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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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Tuesday, January 13th | 10:30 am - 5:00 pm | |
Elevate HR: Mind, Tech & Trust | | |
This conference moves beyond a routine seminar and focuses on being a restorative, future-forward, high-tough development experience designed just for you!
This is not just professional development, it's permission to pause, learn, reconnect, and return to your work stronger than you arrived.
Our Agenda for The Day
| | | 10:30 AM | Doors Open for Attendees!
Come Network & Visit Our Exhibitors | | 11:00 - 11:45 AM | Lunch Served - Buffet Style! | | 11:45 - 11:50 AM | Kicking Off the Day!
Welcome, Agenda, Safety & Sponsor Recognition | | 11:55 AM - 12:55 PM | Session 1: Elizabeth Williams | | | |
Session 1: HR & AI
Learn how to leverage AI to simplify your workload and elevate your strategic impact. Transform the way you work and lead with confidence in the digital age!
| | | 12:55 - 1:55 PM | Session 2: Darla Bishop | | | |
Session 2: Financial Wellness for HR Professionals
Gain practical tools to strengthen both your personal and organizational financial well-being. Empower yourself and your team for a healthier financial future!
| | | 1:55 - 2:15 PM | Break & Exhibitor Connection! | | 2:15 - 3:15 PM | Session 3: Julie Bellamy | | | |
Session 3: Building Trust Through Emotional Intelligence
Discover how to strengthen relationships, deepen your influence, and lead with clarity by mastering emotionally intelligent trust-building. Don't miss the opportunity to elevate your leadership impact!
| | | 3:15 - 4:15 PM | Session 4: Meagan Krzywosinski | | | |
Session 4: Wellness for the HR Professional
Reclaim your balance, renew your energy, and discover practical strategies to protect your well-being in today's demanding HR world.
| | | 4:15 - 5:00 PM | Social Hour!
Network & Enter to Win Exhibitor Raffles | | | | | |
MEETING & REGISTRATION INFORMATION: | | | IN-PERSON ONLY - DON'T MISS IT & REGISTER TODAY!! | | 🎈Saginaw Watch Party
- Location: Horizon's Conference Center, 6200 State St., Saginaw, MI 48603
- Lunch provided.
- VSHRM members $99.00 | non-members $129.00
- Student $49.00
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Please register by Thursday, January 8th. Registrations received after this date are subject to an additional $30 late fee.
This meeting is part of the 2025-2026 Fast Pass! If you have VSHRM's Fast Pass and attending this meeting, please register today!
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Hello! As we welcome a new year, I want to start by thanking each of you for helping us close out 2025 on such a strong and positive note.
Our December program, Developing Great Managers and Supervisors, was one of our highest-rated events of the year—and your feedback truly says it all.
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Members shared that this was “one of the best recent programs,” highlighting the speaker’s real-world experience, practical takeaways, and relatable examples that could be immediately applied in the workplace. Several of you also shared that you left “inspired with new ideas” and appreciated the opportunity to connect, give back, and learn together as a community.
That feedback reinforces exactly what Valley SHRM strives to deliver: relevant content, meaningful connection, and practical value for HR professionals at every stage of their career.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to invite you to our January meeting, which will be held in person. These face-to-face programs continue to be a valuable way to build relationships, share perspectives, and engage in thoughtful discussion with fellow HR professionals. All Valley SHRM events are open to the public, and we welcome both members and non-members to attend. As always, VSHRM members receive membership pricing, while non-members are invited to participate at the non-member rate.
As a reminder, renewing your VSHRM membership is simple—when you renew your SHRM membership, just be sure to select Valley SHRM as your local chapter. If you are not currently a SHRM member, please feel free to contact me directly to discuss available options.
As we move into 2026, we’re excited to continue building strong partnerships within our HR community. A limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain, with several partnerships already being finalized. We’re grateful to our Resource Partners and event sponsors for their continued support. You’ll also notice a new newsletter section dedicated to our Resource Partners, highlighting the organizations that support our chapter year-round and serve the HR community.
