Click on the month below to see the HRP-MN meeting and speaker information.
HRP-MN January Luncheon Meeting
HSA Implementations
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Speaker: Pamela Lampert & Sheila Nordquist
Pamela and Sheila provided a very informative and useful presentation on implementing an HSA program.
They reviewed the definition of an HSA plan and the advantages and the challenges that occur with an implementation. Additionally, Pamela and Sheila presented HSA implementation case studies which reviewed the major components including: developing a Health Plan team, the education and marketing processes and key decision drivers(cost etc.).
In summary they provided valuable insight and learning points to help us create successful HSA implementations.
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HRP-MN November Luncheon Meeting
Surviving a DOL Audit
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Speaker: Mark Underwood, Department of Labor
Mark Underwood, Associate Regional Director for the Department of Labor provided an overview of the process used by the DOL to audit ERISA plans, including pension plans, 401k, and health and welfare plans. One message included in his topic is that identified problems may be corrected after the audit to bring the plan in to compliance.
A list of Top 10 issues identified the most common problems; areas such as late or lack of filing a Form 5500, failing to follow the Plan documentation regarding loans and other distributions, and the No. 1 problem – failing to forward employee contributions to the plan.
Two case studies are included in the materials pertaining to audits and the results. Tips for Plan Fiduciaries in selecting a third party administrator are also included. Finally, the Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Plan allows Plan officials to correct certain violations before an investigation, resulting in a “No-Fault” determination letter.
Download DOL Presentation in PowerPoint or PDF.
Mark Underwood is the Associate Regional Director for the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Underwood began his career with the DOL in 1992. Prior to working for DOL Mr. Underwood worked for the IRS, and worked in the private sector for a health care company and for a small CPA firm. Mr. Underwood is a Certified Public Account and he has an undergraduate degree in Accounting from the University of Missouri Columbia, and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Missouri – Kansas City.
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HRP-MN 2008 Fall Conference: Behind the Curtain at Best Buy
Results-Only Work Environments and the Best Buy Experience
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Work-Life Balance community has long advocated giving employees more control over their work environments as a means of providing them more control over their lives. Best Buy was the first company of its size to take the ideas of Work-Life Balance and implement them. In doing so, it has made a unique contribution to the field. Commonly accepted workplace ideas were challenged and barriers to implementation overcome. Best Buy refers to its program as a Results-Only Work Environment.
This Conference exams the Best Buy experience through the lens of those that participated in it, including Professors at the University of Minnesota who conducted a study of the Best Buy experiment as it was occurring, and the present Best Buy Culture Program Manager who is responsible for supporting the Results-Only Work Environment. Best Buy Human Resource Professionals and managers will participate in a panel discussion about their experiences as well as other nationally recognized speakers on Work-Life Balance issues. Attend our conference and learn about compelling 21st Century work environment issues.
Download Speaker Bios (PDF)
Materials to Download:
Conference Program - Final (Word)
PowerPoint - Professor Moen Keynote Presentation
PowerPoint - Seitel Presentation
PowerPoint - Seitel Panel Discussion
PowerPoint - Beckius Presentation
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The Importance of Corporate Culture
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Beth Dawson: The importance of Corporate Culture in Uncertain and Turbulent Times.
Beth gave a great presentation at the Luncheon meeting on September 10, 2008. She gave a historic view of GMAC including changes in company direction , high turnover in certain areas and the need to make progress in a rapidly changing, fluid, environment. She explained how GMAC has a "fun" company culture and the need to focus on maintaining culture and work environment, performance, and engagement. They tied culture into values to be able to retain and attract good employees, align goals, to be clear ongoing feedback. The focus was on Engagement to create great managers and financial performance. Culture was defined as 5 elements: Leadership, Vision on values, Operating Principals , Relationships , Rewards and Communication. At the end of the presentation Beth provided a elaborate game which dealt with "Activities" related to Understanding the Landscape, Moving forward and Sustaining the Momentum.
In summary, Beth's presentation provided a comprehensive overview of how GMAC has changed and evolved over the years and what actions were needed to be able to maintain the "fun" culture and to meet the ever changing company goals, directions, and objectives.
