In this issue
August 2026 
President's Report
August is here, and that means one of my favorite events of the year is almost here: the 21st Annual Managers Seminar! If you haven't registered your team yet, there is still time to reserve their seats for this dynamic, full-day leadership experience. We're especially excited to welcome our keynote speaker, Cindy Rowe, who will inspire attendees with her presentation, "The People First Advantage: Building Loyalty and Leading with Kindness." I look forward to seeing all of you and your team there on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hot Springs Convention Center!
WCASHRM needs your help! We are looking for door prizes for the Managers Seminar. If you or your business has an item you would like to donate for a door prize, please bring it the morning of the event or email [email protected] to make delivery arrangements.
I want to extend a huge thank you to the I-9 Lady, Sheila Moss, for delivering an outstanding I-9 compliance update at our July membership meeting. I-9 compliance can be complex and is not always the most exciting topic for HR professionals, but Sheila's presentation made the process easier to understand and hopefully left us all feeling more confident in our ability to manage I-9 requirements effectively.
Mark your calendar for our next virtual membership meeting on August 18, 2026! We are excited to welcome Cindy Kolb of Rose Law Firm, who will present Business Ethics for HR Professionals. You won't want to miss it!
The final total is in; we raised $365.57 for Sunshine Therapeutic Riding Center for our Q2 giving! Thank you to all of you for your generosity for this impactful group in our community. Please watch for the delivery date to join us when we deliver the check in-person.
WCASHRM’s third-quarter community outreach partner is Scars and Stripes, Inc. This nonprofit is dedicated to supporting and empowering the veteran population in the Hot Springs area community by addressing areas like suicide prevention, homelessness, VA benefits, mental health, and more. For more information about Scars and Stripes, Inc, you can go to their website at www.scarsandstripesinc.org. Please consider donating to this important cause when you register for this month’s meeting.
As always, thank you for making WCASHRM such an incredible organization to be a part of. It is truly a privilege to serve alongside each of you. I look forward to seeing everyone on August 27 for the Managers Seminar!
Please mark your calendars for the following Programs/Events of interest:
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
June 27-30, 2027 – SHRM Annual Conference – Chicago, IL
Sincerely,
Jen Vaughn
Jen Vaughn, SHRM-SCP | WCASHRM President | EMAIL ME
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.
Positions Include:
President - Leads Chapter in various capacities, including chapter meetings, board meetings. Represents Chapter in community and on State Council. MUST BE A NATIONAL SHRM MEMBER!
President-Elect - Assists President with various functions. Will serve as the Chapter President for the next term. Handles monthly meeting sponsors. MUST BE A NATIONAL SHRM MEMBER!
Secretary - Takes minutes at board meetings. Maintains chapter records.
Treasurer - Handles the Chapter finances - collecting monies, balancing checkbook, paying bills. Monitors budget.
Vice President, Programs - Coordinates and programs monthly meeting speakers and program materials. Applies for SHRM and HRCI credit for monthly meetings.
Vice President, Membership - Recruits new members; maintains membership roster; sends out new member kits and membership information; Greets members upon check-in at monthly meeting. MUST BE A NATIONAL SHRM MEMBER!
Diversity Director - Communicates diversity information to chapter and coordinates annual diversity program with VP, Programs.
Legislative Director - Communicates legislative updates and alerts to chapter members. Provides legislative updates to members at monthly chapter meetings. RECOMMENDED TO BE A SHRM MEMBER.
College Relations Director - Serves as liaison between WCASHRM and any area SHRM student chapter. Promotes the annual scholarship. Develops mentor relationships.
Certification Director - Promotes SHRM and HRCI Certification and Promotes certification Study Group. MUST BE A NATIONAL SHRM MEMBER AND HOLD A SHRM CERTIFICATION!
Workforce Readiness Director - Coordinates workforce readiness programs in the community and with local schools.
SHRM Foundation Director - Coordinates chapter SHRM Foundation fundraiser; promotes Foundation.
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! You can also download and return our nominating form to nominate yourself and others.
Monthly Sponsor
Malvern National Bank is a full-service community bank committed to providing top-quality personal and business financial services, delivered by associates who are dedicated to the highest level of personal service. Since our inception, we have provided professional banking services to central Arkansas. For years, we have been utilizing state-of-the-art systems that today’s lifestyles demand, such as online banking, mobile banking, and treasury management tools. We serve the communities of Little Rock, Malvern, Bryant, Benton, Conway, East End, Hot Springs, and Sheridan in Arkansas. We offer mortgages, free checking, business loans, financial calculators, loans, and more!
Malvern National Bank was chartered and opened for business on July 28, 1934, at the height of the Great Depression. It has operated continuously since that time. During the 80+ years of the bank’s existence, only 6 individuals have held the office of President.
It is the primary mission of Malvern National Bank to serve the banking needs of Central Arkansas. MNB maintains respect for the tradition and service of its 80+ year history, while at the same time focuses on providing its customers with the latest in technology and the best personal banking experience possible.
Currently, Malvern National Bank has 13 locations in its 6-county markets, including Malvern, Hot Springs, Sheridan, East End, Benton, Bryant, Little Rock, and Conway.
Meeting Topic
Business Ethics for HR Professionals with Cindy Kolb
AUGUST 18 | 11:30 Am-1:30 pm | VIRTUAL - zoom LINK WILL Be in the confirmation email.
FREE FOR WCASHRM CHAPTER MEMBERS. $10 FOR NON-WCASHRM MEMBERS.
Note: Meeting is moved up a week due to Managers Seminar
This session will address three different “hats” HR professionals wear and the ethical implications of each. The session learning objectives include:
- How to perform an ethical investigation.
