President's Report

2026 Board of Directors pictured above (Shayne, Deanna, Jenny, Sheryl, Brooke, Lauren, Jen and Brandi. Not pictured: Nia, Terrie, Terry, Bruce).

Happy March, Everyone!

Spring is in the air, and in true HR fashion, we are moving full speed ahead! This season always brings renewed energy, fresh initiatives, and exciting momentum — and your WCASHRM Board of Directors has certainly embraced that pace. Behind the scenes, they have been hard at work coordinating our annual audit, building out dynamic 2026 programming and sponsorship opportunities, updating best-practice documents and chapter procedures, and identifying new ways to better serve you, our members. I am incredibly grateful for their dedication and can’t wait to see their strategy come to life throughout the year.

It was wonderful to see so many of you at our virtual membership meeting on February 24th. We were fortunate to hear from our very own Jenny Sales with Apprenticely as she shared “Strategies for Building a Skilled Workforce.” Her insights challenged us to think differently about how we equip our workforce for long-term retention and growth. Thank you, Jenny, for such an impactful presentation!

Now, be sure to mark your calendars for March 31, 2026! We’ll be meeting in person and welcoming Bret Raymond, Co-founder and CEO of The Pack Shack, as we explore Onsite Team Building with Local Community Impact. This promises to be an engaging and meaningful event you won’t want to miss.

As an added bonus, WCASHRM will be giving away one FREE registration to attend the Annual Arkansas Employment Law & Legislative Affairs (ELLA) Conference, happening April 30–May 1 at the DoubleTree Hotel and Robinson Center in Little Rock. You must be present at the March meeting to win — so make plans to join us!

If you can’t attend the chapter meeting, there’s still time to register for ELLA — but don’t wait. This event will sell out!

Please mark your calendars for the following Programs/Events of interest:
March 9-10, 2026 – The AI+HI Project - San Francisco, CA
April 19-22, 2026 – SHRM Talent Conference - Dallas, TX
April 30-May 1, 2026 - ELLA Conference - Little Rock, AR
June 16-19, 2026 – SHRM Annual Conference – Orlando, FL
August 27, 2026 – WCASHRM 21st Annual Manager Seminar – Hot Springs, AR
October 14-16, 2026 –ARSHRM State Conference-Hot Springs, AR

I am so grateful for each of you and the energy you bring to our chapter. I look forward to seeing you on March 31!

Sincerely,
Jen Vaughn

Jen Vaughn, SHRM-SCP | WCASHRM President | EMAIL ME

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Monthly Sponsor

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Meeting Topic

Onsite Team Building with Local Community Impact with Bret Raymond, Co-founder and CEO of The Pack Shack       

MARCH 31 | 11:30 a.m. | HOT SPRINGS CHAMBER | $15 FOR WCASHRM CHAPTER MEMBERS. $20 FOR NON-WCASHRM MEMBERS. $5 LATE FEE IF REGISTER FRIDAY AFTER NOON prior to meeting.

IN PERSON LOCATION: Greater Hot Springs Chamber | 659 Ouachita Ave. | Hot Springs, AR 71901 

Description: Discover the benefits of hosting onsite team building activities for your organization and the goodwill you can build by incorporating service to others.

Learning objectives: Advantages of onsite team building, psychological benefits of serving others, and recruitment, engagement, and retention benefits of meaningful team building

Bret is the co-founder and CEO of The Pack Shack, an Arkansas nonprofit that brings people together for Feed the Funnel parties to pack delicious, healthy meals for neighbors in need. More than 250,000 people across 43 states have packed over 58 million meals at The Pack Shack's Feed the Funnel parties. Bret has served in executive roles in nonprofit food manufacturing in Rwanda, textile manufacturing in northwest China, and business continuity consulting in Europe and South America. He has developed locally sustainable businesses in Uganda and is a partner in a macadamia enterprise in Burundi. He has also taught marketing and entrepreneurship classes at the university level. Bret earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from Harding University ('90) and his MBA from Pepperdine University. Bret’s greatest delight is his family, and he has been married to Johnna Duke Raymond (Harding '96) for almost 29 years. They have 3 children. His personal mission is to encourage people to know their neighbors, understand the struggles and challenges they face, have compassion, and take action.

One hour of SHRM PDC & HRCI is approved.

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®.

