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SPRINGFIELD AREA HUMAN RESOURCES ASSOCIATION

Engage, Equip, Empower


Upcoming events

    • Thursday, September 18, 2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • efactory 405 N Jefferson
    Register

    Join us for our September Monthly Meeting!

    Brief Synopsis of Program:

    This program will provide HR professionals with updates regarding changes to federal and state laws, as well as executive orders, and explain how this relates to their daily work.

    Learning Objectives:

    1. Discuss and review changes to applicable law so HR professionals will understand how these changes impact their daily work.

    2. Gain a greater understanding of current affairs and discuss possible trends.

    Meet our Speaker:

    Jennifer Mueller, Missouri State University

    Jennifer Mueller has been practicing law for 27 years. Since April 2021, Ms. Mueller has worked at Missouri State University as Assistant General Counsel. In this capacity, she handles employment matters, assists with policy revisions, and handles other legal matters for the University. Prior to starting at MSU, Ms. Mueller worked in private practice primarily defending employment claims for a variety of clients as well as working with clients to proactively address employment issues.


    • Tuesday, September 23, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • Springfield eFactory IDEA Loft
    Struggling to find good workers and fill open jobs? Join the University of Missouri Extension September 23rd at the Reimagining Your Workforce Conference in Springfield. Learn how local employers are solving hiring challenges with second-chance hiring—finding loyal, dependable workers from people in recovery and those reentering the workforce.

    Sept. 23 | 10 AM – 3 PM

    Springfield eFactory IDEA Loft

    Lunch provided

    Reimagining Your Workforce Conference – Registration link

     

    • Wednesday, October 01, 2025
    • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
    • City Utilities of Springfield Auditorium; 301 E Central
    • 98
    Register

    Join us for our October Benefits Breakfast Meeting!


    Topic: State of Healthcare & Opportunities for Your Company

    1. The Current Healthcare Landscape

    Overview of national and regional healthcare trends, including rising costs, regulatory shifts, and the impact of the current landscape on employer-sponsored plans.

    2. Cost Drivers in Employer Health Plans

    Breakdown of what’s really driving premium increases—pharmacy costs, chronic conditions, specialty care, and utilization trends—and how these affect mid-sized employers.

    3. Regulatory & Compliance Updates

    Key updates on ACA, transparency rules, mental health parity, and what HR leaders need to know to stay compliant and avoid penalties.

    4. Opportunities to Reduce Costs Without Cutting Benefits

    Strategies like self-funding, level-funding, direct primary care, and pharmacy carve-outs. Real-world examples of companies saving money while improving employee satisfaction.

    5. The Role of Data & Analytics

    How mid-market employers can use claims data, benchmarking, and predictive analytics to make smarter benefits decisions.

    6. Employee Experience & Retention Through Better Benefits

    How benefits design impacts recruitment and retention. Trends in mental health, virtual care, and voluntary benefits that resonate with today’s workforce.


    Meet Our Speaker


    Justin Futrell, TrueNorth Companies

    Personally and professionally, Justin is on the quest to impact millions of lives. Professionally, as a Self-Funded Benefits Advisor at TrueNorth Companies where he serves as the healthcare consultant serving middle market companies. Personally, through his annual fundraisers for clean water that occur each November.

    Locally, in Denver, CO he serves as the co-chair of Blood Cancer United, teaching kids how to fundraise for causes they are passionate about.

    Justin has been recognized nationally as one of the “Faces of Change” in the healthcare industry, highlighted for his passion to help companies eliminate the risk of wasting money to insurance companies, hospitals and Big Pharma.

    He is a lifelong learner, recently receiving his Master’s in Healthcare Innovation and enjoys playing volleyball, hiking and hitting the slopes!




    • Friday, October 10, 2025
    • 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Branson Convention Center 200 S. Sycamore St.


    • Tuesday, October 14, 2025
    • 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM
    • Oasis Convention Center, 2546 N Glenstone Ave
    • 92
    Register

    You Don't Want to Miss Our 2025 Fall Professional Development Seminar!



    Many thanks to our October Professional Development Sponsors!




    • Thursday, November 20, 2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • TBD
    Register

    Join us for our November Monthly Meeting!

    Presentation Title: From Prompt to Policy: Practical AI Skills and Strategy for HR Leaders

    Topic: Generative AI in Human Resources, including practical applications, hands-on skills, and strategic leadership guidance for navigating organizational adoption.

    Brief Synopsis of Program: In this interactive workshop, HR professionals will gain hands-on experience with generative AI tools like ChatGPT while exploring their role in leading responsible AI adoption within their organizations. Participants will learn how to craft effective prompts, experiment with AI tools to support day-today HR tasks, and explore how to build a roadmap for AI readiness. We'll also discuss key risks, policy considerations, and how HR can be a strategic voice in shaping the future of AI use in the workplace.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Learn how to craft effective prompts to use generative AI tools like ChatGPT for common HR tasks.
    • Understand how advanced features such as Custom GPTs and Projects can support HR workflows.
    • Consider the potential use cases and limitations of generative AI in HR functions.
    • Explore how HR professionals can lead responsible AI adoption within their organization.
    • Gain insight into AI-related risks, ethical concerns, and policy components HR should address.

    Meet our Speaker:


    Paige Oxendine, Director of Consulting Services

    Habitat Communication & Culture, a division of Mostly Serious

    Paige Oxendine serves as Director of Consulting Services for Habitat Communication & Culture, the Consulting Division within Mostly Serious. At Habitat, Paige regularly helps organizations train managers on essential tools and skills, develop strategic plans, and conduct customized research. Paige is an admitted AI skeptic turned believer, and also enjoys helping teams unlock new opportunities through the use of technology.


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