October 2026 |
HR InTouchThe Monthly Newsletter of the Greater Madison Area SHRM |
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In This EditionPresident's Message By Wanda Manning, MBA, SHRM-CP
Legal Update:DOL Opinion Letter Reinforces 30-Minute Meal Break Rule GMA SHRM Partnerships Board Spotlight: Corporate Relations Professional Development and Events GMA SHRM 101 and Member Networking Event! Meet, Greet & Eat SHRM Certification Prep Sessions November PDS: EEOC and Annual Legal Update Member Referral Contest! New Members Save $40!
Diversity Observances in October and November Celebrating Disability Employment Awareness Month
SHRM Certification Scholarship Winner GMA SHRM Member Survey Results GMA SHRM Retiree Membership Welcome New Members! Congratulations to our 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 year anniversary members!
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Dear GMA SHRM Members,
As we welcome October and settle into the beautiful fall season, I want to take a moment to thank you for the important work you do every day. HR professionals play a vital role in shaping positive workplace experiences, supporting employees through change, and helping organizations achieve their goals. Whether you're navigating complex employee relations issues, developing future leaders, or finding innovative ways to attract and retain talent, your dedication makes a meaningful difference. As we head into the final months of the year, I encourage you to take advantage of opportunities to connect, learn, and support one another through our GMA SHRM community. I am grateful for your membership and proud to be part of such a talented and committed network of HR professionals. Ever wonder how GMA SHRM sets its course, decides programming, and the benefits we offer? Be sure to check out our Member Survey Results Recap put together by VP of Programming, Brian Borkovec. We use these survey results often during the year and it helps shape the agenda at our bi-annual board retreats. One of the most important reminders I can offer this month is this: don't forget to invest in yourself. We spend so much of our time supporting the growth, development, and success of others that it can be easy to place our own professional development on the back burner. Yet staying current, curious, and engaged is one of the best investments we can make in our careers. Whether you're exploring emerging AI tools, strengthening your strategic skills, attending a conference, pursuing a certification, or simply learning from conversations with colleagues, every experience contributes to your growth and impact. Consider setting aside a few hours this month for your own development. Small, intentional steps can spark new ideas, build confidence, and prepare us for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Speaking of professional growth, SHRM is reimagining its annual conference experience beginning in 2027. HR X-Live! will replace the traditional conference model with a more personalized credentialing journey designed around where HR professionals are in their careers and where they want to go next. Instead of navigating hundreds of sessions and determining which ones best fit your needs, participants will follow a curated learning path that combines focused education, peer collaboration, and practical application. Attendees will also have opportunities to select elective sessions across HR disciplines to broaden their learning experience. If you're already thinking about your future professional development plans, I encourage you to explore this innovative new format and learn more about how it may support your career goals. This season is always full of energy, and we're excited about the many opportunities ahead to learn, connect, and engage with fellow HR professionals. Many of our members will be attending the WISHRM State Conference, October 14-16 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. The conference continues to be one of Wisconsin's premier HR events, offering valuable learning opportunities, networking, and the chance to connect with HR professionals from across the state. We hope to see many familiar faces there as we share ideas, learn from one another, and celebrate our profession. .jpg) Closer to home, be sure to join us for one of our upcoming virtual HR Roundtables and mark your calendars for our highly anticipated Legal Update Professional Development Session on November 17. Presented by the EEOC and Boardman & Clark, this annual event will feature timely discussions on workplace accommodations under the ADA, religion, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, followed by an update on current labor and employment law issues affecting Wisconsin employers. These sessions consistently provide practical insights that HR professionals can immediately apply in their organizations.We're also excited to continue investing in the future of our profession through HR Student Night Out 2026. One of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen HR is by supporting the next generation of HR leaders. This year's events at Madison College and UW-Madison will give students an opportunity to network with HR professionals, learn from an experienced panel representing diverse HR specialties, and explore career paths in Human Resources. If you know a student considering a career in HR, please encourage them to attend. Together, we can inspire and develop the future leaders of our profession. Looking for more ways to get involved? Join us on October 26 for our GMA SHRM 101 & Member Networking Event. Whether you're new to the chapter or simply interested in becoming more engaged, GMA SHRM 101 is a great opportunity to learn about our committees, leadership opportunities, and ways to maximize the value of your membership. Following the session, stay for networking, games, appetizers, and conversation with fellow members. Some of the strongest professional relationships begin at events just like these, and we'd love to welcome you to the fun. Before closing, I want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who participated in the recent GMA SHRM Compensation Survey. Your contributions help create a valuable resource for our HR community and support informed decision-making throughout our region. I also encourage you to participate in our New Member Referral Contest through the end of October. By sharing the benefits of GMA SHRM with colleagues and peers, you're helping us grow a stronger and more connected HR