Are you ready to take your HR career to the Next Level? 

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Mentoring Program, designed to empower HR professionals through invaluable connections and insights. 

Whether you're an experienced mentor or a driven mentee, this program offers a unique opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed together. 

Who is eligible?

All active NHRA members are eligible to participate as a mentor or mentee at no additional cost. 

Program Kick-off in October: 

• Meet your Match and other members 
• Monthly Engagement Activities
• Commit 4 - 6 hours per month over the 6-month program (this includes monthly activities, but actual time commitment may vary by the mentor/mentee match)

Monthly meetings in The Bracket Room at the Holiday Inn.

Register now to become a mentor or mentee! 

Once we receive your registration, we will send a quick survey to ensure that we match you with the perfect mentor. 

If you are ready to take the next step in advancing your HR career, join us as we prepare to take the PHR/SPHR exam.  

To assist you in your preparation NHRA St. Louis offers a complimentary benefit for our members, the NHRA PHR/SPHR Study Group. Non-NHRA members may join for a fee. 

This is a structured support system and educational setting for those members who are interested in pursuing PHR and SPHR certification. Exams can be taken any date of the year.

This group will meet once a week on Thursday evenings starting September 3, 2026 from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm CST. 

This is an excellent forum for HR certification exam prep support, learning and motivation - all facilitated by seasoned HR professionals. 

Register below to join us! 

Join us for our 29th Annual Benefit Auction!

Thursday, November 5, 2026, 6:00PM at Midvale Country Club

The National Human Resources Association (NHRA) has been developing HR professionals for over 70 years. Our Rochester Affiliate supports local charities to improve employment opportunities in the region. Thanks to generous business leaders, we have raised thousands of dollars for these causes.

For the 29th Annual Benefit Auction, we are pleased to be partnering with RochesterWorks to support their employment and training services provided to area job seekers and businesses through their three local career centers and one specialized youth employment center.

RochesterWorks is dedicated to strengthening the Greater Rochester community by connecting people to opportunity and businesses to talent. Through free employment, career development, and training services, RochesterWorks supports every job seeker—the parent, caregiver, student, veteran, entrepreneur, career changer, and emerging professional. RochesterWorks also provides workforce development, employee retention, and talent recruitment solutions to businesses of all sizes, from start-ups and family-owned companies to nonprofits and major employers. By connecting qualified workers with employers and expanding access to career opportunities, RochesterWorks plays a vital role in reducing unemployment, expanding economic opportunity, and strengthening the Greater Rochester economy.

Are you interested in Sponsoring this fantastic event?

Career Champion Sponsor $2,500 

• Exclusive opportunity to speak at the event – limited to one/industry
• Dedicated social media post
• Company name and logo on event materials and social media blasts
• 6 tickets to the auction

Pathway Sponsor $1,250 

• Company name and logo on event materials and social media blasts
• 4 tickets to the auction

Connection Sponsor $550 

• Company name and logo on event materials and social media blasts
• 2 tickets to the auction

Don’t forget about Tax Deductions! (check with your accounting professional)

To learn more or secure your sponsorship, contact Janine Corea (corea@hrworks-inc.com) or Jamie Frank (jfrank@hrworks-inc.com).

Now that AI has burst onto the scene, we are seeing very different, competing narratives for what AI is going to do to the labor market. The risk is particularly high for people who work in technical and supervisory roles, managing people, information and data. Which is leading most of us to wonder: What is AI going to do to my career and job prospects?

Alec Levenson is a labor economist who has spent the past 25+ years helping leading organizations understand the career and labor market challenges of aligning the work with shareholder objectives. He has a unique view into the tradeoffs leadership face when making the hard calls about investing in people, especially when a new technology changes how we structure work and the operating model. 

During this webinar we will explore:

•        What are the immediate and medium term risks of disruption to your job and career

•        What does the transition phase look like, going from how we worked in 2022, before AI started disrupting jobs, to the uncertain future ahead of us?

•        What kind of options should I be looking out for, to help protect and strengthen my skills and bargaining power?

Register Here

Join us on November 10 from  4:00 PM – 5:30 PM for our Book Club!

All participants will be mailed a FREE copy of the selected book upon registration. We will meet in-person to discuss our thoughts on the book on November 10th at the Pittsford Community Library, from 4:00 – 5:30PM. Starbucks will be available!