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Managers' Toolkit: How to Build Inclusive, Diverse Teams
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Due to an unforeseen event, our originally schedule speaker will be unable to present at our luncheon tomorrow. We hope to have her return at an upcoming luncheon. However, we are fortunate to have Sara Taylor of Sentient Consultants present on a similar topic:
Speaker: Sara Taylor
Sentient Consultants
We look forward to a terrific presentation tomorrow.
Sara Taylor, principal of Sentient Consultants, Sara has over fifteen years of extensive training and consulting experience in the areas of Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership and Diversity. In addition to having been a diversity administrator, Sara has developed and led organizational development, leadership, as well as training and development programs in former work positions. As a consultant, Sara's repertoire is broad including leadership, systems change, communication, diversity, ethics, and meeting facilitation. Sara holds a Master's degree in diversity and organizational development from the University of Minnesota.
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How HR Continues to Add Value
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Speakers: Penny Meier & Nickolas Nyhus, Ameriprise Financial
HR Metrics was the July meeting discussion, and provided a very conceptual as well as practical process for HR professionals. Presented by Nickolas Nyhus, SPHR, VP Workforce Planning, Analytics & HR Compliance, and Penny Meier, VP Workforce Strategy & Planning, the presentation followed a process from concept to implementation with HR metrics in the Ameriprise organization. Several points made included:
"Speak the language of the business"; use the language that the operational groups understand, and present "findings and opportunities" as a way to neutralize conversation and feel less judgmental.
"Metrics are directional"; using metrics is not a science or win/lose proposition. Moving up one percent in a specific metric itself can be a good improvement.
"Measure what matters to the business"; Optimal talent can be measured by performance evaluations, employee satisfactions surveys and other specific items. The goal is to state it in terms that the business finds meaningful.
Nick and Penny have also provided the slide presentation for review on the HRP website. (PDF)
Ameriprise Financial: Penny Meier, Vice President - Workforce Strategy & Planning
As Vice President, Workforce Strategy & Planning, Penny holds responsibility for developing the workforce planning capability, defining the Human Capital strategy, managing the Human Resources project portfolio and execution disciplines. Penny joined Ameriprise Financial (formerly American Express Financial Advisors) in 2001 as the Vice President of Business Transformation.
Penny has over 25 years of experience of leadership, change management, process reengineering and project management, primarily in the Financial Services industry. Prior to joining Ameriprise, she was a Senior Manager in the Management Consulting practices of Cap Gemini (Ernst & Young), primarily focused on business and financial process transformation.
Ameriprise Financial: Nickolas Nyhus, Vice President - Workforce Planning, Analytics & HR Compliance
As Vice President Workforce Planning, Analytics & HR Compliance, Nickolas Nyhus holds responsibility for ensuring the enterprise workforce's talent is optimized. In this role, he is accountable for the people planning process, workforce measurement and analysis, and the HR compliance function. Nick joined Ameriprise Financial (formerly American Express Financial Advisors) in 2001 as an HR Business Partner.
Nick has over 18 years of experience of human resources management and line management experience in the Financial Services industry. Before joining Ameriprise Financial, he was a managing director of Human Resources at U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray supporting their Capital Markets and Venture Capital business and a HR Relationship Manager for U.S. Bank.
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Changes in Employment & HR Laws
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Speaker: Jeff Johnson, President, Midwest Employment Resources
Jeff discussed changes in employment and HR laws and regulations that have occured over the past year, including updates to FMLA/ADA law, harassment, and discrimination law and more.
Jeff Johnson is president and founder of Midwest Employment Resources, a firm providing employment law training, investigation and mediation services to businesses throughout the country. He has previously served as an attorney with Cargill, Inc. and with firms in Minneapolis and Chicago. Jeff is a nationally recognized speaker on employment law and human resource topics, giving dozens of presentations throughout the country every year.
Jeff also recently completed his third and final term in the Minnesota House of Representatives where he served as Assistant Majority Leader and chairman of the Civil Law Committee. Jeff is a graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota and Georgetown Law School in Washington, D.C. Jeff and his wife, Sondi, live in Plymouth with their two sons, Thor and Rolf.
