OCTOBER 2005 Vol. 1 Issue 1
In this Issue…
THIS MONTH'S NEWSLETTER SPONSORED BY:
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A Message from the President
Dear ,
I want to wish you a “Happy Fall.” As the excitement of frost on the pumpkin,
football and Halloween stirs our consciousness to fond thoughts of snow flakes,
fireplaces and hay rides, October provides many occasions for MT-SHRM members.
For the HR Professional and our members there are thoughts of the State Conference,
HR certification, Professional Development, Mentoring, Scholarships and new Board
and volunteer opportunities for 2006. I want to take a few minutes and highlight
a few of these fall and winter opportunities.
The Tennessee State Human Resources and Legal Conference is the HR Professional’s event of the year. It offers an opportunity to develop
professionally and personally, the chance to hear and talk with some of the top
leaders in the HR field, and network with colleagues from around the state without
leaving our own back yard! If you think that sounds too good to pass up, that
is because it is too good to miss. Our conference committee Chairs have worked
very hard to bring you an experience that will make you look forward to next year,
build relationships that will last a life time and have fun--all at the same time.
Our HR certification classes are in full swing to prepare our members who desire
to receive their PHR or SPHR certification. These classes continue to have a pass rate above the average and provide the
opportunity to build relationships with HR Professionals and MT-SHRM members.
If you missed this session of certification classes, then I would encourage you
to participate in spring 2006. The classes are free to our members.
We are again sponsoring and participating in a mentoring program with our student
chapters at MTSU and TSU. This is a great opportunity for our members to make an impact in the
lives of a student and to give back to the HR Profession. The Mentoring Program
was kicked off on Thursday September 22, 2005 but if you would be interested in
helping please contact our College Relations Vice Chair, Tiffany Ingram.
Lastly, we are in the process of electing the MT-SHRM Board of Directors for
2006. It looks like we are again fortunate to have a group of talented leaders
from our membership raise their hands to volunteer. I would also mention that
we have other volunteer opportunities available with flexibility in schedules
and availability. If you are interested in volunteering just contact our Membership
Relations Chair, Kellie Conn.
We hope to see you at the State Conference or at a future MT-SHRM meeting. As
always, if we can help you please call. I appreciate your continued support of
the MT-SHRM Chapter.
Diversity Committee Sets Agenda, Publishes Survey
Rod Bray Vice Chair, Diversity Committee
MT-SHRM is committed to reaching out to our community to attract a diverse base
of HR professionals, share best practices of diversity initiatives and create
an awareness of and help eliminate barriers that prevent employers from identifying,
developing and leveraging the best talent available.
Our vision will be achieved by networking with other HR professional organizations
and communicating our commitment to diversity and our community.
The Diversity Committee will host diversity forums throughout the year to build
awareness and share best practices. We will highlight the business value of diversity
to the membership of MT-SHRM and to the businesses in our community. We have
just conducted a survey of area colleges and universities to learn what employers
can do to retain the best talent in our area.
For those seeking to develop their internal diversity initiatives, Vanderbilt
University is sponsoring a Breakfast Series Forum Event on October 27, 2005 from 7:30 am – 10:00 am at the University Club of Nashville. The Breakfast Forum features guest speaker Kevin Myatt, Associate Vice Chancellor,
Chief Human Resources Officer, Vanderbilt University.
Does a 20% “Bonus” Improve Employee Relations?
You bet it does!
Last year, Saint Thomas Health Services actively supported the newly expanded
efforts of the Nashville Wealth Building Alliance to offer free income tax preparation for its qualifying employees under the
Voluntary Income Tax Assistance program. And it didn’t take long to see an incredible
success story.
The very first person to take advantage of the program had an annual salary of
$25,000 and supported a spouse and two teenaged children. This individual had
paid a tax preparer for this same service in years past. Not only did they receive
free tax preparation, their income tax return including all tax credits was $5,000.
They were ecstatic. And word spread very quickly about this service.