Our book selection for this session is Peak Performance: Elevate Your Game, Avoid Burnout, and Thrive with the New Science of Success by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness. This event is reserved for NHRA members only, and we ask that you provide your address at registration so that we can send you a copy of the book we'll be discussing.

This program has been pre-approved for 1.5 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) by the Society for Human Resource Management and 1.5 HR (General) recertification credit hours through HR Certification Institute (HRCI)

If you've ever wondered what top performers — Olympic athletes, entrepreneurs, artists, and executives — actually have in common, this book club pick is for you.

In Peak Performance, Brad Stulberg (a former McKinsey consultant turned writer on health and human performance) and Steve Magness (a performance scientist and coach to Olympic athletes) draw on both research and real-world coaching experience to show how great performance across athletic, intellectual, and artistic fields follows the same underlying principles. Rather than glorifying constant grind, the book makes the case that sustainable success comes from deliberately balancing stress with recovery — building in meditation, rest, focused attention, and manageable challenges rather than chasing burnout as a badge of honor.

For HR professionals navigating high-pressure environments and coaching others through their own, this book offers a science-backed framework for thriving without burning out.

JOIN US ONLINE or IN-PERSON!

Creating Career Momentum:

From Architecting Others' Careers to Accelerating Your Own

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

- Differentiate Career Momentum from Career Progression: Recognize the difference between passive tenure-based advancement and deliberate, high-velocity career alignment.

- Establish a Singular Focus: Cut through the noise of competing priorities to define one high-impact, defining professional goal for 2027.

- Shift from Lag to Lead Measures: Translate long-term, outcome-based goals into daily or weekly controllable behaviors that guarantee progress.

- Map and Mitigate Friction: Proactively identify internal roadblocks (e.g., burnout, imposter syndrome) and external barriers, developing immediate "if/then" strategies to sustain momentum.

- Identify the "First Domino": Isolate the absolute smallest, most immediate actionable step required to break inertia and initiate tangible progress within 48 hours.

AGENDA

5:30 PM IN-PERSON NETWORKING (dinner included)

6:00 PM VIRTUAL SESSION BEGINS

6:05 PM LEGAL UPDATES

6:15 PM PROGRAM

7:15 PM Q&A

7:30 PM IN-PERSON NETWORKING

8:00 PM PROGRAM CLOSE

SPEAKER

Sarita Patel

Sarita Patel is an HR leader with experience spanning global manufacturing, higher education, and legal services. Throughout her career, she has partnered with leaders and organizations on talent strategy, organizational development, leadership effectiveness, and change management. Her work has included leading organizational redesign, strengthening employee engagement, and implementing HR solutions across diverse teams and geographies.

With a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Sarita brings a practical, people-centered perspective to the intersection of individual growth and organizational performance. She is passionate about helping people and organizations navigate complexity and evolve with intention.

Sarita holds the SPHR designation, the SHRM California HR Specialty Credential, and a Prosci Certified Change Management Practitioner (CMP) credential. She also serves on the board of the National Human Resources Association–Silicon Valley.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Human Resource Management Certificate Program

Join our mailing list to stay informed about National Human Resources Association events and programs.

As organizations move from job-based structures to skills-based operating models and begin integrating AI agents ("digital team members") into the workforce, HR leaders have an opportunity to rethink how work gets done. In this interactive session, we'll explore how work is being deconstructed into tasks and skills, enabled by internal talent marketplaces, and enhanced by agentic AI across recruiting, learning and development, workforce planning, performance management, and more.

Through practical examples and peer discussion, participants will examine why many AI initiatives fail to deliver measurable business impact and learn a proven framework for scaling AI successfully—from assisting employees to orchestrating human and digital workforces.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

This is an exclusive event for Executives only — please contact nhralosangeles@gmail.com to request the registration code.

Register Here

Employment Law Update 2027: What California Employers Need to Know

(NOTE: This event will be offered both in-person and online. Please select the ticket type that reflects how you will attend.)

California employment laws continue to evolve, bringing new requirements and compliance considerations for employers. Join us for an overview of key new laws and legal developments taking effect in 2027.

Ryan Haws of EmployLaw Group and Laura Withrow of Withrow Employment Law, PC will highlight what California employers need to know, including important changes affecting workplace policies and practices, and practical steps employers can take to prepare for the year ahead.

