The very successful 2011 Central Florida Workforce Connections Summit, presented by the Central Florida Human Resources Association (CFHRA) featured a series of presentations and panel discussions focused on ways to link employers, education, and government to build a stronger community. The event was held on September 27, at the Wyndham Hotel, Orlando.
There’s no doubt the economy has been on a roller coaster these past few years, and it looks like that sinking-stomach feeling is here to stay for a while. While the very rich are unlikely to feel the effects in their personal lives, the rest of us have had to change our opinions about socioeconomic status and our expectations about living the American Dream. Common expectations, such as children being better off than their parents, real estate and college being good investments, and every family owning a home are being re-examined as the global economic outlook changes. This shifting and redefining will have an impact on the self-perception of the workforce for years to come.
In spite of the ups and downs of the economy, the average American’s wage has steadily risen over the last half century. Coupled with that, working-age women have increasingly gained a larger share of the workforce, rising from 26% in 1940 to 59% in 20091. Though monumental achievements, we find the economic realities leave little to celebrate.
Picture Jenny, a highly sought after project manager, walking into a new company that has just recruited her away from a place where she was happy, secure, and valued. The reason she entertained the opportunity was because it is a growing company in a new market that would provide her with challenges that she wouldn’t have with her current employer.
Orlando, FL—In the presence of over 1500 HR leaders at the 2011 State Conference, our award sponsor, Allan Weitzman (partner with Proskauer Rose, LLP) presented the HR Florida Professional of the Year Award to Karen Anderson, SPHR. This annual award recognizes a Human Resource leader who has advanced the profession in a significant way. “Best in class,”—individuals nominated for this award— serve as role models for the profession by setting the standard for others to follow and applying their expertise to enhance organizational effectiveness.
Orlando, FL—HR Florida could not be successful without the hard work and support of the volunteer leaders, our chapter presidents and board members who make up the HR Florida State Council. This annual award recognizes a volunteer who actively supports, promotes, and develops the Human Resource profession through volunteerism. Chapter presidents selected the winner by evaluating nominees on the overall contributions the nominee has made to support the chapters, to advance the profession, and to drive council effectiveness through outstanding approaches, innovative ideas, and promotion of the Society and Council.
HR Florida had the distinct pleasure of honoring several of its past presidents at the 2011 State Conference and August State Council Meeting. Created in 1978, HR Florida represents over 14,000 individual members of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Serving as the chief executive, the president is accountable for managing the daily operations of the State Council, which today is comprised of sixty-four directors representing the executive board, district management, HR leadership focus areas, core services, and chapter leadership.
The 2011 HR Florida State Conference & Expo was a huge success, and I couldn’t be more proud and excited for our organization. Like those from our past, and also from our future, this year’s conference is the result of many years of lessons learned and a multitude of dedicated volunteers, both in the year leading up to the event as well as on site. I am honored to have led an amazing conference team in addition to having been a part of such a successful and rewarding conference. It was a great way to give back to the profession that I enjoy immensely!