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How Employee Engagement Can Improve Workforce Effectiveness
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Speakers: Mary Gorski & Noelle Hudak, MG Assessments
Research shows we’ll soon face a workforce crisis, when demand for labor will outstrip supply. Are you ready? The employment deal is changing – no longer an exchange of loyalty for security, but a multifaceted give-and-take between employee and employer. To thrive or even survive amid these changes, employers must accommodate the unprecedented diversity of employees in today’s workforce. Learn about a three-year employee engagement study conducted in 24 corporations from 11 industries. The results from this study provide insight into how the workforce is divided on engagement.
You will also learn:
- How to transfer insights to your organization
- Why does this matter to your company
- Where your organization can start discovering more about the state of their workforce
Presenter’s Bios
Mary Gorski – President, MG Assessments
Mary Gorski has more than 15 years of corporate human resource management and assessment experience. She has worked with many levels of leadership and understands the needs of a well-run, efficient business. At the same time she understands the human factor and what motivates people to maximum performance and efficiency.
Using her experience and tools from Profiles International, Mary works with business owners to identify their people talent and help them understand how their workers drive results. She begins with diagnosis, and then designs a plan for improving workforce effectiveness. As a result of her assistance, businesses profit from a more motivated, engaged and productive workforce.
Mary is an active member of many national and local HR associations; SHRM, HRP, ASTD, MNOD, and HR Executive Forum. She holds an HR Generalist Certification from the University of Minnesota, EES and attended Concordia College, Organizational Effectiveness Bachelor Degree Program. As a member of the Minnesota Chapter National Association of Women Business Owners, she proudly received their annual “Women on the Way” award for demonstrating breakthrough success, innovation and ahead-of-the-curve achievement for herself and her company. She is the founder and president of MG Assessments, an HR Management and Organizational Effectiveness Consulting Firm.
Noelle E. Hudak - Account Executive, MG Assessments
Noelle Hudak is an Account Executive for MG Assessments and is an accomplished marketing professional with over 16 years of marketing and account service experience. Her strength and passion is in building relationships with her clients and partners to develop successful win-win partnerships with a commitment to the highest levels of customer service and quality.
Noelle’s background is in the performance improvement industry where she developed and delivered programs to improve performance and profitability throughout the organizations that she served. Noelle holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota in Business, Speech and Mass Communications and a Marketing Certificate from the University of Minnesota.
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Spring Conference: Rewards & Recognition to Boost Retention
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Keynote Speaker: Steven Snyder
Such a relevant topic—not only because we are headed into a worker shortage, but because we all know the high costs of turnover in general! We have a full day planned—with great speakers and great companies represented as well as a vendor fair throughout the day and an after-hours social!
The day will start with our Keynote Speaker, Steven Snyder, Ph.D., founder of Twin Cities-based Snyder Leadership Group: “Using the Lens of Talentship to Foster Innovation in Retention, Rewards & Recognition.”
Dr. Snyder established his organizational consulting firm to provide a resource for organizations and their executives to advance their leadership capabilities and achieve greater success and reach their peak potential. A little peek into Dr. Snyder’s earlier life—while still in high school, he got an after-school job as a computer programmer with the University of Pennsylvania physics department. In 1983, with a bachelor’s in mathematics from Drexel University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, Snyder signed on with a promising Seattle company, Microsoft. During his five years at Microsoft, Snyder worked closely with Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer—first managing the company’s relationship with IBM, and then as general manager of the language products business unit—where he tripled the group’s revenue before retiring at age 33. Snyder earned a master’s in psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1990, and a Ph.D. in 1994. In 1996, Snyder and U of M computer science professor, John Riedl, founded Net Perceptions, Inc. The firm’s personalization and precision-marketing software was adopted by Amazon.com and other Internet companies.
After our Keynote Speaker, the morning will include Chris Robideau of Business Incentives speaking on “Employee Engagement for Improved Performance and Retention,” and Dennis Cohen, HR Consultant, presenting a real-life case study: “A Retention Plan in an Emergency Situation.” After lunch, we will have a panel discussion with representatives from Medtronic, Cargill, TPT, Target, and Best Buy. The group will provide insight on what their companies are doing in the areas of recognition and reward programs. A great way to get ideas from what many would consider the “best practices.” The last speaker of the day will be Jeff Fix, Sr. Vice President, Human Resources, at Ceridian. Jeff’s topic: “Keeping Our Best” will focus on reward and recognition programs in order to retain high potential and global employees.