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Community Involvement

This quarter, WCASHRM's first quarter Community Outreach is supporting Community Resource Center. We are seeking monetary donations or items to donate to the center that is dedicated to serving Hot Springs residents by providing essential services, support, and programs that foster a stronger, more connected community. Its mission is to empower individuals and families by offering resources that promote well-being, education, and economic growth.

When necessary, the CRC serves as an emergency warming or cooling center and needs supplies to feed and clothe the individuals staying in the center.

For more information, visit: https://www.hotspringsar.gov/1861/Community-Resource-Center or https://www.facebook.com/CHSCommunityResourceCenter.

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Diversity

As we welcome the month of March, WCASHRM is proud to recognize and celebrate the many stories, histories, and cultural moments that highlight the diversity within our workplaces and communities. March gives us the opportunity to honor Women’s History Month, celebrate Irish-American Heritage Month, and increase awareness during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Each of these observances reminds us of the unique voices, experiences, and contributions that shape our shared world.

We encourage our members to take time this month to learn, participate, and engage—whether through community events, workplace initiatives, or personal reflection. Celebrating diversity is not a once‑a‑year effort but an ongoing commitment to fostering inclusion, understanding, and respect.

Thank you for being part of WCASHRM’s dedication to building workplaces where everyone feels valued and empowered. Together, we continue to make our chapter and our community stronger.

March 4 – Hindu: Holi
The festival of colors, celebrating spring, community, and renewal. In 2026, many communities will observe Holi around this date.

March 4 – Sikh: Hola Mohalla
Sikh festival featuring martial arts displays, music, and community gatherings, often coinciding with or following Holi.

March 8 – International Women’s Day
Celebrates women’s achievements and calls for gender equality globally.

March 15 – UN: International Day to Combat Islamophobia
A UN observance that raises awareness about the prejudice, discrimination, and hatred faced by Muslims around the world.

Terry Davis | Diversity Director | EMAIL ME

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SHRM Foundation

There is a lot going on at WCASHRM this year! We are always looking for new ways for members to connect and engage, so be sure to check out these new opportunities for 2026.

NEW!! WCASHRM Foundation Sponsorship Levels 2026

Gold Sponsor - $500 

Recognition Includes:

Silver Sponsor - $250

Recognition Includes:

Bronze Sponsor - $100 

Recognition Includes:

Recognition opportunities may vary based on event format and communication channels. WCASHRM reserves the right to determine appropriate and equitable recognition.  If you are interested in becoming a Foundation Sponsor, or if you have questions, please contact me at [email protected]

Mark Your Calendar!

Q2 Foundation Fundraiser: Our first fundraiser of the year will be a fun, casual opportunity to enjoy great coffee and even better conversation.

Coffee for a Cause – April 15
Kollective Coffee & Tea - Downtown Hot Springs
Drop by anytime between 10:00 am – 1:00pm

Take a few minutes to step away from the grind and pour into the future of HR in our community. Bring a colleague, meet fellow HR professionals, and support the next generation of HR leaders.

Supporting & Celebrating HR Professionals

SHRM Foundation and SHRM work hard to support and celebrate everyone who makes up the HR profession from students to emerging professionals to seasoned leaders. To do that, each year, SHRM Foundation offers a robust HR Mentorship Program and HR Registered Apprentice Program. 

Check out these opportunities: Applications opened 01/12/26 and closes 03/13/26 

Undergraduate Scholarships
Graduate Scholarships
Susan R. Meisinger Scholarship for Graduate Studies
Annual Conference Grants
Student Membership Grant
Professional Membership Grant

Click here for details: Scholarships, Grants, and Awards | SHRM Foundation

2026 Goal

This year, our goal is to raise $2,026 to support scholarships, professional development opportunities, and workforce initiatives that strengthen the future of HR in our region. 

We encourage members to consider:

We are grateful for your continued engagement and generosity. Together, we are investing in the future of HR and making a measurable difference right here at home.

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

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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.

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. 

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

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Certification

WCASHRM is once again hosting a virtual study group to help members prepare for their SHRM certification. We also offer one 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  [email protected].

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Board Positions Open

WE NEED A VOLUNTEER!

There’s still time to throw your hat in the ring! WCASHRM is looking for passionate, driven members to join our 2026 Board of Directors. We currently have opportunities for Certification. This role requires the individual to hold the SHRM HR certification.

As a Board Member, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the future of our chapter, supporting your fellow HR professionals, and bringing fresh ideas to life. It’s a rewarding way to grow your leadership skills, expand your network, and give back to the HR community.

