Stacey Bruce, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, director of HR Services at the Manufacturer Business Association, talks about one

MBA Ready to Host 10th Annual HR & Employment Law Conference

Employee development and continuing education opportunities are becoming increasingly important in today’s job market, especially in the area of human resources. Here, Stacey Bruce, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, director of HR Services at the Manufacturer & Business Association, talks about one of the region’s most highly anticipated training events, the MBA’s 10th annual HR & Employment Law Conference on September 14 at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie.

The MBA is regionally recognized for its professional development training programs. Tell us what you believe sets the MBA courses apart.

We are always listening to our members’ needs, and we tailor courses and update them to ensure our content is always relevant. We also customize our HR programs and can come onsite for classes, such as harassment prevention and HR for Non-HR professionals, etc. Just ask!

Tell us about HR training at the MBA. What sort of courses do you provide?

Taught by the Association’s own HR professionals, our HR Essential Certification Series teaches the fundamental responsibilities and skills every HR professional requires. Each course is four hours and includes ample time for questions and answers. Certifications are awarded to participants who complete all of the series courses for each level within a 12-month period. They also qualify for HRCI and SHRM credits.

We also offer an HR Essential Certification Advanced Series, which allows HR professionals to advance their HR knowledge and expertise to the next level. Participants will greatly benefit from a more concentrated legal focus on key workplace issues that today’s employers require. This year, we’re also excited to offer our new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Series taught by Tesha Nesbit. In a dynamically evolving workplace, leaders recognize a need for foundational knowledge of DEI to build their professional expertise and cultural competency. This experiential four-part workshop series is designed to build and hone capacity building skills. Come with an open mind, and leave the final session with an action plan so can you lead with an informed and focused equity lens. Our HR for Non-HR Professionals is an essential training program for employees who are responsible for recruiting and managing staff. Participants will gain not only a clear understanding of legal guidelines, but also learn the essential tools and techniques that serve as the foundation of developing and maintaining a highly productive workforce. Lastly, thanks to our partnership with David Siler, SPHR GPHR, of Distinctive HR, Inc., and our sister association, Capital Associated Industries (CAI), the MBA is pleased to offer the most successful PHR and SPHR online study course available! Boasting a 90-percent pass rate of all registered participants (versus only 50 percent nationally), this is a great opportunity to prepare and achieve one of the most soughtafter certifications in the HR profession!

One of the MBA’s signature events is the HR & Employment Law Conference on September 14. Tell us what makes this event so unique.

Thanks to premier sponsor ECCA and our many partners, we are excited for our 10th annual HR conference in-person and virtually — bringing one of the largest HR audiences together once again! Best of all, our daylong agenda will be packed with even more interactive learning experiences, high-caliber vendors, networking opportunities and a powerful lineup of expert guest speakers. All of the educational sessions are in response to participants’ feedback and hot topics for HR professionals.

What some highlights of the conference?

We have two high-caliber keynote speakers this year! The first is Jennifer McClure, chief executive officer Unbridled Talent & DisruptHR. Her topic is Future-Ready HR: Leading Breakthrough Performance in the New World of Work, which is very timely. Our closing keynote, Angie Singer Keating, CEO of Reclamere, Inc. has a broadly diversified background with over 20 years of experience specializing in data destruction, security incident response, information technology risk management and systems auditing. Her topic is HR’s Role in Cybersecurity and Incident Response Team. Plus, we will have plenty of employment law updates and other HR topics to cover as well.

What are some new additions to the conference for 2022?

We have several new sponsors this year, which is very exciting, including Reclamere Inc., SafT Integration Consulting, Marsha Johnson Consulting (AFLAC rep), Community Blood Bank, United Concordia Dental, and The Reserves Network, We also have two new wellness sponsors AHN and Iadeluca Chiropractic Center, which will keep us moving throughout the day!

What’s the best way to learn more and to register?

You can learn more and register at mbausa.org or call Melissa at 814/833-3200 or 800/815-2660 to reserve your seat!

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