- How to ethically enforce company policies.
- Review the ethics and importance of documentation.
Cindy Kolb is an attorney at Rose Law Firm in Little Rock becoming a Member at Rose after Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, joined Rose Law Firm in October 2023. Her practice areas include employment law and insurance defense litigation. She regularly speaks on employment law and HR-related topics for industry groups around the state.
One hour of SHRM PDC & HRCI is approved and qualifies for the HRCI Ethics requirement.
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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®.
Managers' Seminar
Registration is now open for the WCASHRM Managers Seminar.
Cost is $120/per person and includes lunch. Cost increases after 8/16. Visit our website for more information on the sessions or download our paper registration form to share with friends, family, and colleagues. The event is approved for 6 hours of HRCI, SHRM and CLE for Attorneys, CE for Funeral Directors & Embalmers, and is pending approval for Nursing Home Administrators.
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!
$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.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, August 27, 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
After our Managers Seminar, join us for an HR Happy Hour at Taco Mama on Malvern Ave (outside on Patio, weather permitting).
This is a great opportunity to see/meet/network with fellow HR professionals in a more relaxed atmosphere - and help us celebrate a successful managers seminar!
No cost - You're responsible for your beverages and food.
Please RSVP via our website by noon on 8/27 so we can advise restaurant.
Link to Register: https://wcashrm.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=274&ts=1786388642
Potential Members Welcome!
Questions: Email: [email protected]
Community Involvement
Thank you to everyone for your support of the Sunshine Therapeutic Riding Center during Q2.
WCASHRM's third quarter Community Outreach partner is Scars and Stripes, Inc. This nonprofit is dedicated to supporting and empowering the veteran population in the Hot Springs area community by addressing areas like suicide prevention, homelessness, VA benefits, mental health, and more. Please consider donating to this important cause when you register for this month’s meeting.
For more information, visit: https://www.scarsandstripesinc.org/
Featured Spotlight Member
Honoring Marina Mueller, SHRM-CP, PHR
It is with deep gratitude that we recognize the retirement of longtime WCASHRM member, volunteer, and past Chapter President, Marina Mueller, SHRM-CP, PHR.
Marina has devoted more than 35 years to the human resources profession, serving as Director of Human Resources for Embassy Suites in Hot Springs for 20 years after previously spending 16 years as Human Resource Manager for USNR/Soderhamn Erikson. Throughout her career, she has earned a reputation as an exceptional HR leader, mentor, and teacher who consistently exceeds expectations while investing in the success of others.
Her impact on WCASHRM has been equally remarkable. Since joining the chapter, Marina has faithfully served in numerous leadership roles, including Certification Director, Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Programs, President-Elect, Chapter President, and Managers Seminar Committee volunteer. Her leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment have helped shape our chapter and strengthen the HR profession throughout our region.
Marina's dedication to service extends far beyond the workplace. She has generously given her time to countless community organizations, including the Chocolate Festival benefiting Cooperative Christian Ministries & Clinic, Convoy of Hope, Relay for Life, The Jackson House, Project SEARCH, Diamond Lakes Federal Credit Union, and her church. She has also opened her home to numerous foreign exchange students and has spent many years coordinating host families throughout Garland County, changing lives through her compassion and generosity.
Her servant leadership has not gone unnoticed. In 2017, Marina was honored by the Arkansas Hospitality Association as Hospitality Manager of the Year, an award made even more meaningful because she was nominated by her own employees. In 2018, she was also recognized as HR Professional of the Year, an honor reflecting her outstanding contributions to the human resources profession and the high regard in which she is held by her peers, who nominated her in recognition of her excellence, leadership, and lasting impact on the field. Those who know Marina describe her as compassionate, thoughtful, prepared, and someone who leads by example. Whether serving her coworkers, customers, community, or the HR profession, she has always done so with humility, excellence, and a genuine heart for others.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions and lasting legacy, the WCASHRM Board of Directors is proud to award Marina an Honorary Lifetime WCASHRM Membership.
Marina, thank you for your decades of leadership, mentorship, and service. Your influence has touched countless HR professionals and made WCASHRM a stronger organization. We wish you every happiness and blessing as you begin this exciting new chapter. Congratulations on a well-earned retirement!
Diversity
July Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 2026
Visit Arkansas SHRM's Inclusion and Diversity page for August dates.
Terry Davis | Diversity Director | EMAIL ME
Certification
SHRM Certification EARLY BIRD PRICING
Early-bird pricing for the SHRM-CP® and SHRM-SCP® exams is available through the end of August. Also, add Promo Code SUMMER26 at checkout for an additional 25% off!
Apply now to lock in your lower exam fee before regular pricing begins. Visit https://www.shrm.org/shop/certification for more info.
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
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
College Relations
Jennifer Vaughn, MBA, SHRM-SCP
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.
We currently have 110 WCASHRM members with 95 SHRM members.
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
SHRM Foundation
Equipping Employers to Support Working Caregivers
Caregiving in the Workplace: Real Stories, Real Impact
Check out the latest research from the SHRM Foundation. Caregiving touches every career. This short video highlights real stories—and the difference employers make when they build more supportive, flexible workplaces.
Millions of employees balance work with caring for children, aging parents, or loved ones with health needs. Without employer support, caregiving strains productivity, loyalty, and well-being, but with the right policies and culture, employers and employees alike can flourish.
Join the SHRM Foundation to help employers create workplaces where caregivers can thrive at work and at home.
Visit for more info: https://www.shrm.org/foundation/thriving-together/supporting-working-caregivers.
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
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 |
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.
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:
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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.