community. Finally, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to our members, volunteers, board leaders, corporate sponsors, and community partners who make GMA SHRM such a vibrant and impactful organization. Our volunteers generously give their time, talent, and energy because they believe in the value of creating opportunities for HR professionals to learn, connect, and grow. Their dedication is what makes this chapter exceptional. The world of work continues to evolve at an incredible pace, bringing both challenges and opportunities. Yet I remain optimistic about the future because of professionals like you. Every day, HR leaders are helping organizations navigate change, foster belonging, develop talent, and create workplaces where people can thrive. Together, we are shaping the future of work in Wisconsin and beyond. Thank you for your continued membership, engagement, and support. I look forward to connecting with many of you at our upcoming events. Warm regards, Wanda Manning, MBA, SHRM-CP President, GMA SHRM wlmanning@wisc.edu
Government Affairs & Legal Updates Legal Update: DOL Opinion Letter Reinforces 30-Minute Meal Break RuleSubmitted by Storm Larson, Brian P. Goodman, and Emmerson Mirus, Attorneys at Boardman & Clark LLP, a Platinum Partner
 A recent opinion letter captioned FLSA2026-11 from the federal Department of Labor (DOL) provides a helpful reminder on the compensability of break periods. Under state and federal law, breaks that are less than 30 minutes must generally be paid because these short breaks are deemed to be primarily for the benefit of the employer. To lawfully not pay an employee for a break, it must be completely duty free and at least 30 minutes in length.The underlying facts of the opinion letter concerned a detention facility where employees received a 60-minute meal period. The DOL was asked to opine on whether an employer could lawfully require employees to use a portion of their 60-minute break period to travel a significant distance to the break area. By the time employees arrived at the area, they generally had about 45 minutes left for their break. The DOL opined that the employer did not have to pay for the time spent walking to the break area because the employees still had over 30 minutes for their break times. However, it is likely that the DOL would have opined differently if the travel time took the employees below the 30-minute threshold for their breaks because they then would not have had at least 30 minutes to take a bona fide meal period. This opinion letter is a helpful reminder to employers and especially those with large facilities where employees must walk significant distances to get to a designated break area. Consultation with legal counsel is advisable in dealing with break periods because mistakes can be costly. Return to TopGMA SHRM Partnerships Board Spotlight: Corporate Relations
 Submitted by Bonny Bassett, Client Relationship Manager at QTI Group and GMA SHRM’S Director of Corporate Relations Is your organization looking for ways to connect with over 600 HR professionals representing more than 400 employers in the Madison area? GMA SHRM is one of the largest and most respected SHRM chapters in the nation and partnering with us provides a year-long opportunity to promote your products and services. With Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels available, there’s an option to fit every budget and marketing strategy. Partnership benefits include:
Contribute to GMA SHRM’s success by joining our community. If you’re interested in becoming a Corporate Partner or exploring sponsorship opportunities, reach out to the GMA SHRM office today to learn more! Return to Top Corporate Relations Volunteer Highlight: Andrew Radtke, Executive Benefits Consultant at Hausmann Group  How long have you been a member of GMA SHRM? 3 years How long have you been a volunteer with GMA SHRM? 1 year What committee(s) have you volunteered with? What’s been your role with the committee(s) or why did you choose that committee(s)? Corporate Relations Committee, where I work directly with our sponsors to help them fully leverage the benefits available through their GMA SHRM partnership. My role involves building strong relationships, ensuring partners feel supported, and helping them maximize their visibility and engagement within the organization. Why do you volunteer with GMA SHRM? I love the connections and relationships that I’ve made with this HR community. These connections help me to be a more knowledgeable consultant to my clients. What would you say to others who are unsure about volunteering with GMA SHRM? Take a leap! It’s a great group of people all looking to help however they can. What’s been the biggest “surprise” to you since being a member of or volunteer with GMA SHRM? (Something you didn’t know about the chapter before, or something you think others may not know, or a fun-fact about GMA SHRM leadership, etc.) Not necessarily a surprise but the level of comradery and the friendships that are built between the volunteers. What’s been the biggest “reward” for you since volunteering with GMA SHRM? New friends, colleagues, and partners. GMA SHRM helps me to better take a pulse of what business leaders are experiencing in their different roles and companies. Return to Top Volunteer Opportunity – Corporate Partner Liaison Looking for a simple way to get involved with GMA SHRM? Join the Corporate Relations Committee. The Corporate Relations Committee plays a vital role in connecting area businesses with our members by creating meaningful sponsorship opportunities. Our committee manages the Corporate Partnership Program and other marketing opportunities that help businesses reach our members while supporting GMA SHRM initiatives. Liaisons work directly with our Corporate Partner businesses to coordinate and maximize their benefits throughout the year. This role requires just 60 minutes per month and is a great way to build relationships while supporting our chapter. If you are interested in becoming a member of the committee, reach out to us—we’d love to have you join! Contact Bonny Bassett at bonny.bassett@qtigroup.com for more details. Return to Top
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SHRM – Retiree Membership
Have you retired from a career in the HR profession or do you know someone who has? Want to stay connected to friends and the profession
while also giving back? GMA SHRM now offers a Retiree Membership option. Dues are discounted to $25 for a 12 month membership for all retired HR professionals.
