.com 67.43.2.30
• hostemail1.starchapterhost.com 209.59.162.85
• hostmailbox1.starchapterhost.com 67.43.7.204
• starchaptermail.com 69.60.117.130
  
  

Messages from the organization will usually have the same reply-to email address on them (visible if you start to reply to the message).  Adding this address to your address book or contact list can also help ensure delivery.  Adding webmail@ (the domain name) to the address book or contact list can also help.  These changes can be helpful if e-mails are being reported as bounced, too.

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