- Tulsa Area Human Resources Association

DECEMBER 2007
Message from the President …….........
December Program Meeting ………….
Giving Back—Toys for Tots
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Student Scholarship Winner ……………
New Members ………………………….
Treasures of the Totem Pole ……………
December Learning Lab ………………..
Membership Renewal ………………….
Membership Recruitment Contest ……
Legal Update …………………………..
TAHRA Snapshots ……………………..
TAHRA Info …………………………….
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Wow – 2007 has certainly flown by! When I took on the role of being your TAHRA President last December, I never expected that
this experience would be so gratifying. As I look back over the past year, there have been many things that our organization can be
proud of. Our 2007 theme was TOTEM “TAHRA Operating Through Engaged Membership”. We have definitely achieved this
goal!! We began this year with a very small group of members that worked their tails off to put on all of the programs and events for
our organization. As you know, these are “volunteers” taking time away from their paid jobs and families to help our organization
“Advance the Profession” and “Serve the Professional”. Our goal was to tap into the 426 members we started with this year and
create some excitement and building of our organization and get our members involved – hence building of the TOTEM Pole. We
now have more than 55 volunteers actively working to help with the coordination of events and 50 more working on those small but
important details that matter so much. I personally want to thank each and everyone of you for “chipping in” and taking time out of
your busy lives to make TAHRA the successful organization that it is today.
I would like to also thank our incredible, hard-working, and dedicated board members. I truly appreciate their outstanding contributions and efforts that they put into making this a productive, effective and fun year: President-Elect Julie Callahan; Treasurer Tammy
Been; Vice President of Programs Lona Paganis; Vice President of Membership Lori Stevens; Vice President of Legislative Affairs
Kirk Turner; Vice President of Leadership Development Bill Young; Vice President of Public Relations Sharee Wells; Board Members
at Large—Conference Chair Terri Martinez; Golf Tournament and Learning Labs Bonnie Gorrell; Registration Noel Groves; Workforce
Development Holly Fisher; Community Relations Sharon Mitchell and Chapter Management Professional Lisa Linthicum.
We were not only successful in recruiting active volunteers but providing outstanding programs, awesome events, generous scholarships as well growing our TAHRA membership. TAHRA began the year with 426 members and is now at 509. Thanks to everyone
that participated in our recruiting campaign and especially Lori Stevens, VP Membership for taking on the initiative of our Member –
Get A Member drive. Thank you Lona Paganis, Bonnie Gorrell, Kirk Turner and Terri Martinez for providing the speakers and educational opportunities we experienced this past year in our monthly programs, learning labs and Legislative Seminar as well as our
future HR State Conference in April 2008. Thank you to Sharee Wells for generating sponsors for our meetings that so greatly help
us to pay for those monthly speakers and also for getting our extensive, very informative monthly newsletter out on time – despite our
lateness in getting our articles in on time. Thank you Bill Young for re-energizing the TAHRA scholarship and awards program and
making that a very important part of TAHRA. Thank you Sharon Mitchell and Holly Fisher for working so hard to take TAHRA outside
of the HR Community and giving back by supporting Resonance, Workforce Development Conference, John 3:16 and the Salvation
Army. Thank you, thank you, thank you to Tammy Been, Noel Groves and Lisa Linthicum for all that you have done for TAHRA. I
can’t begin to explain all that goes into the administrative side of TAHRA but it is very overwhelming and time consuming. These 3
individuals have done so much in working out the “kinks” with our processes. It took a lot of hours, a lot of determination and a true
passion of dedication to TAHRA to accomplish our goals. Last, but definitely not least, Julie Callahan. Julie has been a great help in
working with me on our TAHRA goals this past year, taking the initiative to help me without being asked and has been a tremendous
source of encouragement and motivation for me. TAHRA will be in very capable hands as Julie is fired up and ready to take the lead
in 2008.
Another wonderful group of individuals that I would like to recognize our all of our sponsors, speakers and employers who have
contributed so much to the continuing development of the HR professional and profession. Without the finance assistance, the solid
professional advice and the support of these groups of individuals, we would not have achieved so much.