Program Notes:
Keynote: "Using the Lens of Talentship to Foster Innovation in Retention, Rewards & Recognition"
Speaker: Steven Snyder (Grand Ballroom)
"Employee Engagement for Improved Performance and Retention "
Speakers: Chris Robideau, Business Incentives (BI) &
John O'Brien, Employee Performance Group
"Case Study: A Retention Plan in an Emergency Situation"
Speaker: Dennis Cohen
"Keeping Our Best”
Speaker: Jeff Fix, Ceridian
Download Presentation (PowerPoint)
Speakers:
Dennis Cohen, Consultant
Jeff Fix, VP HR, Ceridian
Chris Robideau, Bi (Business Incentives), Account Executive
John O'Brien, Employee Performance Group, Division Vice President
Joan Pauley, HR Manager, Cargill
Steven Snyder, Snyder Leadership Group, Consultant
VIEW SPEAKER PHOTOS & BIOS
Panelists:
Katie Stewart, Cargill/Carval, HR Generalist
Lorie Humphrey, Target
Jenny Masters-Wolfe, TPT
Katie Donahue, Medtronic
Michele Bordo, Best Buy
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Making Defined Contribution Plans More Effective
Speaker: Joe Brummel
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
401(k) and other defined contribution plans are undergoing transformations resulting from new legislation, regulationsand court determinations. Joe Brummel, AIF®, from Financial Concepts, Inc. guided us through recent plansponsor and participant research and showed us how to better understand our needs and those of our employees. He also recommended changes to consider for plan management best practices. Joe’s presentation put into perspective the significance of our roles in overseeing retirement plans. Joe also provided us with specific ideas to improve our plans in the areas of fees, fiduciary obligations, investments ,employee communications and service. When it comes to properly managing your company’s defined contribution plan, Joe shows us it’s the little thingsthat make a big difference.
Joe Brummel is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) and Senior Consultant with Financial Concepts, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor and employee benefits consulting firm in Plymouth, MN. He is an Economics graduate from Carlton College and completed a specialized program oninvestment fiduciary standards of care at the Center for Fiduciary Studies. Joe is passionate about helping companies successfully manage their defined contribution retirement plans for employees. Joe and his team assist plan sponsors with vendor selection and oversight, investment advice on both planand participant levels, participant education and fiduciary management. Plan sponsors representing nearly $1 Billion in assets utilize Financial Concepts to help them manage their retirement plans. Financial Concepts is one of th etop 25 asset management firms in the Twin Cities, and is the only independent consulting firm listed with assets primarily focused on institutional (company-sponsored retirement) plans. (Source: Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal, July 2006). Financial Concepts is also the proud recipient of the 2007 Better Business Bureau’s Integrity Award.
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High-Deductible Health Plans/Health Savings Accounts: How well are they doing?
Speaker: Rey Velasco, RJ Ahmann
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Rey Velasco from RJ Ahmann Company shared his insight on the ever-increasing trend of HDHPs and HSAs. Rey provided an overview of these plans; explain what they do, how they work, and how they differ. He provided an update on the success of these plans in controlling healthcare costs and what’s in store for the future. Rey also summarized current trends in benefit programs offered by employers, as well as statistics around health epidemics that are impacting the cost of healthcare. Rey then wrap up his discussion with an overview on the design and implementation of wellness programs and the ROI that can result from the programs.
Rey Velasco is an employee benefit broker/consultant with RJ Ahmann Co. A native of Arizona and graduate of the University of Arizona, Rey started his group insurance career with Minnesota Mutual in the group insurance division where he helped large associations with their life and disability needs. Following a brief stay with ReliaStar-ING, Rey began working as an employee benefits broker and has held a Life and Health Insurance license in the State of Minnesota for the past 18 years.
As a Producer, with RJ Ahmann Benefits, Rey works with clients to construct and manage meaningful and affordable employee benefit plans. Today, Rey spends his time helping clients minimize annual cost increases while still maintaining attractive and affordable employee benefit plans.