To qualify you need to have been employed in Human Resources and no longer represent a company. We ask Retiree Members get involved and join a committee and/or participate in monthly HR Advice Network group meetings (roundtables).
For more information, visit our Retiree Membership page.
To qualify you need to have been employed in Human Resources and no longer represent a company. We ask Retiree Members get involved and join a committee and/or participate in monthly HR Advice Network group meetings (roundtables).
For more information, visit our Retiree Membership page.
Welcome New Members!
GMA SHRM welcomes the following members who joined our chapter in August 2026!
| Stephanie | Breunig | SHRM-SCP | The Registry, Inc |
| Alice | Chang-Der Bedrosian | SHRM-SCP | U.S. Bank |
| Brian | Clary | Paylocity | |
| Diana | Dremsa | ||
| Jannina | Killian | The QTI Group | |
| Leslie | Kupka | SRS Capital Management | |
| Heidi | Mannion | Pacific Cycle | |
| Margo | Payne | University Illinois Chicago |
Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries!
October Anniversaries
Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries!
1 Year! (2025)
Angela Dock
Kara Hetzel
Bradley Hefty
Lizzie Druke
Signey Hanley
Molly Curtin
Amanda Bardosy, PHR
Nicole Weiss, SHRM-CP
Richard Downey, SHRM-CP
Stephanie Fredrick, SHRM-SCP
5 Years! (2021) Nice!
Tanya Hanson, PHR, SHRM-SCP
25 Years! (2001) Impressive!
Dawn Koopman, SHRM-SCP
30 YEARS! (1996) Wow!
Dale Scharinger, SPHR
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Congratulations to these members celebrating milestone anniversaries!
1 Year! (2025)
Angela Dock
Kara Hetzel
Bradley Hefty
Lizzie Druke
Signey Hanley
Molly Curtin
Amanda Bardosy, PHR
Nicole Weiss, SHRM-CP
Richard Downey, SHRM-CP
Stephanie Fredrick, SHRM-SCP
5 Years! (2021) Nice!
Tanya Hanson, PHR, SHRM-SCP
25 Years! (2001) Impressive!
Dawn Koopman, SHRM-SCP
30 YEARS! (1996) Wow!
Dale Scharinger, SPHR
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HR InTouch Guidelines
Article Writing:
Do you have an interest in writing for the HR InTouch? We have an interest in learning more about your area of expertise!
Why should you volunteer? Top three reasons: 1) to share your knowledge and experiences to educate others; 2) to become more connected in the HR and Dane County communities; and 3) to contribute towards the advancement of GMA SHRM and the HR profession.
The first step is for you to choose a submission option: you can pre-submit an article to GMA SHRM at any time for us to use in any of the upcoming newsletters, you can sign up to write for a particular month, or we can put you on a list of people to contact in future months whenever we need articles.
Article length:
Because the HR InTouch is now in an online format, the size is flexible. The article should be engaging and hold readers’ attention. Include the core information in your article, and we will advise if it is too lengthy.
Solicitation:
GMA SHRM is conscious not to allow solicitation through the articles, in an effort to protect the interests of our partners and members. The nature of the article should be educational (i.e., what are the business advantages of having a product like yours) or informational. Otherwise, if you truly are interested in advertising through the HR InTouch, you can work with our Marketing Committee. As a rule of thumb for article writing, if the submission relates to a for-profit event, or specifically markets your company (vs. your industry), it is an advertisement, and should be purchased. If it is a not-for-profit event that your company is hosting, or an announcement (i.e., a SHRM member recently joined your company), it is an acceptable addition to the HR InTouch content. If you have any questions related to the appropriateness of your submission, please contact us.
If you have questions, or to submit an article, contact GMA SHRM at chapteradmin@gmashrm.org .
Don’t forget to add us on Social Media to see updates, events, general HR knowledge, and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GMASHRM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gma-shrm
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