President's Report

Happy February, Black Hills SHRM Members!

As we move further into the new year, February offers a great opportunity to pause and reflect on how we’re showing up—for our organizations, our teams, and ourselves. I hope this month finds you settling into the year with intention and balance.

At our January meeting, we kicked things off with a powerful presentation from Whitney Bischoff, “Taking Care of You!” Her message resonated deeply and served as an important reminder of how critical self-care is in the HR profession. We discussed recognizing the signs of burnout, prioritizing our own well-being, and being intentional about creating a self-care plan that works for our individual needs. As HR professionals, we spend so much time supporting others that it’s easy to put ourselves last, but we cannot pour from an empty cup.

I encourage you to take a few moments this month to reflect. Have you noticed signs of burnout in yourself or your teams? Are there small, meaningful steps you can take to prioritize self-care and set healthy boundaries? Even simple changes can have a significant impact over time.

One of the strengths of Black Hills SHRM is the supportive community we’ve built together. Through our meetings, events, and connections, we have the opportunity to learn from one another and remind each other that we’re not alone in the challenges we face. Thank you for continuing to show up, engage, and support our chapter.

We have more great programming ahead, and the board remains committed to offering relevant, engaging opportunities for learning, growth, and connection throughout the year. I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event and continuing these important conversations together.

Ara Baumstarck, President

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Chapter Meeting

AI: What happens when your receptionist is smarter than your CEO?
February 24, 2026
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM 

Rushmore Hotel - 445 Mt Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD 57701

In this hands-on AI training, you'll learn where you are on the AI Adoption Ladder and how to level up from basic usage to building reusable systems. We'll cover essential safety guidelines for using AI in the workplace, then dive into practical techniques: Ping Pong prompting (a conversational approach that gets better results without writing perfect prompts), the Master Prompt technique (using AI to create your personal context document), and the Playbook Builder (using AI to create reusable instructions for repetitive tasks). You'll leave with copy-and-paste prompts you can use immediately, sample playbooks for common tasks like email drafting and meeting notes, and a clear action plan for your first week and first month using AI effectively.

*Presentation begins at 12:00PM

 *This session is worth 1 PDC

The primary learning objectives of presentation:

     Focus on using AI safely in the workplace

    Dive into practical techniques for adopting AI

    Leave with sample playbooks and an action plan to use AI effectively

About the Speaker:

Jacob B. West is an entrepreneur and South Dakota Mines alumnus who helps Black Hills businesses operate more efficiently and grow with intention. As the founder of DelegateIQ, he works hands-on with established organizations to improve their digital foundations through automation and applied AI, focusing on systems that save time, reduce friction, and support long-term growth. With a background in custom software and data engineering, Jacob’s work sits at the intersection of technology, operations, and practical execution.

Outside of client work, Jacob is deeply involved in the Black Hills community through board service, mentorship, and local initiatives that strengthen connections between people and organizations. He’s known for bringing a steady, thoughtful approach to problem-solving and for helping teams adopt modern tools without losing what makes their businesses human. Jacob cares deeply about the region and is committed to contributing to a stronger, more connected local business ecosystem.

Registration Closes Friday, February 20th at NOON.

Tickets

$30 Non-Member Registration

$20 Member Ticket

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HR Jobs

It is easier than ever to submit local HR jobs for posting on our website!

Click HERE to view or submit a job posting!

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Facebook

Check out the Black Hills SHRM Facebook page for updated information and events!

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Legislative Update

SD Legislature proposes HB1209.  2026 House Bill 1209 Amended

There is a proposed SD bill to require verification eligibility of new hires through the e-verify program.  To read more about the bill, click on the link above to read the amended version.  ________________________________________________________

Form 300A Workplace Posting Begins February 1
Covered employers that had 11 or more employees in the entire company at any point in 2025 are required to post the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Form 300A, Summary of Work-Related Injury and Illnesses, from February 1 through April 30. This requirement applies even if the company didn’t have any recordable incidents in 2025.

OSHA Form 300A must be certified by a company executive and posted in each establishment in a conspicuous location where notices to employees are customarily posted.

Certain establishments are partially exempt from OSHA’s routine recordkeeping requirements, if they have 10 or fewer employees or if their primary business activity is classified as low hazard according to OSHA’s guidelines. A full list of exempt low-hazard industries, ordered by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, can be found here. (The exemption is “partial” because all employers must notify OSHA when an employee is killed on the job or suffers a work-related hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye.)

