In this issue
CWSHRM Newsletter -February 2026 
President's Report
As we continue to bundle up against another round of freezing Midwest temperatures, I hope you’re finding ways to stay warm and energized as we kick off a busy and engaging month within Central WI SHRM.
February brings excitement, updates, and a renewed sense of connection for our chapter. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our CWSHRM Blog for news, highlights, and helpful HR insights: https://cwshrm.starchapter.com/blog.php. And don’t forget to visit the CWSHRM Store to browse apparel and items that showcase your HR pride: https://wisconsin-shrm-online-store.checkoutstores.com/.
One of the most anticipated events of the year—The Good, Bad, and Ugly: Employment Law Update 2025 Review—is upon us. Although registration officially closed on January 30th, there may still be limited seating available. If you’re interested in attending, please reach out to Stacy at [email protected] to see if additional spots remain. This is always a member favorite and an excellent opportunity to stay ahead of the ever‑changing legal landscape in HR.
For our members in the Northwoods, we’re excited to offer a more accessible option for attending standard meetings. You can now participate right in Rhinelander, WI! When registering for events, simply select the “Rhinelander, WI Viewing” option (two options available for both Members and Non‑Members). Meetings will be hosted at Superior Diesel or Nicolet Technical College, making it easier than ever to stay involved—no long winter drives required.
We also need your help as we continue shaping the future of CWSHRM. Our Board of Directors and Leadership Team have several important roles to fill for the upcoming year. We are currently seeking our next Treasurer, a critical and rewarding position within the chapter. Additionally, we are accepting applications for Certification Director‑Elect and Hospitality Director‑Elect, who will work alongside current leaders and step into these positions in 2027. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting our membership and growing professionally, we’d love to hear from you. More information on each role is included below in the newsletter.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our chapter. Your engagement and support make CWSHRM a strong, vibrant community of HR professionals. Wishing you a wonderful February—stay warm out there, and may your coffee, tea, or cocoa be just as strong as the Midwest winter we continue to power through.
Jenna Resch, SHRM-SCP
President, CWSHRM
Board of Directors & Leadership Committee Announcements
Central WI SHRM is pleased to announce that Jen Cordy, Client Executive at M3 Insurance, has joined the Board of Directors as the Membership Director (New Members). In her new role, she will be responsible for reviewing new member applications, coordinating new member welcome events, marketing the chapter to the public, and overseeing membership drive initiatives.
Jen brings deep expertise in employee benefits consulting, where she specializes in advising clients on the design and implementation of employee benefit programs. In her role at M3, she partners closely with employers to ensue their programs continue to meet organizational goals and evolving needs.
Jen is known for her passion for helping others, her strong relationship‑building skills, and her dedication to strengthening the HR and employer communities in Central Wisconsin. She is also actively involved in several organizations, including prior board service and industry‑focused groups, enriching her perspective as she steps into this new CWSHRM leadership role.
CWSHRM is thrilled to welcome Jen to the Board. Her energy, experience, and commitment to supporting HR professionals will be invaluable as she leads efforts to engage and nurture new members across the region.
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)
Inquire with Kim Bertyk for more information on this role.
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 (4-5 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.
Benefits of Volunteering
• Paid CWSHRM Annual Membership*
• Recertification PDC Volunteer Credits*
• Networking opportunities
• Development, teamwork, and leadership skills
• Volunteerism for your resume!
• Give back to your local HR community!
*Benefits apply only to Board of Director or Leadership position only
Welcome New Members
Help us in welcoming our new CWSHRM members!
- Megan Heisler - Grassland Dairy Products, Inc.