Your voice continues to matter. Our engagement survey remains open and is available for ongoing feedback—we encourage you to share ideas, suggestions, and topics you’d like to see in future programming.
Thank you for your ongoing support, your thoughtful feedback, and your commitment to the HR profession. Valley SHRM continues to thrive because of our engaged, generous, and collaborative community—and we’re excited for all that 2026 has in store.
Think Safe. Be Well.
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Wendy Yelsik, PHR, SHRM-CP
Human Resources Director | Fabiano Brothers, Inc.
President, Valley SHRM
📱 (989) 621-4819
🔗 LinkedIn
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VSHRM is proud to welcome Brown & Brown as a new Resource Partner, and we’re excited to spotlight their commitment to supporting HR professionals across our region.
Brown & Brown is one of the nation’s leading insurance brokerage and risk management firms, with a strong and growing presence throughout Michigan. Locally, the Brown & Brown team partners closely with organizations of all sizes—public and private—to help them navigate the evolving world of employee benefits, risk management, and workforce strategy.
What sets Brown & Brown apart is their consultative approach. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, their team works side-by-side with HR and leadership teams to:
- Design sustainable, compliant, and cost-effective employee benefits programs
- Support employers through complex regulatory and legislative changes
- Improve employee engagement and education around benefits
- Serve as a strategic extension of internal HR teams
Brown & Brown understands the challenges HR professionals face today—rising healthcare costs, talent attraction and retention, compliance pressure, and the need to do more with fewer resources. Their focus is on practical solutions, clear communication, and long-term partnerships that help organizations thrive.
As a Resource Partner, Brown & Brown is deeply committed to the VSHRM community. They look forward to actively participating in chapter events, sharing insights and educational resources, and supporting VSHRM’s mission to advance the HR profession across our region.
We are excited about this partnership, and the value Brown & Brown brings to our members. Please join us in welcoming them to VSHRM!
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VSHRM is proud to welcome Jovie as a new Resource Partner, and we’re excited to spotlight their commitment to supporting HR professionals across our region.
Sharon Ragland-Keys, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, is the franchise owner of Jovie Nannies + Sitters, formerly known as College Nannies, Sitters and Tutors.
Since 2009, Jovie Nannies + Sitters has delivered customized childcare benefit solutions that support both employers and their employees. Guided by our mission—Building Stronger Families—and backed by extensive experience providing high-quality, engaging childcare through employer-sponsored programs, Jovie partners with organizations to design, coordinate, and deliver solutions tailored to their unique workforce needs.
Employees gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones are cared for by trusted professionals in the comfort of their own homes, while employers benefit from increased productivity, improved employee satisfaction, and stronger recruitment and retention outcomes.
In addition to her role with Jovie, Sharon Ragland-Keys also serves as the SHRM Michigan Foundation Director, further strengthening her connection to the HR community and commitment to supporting working families.
We are excited about this partnership, and the value Jovie brings to our members. Please join us in welcoming them to VSHRM!
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VSHRM is proud to welcome Wildfire Credit Union as a Resource Partner, and we’re excited to spotlight their commitment to supporting HR professionals across our region.
Wildfire Credit Union partners with employers to deliver meaningful financial benefits that support employee well-being, retention, and peace of mind. Through our Work Place Perks program, HR teams can offer employees exclusive financial advantages at no cost to the employer.
Work Place Perks provide employees with preferred rates on loans, checking and savings incentives, and on-site or virtual financial education sessions tailored to real-life needs. Enrollment is simple, implementation is seamless, and support is hands-on.
We also help employers strengthen their benefits package with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Wildfire’s HSAs offer a tax-advantaged way for employees to save for current and future healthcare expenses, with easy account access, low fees, and tools that make managing healthcare dollars straightforward.
At Wildfire Credit Union, we believe financial wellness is workplace wellness. We help employers offer benefits that support employee financial stability, reduce stress, and add real value. Give your employees the free perks they deserve! To begin offering these benefits to your employees, please call us at 989.249.8200 and ask for Business Services.
We are excited about this partnership, and the value Wildfire brings to our members.
| | Interested in Sponsoring? | | |
We are seeking sponsors throughout 2026!