The seminar will cover:

· 2027 new legislation

· 2026 cases and administrative guidance

· Handbook updates for 2027

· Critical arbitration updates (AB 2155)

· PAGA updates

· Critical AI guidance

· Meal period waiver compliance

· DLSE/DOL & CRD/EEOC guidance

· Minimum wage increases (local and state)

· IRS mileage rates for 2026 & 2027

· And much, much more!

Ryan Haws EmployLaw Group LLP	Laura Withrow Withrow Employment Law, P.C.

Ryan is the co-founder of EmployLaw Group LLP. For over fifteen years, Ryan has helped California businesses confidently navigate workplace compliance and employee issues—first as a litigator, now as a

trusted advisor. He has partnered with hundreds of organizations, from startups to established enterprises, to craft clear policies, minimize risk, and resolve complex employment matters efficiently. Ryan’s approach is rooted in strategy, transparency, and practical solutions, keeping clients informed and aligned with their business goals. His legal commentary has been featured in business publications, and he’s been recognized by the Pacific Coast Business Times and Los Angeles Business Journal. A Ventura County native, Ryan earned his law degree from Loyola Law School and regularly speaks at HR and employer events across California. Outside of work, he enjoys surfing, coaching youth sports, and volunteering in his community. Oh yeah and you’ll hear him cheering for the Dodgers for a while now, Go Blue!

Additional Event Details

7:20 AM Registration & Networking

7:30 - 11:00 AM Program and Q&A

Cancellation & Credit Policy:

Please note that all program registrations are non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend, we are happy to offer a credit toward a future program of equal or lesser value, provided that the request is submitted prior to the scheduled event date. Credit requests made after the program date will not be honored. 

This event is pending for 3.25 credit hours for both HRCI & SHRM credits.

Successful Habits of Work: Driving Productivity and Profitability During Uncertain Times

In today’s unpredictable business environment, organizations are being asked to do more with less—while maintaining employee engagement, productivity, and results. Yet many teams struggle not because of a lack of talent, but because inconsistent habits, low confidence, and unclear ownership quietly limit performance.

This dynamic and practical session equips HR leaders and people managers with a proven framework for building the habits that drive consistent performance, accountability, and business results.

Drawing from performance psychology, leadership development, and real-world business experience, Amy Lemire introduces the core success habits that help employees move from hesitation and overwhelm to clarity, confidence, and action. Attendees will learn how small, intentional shifts in behavior and leadership approach can significantly improve team productivity and overall profitability—even in times of uncertainty.

Participants will gain insight into why employees get stuck, how self-doubt and competing priorities impact execution, and what leaders can do to create an environment where individuals take ownership and perform at a higher level.

This session is highly actionable and designed for immediate implementation. HR professionals will walk away with practical tools they can use to coach managers, support teams, and reinforce a culture of accountability and results.

Key Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify the hidden habits and behaviors that negatively impact employee productivity and performance
• Implement a simple framework to build success habits that drive consistency, accountability, and results
• Coach employees and managers to overcome self-doubt, hesitation, and competing priorities
• Strengthen team ownership and improve follow-through in uncertain or changing environments
• Apply practical strategies that enhance both employee engagement and business profitability

Deliverables / Takeaways

Participants will leave with:

• A 5-step Success Habits framework to improve individual and team performance
• Practical coaching questions and conversation tools for managers
• A self-assessment tool to identify productivity gaps and habit breakdowns
• Actionable strategies to increase accountability, focus, and execution immediately
• A simple plan to reinforce success habits within their teams and organizations

Our Speaker: Amy Lemire, CSP, President & CEO of AIM Training & Consulting 

Amy Lemire collaborates with leaders and teams who want to accelerate sales, elevate performance, and amplify success so they can increase team productivity and profitability. Amy has a passion for simplifying the sometimes crazy, complicated, and complex world of sales. Amy has trained thousands of sales and business professionals on how to sell more with confidence and momentum through the mastery of best practices and success habits without being ‘salesy.’

After spending over 2 decades in business-to-business and medical sales and training, Amy founded AIM Training and Consulting. She is a certified “Habitfinder” Leadership Coach. Amy is the author of 2 books: “From Zero to Sales Hero,” and “From Zero to Speaker Hero.”