- Kelly Huseby - School District of Crandon
- Megan Martinez - Gordon Aluminum Industries
- Deanna Olds - AirPro
Calendar of Events
February 12, 2026 - The Good, Bad, and Ugly - Employment Law Update *LOCATION CHANGE: Cedar Creek Hotel & Conference Center
February 18-19, 2026 - 2026 WI Workplace Policy Conference @ Madison, WI
March 12, 2026 - MindCraft - The Art of Positive Thinking RIGHT NOW! *LOCATION CHANGE: Cedar Creek Hotel & Conference Center
March 16-21, 2026 - 2026 HR Conference Cruise
April 9, 2026 - 2026 Benefit Trends: Insights From the Alliance, M3 Insurance, and Employer Voices *LOCATION CHANGE: Cedar Creek Hotel & Conference Center
April 18, 2026 - 2026 WI SHRM Student Summit @ University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
May 15, 2026 - HR & Labor Law Spring Conference*LOCATION CHANGE: Cedar Creek Hotel & Conference Center
June 11, 2026 - Breaking Barriers Women's & Men's Health as the Cornerstone of Workplace Wellness @ Holiday Inn & Suites
June 16-19, 2026 - SHRM26 National Conference @ Orlando, FL
August 20, 2026 - Building HR's Influence: How to Earn Trust and Become a Strategic Partner in the C-Suite @ Holiday Inn & Suites
*NEW DATE
September 10, 2026 - “AI in the Workplace: What’s Changed, What’s Coming, and What HR Leaders Need to Do Now” @ Holiday Inn & Suites
**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
Job Opportunities
Human Resources Specialist - Wausau School District (Posted 1/19/2026)
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!
SHRM Certification News
Chelsie Lambrecht, SHRM-CP!
Read our Blog Article to learn more about Chelsie's journey to SHRM Certification!
Congratulations to Chelsie Lambrecht on earning her SHRM-CP!
College Relations and Workforce Readiness News
Coffee Chats with UWSP Academic and Career Advising Center
Click on the image below to access a detailed invitation to three casual virtual chats with UWSP’s Academic and Career Advising Center team during the spring semester.
The first virtual session will be on Friday, February 27, 8:15-9 AM, and will overview the new and upcoming programs that UWSP offers. If you haven’t already done so, use the link to RSVP so that we can provide you with the Zoom link for this and the other sessions.
WI SHRM News
WI Student Summit - Save the Date
Save the date and mark your calendar to join us for this year's WI SHRM Student Summit to be held at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater in Whitewater, WI on April 18, 2026.
Over the course of an exciting day, there will be guest speakers and educational sessions.
As future leaders and professionals, you are the next generation to shape the way businesses interact with their most valuable asset—their people. Whether you're a current HR student, considering a major switch, or just curious about a career in HR, the Student Summit will provide valuable insights and knowledge to help prepare you for your future in HR. We have a fantastic lineup of speakers and thought leaders who will share their expertise, offering you a look beyond academic perspectives and getting to the heart of real world application.
Registration will be open soon to take full advantage of this opportunity to learn and network. Together, let’s explore how Human Resources is not just about hiring and managing employees, but about building a thriving, inclusive, and effective workplace for the future.
Info and Registration Link: https://www.wishrm.org/2026StudentSummit
Questions or interested in volunteering at the event? Please contact:
Sarah Reuter, College Relations Director | [email protected]
SHRM Foundation News
SHRM Foundation Scholarships & Grants - Don't Miss Out!
Reminder! The SHRM Foundation offers an incredible variety of scholarships and grants designed to support your continuing education, certification, and professional development. Whether you're pursuing your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP, looking to advance your HR education, or hoping to attend HR-related programs, the Foundation provides meaningful financial support to help you grow.
Many of these opportunities have deadlines coming up in March, so now is the perfect time to explore what’s available and submit your application!
🔗 Learn more about available scholarships and grants:
https://www.shrm.org/foundation/scholarships-grants-awards
📝 Submit your application through SHRM’s portal:
https://shrm.submittable.com/submit
Take advantage of these valuable resources—your next career milestone could be just one application away!
Community Partner News
Smarter Health Analytics | The Alliance
On behalf of our Community Partner, M3 Insurance, you're invited for a free educational event designed to strengthen your HR expertise and keep you up to date on key compliance topics.
📅 Date: February 5
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Hilton Garden Inn, Wausau, WI
Featured Topics
- FMLA
- ADA
- Workers’ Compensation
Expert Speakers
- Alex O’Connor – Compliance Attorney
- Eric Brown – Senior Lead Claim Advisor
- Mike Beringer, SHRM-CP – Director of Compliance & Quality, TEG (An M3 Connect Company)
This session is approved for SHRM recertification credits, making it a great opportunity to earn professional development hours at no cost.
👉 For more information and to register, click here.