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Rarely is Money the Only Issue: A Practical Guide to Variable Pay
Speaker: Ann Bares
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Download Variable Pay Presentation (PowerPoint)
Variable pay plans, plans where compensation is contingent upon some measure(s) of performance and not added to base pay, continue to grow in popularity. Also known as bonus or incentive plans, profit sharing plans, success sharing plans, etc., these compensation arrangements are seen as a way to improve organizational performance by driving employee efforts and results.
Performance challenges, however, are usually multi-faceted and rarely solved by money alone. Understanding this fact is critical to making variable pay plans successful. Join us in January to hear Ann Bares cover practical guidelines and tips to help Human Resource professionals assess where and how best to use variable pay to make a positive difference in their organizations.
Ann Bares is the Managing Partner of Altura Consulting Group, LLC. She has over 20 years experience consulting with a wide range of organizations in the areas of compensation and performance management. Ann has worked with a variety of client organizations in auditing, designing and implementing executive compensation plans, base salary structures, variable and incentive compensation programs, sales compensation programs, and performance management systems. Prior to founding Altura Consulting Group, Ann was employed as a compensation consultant with RSM McGladrey, Inc., Riley, Dettmann & Kelsey, and Watson Wyatt Worldwide. Ann has an MBA degree from the J. L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and a BA degree from the College of St. Catherine. Ann is a frequent speaker to industry and professional groups, and has authored several articles on the topics of compensation and performance management. She has been a regular instructor for the University of Minnesota’s Continuing Education and Employer Education Services, and has served as adjunct faculty at Concordia University.
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Growing and Leveraging Talent Assets
Speaker: Susan Fronk
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
In many organizations, the focus is on developing,managing, and leveraging tangible organizational assets. While talent may be intangible, mismanagement results in tangible consequences such as lower profits, market share, and customer loyalty to name just a few.
This session describes a proven model, processes, and tools for developing, managing, and leveraging talent plus:
- How biases and “blind spots” lead to mismanagement of talent
- How to drill deeper to find natural well-springs of talent
- How to give line managers the tools for growing and leveraging talent
Susan J. Fronk is the Director of Talent Management Systems for The Bob Pike Group. Susan provides consulting services, coaching, assessment tools, and training for clients to improve their ability to hire, engage, and retain top performing talent. She has been developing, marketing, and delivering Human Resource consulting services and training since 1982.
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Changing Demographics and Effective HR Solutions
Speakers: Tom Stinson, Libby Anderson, John Bower, Dolores Fridge, Shirly Lancaster, Karen White, Dena Tuschen, Brent Reichow
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
"Changing Demographics and Effective HR Solutions" featured a total of 9 breakout sessions in three tracks featuring topics of Recruiting/Retention, Organizational Development and Training. Each attendee was able to choose the three sessions that most interested them!
Tom Stinson, who is the Minnesota State Economist and a Professor at the University of Minnesota, presented a keynote address titled "...But, What about Tomorrow?" which focused on the changing demographics we are experiencing as a country and more specifically, what that means for Minnesota and Minnesota based companies.
Some of the other session speakers include:
- Libby Anderson, President, EDA Human Resource Services, SHRM affiliated speaker
- John Bower, Express Personnel
- Dolores Fridge, Chief Resolution Officer, Medtronic
- Shirley Lancaster, Training & Organizational Development Consultant
- Karen White, Director 360 Degree, a Minnesota State College and University Center of Excellence appointed by Governor Pawlenty
Click here for speaker bios and details.
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Immigration & Work Authorization: An Employer's Labyrinth
Speakers: Laura Danielson, Kathryn Helmke, Herbert Igbanugo
Moderator: Maxine Pegors
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Employers are battling more complicated and restricted work authorizations/Green Card processes for their employees,especially in the area of the current H-1B quotas. I-9 audits, global immigration, and Department of Labor audits. Some remedies are available to employers in this area and they will be discussed at our September 12 luncheon meeting. We will hear from the experts regarding current case law, recent decisions,and best practices for HR departments. Our speakers, attorneys who specialize in this area, will present their ideas andtechniques, as well as answering questions from the audience. Join us for a rousing and very informative discussion.
