Hi everybody,
 
Ben Blair, the director of HR for MSUM, spoke at our Nov 4th meeting.  He spoke about layoffs.  Everybody received a "Supervisor's Guide to Layoff" booklet.  Mr. Blair told us about working in a unionized environment and how that affects the layoff process---seniority determines who stays.  He talked about how one approaches those who are to be laid off and those who will stay employed.  He also touched on the severance packages that are offered to those who are laid off.  Mr. Blair talked about the overiding criteria for choosing the bargaining unit to begin laying off, as well.  Mr. Blair will be retiring come January 1st and giong to Belize, Central America.  An interesting note:  Mr. Blair has been a member of SHRM since 1979.  Most of us were not alive then.
 
Julie Tickle received an e-mail about Relay for Life.  They are looking for teams of 8-15.  This would be a great activity for SHRA to participate in.  Please e-mail the tricollegeshra@yahoo.com or reply to this e-mail if you are interested in participating.  You can address it to me, Caroline, and I will let Julie know.  Julie needs to know before November 18th.  I look forward to hearing from you.
 
Brian has mailed off memberships as of the end of this week.  We are expecting to hear from the Salvation Army on Bell Ringing in mid-November.  I need about 15 of you guys to ring bells.  It is very easy and spreads goodwill.