Getting involved in any group can be a wonderful experience, but making friends, touching lives and growing personally and professionally are so rewarding. I know that the 2007 board made TAHRA a better organization. They did a fantastic job. It was an
absolute honor to be trusted as your TAHRA President. I appreciate each of you who have made this year such a joy for me
personally and professionally. Have a wonderful New Year and very successful 2008!
December Program Meeting
HR Book Review and Exchange
11:15 a.m., December 12th- Gilcrease Museum
Note - we have moved the date up to help manage holiday schedules, so put Wednesday, December 12th on your calendar as a Don’t Miss!
For December’s program, TAHRA is hosting a Book Exchange!
If you’ve read a book this year or meant to read one – NOW is the time! If a book inspired you, gave you new insight,
challenged or intrigued you, we want to know. Whether you liked it, loved it, or have just got to finish it - bring your book
to the December 12 Program Meeting. Make plans to attend—even if you haven’t read a book!
Our theme is:
Broadened horizons by experiencing the thoughts and ideas of others
Open eyes by seeing something from a different perspective
Opportunities to improve our skills and comprehension, and
Knowledge that increases our understanding of the world
HR professionals must keep learning. In this crazy season, reading often doesn’t occur as we’re in “overdrive.” We propose taking a little time to read a book for the December meeting could:
Provide an escape from day-to-day pressure
Stimulate your brain and keep your mind active
Rejuvenate and motivate you to keep going
Relax and/or entertain you
BOOK EXCHANGE FORMAT
Each member reads and brings a book to the December 12 meeting at the Gilcrease Museum.
Choose the category table that suits your book, i.e., Self Help, Leadership, HR Practices
Be prepared to talk for 5-10 minutes about your book and why you recommend it (you will hear about several “great
reads”!!)
If you can part with your book, we’ll have tables to leave yours and select someone else’s
If you can’t bear to part with yours, know you can get great deals on books through Amazon.com or coupons from
Borders and Barnes & Noble.
Bonus: Featured Book!
Travis Jones will present a brief overview of the National Best Seller “Never Eat Alone” by Keith Ferrazzie – it’s about
building lifelong relationship & network building
Penguin is the TOTEM for the Programs Committee —
it’s COOL to be a penguin! Order and purpose are the penguin gifts.
Penguin is a powerful totem to have and helps you change your
reality, move between the worlds and awaken full consciousness.
Through the gift of a shiny new toy, the Marine
Toys for Tots Foundation provides happiness
and hope to disadvantaged children who might
otherwise be overlooked this holiday season.
This year marks their 60th anniversary. TAHRA
would like to help provide a memorable holiday
for these children.
Please bring a new toy to our December 12th
meeting. You will be entered into a drawing for
participating.
Thank you for giving back and making a
difference!
TAHRA is pleased to announce that Amanda Armstrong is the winner of the 2007 TAHRA Student Scholarship
Award. Amanda was presented with her check at the November program meeting. Amanda is a senior at
Oral Roberts University and will receive her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication with a dual major in
organizational/interpersonal communications and Spanish in May, 2008. Amanda is a second time winner of
the scholarship. She carries a 4.0 GPA in her major and a 3.95 GPA overall. She is currently the president of
the ORU Student Chapter and has been active in many campus activities and organizations. Her immediate
career plans are to work in the hotel industry in event planning and eventually move into the training and
development field. The ORU Student Chapter Advisor is Susan McMurray.
Congratulations, Amanda and best wishes to you in your future career!!
PR & Leadership Development share OWL as a TOTEM –
there are 137 different types of owls, thus Diversity, Advertising & Media are well represented by the Messenger, symbol of
Wisdom and Truth.
A Big TAHRA Welcome to our newest members!