Laura Danielson, Chair of the Immigration Department of Fredrikson & Byron. Laura has been an immigration lawyer since 1989 and teaches immigration law at the University of Minnesota Law School. She is the co-author of Immigration Law in a Nutshell.
Kathryn Helmke, SPHR, Human Resource Consultant for Employment Law Services, Employers Association, Inc. Kathryn has extensive experience in immigration law consulting. She has worked for non-profit and publicly traded companies, in both union and non-union settings.
Herbert Igbanugo is the founder of Igbanugo Partners International Law Firm. He heads up Igbanugo Partners International Trade Law practice group and in 2000, was invited to be a delegate in President Clinton’s trip to Africa. He heads up the US Immigration & Nationality Law practice group for the firm.
Our moderator is Maxine Pegors, PHR, Senior HR Generalistat EMA Group, Inc. Maxine has 25 years experience in human resources with an emphasis in selection and hiring, and 21 years experience in work authorization in the US. She studied HR management and training at the University of Minnesota and is a founder, former President, and 20-year Board member of HRP-MN.
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HealthPartners Wellness -- Working Toward a Health Workplace
Calvin Allen, HealthPartners
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Our employees are our most important asset. The CIA (Committee for Increased Activity) was chartered in late 2006 to create and promote activities that improve the health and well-being of our workforce. From web pages, links, classes and activities, HealthPartners works to encourage employees in all aspects of health. Included are activities and resources that will help employees manage stress, weight loss contests, and resources and programs assisting in healthy eating. Please join us as Calvin U. Allen, Sr. Vice President, Corporate Strategic Planning and Human Resources shares what HealthPartners does to promote a healthy workplace.
Calvin Allen is senior vice president for HealthPartners Corporate Strategic Planning and Human Resources. He provides strategic and operational leadership for human resources and is responsible for creating and maintaining a customer-focused, business-driven human resources organization across the HealthPartners enterprise. Mr. Allen provides advice and counsel to HealthPartners senior leaders on management initiatives including change management, executive compensation and diversity development. He leads the creation and implementation of HealthPartners strategic planning process and provides tools to business units to ensure that department objectives and initiatives are aligned with those at the enterprise level. Mr. Allen is a champion for diversity at HealthPartners. For him, diversity is about being inclusive. He believes engaging employees in decisions is crucial to the organization’s success. Mr. Allen is also working to transform the culture at HealthPartners to meet the demands of the health care industry. His vision is to create a culture of service that exceeds the customer’s expectations.
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HR Trends --
The Shortage of Labor, Skills and Talent in the U.S. Workforce
Marilyn Condon, Meeting Facilitator
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
According to a recent SHRM survey, the hottest trend on the Human Resources horizon is the beginning of the retirement of the baby boom generation. It will leave the workforce of tomorrow short of people, skills and talents.
According to the experts, corporate executives, educators and government policy makers are not addressing the issue. One Human Resource professional referred to this crisis as another “inconvenient truth.” Perhaps your organization is already facing the challenge of finding the right candidates to fill jobs. Although there are no ready answers for this problem, some companies are implementing creative solutions to address their needs.
We want to hear how this issue is affecting your organization and what you as a Human Resource professional may be doing to get ahead of the wave. Join us for an interactive discussion of the topic and share or learn ways you might start thinking about the problem in your organization. Marilyn Condon will lead participants in a facilitated discussion of how the problem is affecting our organizations and what innovative solutions some have devised.
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Legal Update
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Speaker: Amy Taber, Employment Law Attorney, Faegre and Benson Law Firm
Amy Taber is an employment attorney with Faegre and Benson, LLP. She represents companies with various needs and issues that arise in the employment setting. Amy provides advice and counsel on a variety of employment matters including, policy development, terminations, performance managemen tand discipline, harassment claims, training, employee relations issues, and human resource audits. Amy assists her clients in resolving their conflicts in the manner best for their business, whether this means early resolutionor through litigation. Prior to becoming an attorney, Amy worked in a variety of human resource positions for a Minnesota-based Fortune 500 company for eight years. As a result, she has an appreciation for the challenges that employers face in the workplace. Amy earned her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University, her M.B.A. in Human Resources from St. Thomas University and her law degree cum laude from William Mitchell College of Law. She was recently named a 2007 “Rising Star” by Minnesota Law & Politics magazine.
