THE HISTORY OF CSHRA

On January 1, 1980, CSHRA became officially affiliated with SHRM.  CSHRA was formed to meet the professional needs of the individuals within our area involved in Human Resource management. CSHRA was implemented by a small group of local personnel professionals interested in sharing information, experiences, and self-development opportunities with a goal to create a more visible presence for the profession in the region.  Since its inception, CSHRA has been dedicated to providing a forum for the exchange of information and ideas, and enhancing the professional growth of its members. CSHRA members represent Cambria and Somerset Counties’ major industries, banks, hospitals, retail firms, government agencies, defense contractors, etc.

To satisfy a need for professional diversity, and as a means of responding to the ever changing demands of the field, the chapter serves its members by conducting monthly meetings, professional accreditation opportunities, social events, and by providing information on legal and legislative matters and representation to state and national associations.

The Human Resource management profession is perhaps the most challenging, diverse and varied of all management disciplines. As such, CSHRA places particular emphasis on program, informational and educational topics that are currently and timely issues of interest to members each year. While the emphasis of these topics differs from year to year in conjunction with changes in the profession, the underlying goals of the chapter remain the same, they are:

• To allow a liberal and broad base of professionals whose interests involve, relate to, or serve the human resources management profession to become active members of CSHRA, and thereby contribute to its enhancement;
• To foster an environment in which members can keep current on new and ongoing developments in the field of human resources management; 
• To seek collective and collaborative ways in which to overcome operational problems or exchange ideas of innovative and successful practices, programs and polices relating to human resources;
• To provide a forum in which members can network among professional colleagues who share common interests, concerns and desires;
• To encourage members to contribute to the advancement of the profession by community representation, preparing professional publications, teaching and providing internships and other learning opportunities;
• To offer assistance to employers in the region by conducting periodic educational programs;
• To participate in state and national opportunities to ensure that chapter interests are represented.

OBJECTIVES OF CSHRA

• To provide a forum for networking and the interchange of ideas and information related to the issues of Human Resource management.
• To promote a human resource voice in the community through civic responsibility, partnership with education and recognition of diversity.
• To aid in the advancement of professional development for all members by providing informative monthly meetings, annual and semi-annual workshops or seminars and training for completion of professional certification.
• To provide political and legislative advocacy by monitoring local, state and national actions to ensure that the needs and concerns of Human Resource professionals are represented in the political decision-making process. 
• To furnish superior member support services and access to information relating to the Human Resource management issues.