Amy was designated as a Certified Speaking Professional, in 2023, by the National Speakers Association. She is a VISTAGE-certified speaker and a VISTAGE Trusted Advisor. Amy is a Distinguished Toastmaster, and a Member of the National Speakers Association. AIM Training and Consulting was recognized in 2024 as a “Fast 50” Business in St. Louis.

Thank you to our Sponsors! 

Annual Sponsor: 

Contributing Sponsor: 

NHRA LA is pleased to present its annual Employment Law & Benefits Update for Employers, featuring Nicole Kamm and Hannah Sweiss, Partners at Fisher Phillips, along with Jason Lacey, Associate General Counsel at IMA Financial Group.

Nicole and Hannah will provide an overview of California's new employment laws for 2027 and discuss significant legal developments from 2026, along with their anticipated impact on employers. Jason will share insights on emerging employee benefits trends, compliance considerations, and key developments affecting employer-sponsored health and welfare plans.

California continues to be one of the most complex states in which to operate as an employer. With new legislation, evolving regulatory requirements, and ongoing workplace challenges, staying informed is more important than ever. This session will provide attendees with valuable updates on employment law and employee benefits, helping organizations navigate compliance obligations, understand potential areas of risk, and identify proactive strategies to support their employees and business objectives.

Attendees will leave with practical takeaways and actionable guidance to help prepare for the year ahead.

Register Here

Annual Holiday Party

Join our mailing list to stay informed about National Human Resources Association events and programs.

Join us for an evening of festive networking with fellow HR professionals. Enjoy delicious appetizers, drink tickets, and exciting raffle prizes throughout the night. It’s our way of showing appreciation for all you do and providing a space to connect and celebrate. Plus, it's a great opportunity to network.

Appetizers and 1-drink ticket will be provided with Registration.

We hope to see you there!

Pro-ROC & RochesterWorks Launch the 2026 Annual Job Fair

Rochester, NY – The Professional Recruiters of Rochester (Pro-ROC), in partnership with RochesterWorks and the Rochester chapter of the National Human Resources Association (NHRA), is excited to host the Annual Job Fair on Wednesday, December 16th, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Memorial Art Gallery (500 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607).

In 2025, this event welcomed over 300 job seekers across a wide variety of industries; from production, customer support, and patient care to engineering, administration, nursing, and management. The 2026 fair will build on that success, offering even more ways for employers and job seekers to connect.

Why Employers Should Participate

• High Visibility: Limited tables are available, secure yours now to highlight your brand and showcase your career opportunities.
• Diverse Candidate Pool: Meet job seekers with skills and backgrounds across industries and levels.

On-Site Extras (Free for All Attendees!)

• Professional Headshots: Complimentary headshots for both job seekers and employer representatives.
• Freecycle Boutique: Advancing sustainable fashion through professional attire, $1,000+ in boutique workwear available for job seekers and vendors to free-shop during the event!
• Career Coaching Corner: Personalized resume reviews, interview practice, and career guidance with experienced talent acquisition professionals.
• Free admission to the Art Gallery: Free entry after 11:00 AM on 12/16!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship includes brand exposure across multiple channels; event materials, email blasts, the NHRA website, and Pro-ROC & NHRA social media.

Interested in sponsoring? Contact Brandyn Jacob bjacob@pridestaff.com or Jeff Fazio jfazio@daybright.com

Event Questions? Reach out to prorocnhra@gmail.com.

Thank you to our sponsors!

No Script Required:  Improv Skills for Exceptional Leadership

(In Person only)

Save the date!

Join us as Emmy-Award Winning Mark DeCarlo provides Improv Skills for Exceptional Leadership

Additional Event Details

7:20 AM Registration & Networking

7:30 AM Breakfast & Introductions

7:45 AM Legal Update

8:00 AM -9:00 AM Program and Q&A

Cancellation & Credit Policy:

Please note that all program registrations are non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend, we are happy to offer a credit toward a future program of equal or lesser value, provided that the request is submitted prior to the scheduled event date. Credit requests made after the program date will not be honored. 

This event is pending for 1.25 credit hours for both HRCI & SHRM credits.

State of the Local Economy & Workforce

(In Person & Virtual Event)

(Please note location change)

A Collaborative Event Presented by the National HR Association Ventura County and the East Ventura County Employer Advisory Council

As organizations navigate ongoing shifts in the economy, labor market, talent expectations, and workforce regulations, staying informed is more important than ever. Join HR leaders, employment attorneys, and business executives for an insightful morning focused on the current and future state of Ventura County's economy and workforce.