Download Amy Taber's Presentation (PowerPoint)
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Your Presentation Skills -- An Asset or a Liability?
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Speakers: Pete Machalek and Dean Hyers, SagePRESENCE
Dean Hyers |
Pete Machalek |
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Dean Hyers
Dean Hyers is an award-winning feature film director and performance specialist skilled in emotional management and authentic improvisation. He was formerly creative director and CEO of his own interactive marketing and promotions company, Digital Café, which was acquired by Campbell Mithun Esty, a major advertising agency, in 1998. Dean won Best Director and Best Feature Film in two prominent festivals with his debut feature film "Bill's Gun Shop," released by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment in 2006. Dean holds degrees in Fine Arts and Psychology from Gustavus Adolphus College.
Pete Machalek
Pete Machalek holds a Bachelor’s degree in Speech & Communications from Gustavus Adolphus College and Master’s degree in Communication Study & Film Production from the University of Iowa. He’s been a manager involved in advertising and marketing, responsible for the creation, analysis, and measuring the effectiveness of advertisements and marketing pieces. Machalek has been a curriculum designer and a teacher, a writer and editor, filmmaker and critic. He produced and directed an Academy Awards semifinalist in 1991.
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Spring Mini-Conference
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Speakers: Dr. Mia DeJongh, Dr. Bonnie Schoenfelder, Dr. Lauren Wood
"Using Assessments for Talent Management"
Mia DeJongh has worked in Industrial Organizational Psychology for over 20 years, in a variety of roles and settings. She began working in the field in management consulting, helping outplacement candidates with job search and interview skills. She then worked as a consultant to the hospitality industry, and focused on balancing top-notch service delivery with talent retainment. After receiving her doctorate in clinical psychology, she worked as a clinical assessment practitioner in private practice and has a passion for applying the tenants of psychology to the business world. Currently Mia is a Consultant at Personnel Decisions International helping her clients to grow and change through assessment consultation, coaching and trainings. She has experience in varied settings working with top leaders in a variety of industry sectors, and has particular expertise working with clients who are going through role transitions and also have a high volume of customer interaction. Mia does assessment, training and coaching and especially enjoys helping clients with issues such as gender and generational work differences and achieving work-life balance, specifically with top female leaders.
Mia DeJongh holds a BA in Psychology from Stony Brook University and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology.
Download Dr. DeJongh's Presentation (PowerPoint)
"Behavioral Assessments for Professional Growth"
Dr. Schoenfelder has been producing results in the field of strategic human resources management for over 15 years. Prior to forming LeaderVenture, LLC, she held management roles in four Fortune 500 firms including CENEX, Honeywell, General Mills and ConAgra. As Principle of LeaderVenture, LLC, a management consulting practice focused on providing effectiveness solutions for leaders and teams, Dr. Schoenfelder uses a wide variety of behavioral assessments to achieve results in executive development and coaching, change management, team development, career development, sales management development and training design.
Dr. Schoenfelder holds a BA in Psychology from Bethel College, a BS in education from Bemidji State University, an MS in Counseling from Bemidji State University and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Minnesota. She has served on the editorial board of Training Magazine, the official publication of the American Society for Training and Development.
Download Dr. Schoenfelder's Presentation (PowerPoint)
"Skill Assessments and the Importance of Validity"
Dr. Lauren Wood is an industrial psychologist with twenty years experience with high-stakes testing. As Director of Test Development, she led a team of test developers to design and develop legally defensible licensure and certification exams. As an industrial psychologist, she selected the appropriate commercially developed psychological tests and other assessment techniques to help Fortune 100 companies select the appropriate candidates for management and executive roles. As principal investigator in a number of research projects, she designed unique instruments or selected commercially prepared surveys to target project objectives.
Dr. Wood holds a BA in Nursing from the College of St. Catherine, a MS in Public Health from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Minnesota.
Download Dr. Wood's Presentation (PowerPoint)
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Wellness Programs
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Speakers: Maureen O'Malley Rehfuss, VP Human Resources, Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik
Doreen Meier, Human Resource Manager, Coborn's Inc.