Charity Murdock—Pryer Machine & Tool
Sally Bisel—National Oilwell Varco
Kristen Brightmire—Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson
Jennifer Frazier—Paragon Films
Amanda Huey—Paragon Films
Julie Thornton—Paragon Films
Susan Davis—IBC/Wonder/Hostess
Tom Tillotson—City of Coweta
Ali Bills—Penloyd
James White—Unit Corporation
Cathy Gregory—Don Thornton
Dena Gawey—ONEOK, Inc.
Erin Vierhaler—State Beauty Supply
Thomas Briggs—InServe, LLC
Brian Pitts—Osage Million Dollar Elm
The Treasures of the Totem Pole contest is
about to conclude with the drawing for the
prizes. The drawing will be held at the end of
December.
Would you like to win a 42" Plasma TV or 2
American Airline round-trip tickets to anywhere
in the US and Canada, excluding Hawaii and
Alaska?
You can...all you have to do is attend the
TAHRA events throughout December.
Just drop your business card in the
TOTEM POLE at the registration table at the remaining TAHRA events in December that you
attend.
The drawing will be held at the end of
December, so don’t forget to drop your
business card in the TAHRA Totem Pole!
The winners will be announced at the
January meeting!
We would like to thank
Admiral Express
for the 42" Plasma TV
and Addison Financial
for providing us the airline tickets.
December Learning Lab
Strategic HR Planning: The Creative Approach to Long Range Human Capital Planning
2 to 4 p.m., December 18th, —Tulsa Technology Center—Lemley Campus
This session will build on the foundational strategic principles that were discussed in November, but will be focused on
the development of human capital programs in support of company strategies.
Bill has over 30 years of experience in all areas of Human Resources and has a Masters in Organizational Management
and his SPHR. Aside from his consulting business through Crouch Slavin, he is an adjunct instructor in human resources at OSU-Tulsa, Tulsa Community College, University of Phoenix, Tulsa Technology Center and Northeast Technology Center in Afton.
Bill has been an active member of the Tulsa Area Human Resources Association for 24 years and was President for the
years 2000-2001. He is an active member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), and served as the
State Director for the Oklahoma State Council for HR Management, in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Butterfly is Learning Lab’s TOTEM. Butterflies are
symbols of freedom and creativity. They hold the gift
of transformation and evolution of the soul.
Your 2007 membership expires on December 31, 2007, and it is time to renew for the 2008 membership year. The entire renewal process is done online; it is a quick and easy procedure. Notification will be sent to all members several
times— so if you have already renewed, thank you!
Go to TAHRA’s website, www.tahra.org and click on the “renew membership” link on the right side of the Home
Page (Do not click on the “Join TAHRA”). Follow the prompts.
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2.
If you wish to pay by credit card, follow the credit card prompts.
If you are paying by check, click on the “pay by check” link.
After you have completed the renewal, please make sure to update your profile with current information.
As you are aware, TAHRA is a valuable asset to the HR professional. Don’t miss out on this year’s events, emails, networking with friends and other HR professionals, and all that TAHRA has to offer. Ensure continuation of TAHRA benefits
by renewing your membership now!
The foundation of TAHRA is its members and their support … be a part of that foundation!
TAHRA
MEMBER-GET-A-MEMBER CAMPAIGN
October 1st through December 31st
… one member at a time
Current members are our best source of new members. You can be a part of our growth
by recruiting colleagues because TAHRA becomes stronger each time a new member joins
our association. Do you know a colleague, a professional new to the field or a student who can
benefit from joining TAHRA? Why not take the opportunity to introduce TAHRA and win valuable
prizes by participating in the Member-Get-A-Member Campaign. Get involved and increase your
odds of winning valuable prizes.
Build your own Totem and receive great prizes for your
efforts as a TOTEM Recruiter!
Individual TOTEM Recruiter Prizes:
TOTEM Monthly Drawing – a $50 TAHRA Voucher for any TAHRA Program
meeting or Learning Lab will be given away each month. To be eligible, just recruit
at least 1 new member. The more you recruit, the better chance you have at
winning.
TOTEM Global Recruiter - a $50 TAHRA Voucher for any TAHRA Program
meeting or Learning Lab will be given away to the member that recruits the most
new members from outside of the Tulsa Metropolitan area.