Not all tax returns were this significant – but Saint Thomas Health Services
saved our most vulnerable employees between $200 and $400 in fees alone – and
ensured that they received the benefit of all available tax credits. The folks
that were helped truly saw the interest in them expressed in a most tangible way.
With retention and engagement research telling us that leadership interest in
employee personal well-being is critical, initiatives like these can produce huge
dividends.
To learn more about how you can help your employees get the tax return they have
earned and access free tax assistance, please contact Samantha Hamernik, Nashville Wealth Building Alliance Coordinator at 615-780-2444 or Glenn Carnathan, at 615-579-4516.
MT-SHRM South Continues Growth, Looks Ahead
MT-SHRM South continues to roll along with meetings on the fourth Thursday of
each month at the Cool Springs Marriott.
I will step aside as MT-SHRM South Chair at the end of 2005. It has been a great
ride, but it is time for someone to take what we have started to the next level.
I am truly grateful to our core group who helped start MT-SHRM South.
This group includes Kevie Mikus, Barb Stewart, Barry Campbell and Bryson Bryan.
None of this would have been possible without the support of our current Board
and the vision of Denis Blackwelder, our President.
If you have not made it to one of our meetings it is time you came down to visit
us. We hope to see you soon!
Tennessee Legal Developments in Brief
Discharged employees entitled to accrued vacation. In a recent order, Commissioner James Neeley of the Tennessee Department of
Labor and Workforce Development reinterpreted the 1994 amendment to the Wage Payment
statute. According to the amendment, employees are entitled to vacation pay as
set forth in their labor agreements or employer policies. Since 1994, the Department
has followed the language of the statute in interpreting the amendment. Commissioner
Neeley, however, recently ruled that in the absence of a collective bargaining
agreement or other employment contract, employees are entitled to vacation pay
upon termination of their employment. Thus, a vacation policy in an employee
handbook that contains a contractual disclaimer cannot be used to deny accrued
vacation to a discharged employee.
New law gives employers tax credit for hiring disabled workers. Governor Phil Bredesen recently signed into law a bill that will give Tennessee
employers a job tax credit for hiring disabled employees who receive state assistance.
Under S.B. 985, employers are entitled to a job tax credit of $5,000 for each
full-time employee and $2,000 for each part-time employee against a taxpayer’s
franchise and excise liability tax. The new law applies only to hires of disabled
workers who receive state services directly related to their disabilities. To
receive the tax credit, the employment of the disabled person must create an overall
increase in the number of disabled employees working for the employer in the last
90 days. The new law also requires that the employees keep their job for at least
12 consecutive months to receive the payout.
Golf Scramble ’05 Surpasses Fundraising Goal
The first annual MT-SHRM Golf Scramble was a huge success for our chapter, according
to Bob McKown, Programs Chair.
“We set out to raise $10,000 for continuing professional development for MT-SHRM
members and we ended up raising more than $14,000!”
“The event by far exceeded my expectations,” added Denis Blackwelder, MT-SHRM
President, “and I was very proud of what we accomplished for a first-time event
like this.”
Nearly 160 members and guests attended the Golf Scramble and After Work Cookout
and many of this year’s sponsors have already committed to being a part of the
event in 2006.
“The Programs Committee will communicate the method for awarding and applying
for scholarship funds in the very near future,” says Bob.
Leaders Are Mentor – Here’s an Opportunity
Many people don’t volunteer - even for things they would enjoy doing - because
they are too busy. With the demands of work and family, it can be difficult to
carve out even more time.
The intern sponsor program is a great way to give back. Introduce a college
student who is considering human resources as a career to your day-to-day work
experience. Provide a brief glimpse of the real world lived by the HR Professional,
and you will be providing a valuable growth opportunity to a student. All without
taking extra time away from work or other obligations.
The old adage, “You get more than you give,” is certainly true—and the bonus
you receive is knowing that you helped mold the next generation of HR professionals.
Sign up to mentor a student and be an HR leader.
The Tennessee State University Student SHRM Chapter is currently seeking HR leaders
to provide internship opportunities; please contact me at Tiffany Ingram or 615-322-0053.
