President's Report

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

April is here, and WCASHRM is in full bloom!

With spring in full swing, our members have been busier than ever making a meaningful impact across our community, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Over the past several weeks, WCASHRM members have actively supported a variety of initiatives focused on developing our future workforce. From Henderson State University to Lake Hamilton and Fountain Lake High Schools, our volunteers have been on the ground sharing insights about careers in HR, reviewing resumes, conducting mock interviews, and helping bring events to life. These efforts truly reflect the heart of our organization. Be sure to follow our social media channels to discover how you can get involved in these rewarding opportunities!

In March, we had the privilege of learning from the legendary Minnie Lenox during our monthly membership meeting. Her session, “Building Teams That Perform: Trust, Accountability, and Momentum,” delivered powerful insights and practical takeaways that left a lasting impression. A special thank you to 1st Employment for sponsoring the event and for their continued support of WCASHRM.

During our March meeting, we also conducted a special election to adopt our SHRM-approved bylaws. They were unanimously approved and have since been filed with SHRM. Thank you to everyone who provided input and support throughout the revision process.

I am so excited to announce that Jennifer Greer has accepted the role of Certification Director!  Jen has been an active WCASHRM member for several years now and has been a huge support on a variety of our projects.  Her experience will be a wonderful compliment to this already amazing board! Please join me in giving her a warm welcome! 

Jennifer Greer, SHRM-SCP brings over 20 years of Human Resources experience to her career in real estate, with a background in talent and leadership development, talent acquisition, succession planning and relocation management. She has a proven track record of guiding individuals and families through major life transitions with care and expertise. Today, Jennifer combines her strategic mindset with a people-first approach to help clients buy and sell homes. Whether relocating for work, upsizing, downsizing, or purchasing a first home, she understands the impact of a move—and is dedicated to making the process smooth and rewarding.

Congratulations to Kari Ekberg of Radius Aerospace Inc. for winning a complimentary registration to the Employment Law & Legislative Affairs (ELLA) Conference at our March meeting! If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time—but don’t wait. This premier event will sell out quickly, so be sure to secure your spot today: https://ella.arshrm.com/

Looking ahead, we’re excited to invite you to our next virtual membership meeting on April 28, 2026, featuring Christie Martin and the session “Beyond the Job Boards: Discovering Hidden Talent in Unexpected Places.” Registration is now open!  We hope to see you there!

Please mark your calendars for the following Programs/Events of interest:
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

Sincerely,
Jen Vaughn

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

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Monthly Sponsor

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Meeting Topic

BEYOND THE JOB BOARDS: DISCOVERING HIDDEN TALENT IN UNEXPECTED PLACES with Christie Martin

APRIL 28 | 11:30 a.m. | VIRTUAL - zoom LINK WILL Be in the confirmation email.

FREE FOR WCASHRM CHAPTER MEMBERS. $10 FOR NON-WCASHRM MEMBERS.

This session explores innovative recruitment strategies beyond traditional methods. This presentation highlights unconventional approaches to discover qualified candidates in today's competitive job market. Learn how to leverage social media, community events, employee referral programs, industry meetups, and networking to build a diverse talent pipeline. Discover practical techniques to identify passive candidates and create compelling outreach that resonates with your ideal hires, ultimately transforming your recruitment results.

Learning objectives:

• Unconventional approaches to sourcing candidates 
• Ways to leverage key selling points of the job and company 
• Long term strategies to build a talent pipeline

Bio: Christie started her career at Walmart Stores Headquarters handling recruiting, job design, organizational and change management for a variety of corporate divisions both within the US and globally. She has since spent the last 10+ years working for third-party search firms managing talent sourcing in a variety of industries and geographic locations. She enjoys using her 20+ years of recruiting expertise to help companies find and grow talent and help candidates to set themselves apart. In 2020 she co-founded Skills Lab Training which offers coaching and training services to individuals and organizations that propels successful career growth and transition. Skills Lab also works with organizations to recruit and train leaders via their supervisor training program, Leadership Lab.   A native of Northwest Arkansas, she is passionate about using her skills to impact the community, increase workforce preparedness for the underserved, and volunteers in organizations serving the marginalized and homeless.

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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Upcoming Events

May 7, 2026  |  4:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Taco Mama
1209 Malvern Avenue, Hot Springs, AR, 71901
Add to Calendar  Get Directions

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Community Involvement

In the first quarter, we supported the Hot Springs Community Resource Center (CRC) and raised $137 to support their operations.

In the first quarter, we supported the Hot Springs Community Resource Center (CRC) and raised $137 to support their operations.

WCASHRM's second quarter Community Outreach is supporting Sunshine Therapeutic Riding Center. The Sunshine Therapeutic Riding Center (STRC) is an equine-assisted therapy organization 501(c)3 that strives to improve the lives of individuals of all age groups, including children with disabilities, through the partnership and therapeutic power of horses.

We are seeking monetary donations as Sunshine Therapeutic is very specific with their needs. Currently, they have a horse right now that has eaten through most of their fencing/gates. There are 16 gates that need to be repaired so they need funds to assist with those repairs.  

