November 2026 
President's Report
Can you believe November is already here? It feels like we were just kicking off 2026, and now we're racing toward the finish line! What an incredible year it has been for WCASHRM! I am so grateful for our amazing members, dedicated volunteer leaders, and community partners who continue to make our chapter thrive. And we're not done yet! We still have exciting opportunities to connect, learn, give back, and celebrate as we finish 2026 strong!
What an unforgettable time at HR 2026 in Hot Springs! We truly Leveled Up this year with an outstanding conference featuring top-notch speakers, exceptional educational sessions, fantastic vendors, and plenty of 80s-inspired fun! From meaningful connections to memorable experiences like the 80s Dance Party and Bridge Street Live, the energy was off the charts! We heard so much positive feedback about the conference and all the incredible experiences Hot Springs had to offer. A huge shout-out to Hot Springs for being such a phenomenal host city! We're already looking forward to returning October 6-8, 2027, when we'll trade our 80s vibes for a chill beach theme as we Make Waves in HR! Get ready for another amazing conference!
The excitement and learning didn't stop there! We wrapped up October with a fantastic membership meeting featuring Allyson Lewis and her engaging presentation, "Seeing What's Possible: Practical AI for HR, Demonstrated Live!" This wasn't your typical presentation! Allyson brought AI to life through interactive demonstrations and practical examples of how HR professionals can work smarter, save time, and boost productivity. Her hands-on exploration of using AI to enhance job postings and recruiting gave attendees valuable tools and fresh ideas they can put to work immediately! A huge thank-you to Allyson for an informative and inspiring session that encouraged us to embrace the exciting possibilities of AI in HR!
And speaking of valuable learning opportunities, 2027 is right around the corner, making now the perfect time to review and refresh your employee handbook! Join us Tuesday, November 24, at 11:30 a.m. for our virtual membership meeting, "Employee Handbook Updates for 2027," featuring attorneys Cara Butler and Alexis Jones of Mitchell Williams. This timely session will cover handbook best practices, common legal pitfalls, ADA accommodations, and emerging employment law issues to help prepare your organization for the new year. Registration is FREE for WCASHRM members and just $10 for nonmembers! Can't attend live? All registrants will receive a recording!
As you register, don't forget to support our fourth-quarter Giving for a Cause partner, Tri-Lakes CASA! This wonderful organization provides dedicated volunteer advocates who give abused and neglected children in foster care a voice, support, and hope for a brighter future across five Arkansas counties. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference! Simply add a donation when registering or visit the WCASHRM Catalog, and we'll donate on your behalf. Together, we can make a meaningful impact beyond our profession and throughout our communities!
And while you're registering for our November meeting, why not RSVP for our WCASHRM Holiday Party too? Join us Tuesday, December 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mama's Little Italy in Hot Springs for delicious food, festive games, great fellowship, and plenty of holiday cheer! We'll celebrate another fantastic year, officially swear in our 2027 Board of Directors, and host our annual silent auction benefiting the SHRM Foundation. Have an item to donate? Email [email protected] to help make our fundraiser a success! The party is FREE for members and prospective members, with guests welcome for $25. Prospective members can register by emailing [email protected]. Be sure to RSVP by noon on December 4 and note any dietary restrictions. We can't wait to celebrate with you!
As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to reflect on all we've accomplished and celebrate the incredible people who make WCASHRM so special! I am truly grateful for our amazing members and volunteer leaders whose enthusiasm and dedication keep our chapter thriving. Let's enjoy this season of gratitude and celebration, finish 2026 strong, and look forward to an even brighter 2027 together!
Please mark your calendars for the following Programs/Events of interest:
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
August 19, 2027 – WCASHRM 22nd Annual Manager Seminar – Hot Springs, AR
Sincerely,
Jen Vaughn
Jen Vaughn, SHRM-SCP | WCASHRM President | EMAIL ME
Monthly Sponsor
Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. is a full-service law firm with Arkansas roots and national reach. For over 70 years, the firm has provided comprehensive legal counsel to corporations, organizations, and individuals, handling routine business matters as well as highly complex corporate issues. From offices in Little Rock, Rogers and Jonesboro, Arkansas and Austin, Texas, Mitchell Williams provides strategic solutions and extensive experience to help clients achieve their goals. Learn more at MitchellWilliamsLaw.com.
As we are wrapping up 2026, I want to say Thank you to our 2026 Meeting Sponsors! We appreciate your support! I am doing an outreach for 2027 sponsors within our membership first. Please email me at [email protected] to reserve your spot or visit Marketing Opportunities for more information.
Meeting Topic
Employee Handbook Updates for 2027 with Cara Butler and Alexis Jones
NOVEMBER 24 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.M. | VIRTUAL - zoom LINK WILL Be in the confirmation email.
