BHSHRM March Newsletter 
President's Report
Happy March, Black Hills SHRM Members! As we continue building momentum this year, I keep coming back to one theme: being intentional in how we grow as HR professionals and as a chapter.
In February, we had great attendance at our meeting featuring Jacob West with DelegateIQ. I loved the practical tips he shared about AI and how accessible these tools can be. One of the biggest takeaways for me was that you don’t need to be a technical expert to get started. Small, everyday uses can save time and build confidence. As HR professionals, we are in a unique position to help guide our organizations in using AI thoughtfully, responsibly, and strategically.
I also enjoyed seeing so many of you at our Spring Fling Mixer. Opportunities like that are a great reminder of why community matters. Taking time to connect outside of our regular meetings strengthens relationships, builds trust, and reinforces one of our chapter’s goals this year: creating a vibrant, engaged HR community that supports one another.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to welcome Tracy Palecek for our March program, Pro-Active vs. Reactive Leadership. If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly “putting out fires,” this session will focus on shifting from troubleshooting to leading with confidence, strengthening relationships, and developing skills that allow us to lead more proactively and intentionally.
As we move through the year, I encourage you to take full advantage of your BH SHRM membership. Attend meetings, join networking events, and engage in conversations. Each opportunity to participate is a chance to grow, learn, and continue building our HR community together.
Thank you for being part of Black Hills SHRM. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Warm regards,
Ara Baumstarck
President, Black Hills SHRM
Chapter Meeting
Pro-Active vs. Reactive Leadership
March 24, 2026
Registration is from 11:00 -11:30 AM; Presentation begins at 11:30
Rushmore Hotel - 445 Mt Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD 57701
Are you exhausted from "pumping up tires and putting out fires?" Leadership is so much more than troubleshooting. Learn how the most successful leaders leverage relationships and interpersonal skills to get the best out of their employees. Identify what may be keeping you from leading with confidence and learn how to break through old habits and develop new skills. You will explore the basics of mentoring vs military styles and their rates of effectiveness. Learn the value of developing "coping ahead" and "real time" skills and the value of decisiveness and confidence.
Primary Learning Objectives:
- Learn the methods for emotional regulations to break out of "Crisis mode" and act intentionally no matter the situation
- Compare the "mentoring" and "military" styles of management and which is better depending on the desired outcomes.
- Develop a plan of action to implement "coping ahead" strategies and "real time" interventions for likely scenarios.
About the Speaker:
Tracy Palecek is a mental health therapist, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur, as well as the founder & CEO of Palecek Therapy and Consulting. She is widely recognized as an expert in areas of mental wellness, positive communication, and trauma and resilience. Tracy received her BS degrees in Sociology and Human Services from Black Hills State University, her MS in Agency Counseling and her MS in Human Resource Development from South Dakota State University. She has over 25 years of experience in implementing research-based methods in the workplace to improve outcomes for both employees and their clients. When she is not working you can find her playing trivia with her friends, begging her children to hang out with her, and planning her next road trip.
This session will be worth 1.5 PDC.
Tickets
$30 Non-Member Registration
$20 Member Ticket
Chapter Meeting
Pro-Active vs. Reactive Leadership
March 24, 2026
Registration is from 11:00 -11:30 AM; Presentation begins at 11:30
Rushmore Hotel - 445 Mt Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD 57701
Please note this meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 28th virtually.
Join us for Practical Workplace Considerations, a session designed to help HR professionals navigate the evolving employment law landscape with confidence and clarity. This meeting will be held via Zoom. Registrants will receive their link the morning of the meeting.
Employment attorney Christopher E. Hoyme, Principal at Jackson Lewis P.C., will share legal updates and real-world strategies to help you stay compliant and proactive. With decades of experience representing employers nationwide, Chris brings both sharp legal insight and practical, down-to-earth advice you can use right away.
In this session, you’ll:
- Get a clear update on key employment law developments since the election
- Learn practical strategies for applying those updates in your organization
- Have your specific questions answered by one of the leading voices in employment law
Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and prepared as workplace policies and regulations continue to evolve.
About Chris:
Christopher E. Hoyme is a principal in the Omaha, Nebraska, office of Jackson Lewis P.C.
Chris represents management nationwide in all facets of employment litigation. He has successfully defended employers across the country in over 40 federal and state courts, as well as before numerous federal and state administrative agencies across the country.
Chris looks for practical solutions for clients facing litigation. He believes in a proactive, preventive approach to dealing with employment issues so that clients are placed in the best possible position to avoid lawsuits before they are filed. However, once a client is faced with defending a lawsuit, Chris's approach is to respond quickly and aggressively, making him a formidable opponent in the courtroom.
Tickets
$30 Non-Member Registration
$20 Member Ticket
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!
Check out the Black Hills SHRM Facebook page for updated information and events!
Legislative Update
EEOC Investigates Nike Over Alleged DEI Program Discrimination – source SHRM.org
In a notable development, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has taken the rare step of seeking a federal court order to obtain information from Nike over allegations that the sportswear giant’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts may have led to unlawful discrimination against white employees and job applicants.
The commission’s action, filed Feb. 4 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, marks one of the most significant enforcement efforts tied to DEI policies in recent years. At issue is whether Nike’s DEI programs, which included stated goals to increase racial and ethnic minority representation in its U.S. workforce, resulted in a “pattern or practice of disparate treatment” against white workers in hiring, promotions, layoffs, training, and career-development opportunities.