Interested or want to learn more? Let’s talk! Email Jennifer Vaughn at [email protected].

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Workforce Readiness

lots of opportunities to assist in workforce readiness

Fountain Lake: Fountain Lake School District is starting a podcast called Cobracast. They will be using guest speakers for the show. If you would like to promote your organization or visit with students about a variety of careers, please contact Leland Green at 501-226-8607 or by email at [email protected]

Please complete the link to a brief questionnaire to sign up for dates that best fit your schedule. Cobra Podcast | Guest Speaker - Google Form Questionnaire

Lake Hamilton: Draft Day is April 9 and 10 from 8 am- 1 pm. We have partnered closely with Lake Hamilton to create a google doc for employers to complete during the event to identify gaps in the workforce readiness needs of our students in the local community. We also need volunteers to help employers unload in the afternoon of April 8. Please let us know if you would like to help.

Lake Hamilton: Lake Hamilton is also hosting a Mock Interview event on March 31. This event will help students with properly prepping for interviews as they prepare for the workforce. Assistance is needed for time slots from 7:55 am- 3:00 pm. If you would like to be a part of this event, please sign up for the time slots that best fit your availability. There is also a choice in the form to review resumes and provide feedback for students prior to the event. Mock Interview sign up form

Henderson State University:

On March 11 from 8am- 1 pm, Henderson State University is holding a Business Conference Day to benefit college of business students. For more information, please contact Ashley Campbell at 501-304-2379.

Henderson State University has added a resume roast to their upcoming business expo and are eager to have our help. They are asking for 3 people to set up a table/booth for them to sit at during the event, allowing students to drop by with their resumes for a 5-10 minute conversation about tips, tricks, and general feedback (formatting is off, take something out, add information, etc.) or just ask general questions. If you are interested in volunteering please let me know. They would like the names of those participating and also their company logo so they can make a display sign for each volunteer.

Brooke Gilbert | WCASHRM Workforce Readiness Director | EMAIL ME

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College Relations

National Park College:

On March 12th 10am- 2 pm, National Park College will be hosting their annual job fair.  We will have a booth to review resumes, promote jobs in HR, and provide SHRM student membership information. If you can help, let us know.

Lauren Dees, SHRM-CP | College Relations Director | EMAIL ME

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Scholarship

WCASHRM sponsors one (1) $500 scholarship to an undergraduate (junior or senior status) or graduate student each semester. The scholarship is open to any student who meets the following requirements:

• Junior/Senior status or graduate student
• A resident of West Central Arkansas or enrolled student in an accredited college/university for the current school year in the West Central Arkansas region as defined above
• Pursuing a degree in business/human resources related field or law (with emphasis on labor/employment law)

• Minimum 3.00 GPA overall

The WCASHRM scholarship is awarded to one individual and is based on a variety of factors, including academic performance, demonstrated leadership, human resource related experience and/or extracurricular activities, career goals and overall presentation capabilities. The WCASHRM Scholarship Committee will determine the scholarship recipient based primarily on the above criteria, and will award the scholarship for the student’s use toward college costs.

To apply for the scholarship, you must complete the application in full.  If more space is needed than allotted on the application, please feel free to attach additional pages.      

In order to be considered, you must submit:

• Two (2) written recommendations from employers and/or professors
• College transcript
• Current resume 

• Fully completed application

WCASHRM recommends the scholarship be paid directly to the college/university, but can be presented directly to the recipient, if requested.

DEADLINE to mail or e-mail completed applications: April 1 or October 1 of each year.

Click here for the Scholarship Application

Lauren Dees, SHRM-CP | College Relations Director | EMAIL ME

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ARSHRM Events

The cost increases again after 3/15. You can find the full schedule on the conference website at ELLA.arshrm.com.

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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.

All other meetings will be virtually via Zoom.

IN PERSON LOCATION: 

The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce | 659 Ouachita Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901 | 501.321.1700

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.

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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:

• 166.78.71.148
• 159.135.230.118
• 159.135.230.230
• 159.135.230.228
• 159.135.230.229
• 159.135.230.23
• starchapteremailhost2.com 67.43.2.30
• hostemail1.starchapterhost.com 209.59.162.85
• hostmailbox1.starchapterhost.com 67.43.7.204
• starchaptermail.com 69.60.117.130
  
  

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.

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