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EEOC Rescinds Workplace Harassment Guidance- source CUPA HR

On January 22, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted 2-1 along party lines to rescind its “Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace.”

The guidance was a comprehensive overview of employers’ obligations under federal civil rights laws to prevent and address discrimination or harassment in the workplace. In 2024, the EEOC, under President Biden, updated the guidance following the Supreme Court’s Bostock v. Clayton County decision, specifying that federal civil rights laws protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In May 2025, a Texas federal judge vacated portions of the guidance nationwide, arguing that the expanded definition of “sex” ran contrary to federal law.

The EEOC has rescinded the guidance document in its entirety, not just the updated section.  Please note that the EEOC’s guidance provides stakeholders with information on how the EEOC plans to enforce the law. While understanding the EEOC’s position is useful to stakeholders, the guidance does not change employers' obligations under anti-harassment law or state civil rights laws as set forth in existing court decisions.

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ADA Did Not Require Restaurant to Offer Seated Job – source HRD  ADA Accommodation Denied

A fast-casual restaurant chain did not need to convert a cashier/service team member position to a seated cashier position for a job applicant with knee arthritis, an appellate court ruled. The position required standing and quick movement, making it unreasonable for an applicant to sit at regular intervals.

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USCIS to Raise Premium Processing Fees March 1 – Source SHRM

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a final rule Jan. 12 raising premium processing fees for all eligible forms and categories to adjust for inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Any premium processing request postmarked on or after March 1 must include the new fee.

The final rule sets the following updated fees:

• Form I-129, petition for temporary workers. Premium processing fees for all Form I-129 requests for classifications other than H-2B will increase from $2,805 to $2,965. Premium processing fees for H-2B requests will increase from $1,685 to $1,780.
• Form I-140, petition for employment-based permanent residency. Premium processing fees for Form I-140 requests will increase from $2,805 to $2,965.
• Form I-539, application to extend or change temporary immigration status. Premium processing fees for Form I-539 requests will increase from $1,965 to $2,075.
• Form I-765, application for employment authorization. Premium processing fees for Form I-765 requests will increase from $1,685 to $1,780.

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State Department Pauses Green Card Processing for 75 Countries – source SHRM

The U.S. Department of State announced Jan. 14 that it will indefinitely pause processing for employment-based green card visas, as well as other immigrant visas, from 75 countries whose nationals the Trump administration has deemed likely to require public assistance while living in the country.

The pause reportedly takes effect Jan. 21 and will halt visa issuance to people looking to immigrate permanently, typically through marriage, family ties, or work sponsorship. It does not affect people seeking temporary business, tourist, student, or work visas.

Many of the countries are already on either a full or partial travel ban list, limiting the impact of the processing suspension on those countries.

The total list of countries affected by the latest suspension announcement includes:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Congo, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.

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Preliminary Inunction on Two Executive Orders Vacated – source SHRM

A court vacated a preliminary injunction of two executive orders (EO) —EO 14151on “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing” and EO 14173 on “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” — finding they were not unconstitutional on their face. The court had previously stayed the injunction, pending appeal. Its Feb. 6 ruling was the first by a federal appeals court to find the two EOs facially constitutional.

While the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the injunction, it sent the case back to the district court for further proceedings and left open the possibility of challenges based on individual application of the EOs.

The 2026 IRS standard mileage rate was announced on December 29, 2025.

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Renew Your Membership

It's time to renew your BHSHRM membership for 2026!  Don't miss out on the valuable benefits of being part of our professional community.  Here's what you gain by renewing:

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State SHRM Conference

We would like to formally invite you to register for our event.

REGISTER

The South Dakota SHRM State Council is pleased to be hosting the 2026 South Dakota SHRM Conference at Cedar Shores in Oacoma, SD from April 29, 2026 to May 1, 2026.

In a time of rapid change, the call to lead with dignity has never been more urgent - or more powerful. This HR conference brings together visionary leaders, change-makers, and people-first professionals to explore how transformation can be driven with empathy integrity, and purpose.

What to Expect:

• Inspiring Keynotes from visionary and engaging thought leaders
• Networking Opportunities with peers who share your passion for people
• Actionable Strategies to elevate your HR practice and empoyer your workfoce

Whether you are an HR professional, team lead, or culture champion, this conference will equip you with the tools and mindset to lead boldly - without compromising humanity. 