Maureen O’Malley Rehfuss, a Human Resources practitioner with more than 20
years of experience, has worked as both an
HR generalist and specialist at the management level.
She first became interested
in employee wellness while researching her masters
thesis on Cost Containment in Employer sponsored
Health Plans in the late 1980s. Through this work she
realized that cost containment was not possible unless
employees took an active role in their own health. In
her current role as VP of Human Resources for
Bonestroo, a Twin Cities based engineering,
planning, and architecture firm, Maureen has recently
implemented a high tech high touch population health
management program for the company. Maureen will
present an overview of the Bonestroo program and share
the programs successes and challenges to date.
Maureen holds a BS in Business and Human Resources from Marquette University and an MS
in Industrial Relations from Loyola University of Chicago. She is a Senior Human Resources
Professional certified by the Society of Human Resources Management. Her professional
affiliations include the Society of Human Resource Management, World at Work, Twin City
Compensation Association, and the Twin Cities Human Resources Association.
Maureen is an adjunct instructor at the University of Minnesota where she teaches the SHRM
Learning System preparation class for the Senior Human Resources Professional/Professional in
Human Resources certification. She as been an active member of Human Resources
Professionals of Minnesota for the past 10 years and is a past president of the organization.
Doreen Meier will be sharing information on some of the health & wellness programs that have
been implemented at Coborn’s Incorporated. Doreen will provide tips on getting started for
those that are considering implementing similar programs.
Doreen Meier is currently the Human Resources Manager at Coborn’s Incorporated. She
graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in Interdepartmental Speech
Communications and an emphasis in Human Resources. She has over 15 years of human
resources experience, and has a special interest in benefit and wellness programs.
Download Doreen's Presentation (PowerPoint)
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February Networking Social
"The Chemistry of Networking Presence: You Had Me at Hello."
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Speakers: Pete Machalek, Dean Hyers
SAGE Presenting
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Metrics Scorecard
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Speaker: Laura Huberty, Project Consulting Group
Senior Consultant and Project Manager
Laura Huberty is a Senior Consultant and Project Manager at Project Consulting Group. She has over ten years experience in project management including process design and measurement strategies. Laura is a Six Sigma black belt and specialist in:
- Human Resources project management
- Scorecard and measurement strategies
- Business process management & improvement strategies
- Change management
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Identity Theft
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Speaker: David Carlisle, Pre-Paid Legal Services
Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist
David Carlisle is a Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist. David works with companies and individuals who want to better understand and protect themselves from the devastating effects of identity theft.
David has provided identity theft risk management services and legal expense services for the last three years.
After obtaining a BA from the University of Missouri, David began his business career selling accounting systems and information technology services for both local and international companies. David gained experience in the fields of sales & marketing and software development.
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Managing the Chaos: Thriving or Just Surviving?
Holiday Event & Fundraiser
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Speaker: Mary Jo Paloranta
Emcee: Jason DeRusha
Mary Jo Paloranta is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, seminar leader, and business consultant. An alumna of the College of St. Scholastica, Paloranta has more than 20 years experience in business and employee development. Prior to establishing her own consulting firm, she served as the Vice President of STAFF - PLUS. There she founded the training division and developed the highly acclaimed seminars, "A Reflection of You" and "A Winning Performance." Mary Jo continues to develop new and exciting presentations, always personalized to enhance individual potential and influence the continued success of an organization.
Jason DeRusha joined the WCCO-TV news team as a general assignment reporter in April 2003.
One day you'll see Jason reporting on why songs get stuck in your head, the next day he'll be live from the scene of breaking news.
It's his range and his unpredictable style, that make Jason such a valuable reporter to WCCO-TV.
Before coming to WCCO-TV, Jason spent three years eating cheese and bratwurst as a reporter at WISN-TV in Milwaukee.
Prior to that, he anchored the weekend news at KWQC-TV in Davenport, Iowa. He's won a bunch of awards throughout his career... most, he admits, are now coated in dust.
Proceeds from sponsorships, the raffle and the silent auction benefit Meld. Since mid-2005, Meld has been part of the Parents as Teachers National Center family of services, strengthening families through facilitated parent education and support groups. These parent programs improve the capacity of families to support, nurture, and guide their children.
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