FREE FOR WCASHRM CHAPTER MEMBERS. $10 FOR NON-WCASHRM MEMBERS.
This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of employee handbook best practices, with a focus on distinguishing handbook language from contractual obligations. Presented by attorneys Cara Butler and Alexis Jones of Mitchell Williams, the presentation covers key Arkansas employment law principles—including the at-will employment doctrine, the legal significance of express and implied promises in handbooks, and the critical role of disclaimers in protecting the employment relationship. The presentation also addresses practical do's and don'ts for handbook drafting, as well as hot topic employment issues in 2026—including ADA accommodations and other emerging areas—that should be reflected in updated employee handbooks.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the distinction between handbook language and contractual obligations. Attendees will learn how to identify express and implied promises in employee handbooks that may create enforceable contractual rights.
- Apply best practices for drafting and maintaining employee handbooks. Attendees will gain practical guidance on using clear, unambiguous language and effective disclaimers to articulate employer expectations and employee conduct standards while preserving the at-will employment relationship.
- Identify hot topic employment law developments requiring handbook updates. Attendees will become familiar with current employment law issues in 2026—such as ADA accommodations and other emerging legal requirements—and understand how to incorporate necessary policy revisions into their employee handbooks to ensure ongoing compliance.
Cara Butler advises businesses and not-for-profits on employment and workplace issues. She counsels employers on wage and hour compliance matters with federal, state and local laws. She advises human resources and business executives on management issues related to hiring and termination procedures, employee discipline procedures, state and federal leave laws and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Prior to joining Mitchell Williams, Cara gained extensive knowledge of employment law as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Lavenski R. Smith of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Alexis Jones is dedicated to supporting clients in litigation including employment and labor matters. While earning her J.D. from the University of Arkansas School of Law, Alexis gained valuable hands-on experience as a legal extern with a Fortune 1 company and as a law clerk in law firms, where she conducted legal research, drafted memorandums, and analyzed complex regulatory issues. As a quarterfinalist in her law school's Negotiation Competition, Alexis demonstrated strong advocacy and problem-solving abilities. Alexis is committed to delivering thoughtful, reliable representation and is eager to leverage her skills to support firm clients.
One hour of SHRM PDC & HRCI is approved.
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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®.
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.
We are seeking a Workforce Readiness Director. This position coordinates workforce readiness programs in the community and with local schools. (We have a volunteer for VP of Programs!)
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 opportunity to attend ARSHRM conferences for free.
- Build Lasting Friendships: The additional benefit of serving is building amazing friendships.
Ready to make an impact? If you are interested, please reach out to Jen Vaughn at [email protected] to discuss this opportunity.
Community Involvement
WCASHRM's fourth-quarter community outreach partner is Tri-Lakes CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) provides compassionate volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in the foster care system. They are committed to ensuring a consistent voice, safe home, and promising future for children in foster care. Through the combined community efforts of volunteers, staff, attorneys, judges, foster families, family service workers, board members, donors, and supporters, Tri-Lakes CASA provides a CASA advocate for foster children in Garland, Hot Spring, Grant, and Clark and Pike counties. Please consider making a donation to this important organization when you register for this month's membership meeting. Every contribution helps us extend WCASHRM's impact beyond our profession and into the community we serve. Donate to our quarterly “Giving for a Cause.” Add it to your registration or go to the WCASHRM Catalog and we will donate on your behalf!
Upcoming Events
Celebrate the Season with WCASHRM!
Join us on Tuesday, December 8, from 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Mama’s Little Italy on Airport Road in Hot Springs as we celebrate the holidays and wrap up another fantastic year with WCASHRM!
Enjoy a delicious lunch and dessert, FREE for WCASHRM members, along with festive holiday games, fellowship, and plenty of fun! Guests are welcome to attend and may purchase their lunch. We’ll also host a silent auction benefiting the SHRM Foundation and officially swear in our 2027 WCASHRM Board Officers.
We'll hold our Annual SHRM Foundation fundraiser at the Holiday Party. Have an item you’d like to donate to the silent auction? Email [email protected] or bring them to our September board meeting so we can begin building our auction baskets. Every donation helps support the important work of the SHRM Foundation!
Buffet will include Lasagna, Alfredo, soup or salad. Please note any dietary restrictions when you register.
RSVP is open! We can’t wait to celebrate the season, our members, and another great year of WCASHRM together!
SHRM Foundation
Eat, Drink, and Bid Merry!
The holiday season is almost here, and so is one of WCASHRM's most anticipated events of the year—our Annual Holiday Party & Auction!
Join us on Tuesday, December 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mama's Little Italy for an afternoon of holiday cheer, great company, and a little friendly bidding competition!
