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HR News and Updates From Across Maine
SHRM Maine 2026 Fall Newsletter
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Message from the State Director - SHRM Maine
Happy Fall, everyone!
It’s been a busy and exciting season for our HR community! A few of us recently attended CMHRA’s Annual Summit, where we explored practical strategies for creating less scary workplaces. At the 2026 Best Places to Work in Maine event, Jessica Roast, Director-Elect, Kevin Moss, District Director, Blake Hayes from 93.1 Coast Morning Show, and I had the privilege of taking the stage to celebrate 134 outstanding Maine organizations making a meaningful difference in their workplaces.
We enjoyed the Diversity Hiring Coalition’s Annual Meeting last week and are looking forward to the Strategic HR Conference at the Mount Washington Hotel and HRASM’s Annual Networking Event in November. These events offer valuable opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and stay engaged with the evolving needs of our profession.
I’d also like to congratulate our SHRM Maine Certification Scholarship winners, Karen Wyman and Bethany Mulcahy! We’re proud to support their professional growth and commitment to advancing their HR knowledge and credentials.
The State Council is preparing for our Fourth Quarter Strategic Planning Meeting, where we’ll focus on strengthening our partnerships with local SHRM chapters and providing meaningful support to HR leaders across Maine.
As we head into winter, watch for our call for nominations for the HR Awards to be presented at the Maine HR Convention in May. These awards recognize HR professionals and volunteers whose leadership, dedication, and passion make a lasting impact on our workplaces and profession. More information will be available on our website soon!
I’m grateful for the commitment of our members, volunteers, and chapter leaders. Together, we continue to strengthen HR across Maine. Wishing everyone a wonderful fall, and I look forward to connecting with many of you at upcoming events!
Warm regards,
Jodie Griffith
State Director, SHRM Maine State Council
| | REGISTER FOR THE 2026 STRATEGIC HR AT MT. WASHINGTON | |
Strategic HR at Mt. Washington
November 1-3, 2026 | Bretton Woods, NH | Omni Mt. Washington Resort
Strategic HR at Mt. Washington is not just a conference, it’s a recalibration.
Set at the iconic Omni Mount Washington Resort, this immersive experience brings together 250+ senior HR and People Operations leaders for a one-of-a-kind blend of strategic insight, leadership development, and mountain air.
This isn’t about checking a box for recertification. It’s about stepping into your role as a business leader, someone who understands the numbers, drives change, and helps organizations thrive through their people.
There are a few seats remaining, register now!
| | BEST PLACES TO WORK IN MAINE |
Best Places to Work in Maine
Congratulations to the 2026 Best Places to Work in Maine Winners! A complete list of winning companies in ranked order can be found here.
| | HOLD A SEAT FOR THE 2027 MAINE HR CONVENTION | | |
THE ANNUAL MAINE HR CONVENTION
May 3-6, 2027 | Rockport, ME | Samoset Resort
The Maine HR Convention is the state’s premier HR conference, presented in partnership with the SHRM Maine State Council, and is the leading event for HR professionals across every stage of their careers. Join 800+ human resource leaders, managers, and practitioners in Rockport, Maine, for four days of bold learning, inspiring keynotes, and rich community connections. Earn SHRM and HRCI recertification credits while exploring innovative HR strategies, practical solutions, and the future of work. Experience HR the way it should be – dynamic, engaging, and unlike any other HR conference in New England. Hold a Seat for the May event!
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Junior Achievement of Maine
Volunteer Opportunities
Showcase HR career opportunities within the state to students by volunteering with JA Maine! Students can't be what they can't see, which is why JA Maine highlights career pathways available to students by introducing them to mentors in different fields of work and industry. As a volunteer, you’ll be delivering learning experiences focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work and career readiness, while also sharing your professional insight.
Volunteer training and materials are provided, you choose the grade level and classroom, all lessons are laid out for you, and the teacher stays in the classroom with you. Plus, the students think you’re an absolute rock star. Volunteer options include single day and multi-week options, with K-12 grade levels from Presque Isle to York. Learn more here.
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Updates from Core Leadership Areas:
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SHRM Testing Window: The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams are offered during two windows each year. When applying for the exam, you must apply during the application period that coincides with your testing window. Applications must be received by the standard deadline for each window.
- Second Test Window: December 1, 2026 - February 15, 2027
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Standard Application Period: September 1 - December 24, 2026 | 11:59 pm ET
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Is your organization hiring? Post your job listing to the Maine SHRM Job Board! Click this link to view job listings or to add your own.
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Workforce Readiness: Check out these credible Maine workforce-focused resources.
- For Veterans
- Helping Employee Students with Loans
- Seeking IT Skills/Interns
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INVEST IN YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET
The Maine Community College System (MCCS), through the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce, offers funding for training and professional development that advances frontline workers’ skills.
To find out how you might be eligible for a training grant for professional development and training, go to the following link: The Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine's Workforce.
| | Chapter News, Events, & Updates | | Central Maine Human Resources Association | | |
Our partnership with the LA Metro Chamber continues with our HR Thursday programming. We’ve seen a 50% increase in participation!
