CWSHRM Newsletter - January 2026 
President's Report
As we step into January, Wisconsin’s winter reminds us of its beauty and resilience—qualities that mirror our HR community. Despite the cold and snow, we continue to create warmth through connection, learning, and leadership.
Join us on January 8th at the Holiday Inn & Suites for an engaging session: “Leading Transformative Change with Heart and Clarity” presented by Christa Williams. This is a fantastic opportunity for current members to request a complimentary Guest Pass and bring a co-worker or friend. If your guest is interested in becoming a member, take advantage of our Refer-A-Friend program—you’ll receive a $50 Amazon gift card after they join the chapter!
We are actively seeking our next Treasurer and Membership Director (New Members) to fill 2026 vacancies, as well as preparing the succession plan for our outgoing Hospitality Director and Certification Director for 2027. These roles are essential to our chapter’s success and offer a chance to make a meaningful impact.
- Treasurer
- Membership Director (New Members)
- Certification Director-Elect
- Hospitality Director-Elect
More information regarding these volunteer opportunities can be found in this month's newsletter.
As we welcome a new year, let’s continue to strengthen our HR community—supporting one another, sharing knowledge, and driving positive change. Together, we can make 2026 a year of growth, collaboration, and impact.
Jenna Resch, SHRM-SCP
President, CWSHRM
CWSHRM Chapter News
Central WI SHRM is honored to be a recipient of the Wisconsin State Council SHRM's 2025 Enterprising Leadership Award!
This recognition celebrates our innovative partnership with the Central WI AI Center, where we are working together to advance HR practices through technology and forward-thinking strategies.
Thank you to our dedicated members and partners for making this achievement possible. Together, we’re shaping the future of HR in Wisconsin!
CWSHRM Board & Leadership Vacancy
Treasurer (5-6 hours per month)
- Serves as the financial officer and advisor for the chapter
- Prepares monthly financial statements and annual budget analysis
- Maintains the chapter mailbox and distributes accordingly
- Handles accurate and timely deposits and payments
- Sends dues notices, credits, and invoices to members
(Tax filing is handled by our CPA—no requirement for this role)
Application Deadline: January 23, 2026
Membership Director (New Members) (5-6 hours per month)
- Focuses on new member acquisition and partnerships
- Coordinates new member welcome events (2-4x per year, as needed)
- Partners with Social Media and Secretary to share new member info (as needed)
- Reviews and approves new member applications (as needed)
- Administers and promotes the Referral Program (as needed)
- Submits SHRM quarterly e-blasts to At-Large members (4x per year)
- Oversees Membership Drive initiative (once per year, typically in fall)
(SHRM National membership required during term per affiliation guidelines)
Application Deadline: January 23, 2026
Hospitality Director-Elect (5-6 hours per month, some months may require more hours depending on event planning schedule)
This position will work directly with the outgoing Hospitality Director
- Works directly with meeting venue on meal selection and room equipment needs and ensures rooms are booked in advance each year.
- Opens and closes meeting registration when needed
- Sets up and distributes registration communication, post-survey meeting and credit information to meeting participants.
- Partners with spring conference chair on venue needs.
- Administers the guest pass program
Application Deadline: February 13, 2026
Certification Director-Elect (4-10 hours per month, more hours may be required during prep sessions)
This position will work directly with the outgoing Certification Director
- Manages and administers the SHRM certification study program (twice per year, includes stipend per session)
- Markets the chapter's SHRM certification study program at membership meetings, social media, and newsletter, including information on the spring and fall testing schedule and availability
- Encourages members to become certified and recertified throughout the year to increase the number of certified chapter members.
(SHRM National membership and SHRM certification is required during term per affiliation guidelines)
Application Deadline: February 13, 2026
If you are interested in learning more about either of these roles, please contact Jenna Resch for more information at [email protected] or any of the board members.
Welcome New Members
Help us in welcoming our new CWSHRM members!
- Michelle Kidder - Westphal Staffing
- Elizabeth Mikulich - Westphal Staffing
- Zach Koskey - Express Employment Professionals
Volunteers
Volunteers Needed!
Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area is looking for a couple of HR professionals to facilitate a resume-building workshop and provide job-readiness training to local high school students at their annual Teen Workforce Readiness Conference. This year's event will take place at the Boys & Girls Club Caroline S. Mark Site (1710 N. 2nd St, Wausau) and will be held the week of March 23-27. (Exact day TBD based on presenters' availability.)
The Teen Workforce Readiness Conference aims to provide comprehensive training to empower 40-50 area youth with essential skills required for success in various employment opportunities, particularly within the areas of youth worker rights, safety practices, behavioral work expectations, and job readiness.
If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Jen Kunkel at [email protected] or 715-573-6799.
Calendar of Events
January 8, 2026 - Leading Transformative Change With Heart and Clarity
January 29, 2026 - Ruder Ware Forum
February 12, 2026 - The Good, Bad, and Ugly - Employment Law Update *LOCATION CHANGE: Cedar Creek Hotel & Conference Center
March 12, 2026 - MindCraft - The Art of Positive Thinking RIGHT NOW! *LOCATION CHANGE: Cedar Creek Hotel & Conference Center
April 9, 2026 - 2026 Benefit Trends: Insights From the Alliance, M3 Insurance, and Employer Voices *LOCATION CHANGE: Cedar Creek Hotel & Conference Center
May 15, 2026 - HR & Labor Law Spring Conference*LOCATION CHANGE: Cedar Creek Hotel & Conference Center
**If you register for the meeting but are unable to attend, we kindly ask that you please email [email protected] at least 72 hours before the event. This helps to ensure we have appropriate headcount when placing food orders for the event.