Our annual auction is more than a fun holiday tradition. It's an opportunity to give back to the SHRM Foundation, which supports the future of our profession through scholarships, professional development, and initiatives that strengthen workplaces and empower HR professionals.
We're working to bring you an exciting selection of auction items and experiences, so come ready to bid, have fun, and support a great cause! Every winning bid helps make a difference.
Have an item, gift basket, or experience you'd like to donate? We'd love to hear from you! Donations from our members and community partners help make this event a success.
No donation is too small. Combining several donated items can also make a great, themed auction package! Proceeds from the Silent Auction will support our WCASHRM Foundation fundraising efforts and help us continue working toward our 2026 Foundation fundraising goal of $2,026.
If you or your organization would like to contribute an item, please contact Brandi Brazil @ [email protected].
Let's wrap up 2026 with generosity, laughter, and a little holiday competition. We can't wait to celebrate with you!
Let’s Lead the Way
As a chapter, let’s show our commitment to advancing the HR profession by supporting the SHRM Foundation – whether through donations, applying for scholarships and grants, or by sharing these opportunities with others.
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
Managers' Seminar
Save the date for 22nd Annual WCASHRM Managers SEminar on
August 19, 2027 At the
Hot springs convention center
Registration will open in January 2027.
Certification
Price Drop: SHRM Certification Just Changed!
SHRM Certification application rates across all applicant categories have been announced!
SHRM-CP:
New Member Price → $399
New Non-Member Price → $499
SHRM-SCP:
New Member Price → $399
New Non-Member Price → $499
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
Workforce Readiness
The Hot Springs Chamber is asking for partnership and volunteers for Arkansas Career & Technical Student Organization events held at the Hot Springs Convention Center. They are seeking Breakout Session Presenters, College and Career Fair Vendors, Event Sponsors, Competitive Event Evaluator/Judge, Time Keepers, and Room Volunteers
State Conferences and Competitions
Career and Technical Student Organization Event Volunteer Form
Membership Corner
WELCOME NEW WCASHRM MEMBERS
Wendy Jones – University of Arkansas Hope - Texarkana
Know someone who is in HR but not a chapter member? Share our chapter with them! Since we meet virtually 8 months of the year, we reach all areas of the state.
WHY JOIN SHRM?
Today is a great time to renew your annual membership with SHRM! As a SHRM member, you’ll gain access to over $13,000 worth in HR tools, research, training and resources that can enhance your role as an HR Professional. A SHRM membership provides value daily and is a solid investment for any HR professional. If you renew now, you can lock in your 2026 annual membership for $299. Check out the SHRM Membership Benefits Guide for more details on all the benefits of being a SHRM member.
As the cost of doing business goes up, getting the most out of your resources is more critical now than ever. When you become a SHRM member, you’ll gain access to over $13,000 in tools, research, training and resources that can enhance your role as an HR Professional. A SHRM membership provides value daily and is a solid investment for any HR professional.
Deanna Harris, SHRM-CP | Membership VP | EMAIL ME
Diversity
Diversity and Inclusion - NOVEMBER 2026
As we gather with family, friends, and colleagues this season, November reminds us of the value that different experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives bring to our workplaces and communities. In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich cultural contributions of Indigenous peoples and encourage all of us to continue building environments where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and heard. One simple way to promote inclusion each day is through intentional listening by being curious about others' experiences and making space for every voice to be part of the conversation.
We're fortunate to have meaningful opportunities to celebrate diversity right here in our community. On November 4, the Garland County Library will host a Dfa de Los Muertos Celebration where participants can learn about this beautiful Mexican tradition and create artwork honoring loved ones who have passed. Then on November 8, The Club House Hot Springs will screen Come See Me in the Good Light, a moving documentary about acclaimed queer poet Andrea Gibson, exploring themes of identity, connection, resilience, and love. We encourage everyone to attend, learn something new, and celebrate the stories and traditions that make our community stronger together.
Belonging Begins with Understanding.
Terry Davis | Diversity Director | EMAIL ME
SHRM NEWS
Registration for SHRM HR-X Live! is open. Early bird registration is open until November 19, 2026 at $2,095 for SHRM members. The event is June 27-30, 2027 in Chicago.
The #1 HR conference has entered a new era . HR-X Live! builds on the legacy of our Annual Conference, the event so many of you have helped make special year after year, and turns it into something entirely new. Expect everything you love about SHRM , turned all the way up: award-winning main stage speakers, epic entertainment, thousands of industry experts, and a few surprises we’re not ready to reveal just yet. And you’ll leave with something new: the power to prove the value of your HR, with a SHRM HR-X Credential.
Visit https://annual.shrm.org/ for more info.
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.