TOTEM Student Recruiter - a $25 TAHRA Voucher for any TAHRA Program
meeting or Learning Lab will be given to the member that recruits the most new
Student members.
TOTEM Legend Recruiter - a complimentary Full Registration to the 2008
State HR Conference in Tulsa will be given to the member that recruits the most
new members (minimum of 5 members).
Combination Prizes:
TOTEM Company Recruiter - The company with the most new members
recruited during the campaign receives complimentary passes for 10 to be
redeemed in 2008 at any of the Learning Labs (valued at up to $250.00).
Being the “low man on the totem pole”
has its perks.
So start recruiting colleagues, co-workers
and friends and share in the many TAHRA
membership benefits!
Participation is easy!
Need to contact us? We are happy to answer your questions.
Email: admin@tahra.org or by phone (918) 344-4622.
TAHRA
MEMBER-GET-A-MEMBER CAMPAIGN
GUIDELINES
October 1st through December 31st
Tips for recruiting new members
Each time you recruit a new member you contribute to TAHRA’s growth. When you invite colleagues to join, you provide
them with opportunities to enhance their careers.
Where to find potential members.
Within your own company/department.
Among members of another professional association to which you belong.
Among HR colleagues you meet at education seminars, meetings or conferences.
What are the characteristics of a potential member?
A person who has a similar professional background to yours.
A person who is a member of SHRM but not of TAHRA.
A colleague who frequently asks for your advice.
A peer looking for career advancement.
Someone who has talked to you about joining TAHRA, but has never taken the next step.
Someone who spends more than 50% of their job handling HR responsibilities.
What to tell potential members.
Talk about how TAHRA has enhanced your knowledge and has helped in the advancement of your career.
Point out the benefits of interacting and building a network with TAHRA members.
Tell them about the monthly luncheons featuring workshops and programs on HR topics.
Forward them a copy of the TAHRA monthly e-newsletter.
Need CE credit for PHR and SPHR? – talk about the learning labs that provide “how-to” tools and qualify as CE credit.
How the referral is made.
Simply ask the new member to complete an application online at www.TAHRA.org and list your name under the
section asking for referral source.
When will the winners be announced?
At the January 2008 Program Meeting.
Share the value of TAHRA membership!
TAHRA members understand the value of TAHRA membership. Share that knowledge firsthand with friends and
colleagues. You'll be supporting them in advancing their careers. It's your association.
Membership’s TOTEM is BEE,
the organizer - symbol of productivity and fertility.
W. Kirk Turner, Esq.
Vice President, Legal and Legislative Affairs
U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES
REMINDS EMPLOYERS TO TRANSITION TO NEW I-9 FORM
BY DECEMBER 26, 2007
On November 26, 2007, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) announced in the
Federal Register that all employers must transition to the revised Form I-9 no later than December
26, 2007. Accordingly, effective December 26, 2007, employers who fail to use the revised form will
be subject to applicable penalties.
The USCIS announced the availability of the revised version of Form I-9 on November 7, 2007. The
revised form includes the revision date (Rev. 06/05/07)N printed on the lower right corner of the
form. The revised form is now the only valid version for use. All previous versions of Form I-9, in
English or Spanish, will not be valid after December 26, 2007.
The Form I-9 is available in English and Spanish; however, only employers in Puerto Rico may have
employees complete the Spanish version for their records. Employers in the 50 states and other
U.S. territories may use the Spanish version as a translation guide for Spanish-speaking employees,
but must complete the English version and maintain it in the employer's records. Employees may
also use or ask for a translator/preparer to assist them in completing the form.
The revised Form I-9 will become effective on December 26, 2007 for all new hires or reverifications. The rule is not retroactive. Employers do not need to complete new forms for existing
employees for whom a Form I-9 has been properly completed. The employee is not required to provide the Social Security Number in Section 1 of Form I-9, unless the employer participates in EVerify. When re-verifying employees, employers must use the new Form I-9 along with its updated
list of acceptable documents. Employers are not allowed to update Section 3 on the old/existing
Form I-9.
