Director's Message
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As 2016 comes to an end, we look back on a year of progress, challenges and questions for the coming year. Are our extensive efforts toward new FLSA guidelines and the ACA going to be completely turned around in 2017? Will we see new social and economic policies that will bring new issues to deal with in the workplace? But resilience and flexibility are common traits of effective HR professionals, and we will have multiple opportunities to utilize our talents and capabilities in the coming year. One thing that is certain is that it will be an incredibly busy year for Human Resources.
As I mentioned last month, the Texas Legislature will meet in the Spring for their biennial session; watching for key legislation and its impact on your workplace will be a challenge. The economy in parts of our State is healthy, and struggling in others; workforce planning, employee retention and talent management will be challenges HR pros must proactively address to maintain or invigorate their organization’s business. Young professionals and Baby Boomers will be key constituents in the coming year, and providing a workplace to maximize the productivity of both groups, and all in between, will be a challenge.
But as I write my last message to you as State Director, I am confident in saying we not only have a quality group of HR professionals and supporting consultants in Texas, but excellent resources available to us. This includes our 33 Texas SHRM Chapters, of course, and I hope each and every one of you will continue to participate in your Chapter in some active manner.
Under the new direction of Jennifer Rower of San Antonio, I know that Texas SHRM will continue to focus on what matters to YOU; "what’s in it for the Chapters" has been our mantra for the last several years. Finally, I must thank all of those on the Texas State Council these last two years, and particularly my executive committee: Jennifer Rower, Kathy Hardcastle, Michelle Friesenhahn, Wendy Chance, Crystal Reich, Robert Segura, Debi Dault, Nicole Shannon and of course, Dena Culpepper. You are incredibly dedicated individuals, and you have made my position most rewarding.
Happy holidays and a wonderful New Year.
