Greetings, ASHHRA Colleagues!

Time is flying and the start of school and fall is coming near. My counterparts in the northern region are taking in the last days of sun and relaxation with the change of weather, but with the beauty that comes with it. As a Floridian, I miss the change of seasons from when I lived in New York, with the anticipation of the holidays right around the corner. As we prepare for the second half of the year, I look forward to the challenges and opportunities we have ahead. COVID is still around, but we have worked through a number of the obstacles it presented and we will continue to be diligent in mitigating its impact on our communities.

We still need a crystal ball to predict the labor market and how we can successfully fill the high number of vacancies. I encourage you, my fellow ASHHRA members, to continue to be creative and take advantage of the resources available to you, including each other. ASHHRA Exchange is an excellent channel for that kind of peer-to-peer support and it’s right at your fingertips. Make sure your ASHHRA membership is current by logging in to your profile so you can access this valuable online community. I also urge you to remember to get rest and incorporate self-care. I am taking in my own words this week, and enjoying a long overdue vacation with my family before they begin the new school year. It’s a great time to create memories, reflect and recharge.

Lastly, be sure to check out the upcoming webinars ASHHRA has in store for you. As ASHHRA members, all webinars are FREE. I also encourage you to get more involved with ASHHRA by joining a committee. Applications are currently being accepted and you can learn more here. 

Carl McDonald, MSHRM, PHR, SHRM-CP
ASHHRA President

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