JUNE 2026

Valley Society for Human Resource Management (VSHRM) serves the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond, supporting HR professionals through education, networking, and leadership development. We’re your local resource for HR knowledge, community, and growth. Learn more and get involved at https://vshrm.shrm.org/



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Thanks to our incredible Resource Partners — Gold sponsor Brown & Brown; Silver sponsors ASE & Marsh McLennan Agency; and Bronze sponsors Jovie and Wildfire Credit Union — June registration is just $30 for members and non-members, and each registered attendee may bring one complimentary guest when registered in advance.



Attendees will also receive a signed copy of Andre’s book, while supplies last. Their generosity makes it all possible. Register today — don’t miss it!

MEETING & REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

Please register by Thursday, June 4th, to assist with any food allergy needs!

This meeting is part of the 2025-2026 Fast Pass! If you have VSHRM's Fast Pass and attending this meeting, please register today!

Valley SHRM is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification activities.

President's Message

Accountability has a way of shaping culture.

Whether in HR or leadership, accountability helps create clarity, build trust, and strengthen teams. It influences how we communicate, support others, and continue growing both professionally and personally.

Before looking ahead, we want to thank everyone who helped make our May HR & Employment Law Update such a success. The turnout, the energy in the room, and the enthusiasm surrounding our Annual Silent Auction were a reflection of what makes the VSHRM community special — and we are grateful for each of you who showed up and made it memorable.

This month, we're excited to welcome Andre Young as he presents "A Leader's Accountability: The 3 Keys to Maintaining and Enhancing Accountability with Your Teams and Organization." Andre brings a high-energy, practical approach to leadership development, self-awareness, and strengthening workplace relationships and teams.

A special thank-you to our Gold Resource Partner Brown & Brown, along with our Silver Resource Partners ASE & Marsh McLennan Agency, and Bronze Resource Partners Jovie & Wildfire Credit Union — whose collective support through our Resource Partner Program means every attendee walks away with a signed copy of Andre's book and June registration is just $30 with a complimentary guest. Register today — don't miss it!

As we continue building our community, a reminder for anyone who attended our May event and isn't currently a Valley SHRM member — your registration included a complimentary membership to our local chapter. Reach out to our membership director for details on how to activate and connect your membership to your SHRM account. If you don't yet have a SHRM account, new memberships are currently available at 50% off for a limited time.

Our year-end experience survey is now open, and we'd love to hear from you. Whether you're a VSHRM member or a non-member, your feedback helps us continue improving the VSHRM experience. As an added bonus, for every 25 completed surveys received, we'll award a $25 gift card.

We hope to see you at Horizons in Saginaw on June 9 from 11:15 AM–1:15 PM for an event filled with learning, connection, and plenty of energy.

Lead with accountability. Invest in growth. Strengthen your impact.

Wendy Yelsik, PHR, SHRM-CP

Human Resources Director | Fabiano Brothers, Inc.

President, Valley SHRM

📱 (989) 621-4819

🔗 LinkedIn

🎉 Join us in welcoming our newest VSHRM members! 🎉

We're thrilled to welcome these professionals into the VSHRM community:

• April Yennior – DeShano Companies, Inc.
• Dean Evans – Saginaw Control & Engineering, Inc.

Your expertise and passion for HR make our network stronger, and we can't wait to collaborate, learn and grow together. Here's to building meaningful connections and driving positive impact - welcome aboard!

The winner of the May Gift Card Drawing is…

(drum roll, please 🥁)

Amanda Borchard -

Signature Truck Systems, LLC &

Jonathan MacGown -

A May Legal Seminar Guest!



Congratulations! 🏆

Thank you to everyone who participated—your involvement makes these drawings exciting. Stay tuned for June's chance to win!



👉 To be eligible for the drawing, meeting attendees must respond to the survey and provide their name.

ASK THE LAWYER

Court Dismisses Employee's Claim for Retroactive FMLA

In Chitwood v. Ascension Health Alliance (7th Cir. 2026), the court upheld termination where the employee failed to follow the employer’s same‑day FMLA notice requirements and did not return to work after her approved leave expired. The court confirmed that untimely, retroactive notice does not trigger FMLA protection and that termination for failure to return—as repeatedly communicated—is a lawful, policy‑based action.

Check out the article for more information, brought to you from David Bryce, McGraw Morris Masud.

COLLEGE RELATION NEWS

VSHRM Offers Text Updates!

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VSHRM FINANCIALS

Submitted by Patty Alfano, VSHRM Treasurer