Both the revised Form I-9 and the “Handbook for Employers, Instructions for Completing the Form I9” are available at www.uscis.gov.
Should you have any questions regarding the information contained in this article, please do not
hesitate to contact Kirk Turner (918) 587-0101 or by email at kturner@newtonoconnor.com.
CROW Totem is keeper of Law, powerful in
personal integrity, mindful of opinions and actions.
Crouch, Slavin, Bill Webb
and
MARK YOUR CALENDAR TODAY
FOR THE
2008 STATE CONFERENCE…
PRESENT
a series of professional development courses
focusing on building great managers
and leaders at all levels.
The courses are focused on the issues that affect
the organization as we interact with people and manage
work processes.
APRIL 16-18TH
AT THE
Two of the most requested are:
TULSA RENAISSANCE HOTEL
Managing the Real-time Workplace gives managers a
number of ways to help them think on their feet as
they work with people.
For more information
or to sign up as a volunteer, contact:
Terri Martinez, PHR
at
terri.martinez@jqh.com
or
918-307-4013
Leadership Dynamics for Creating Value explores the
factors that help managers to maintain a delicate
organizational equilibrium.
For more information, please call (918) 808-7777
The TAHRA Legal Seminar drew a large crowd.
Georgeanna McCombie of the November Meeting
Sponsor Company, Olsten Staffing, addresses the
group.
The panel of HR Execs at the November Meeting
chuckle at one of moderator Alison Anthony’s
probing questions.
TAHRA members enjoy the information and insight
shared at the November Meeting.
Have you changed jobs? Do you have a new email address?
If any of your contact information changes, please be sure to
update your profile in the TAHRA database via www.TAHRA.org.
Just log into your profile and make the needed changes. This will
ensure that you will not miss out on any information from TAHRA
regarding news, special events and activities.
This newsletter is the official
publication of the
Tulsa Area Human
Resources Association (TAHRA).
The Tulsa Area Human Resources Association (TAHRA) is the Tulsa area chapter of the Society
for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world's
largest Human Resource organization.
We have
over 400 members representing all industries and
organizations.
Sponsors and advertisers are very
important to TAHRA.
Revenue from our advertising and sponsorships help our organization develop and
present meaningful programs, create
opportunities for continuing education and
strong peer interaction, and enhance our
overall contributions to the Human
Resource profession.
TAHRA is committed to bringing you the most meaningful programs to complement and enhance your HR
knowledge and to meet other HR professionals at the
same time. We hope you choose to be an active part of
one of Oklahoma's largest and most active chapters.
•
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TAHRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Candia Fields, PHR — President
Julie Callahan, PHR — President-Elect
Andrew Staub, SPHR — Past-President
Tammy Been — Treasurer
Lona Paganis — Vice President of Programs
Lori Stevens, PHR — Vice President of Membership
Sharee Wells — Vice President of Public Relations
Kirk Turner — Vice President of Legal Affairs
Bill Young, SPHR — Vice President of Leadership Development
Holly Fisher, PHR — Work Force Oklahoma
Bonnie Gorrell — Learning Labs and Golf Tournament
Sharon Mitchell, PHR — Community Liaison
Alison Anthony, SPHR — Diversity Chair
Noel Groves — Registration Chair
This publication was designed by
TAHRA’s Chapter Management Professional,
Lisa Linthicum.
TAHRA
918-344-4622
admin@tahra.org
•
Get the word out!
Target 400+ human resources
professionals with purchasing power!!
Contribute to a non-profit
organization that develops your
talent pool!
If you would like to advertise with TAHRA,
contact a Public Relations Committee Member
or Sharee Wells, Vice President, Public Relations,
at swells@okpsearch.com
PR & Leadership Development
share OWL as a TOTEM – there
are 137 different types of owls, thus
Diversity, Advertising & Media are
well represented by the Messenger,
symbol of Wisdom and Truth.
P.O. Box 140958
Broken Arrow, OK 74014
918-344-4622
www.TAHRA.org