Here's a few things to know:

• Conference Dates:  Wednesday, April 29, 2026 to May 1, 2026
• Location: Cedar Shores Resort, Oacoma, SD
• Agenda & Session Details:  Coming Soon!

Below is information about the hotels in the area:

• Cedar Shores Resort  - $124.00 per night (*Room Block will drop on March 30, 2026) - Cedar Shore Resort and Conference Center - Reservations - Room Availability
• AmericInn -  $110.00 per night AmericInn - Chamberlain South Dakota - Home Page
• Baymont Inn - $115.00 per night (They offer a shuttle, no elevator) -Baymont by Wyndham Oacoma - ReservationDesk.com
• Best Western Lee's Motor Inn - $120.00 per night - Best Western Lee's Motor Inn - ReservationDesk.com
• Quality Inn - $89.00 per night - Hotel in Oacoma, SD | Quality Inn Oacoma - Chamberlain | Maximize Your Vacation

**Refund Policy: Cancellations will receive a full refund until March 31^st.  Unable to attend? Consider sharing your ticket with a colleague.

South Dakota State SHRM Council

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Certification Preparation Classes COMING SOON!

We are gearing up for a SHRM Certification Study group this fall!  The group meets weekly for 12 weeks beginning in September to review the SHRM Learning System materials and help you prepare for your certification exam. We need a minimum of 5 students to hold the class. The cost for the SHRM Learning System materials would be $615 per participant which is a significant discount compared to purchasing on your own through SHRM ($1,055 - $1,180 regular price).  

Please e-mail Tye Kuyper ([email protected]) for more information or to request to be added to the roster! 

The study group is a great way to learn the material and also provides an excellent networking opportunity.  

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Books and Brews

Here is a summary, if you missed the last meeting discussing Chapters 1-2 of Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. 

Chapter 1: Why Leaders Eat Last

Big idea: Leadership is about responsibility, not rank—and great leaders put the needs of their people before their own.

Key takeaways:

HR lens:

Chapter 2: The Leaders We Need

Big idea: Our biology plays a major role in trust, cooperation, and performance—and leaders shape that environment.

Key takeaways:

HR lens:

Next Book Club- Wednesday, April 1st, 4:30-5:30, Zymurcracy Brewing 4624 Creek Drive.  We will be discussing Chapters 3-5.  See you there!

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Mark Your Calendars

The next three meetings are scheduled as follows:

Please mark your calendars. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Open Board Positions

Open Position: College Relations on the BHSHRM Board

We currently have an open position for College Relations on the BHSHRM Board. This role is a great opportunity to engage with local colleges and help foster the next generation of HR professionals. If you're interested in contributing to this important area, please reach out to one of our board members for more information.

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Welcome New Members

We’re excited to welcome our newest members to the BHSHRM community! We’re thrilled to have you join us and look forward to collaborating, learning, and growing together. As a member, you’ll have access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and events that support your professional development in HR. If you have any questions or need support, feel free to reach out to any of our board members. Welcome aboard!

Sage Wilson, Black Hills State University

Laura Neubert, Pathfinder Employment Services. LLC

Laura Schluckebier, Senior Director of Operations for Visit Rapid City

Crystal Ortbahn, Communications Director for John T Vucurevich Foundation

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SODAK SHRM

Running Internal Investigations

The South Dakota SHRM State Council is excited to offer a virtual training session titled Running Internal Investigations. This complimentary session is available at no cost to members of any South Dakota SHRM chapter.

All members of South Dakota SHRM chapters are invited to attend this event at NO COST! The training as been approved for 1 SHRM and HRCI recertification credit.

Register with this ling: https://seshrm.org/event-6546164 

• When
• 04/01/2026
•    

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM (CDT)

• Location  

Zoom

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Diversity and Inclusion

Many HR departments are working with shrinking training budgets — if we have them at all. This means we need to find high‑quality, truly free training options to supplement the areas where our resources fall short. One promising resource I recently came across is Inclusion Learning Lab, which offers a blend of free materials along with optional paid workshops and courses.

I’m currently enrolled in one of their offerings, Doing the Work No Matter the Name, which focuses on the importance of continuing DEI work in innovative and sustainable ways. It’s a helpful reminder that even as budgets tighten, our commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces can — and should — evolve.

Check it out, I would love to hear what you think.

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