by: Kyle Jones

The Chapter Board and membership of the Gulf Coast Human Resource Association (GCHRA) did an amazing job of recruiting great speakers, providing a great meal, and - to make it even better - lunch was fantastic!  Adding the opportunity to network with other HR professionals made this an event that was time and money well spent.  

The Venue

The HR Symposium was held at the Great Southern Club in Gulfport, Mississippi. The following information describes the venue and was taken from the Great Southern Club welcome page:

Since 1988, the Great Southern Club has been the Gulf Coast’s Premier Private Dining Club. Located high above the city of Gulfport, in the Hancock Bank building on the 15th floor, the Great Southern club offers panoramic views of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.Whether it's a relaxing lunch, a business meeting, or a wedding reception, the Great Southern Club’s professional and seasoned staff can easily accommodate your special occasion needs. Located on top of the Hancock Bank Building 2510 14th Street Gulfport, MS 39501  

The Agenda

Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) credits are important to any HR practitioner who has sought and acquired their PHR/SPHR certification. Any event wishing to have a great turnout needs HRCI recertification credit(s) available for attendees. The GCHRA event offered three (3) general and three (3) strategic credits. The day began with an opening presentation from Gary Golden of Golden Opportunities Training and Development. His presentation, The Coach, set the stage for the day providing a reminder to always be aware of the impact we have on everyone we meet.  Add another mark to the plus side!  

The speakers who followed Mr. Goldman included:

Edmond Hughes, Huntington Ingalls

Topic: Human Resource Strategy and Enterprising Value

Maggie Herman, Mississippi Power

Topic: Workforce Planning

Kelly Reese, Littler

Topic: Moving Beyond the Law to Avoid Employment Litigation

Eddie Abdulhaqq, EEOC

Topic: The EEOC: Its Laws and Procedures

Karl Steinberger, Steinberger, Heidelberg, Steinberger, Comer & Burrow. PA

Topic: Update between ADA, FMLA and Workers Compensation

Resa Frey, Hancock Bank Topic: Talent Management During Mergers and Acquisitions

HR Networking Opportunities

Another mark in the plus category… networking with other human resource professionals. This was priceless and I will not attempt to mention everyone in fear of accidentally omitting someone; however, I would like to say “THANK YOU” to the Gulf Coast HRA Officers for an exceptional event.

Kyle Jones, Amanda Ford, Cindy Burnett & Cynthia Render-Leach