This timely discussion will feature regional experts, including Dr. Vlad Vaiman of California Lutheran University and Dr. Miguel Delgado Helleseter of CSU Channel Islands, who will share perspectives on economic trends, workforce dynamics, talent availability, demographic shifts, and the challenges and opportunities facing local employers.

Attendees will gain valuable information to support strategic decision-making, talent acquisition and retention efforts, workforce development initiatives, and organizational planning for the year ahead.

Key Discussion Topics

· Current economic outlook for Ventura County and the surrounding region

· Labor market trends and workforce availability

· Emerging talent and skills gaps

· Demographic and workplace shifts impacting employers

· Future workforce challenges and opportunities

· Strategies for attracting, retaining, and developing talent

· Resources and partnerships available to support local employers

Who Should Attend?

· Human Resources Professionals

· Employment Attorneys

· Business Owners and Executives

· Talent Acquisition and Workforce Development Leaders

Additional Event Details

7:20 - 7:40 a.m. | Breakfast & Networking

7:45 - 8:00 a.m. | Welcome & Speaker Introductions

8:00 - 9:30 a.m. | State of the Economy & Regional Workforce Session

9:30 - 9:45 a.m. | Q&A

9:45 - 10:00 a.m. | Closing Remarks

Cancellation & Credit Policy:

Please note that all program registrations are non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend, we are happy to offer a credit toward a future program of equal or lesser value, provided that the request is submitted prior to the scheduled event date. Credit requests made after the program date will not be honored. 

This event is pending for 2.25 credit hours for both HRCI & SHRM credits.

Sex, Drugs, and Videos: Modern Office

(In Person & Virtual Event)

Save the date!

Join us as Jonathan Fraser Light discusses sex, drugs, and videos in the modern office.

Additional Event Details

7:20 AM Registration & Networking

7:30 AM Breakfast & Introductions

7:45 AM Legal Update

8:00 AM -9:00 AM Program and Q&A

Cancellation & Credit Policy:

Please note that all program registrations are non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend, we are happy to offer a credit toward a future program of equal or lesser value, provided that the request is submitted prior to the scheduled event date. Credit requests made after the program date will not be honored. 

This event is pending for 1.25 credit hours for both HRCI & SHRM credits.

From Headcount to Capability - Reimaging Strategic Workforce Planning

(In Person & Virtual Event)

Save the date!

Join us as Lisseth Zoubhi discusses reimaging strategic workforce planning.

Additional Event Details

7:20 AM Registration & Networking

7:30 AM Breakfast & Introductions

7:45 AM Legal Update

8:00 AM -9:00 AM Program and Q&A

Cancellation & Credit Policy:

Please note that all program registrations are non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend, we are happy to offer a credit toward a future program of equal or lesser value, provided that the request is submitted prior to the scheduled event date. Credit requests made after the program date will not be honored. 

This event is pending for 1.25 credit hours for both HRCI & SHRM credits.

Future of Strategic Talent Acquisition

(Virtual Event Only)

(NOTE MEETING IS NOT ON "NORMAL" DAY)

Save the date!

Join us as we discuss the future of strategic talent acquisition.

Additional Event Details

7:20 AM Registration & Networking

7:30 AM Breakfast & Introductions

7:45 AM Legal Update

8:00 AM -9:00 AM Program and Q&A

Cancellation & Credit Policy:

Please note that all program registrations are non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend, we are happy to offer a credit toward a future program of equal or lesser value, provided that the request is submitted prior to the scheduled event date. Credit requests made after the program date will not be honored. 

This event is pending for 1.25 credit hours for both HRCI & SHRM credits.

Build Confidence Handling Workplace Investigations

(In Person & Virtual Event)

Save the date!

Join us as Sherli Frank helps us all build confidence in handling workplace investigations.

Additional Event Details

7:20 AM Registration & Networking

7:30 AM Breakfast & Introductions

7:45 AM Legal Update

8:00 AM -9:00 AM Program and Q&A

Cancellation & Credit Policy:

Please note that all program registrations are non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend, we are happy to offer a credit toward a future program of equal or lesser value, provided that the request is submitted prior to the scheduled event date. Credit requests made after the program date will not be honored. 

This event is pending for 1.25 credit hours for both HRCI & SHRM credits.