President's Column - January 2011

We've Reached a Pinnacle!

There is excitement in the air. Do you feel it? On November 19th, during the Annual SHRM Leadership Conference in Arlington, VA, HR/NY received a 2010 SHRM Pinnacle Award in recognition of our HR-PRO initiative! This is our chapter's first award since national SHRM recognized HR/NY's post-9/11 efforts under the leadership of then-President Bob Nadel.

While only nine chapters and two state councils nationwide earned 2010 Pinnacle Awards for their groundbreaking work in advancing the HR profession and serving their local communities, we had strong competition that evening! Hearing HR/NY announced as a winner for our HR-PRO initiative was a thrill that ranked with the joy of receiving my first telephone (as a 'tween), being named valedictorian of my High School graduating class, seeing Rockapella perform live at Town Hall, and passing my PHR on the first try as a new college graduate. Moments such as the one experienced that evening are rare!

From HR/NY's perspective, Barbara Adolf was the well deserved star of the evening. Barbara and her HR-PRO Committee have done so much for the greater good. What started as an idea explored over coffee in a corner Starbucks grew into a program that affects the lives of thousands of individuals in NYC. Without Barbara there would be no HR-PRO. Her vision, commitment, and follow through have ensured HR's positive influence on the lives of many.

My only wish was that all our members could have attended in person that evening, to share in our joy and exhilaration, although I know you were all there in spirit. You will also have the opportunity to experience the thrill of victory during our February 16th, 2011 chapter meeting. ADP, proud sponsors of the Pinnacle Awards, will attend our breakfast to lead a local award ceremony. In addition, national SHRM is preparing an informational webinar on our HR-PRO initiative, so you can learn more and get involved with Barbara and her team!

There was more to the SHRM Leadership Conference than the Pinnacle Awards ceremony, however. The Conference provides chapter leaders with an opportunity to network with others from across the country. Attendees also learn what is new at national SHRM. As a result of HR/NY's participation in the 3-day event, your Leadership team has developed new ideas to bring more value to you.

We are exploring new approaches for bringing you educational opportunities and strategic credits, as well as creating useful resources including tools such as "Work Right…Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite" for addressing workplace issues surrounding New York City's newest insect residents. 2011 is going to be HR/NY's best year ever. With new programming and member benefits focused on the NYC market, HR/NY is your HR resource. Thank you for entering 2011 with HR/NY!

Here's to our collective success!