In addition, Sunshine Therapeutic's Horsemanship Fund (Horsemanship Fund) is for kids whose families can't afford all the services. Insurance can cover some of the costs, but this care fund allows more patients to be seen, which is their goal.

For more information, watch this video: Sunshine Therapeutic Mission Video or visit: https://www.sunshineridingcenter.org or https://www.facebook.com/sunshinecenterar.

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ARSHRM Events

You can find the full schedule on the conference website at ELLA.arshrm.com.

10.25 hours of SHRM PDC, 10.25 hours of HRCI Business and 10 hours of CLE are approved.

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Managers' Seminar

Registration is now open for the WCASHRM Managers Seminar. Cost is $95/per person and includes lunch.

We are working on finalizing the concurrent session line-up and will offer 6 hours of CE.

We are seeking sponsors and vendors for our event. Thank you to 1st Employment for their continued support as our Presenting Sponsor.

$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. If you are interested in being a sponsor, please reach out to Jenny or Janet at [email protected].

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Diversity

April is Diversity Month – Why is it important to Celebrate?

Celebrate Diversity Month encourages understanding, respect, and appreciation for the differences that make each of us unique. It helps broaden perspectives by inviting us to learn from cultures, experiences, and viewpoints beyond our own. By stepping outside our comfort zones, we become more open-minded, connected, and better equipped to build a more inclusive and respectful community.

In addition, this month serves as a reminder that inclusion is an ongoing effort, not a one-time event. By learning, listening, and engaging with one another, we strengthen relationships and create environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best.

Here are a few practical & inclusive ways to celebrate diversity at work;

Ø  Offer diversity and inclusion training
Provide workshops focused on unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and respectful communication.

Ø  Celebrate through food and traditions
Organize potlucks, cultural food days, or recipe shares that allow employees to experience different cultures in a welcoming way.

Ø  Host learning sessions or spotlights
Invite employees to share traditions, holidays, career journeys, or cultural experiences through short talks, newsletters, or lunch-and-learns.

Ø  Recognize diverse holidays and observances
Acknowledge cultural, religious, and heritage months on internal calendars, emails, or team meetings to promote awareness year-round.

Ø  Encourage inclusive conversations
Create safe spaces such as discussion circles or panels where employees can share perspectives and listen to others respectfully.

April Multicultural Calendar 2026

April recognizes World Autism Month and features cultural and faith-based observances across multiple traditions.

April 2 – Jehovah’s Witnesses: Memorial of Jesus’ Death
Annual observance remembering the death of Jesus Christ, held after sunset.

April 2 – World Autism Acceptance Day
Promotes understanding and acceptance of autistic individuals and their families.

April 2-9 – Jewish: Passover*
Commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

April 5 – Christian: Easter
Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ in many Western Christian churches.

April 14 – Sikh, Hindu: Vaisakhi
Marks the founding of the Khalsa for Sikhs and the spring harvest in many parts of South Asia.

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]

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

Grant Minor - Big Jake’s BBQ

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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Legislative Updates

Brown-Forman Corp. v. NLRB Sixth Circuit Invalidates NLRB’s Cemex Bargaining Order Standard

On March 6, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a significant decision in Brown-Forman Corp. v. NLRB, becoming the first federal appellate court to invalidate the National Labor Relations Board’s Cemex bargaining order standard. The decision has significant implications for employers facing union organizing campaigns and signals potential limits on the NLRB’s ability to impose bargaining orders as a remedy for unfair labor practices.

Background

This case arose from a union organizing campaign at Brown-Forman Corporation’s Woodford Reserve distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. After employees began contacting the International Brotherhood of Teamsters about unionization, Brown-Forman announced several changes to employee compensation, including a $4-per-hour across-the-board wage increase, expanded pay progression and merit-based salary increases, and modified vacation policies. Brown-Forman also gifted employees bottles of bourbon one week before the election. When the election was held, the union lost, with only 14 employees voting in favor and 45 voting against. The NLRB found that Brown-Forman committed unfair labor practices by conferring these benefits to discourage unionization. Relying solely on its newly announced Cemex standard—rather than the longstanding Gissel framework—the Board issued a bargaining order requiring Brown-Forman to recognize and negotiate with the union despite the failed election.

The Court’s Holding

The Sixth Circuit granted Brown-Forman’s petition for review and denied enforcement of the Board’s bargaining order. While the court affirmed the Board’s unfair labor practice findings, noting that internal emails revealed anti-union motivations, it held that the Cemex standard itself was invalid because it was improperly promulgated through adjudication rather than notice-and-comment rulemaking.

Invalidated: The Cemex Standard

The court’s central holding was that the Cemex standard could not serve as the basis for a bargaining order because it was created through an improper exercise of the Board’s adjudicatory authority. Under Cemex, the Board replaced the Gissel framework that governed bargaining orders for over 50 years with a new default rule: if an employer commits unfair labor practices that require setting aside an election, the Board will issue a bargaining order without analyzing whether a fair future election could be held.

Bruce Cross | Legislative Director | EMAIL ME

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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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