Central WI SHRM is an approved Recertification Provider for SHRM and HRCI
Ruder Ware Forum
This is a member exclusive quarterly event - spots are limited! Register online at Central Wisconsin SHRM - Meeting/Event Information
Job Opportunities
Human Resources Specialist - Aspirus, Inc. (Posted 12/2/2025)
To view other HR postings or post openings through WI SHRM or SHRM National sites, visit Central Wisconsin SHRM - Careers (starchapter.com)
Non-Member job postings: Non-Members may now utilize our CWSHRM resources to post their Human Resources jobs for a fee of $100 per job posting.
New location for CWSHRM members to post job openings: CWSHRM Members can continue to post their HR position openings for FREE by logging into the Member Area and selecting “Post a Job” from the left navigation menu.
Contact CWSHRM at [email protected] with any questions regarding job postings.
CWSHRM Member Forum
Check Out Our Latest Forum Posts!
Have tips, questions, or best practices to share? The CWSHRM forum is the perfect place to connect with fellow HR professionals and exchange ideas. Whether you're seeking advice or offering expertise, your contributions make our community stronger.
Visit the forum today and join the conversation!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Partner with CWSHRM in 2026!
Central Wisconsin SHRM is excited to continue building strong connections between HR professionals and our local business community through our Community Partnership Program. This program offers organizations the opportunity to showcase their brand, share expertise, and engage with HR leaders throughout the year.
Why Partner?
Our partnership packages provide valuable benefits such as:
- Visibility: Your logo featured on the CWSHRM Partner Page and in our monthly newsletter.
- Engagement: Opportunities to distribute materials at meetings, present to members, and connect through social media.
- Networking: Build relationships with HR professionals and decision-makers in Central Wisconsin.
Choose Your Level of Partnership
From Bronze ($250) to Platinum ($3,000), each tier offers unique benefits including newsletter ads, social media posts, meeting presentations, and more. Platinum partners enjoy maximum exposure with up to 12 newsletter ads, 7 material distributions, and exclusive e-blasts to our membership.
Important Deadlines
- To receive full benefits of the Gold Package, enroll by June 30, 2026.
- For Platinum Package, enroll by January 31, 2026.
Join us in creating meaningful connections and supporting the HR community in Central Wisconsin. For more details or to secure your partnership, visit Central Wisconsin SHRM - Sponsorship Benefits
WI SHRM News
Set Sail for Learning: Join the 2026 HR Conference Cruise
Looking for a way to sharpen your HR expertise and escape the Wisconsin winter? The Wisconsin State Council SHRM is excited to announce a one-of-a-kind professional development experience: the 2026 HR Conference Cruise, sailing March 16–21, 2026, aboard Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas.
In partnership with HR Indiana SHRM, Michigan Council of SHRM, and Aspect Marketing & Communications, this conference offers a refreshing spin on HR learning—pairing high-quality education with a sunny Caribbean getaway.
This five-night voyage launches from Port Canaveral, Florida, and features a dynamic blend of learning formats. Attendees will enjoy four pre-cruise weekly webinars (1.25 SHRM/HRCI credits each) before boarding, followed by 10 hours of onboard education held in the ship’s Conference Center during two sailing days. The result is a “surf and turf” learning model designed to maximize flexibility, connection, and fun.
Beyond earning recertification credits, participants will have plenty of opportunities to network with HR peers and speakers while exploring the ship and its destinations. Whether you’re traveling solo, with colleagues, or with family, the HR Conference Cruise offers both personal and professional enrichment in an unforgettable setting.
Ready to reserve your spot? A $100 deposit secures your cabin. Visit hrcruise.com to learn more.
Have questions?
Contact:
Jeff Palkowski, State Director, Wisconsin State Council SHRM – [email protected]
OR
Mike Medoro, Aspect Marketing – [email protected]
Join Us for the 2025 Wisconsin SHRM Workplace Policy Conference
HR professionals, business leaders, and industry partners are invited to come together for Wisconsin SHRM’s 1.25-day Workplace Policy Conference—a premier event focused on the future of workplace governance, public policy, and the evolving world of work. This year’s conference honors past legislative and advocacy achievements while equipping attendees to navigate emerging trends with confidence and clarity.
The conference will feature engaging keynote speakers, interactive breakout sessions, and a robust vendor and networking fair. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with innovative partners offering tools, resources, and solutions that support compliant, agile, and future-ready workplaces.
As organizations continue to adapt to shrinking talent pools and shifting workforce expectations, strong workplace policies are more important than ever. Today’s HR and business leaders must anticipate change, respond quickly, and ensure policies align with both traditional and nontraditional employment models—while maintaining consistency, fairness, and compliance.
Participants will gain timely insights into current legislative and regulatory issues shaping HR practices at the state and national level. Whether you work in HR, business leadership, or public affairs, this conference provides the knowledge, tools, and advocacy perspective needed to influence workplace policy and strengthen your organization’s voice in the future of work.
SHRM National Conference
HR is moving faster than ever.
Artificial intelligence, pay transparency, talent shortages, and deep transformations in organizational culture are rewriting the rules of work. Keeping up won't cut it-you need to lead.
SHRM26 is where you start. This is your front-row seat to the future of HR-packed with cutting-edge insights from top experts and peers facing the same challenges. From AI breakthroughs and evolving regulations to real-world strategies for navigating a rapidly changing workforce, SHRM26 delivers the clarity and tools you need to make informed decisions-and drive serious impact.
Join SHRM's global HR community and connect with people who get it. Share real experiences, dive into bold conversations, swap strategies, and spark ideas with peers who understand the pressures and possibilities.
This is your moment to elevate your HR expertise, future-proof your career, and position yourself as a leader in shaping the future of work. Own your moment. Secure your spot before it sells out!
Invest in yourself. Stay ahead. Shape what's next.