<p>Delaware SHRM State Council Director’s Message</p><p>Greetings! While there is a chill in the air and in the economy, there is good news for HR professionals. We have an opportunity to step up to the plate in our organizations! As businesses address the challenge of talent management, this is an opportunity that is tailor-made for HR. Who better to provide insights, develop programs, deliver the numbers, and craft an HR business plan aligned with the overall strategy of the business? I challenge you each to re-think your role as a strategic business partner in your organization. We are in a period of transformation whereby we can increase our function’s power, status, visibility, and contributions to our organizations . . . or not.</p><p>Take the challenge and send me an email (at [email protected]) describing how you are stepping up to the plate. We may share some of your ideas on our website under resources. Or look me up at the HR State Conference on November 1st and 2nd at the University of Delaware’s Clayton Hall to share your ideas/best practices with me in person!</p><p>Remember to tap into the resources of SHRM’s national website at www.shrm.org. And be sure to plug into SHRM Connect at http://community.shrm.org/ . This is a great opportunity to connect with other SHRM professionals from across the globe who are facing the same challenges.</p><p>The 11th Annual Delaware HR Conference is November 1st and 2nd. This is expected to be the most exciting conference yet with a new format and a record number of strategic credits anticipated. Exhibitors and sponsors can learn more at http://www.deshrm.org/2011_exhibitor_registration_cfm and those wishing to attend can register at http://www.deshrm.org/2011_shrmde_conference.html .</p><p>Watch for exciting upcoming events! Enjoy the fall and I hope to see you out at some of the SHRM events!</p><p>Nov 1 & 2 State Conference – Clayton Hall, University of Delaware Nov 15 DelMarVa SHRM Chapter Meeting – Dover Downs Dec 6 DE SHRM Chapter Meeting (Holiday Social) – Christiana Hilton, Christiana Dec 20 DelMarVa SHRM Chapter Meeting – The Georgia House, Milford</p><p>Regards, Pat Buhler, SPHR Delaware State Council SHRM Director</p>