Upcoming Meetings:
Speaker: Meg Krieger
November 17, 2026 | 8:00 - 9:30 am
Zoom
Speakers: Cindy Letourneau, Jodie Griffith, Jordan Payne Hay, and Virginia Keel
December 8, 2026 | 8:00 - 9:30 am
Lewiston Auburn College
WHY CMHRA?
- Your resource for Human Resource questions, contacts, and professional development
- Network with other HR Professionals, Office Managers, HR Affiliates and Small Business Owners at monthly meetings
- Learn about current HR issues from local and state experts
- Participate in discussions about HR challenges
- Dive into a sea of HR related resources
- Take advantage of HR Professional Development opportunities
If you are interested in joining the Central Maine Human Resources Association, please visit us at cmhra.org
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Human Resources Association of Southern Maine
Please consider joining, or rejoining HRASM as a member for our Event Season! We host programs from February – December and our membership is open on our website. You can sign up here. Scholarship opportunities are available.
Upcoming Meetings:
TBD
November 10, 2026
Speaker and Location TBD
TBD
December 8, 2026
Speaker and Location TBD
Available HRASM Board Positions
Interested in getting more involved with your local HR community? Inquire about available positions on the HRASM board! All current HRASM members are eligible to serve on the Board. It’s a great way to expand your network and help shape the HRASM member experience!
- Chair of Marketing & Sponsorships
- Chair of Certification (must hold an active SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification)
Please reach out to Amanda Robertshaw or any HRASM board member for more information!
HRASM Member Benefits
- Annual membership directory of over 200 local HR professionals;
- Ten professional development programs each year;
- Opportunities for networking on a regular basis. Members benefit from discussing challenges and victories and sharing them with each other;
- Scholarships for continuing education, seminars, conventions, etc.;
- Availability of SHRM and HRCI credentialing credits;
- Notifications of the most recent regulatory information that can impact your business;
- Generating new business;
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Information shared on other educational and scholarship opportunities around the state.
Contact Membership at hrasmmembership@gmail.com.
| | Kennebec Valley Human Resources Association | |
Upcoming Meetings:
TBD
November 11, 2026 | 7:30 - 9:30 am
Speakers and Location TBD
TBD
December 9, 2026 | 7:30 - 9:30 am
Speakers and Location TBD
Visit us to enroll in membership or sign up for KVHRA programs or to access speaker handouts from past programs. Any individual who signs up for membership will translate into half-price memberships for any additional person(s) within the same organization.
| | Human Resource Association of Eastern Maine | | |
Upcoming Meetings:
TBD
November 12, 2026
Speakers and Location TBD
TBD
December 10, 2026
Speakers and Location TBD
Follow us on Facebook for chapter updates and event information
If you are an HR Professional in Eastern Maine and the Greater Bangor Area and would like to become a member, please visit our website.
| | Northeast Society for Human Resource Management | |
NESHRM’s membership is a diverse group of HR professionals dedicated to sharing thought leadership and resources to promote best practices and continuous improvement in the field of HR and maintaining up to date knowledge and information on HR and Business Law through our Legislative updates.
If you are interested in becoming a NESHRM member, please check out our website for our membership application.
Visit our Facebook Page: Here!
Interest in Becoming a Member?
Fill out our Membership Application: Here!
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MidCoast Human Resources Association
The MidCoast Human Resources Association (MCHRA) is an organization of human resource professionals from both small and large organizations with specialist and generalist backgrounds.
irtu
Membership Benefits
- Networking Opportunities – access to professionals and specialists in the area. Learn best practices that have been effective in other organizations.
- Professional Development – Provides a medium for sharing information on current human resources trends and methods as well updates on laws affecting human resource management.
- Leadership Opportunities – Build a reputation and credentials in the Human Resource field through a volunteer leadership role in our organization. Expand your speaking and communication skills especially in conducting meetings.
For more information or to join MCHRA click herecopy
Text Link
| | | Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) News | | |
EARN SHRM SPECIALTY CREDENTIALS
Stand out among your peers with a SHRM Specialty Credential. By earning a SHRM Specialty Credential, you’ll build specialized knowledge, expand your influence and display your elevated competence in a specific field of practice. Once you earn your specialty credential, you will receive a certificate of achievement, along with a digital badge verifying your specialty and positioning you to rise above your peers.
How to earn a SHRM Specialty Credential:
1. Purchase the specialty credential package that aligns with your professional goals.
2. Attend the live, instructor-led seminar (in person or online).
3. Participate in topic-focused eLearning modules.
4. Pass the online assessment.
You do not need to be SHRM certified to earn a SHRM Specialty Credential, but earning the specialty credentials is an approved professional development activity for recertification credits toward your SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® certification.
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For a Complete List of Current SHRM Specialty Credentials
| | Finally, to access the SHRM Certification Portal, Click Here!
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SHRM Membership
Your Investment: $244
Join/Renew Now!
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