_______________________________________________________
Federal Court Rules that AI-Generated Documents Are Not Protected by Privilege – source Jones Walker LLP
On February 10, Judge Jed Rakoff of the Southern District of New York ruled in United States v. Heppner that documents generated using a consumer version of Claude are not privileged and not protected as work product. A financial executive charged with securities fraud had used Claude to research legal questions, fed communications from his attorneys into it, and then tried to claim those conversations were confidential. To read the entire article, click here: Your AI Conversations Are Not Privileged: What a New SDNY Ruling Means for Every Lawyer and Client | Jones Walker LLP
Congress Weighs Paid Leave Needs and State Coordination Challenges – Source SHRM.org
A recent congressional hearing examined the growing need for stronger paid leave support for working families and the challenges employers face in managing an expanding patchwork of state leave laws. During the discussion, lawmakers and witnesses emphasized that while paid family leave is increasingly important to employees and employers alike, compliance can be difficult when states have different rules, definitions, and administrative requirements.
The hearing also highlighted the proposed I-PLAN Act, which is intended to improve coordination among state paid family and medical leave programs. Supporters say the legislation could help reduce complexity for employers, especially those operating in multiple states, while still allowing states to maintain their own programs and innovate.
Learn more: H.R. 3090, Interstate Paid Leave Action Network Act of 2025 (I-PLAN Act), official bill text available through GovInfo. I-PLAN Act - H.R. 3090
________________________________________________________
Court Upholds Termination Despite FMLA Leave Use – source SHRM.org
A recent 2nd Circuit decision found that an employer did not violate the FMLA when it terminated an employee for documented performance issues that existed before and apart from the employee’s leave use. The court noted that the employer approved the employee’s requested time off, encouraged her to take the time she needed, and did not obstruct her leave.
The court also found that the employee could not show the employer’s stated reason for termination was a pretext for retaliation. Performance concerns had been raised before the employee took leave and remained consistent over time. The case serves as a reminder that employers are in a stronger position to defend against FMLA retaliation claims when they can show clear, consistent documentation of performance issues unrelated to protected leave. Haran v. Orange Business Services Inc., 2nd Cir., No. 24-2312
________________________________________________________
State SHRM Conference
South Dakota State SHRM Conference - Don't forget to register!
📍 Location: Cedar Shore Resort
📅 Dates: April 29 – May 1, 2026
Join fellow HR professionals from across the state for meaningful networking, practical learning opportunities, and an incredible lineup of speakers. This is a great chance to connect with peers, gain new insights, and invest in your professional development.
Don’t miss your opportunity to register and secure your spot!
👉 Register here: https://lnkd.in/g5Y75gKd
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.
Books and Brews
📚 Next Book Club: April 1st | 4:30–5:30 PM @ Zymurcracy Brewing
We’ll be diving into Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek, covering Chapters 3–5.
Don’t worry if you haven’t finished the book—come for the discussion, insights, and good company!
Mark Your Calendars
The next three meetings are scheduled as follows:
|
March 24 |
Luncheon Meeting (11:00 - 1:00) |
Pro-Active Vs. Reactive Leadership |
Speaker: Tracy Palecek |
|
April 28 |
Luncheon Meeting (11:30 – 1:00) |
Legislative Update |
Speaker: Chris Hoyme |
|
May |
Luncheon Meeting (11:30-1:00) |
First 90 Days - Handbooks, Onboarding, Interviewing/Applications |
Speaker: Jennifer Frank, Jen Potts, Brandi Christensen |
Please mark your calendars. We look forward to seeing you there!
Open Board Positions
We currently have open positions for College Relations and Workforce Readiness on the BHSHRM Board.
If you’re interested in contributing to either of these important areas, please reach out to one of our board members for more information.
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!
Joella Carlson, Monument Health Custer Hospital
Lindsey Huck, Pioneer Bank & Trust
Katie Hanneken, HR Representative for Simon
Anu Varghese, HR Generalist with Ketel Thorstenson
SODAK SHRM
https://seshrm.org/event-6546164
Attendees must register the the Sioux Empire SHRM website (link is above)
Diversity and Inclusion
2026 and the Future of Inclusive Hiring
As HR professionals, we all know that hiring has changed, but how we adapt is what really matters. The recent article Diversity Hiring: Everything You Must Know & Cannot Ignore in 2026 ( https://easy.jobs/blog/diversity-hiring-everything-you-must-know/ ) is a great reminder that inclusive hiring isn’t about hitting quotas — it’s about creating a fair process where people feel seen, valued, and given a real chance. It breaks down how today’s workforce, especially our incoming Gen Z talent, expects workplaces to reflect genuine fairness and inclusion. The article also highlights how remote and hybrid work have widened our talent pools, which means we have more opportunities than ever to bring in strong, diverse candidates if we’re willing to adjust how we recruit and evaluate.
For those of us supporting teams across our area, the message is clear: inclusive hiring is not just “nice to have”— it impacts culture, performance, and our ability to compete for great people. Simple changes, like tightening up job descriptions or taking a fresh look at how we screen candidates, can make a meaningful difference. As we move forward, weaving diversity into our hiring practices isn’t just the right thing to do; it strengthens our workplaces and helps us build teams that can grow, adapt, and thrive. That’s a win for our employees, our organizations, and the communities we serve.
Christy Cameron – Diversity and Workforce Education Chair