Limited sponsorships allow businesses to showcase their services, share insights, and gain visibility through booth space, marketing, newsletter, and event recognition. If interested in sponsoring Valley SHRM, please contact Alan Osburn via email or by phone at (989) 495-1830.
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Valley SHRM is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification activities. | | | | | |
Giving & Receiving Thanks! | | | | Our December Charity Drive was a success! We appreciate all of the donations, on behalf of VSHRM, and the Underground Railroad, of Saginaw, put those items to use right away. | | | | |
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To participate, scan the QR Code to get started! Survey launches Monday, January 19th!
Interested in learning more? ASE is offering a webinar for all VSHRM members, learn how to participate and see an overview of the data!
Webinar is on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 9AM. Register for the webinar HERE!
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Our transition to the Dual Membership Release (DMR) with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) happened December 8, 2025!
We know this change may raise questions about how it affects you and your VSHRM membership—so we’ve launched a dedicated DMR page, on our website, to help answer any questions you may have.
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We are in our membership renewal period currently! If you haven't renewed yet, you may be contacted by a member of our Board of Directors. If you have questions about your membership, or the renewal process, feel free to connect with Wendy Yelsik, Board President, or Robert Dotson, Membership Chair, for assistance.
Have a question? Scan the QR code to ask!
VSHRM + DMR FAQs
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🎉 Join us in welcoming our newest VSHRM members! 🎉
We're thrilled to welcome these professionals into the VSHRM community:
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Heather Resmer – Chapman Foundation for Caring Communities
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Phillip Hale – Members First Credit Union
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!
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The winner of the December Gift Card Drawing is…
(drum roll, please 🥁)
Amanda Lannen - from Powell
Congratulations! 🏆
Thank you to everyone who participated—your involvement makes these drawings exciting. Stay tuned for January's chance to win!
👉 To be eligible for the drawing, meeting attendees must respond to the survey and provide their name.
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📱 VSHRM Now Offers Text Updates!
Stay in the loop with the latest VSHRM news, events, and reminders—right on your phone!
Sign up for our text list here:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/amKEpE4
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After signing up, you’ll receive an automated message from VSHRM asking you to confirm your subscription. Be sure to text back “YES” to complete the process and start receiving updates.
We’re excited to keep you connected—fast, easy, and direct!
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Health Plan Transparency Proposal | | |
On Dec. 19, 2025, federal agencies proposed a rule to enhance existing price transparency requirements for non-grandfathered health plans and issuers. The changes aim to improve the usability and accessibility of machine-readable files (MRFs) and the internet-based cost comparison tool without introducing new disclosure obligations.
Key highlights:
- MRFs: Proposed improvements include better standardization, reduced file complexity, and quarterly updates instead of monthly. Plans must also include URLs and contact details for easier access.
- Cost Comparison Tool: Updates will align with the No Surprises Act, requiring disclosures over the phone upon request and incorporating balance billing protections.
- Timeline: Changes would apply 12 months after the final rule is published, with cost-sharing tool updates effective for plan years starting Jan. 1, 2027.
Employers should monitor developments to ensure compliance by their service providers.
| Executive Order: Marijuana Rescheduling | |
On Dec. 18, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing marijuana to be rescheduled from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This change reflects recognition of marijuana’s potential medical benefits and aims to expand research on marijuana and CBD products.
Key Points:
- Marijuana has historically been classified as a Schedule I drug with no accepted medical use and high abuse potential.
- Schedule III drugs are considered less dangerous, with accepted medical uses and lower abuse risk.
- The EO initiates the federal rulemaking process; rescheduling is not immediate.
- Employers, especially those with safety-sensitive roles, should monitor developments for potential workplace implications.
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VALLEY SHRM ENGAGEMENT SURVEY! | | | |
We Want to Hear From You!
Your voice matters in shaping the future of our local chapter. Please take a few minutes to complete our Engagement Survey and share your feedback. Together, we can make our community stronger and more meaningful for everyone!
Scan the QR Code or click here!
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VSHRM FINANCIALS
Submitted by Patty Alfano, VSHRM Treasurer
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