Labor lawyer, Gina Ameci, Esq. of Buchanan Ingersoll, PC. provides hidden insights on what the new FLSA rules mean to you in the opening session of the 2004-05 HRA-NCA Speaker Series. New FLSA rules went into effect on August 23. Is your organization in compliance? Find out what the new regs really say and what steps you must take to keep the Department of Labor at bay. Take the mystery out of this much-discussed topic and go from confused...to in compliance!

HRA-NCA is proud to announce the publishing of its 2004 Compensation Survey Report, representing the data on over 290 jobs reported by 300 companies in the greater Washington DC area. An executive overview of the survey will be presented at Compensation 2004, a FREE seminar on September 21 (9-11 am). All HR practitioners involved in compensation or benefits will want to attend this seminar. Surveys purchased before September 17 may be picked up at the seminar.

Job audit madness driving you crazy?! You can get all your questions answered at this 3-hour seminar on October 5. It will provide you with practical advice on the steps to follow to determine if your company complies with the new FLSA regulations. This workshop will handle specific jobs and questions submitted in advance. Early registration ensures you a discount!

HRA-NCA is excited to announce a spectacular, local one-day conference designed to help you start 2005 with all the latest information you need for your HR job. Three five-session tracks and a vendor expo will give you plenty of time to learn and network. Featured speaker, Mark Gorkin, the "Stress Doc," author of Practice Safe Stress: Healing and Laughing in the Face of Stress, Burnout & Depression will kick-off the conference at 8:30 am on January 28, 2005. Sponsorships and vendor space are still available for interested companies, but contact us soon for the best choices.

HRA-NCA is pleased to announce a PHR/SPHR Professional Certification Preparation class starting in February 2005 to prepare you for the April testing window. These classes, taught by Paul Shibelski, SPHR, will provide an intensive HR review by highlighting areas that may require further study, providing a forum for shared discussions and enriching test-taking skills. Classes begin February 18th. You must register by Wednesday, February 4, 2005.

HRA sponsors two types of scholarships: academic scholarships for full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate degree candidates majoring in human resources and related areas and a PHR/SPHR certification scholarship for HRA- NCA's PHR/SPHR Professional Certification Preparation class. We are now accepting applications.

You may look up these and other members' information in the HRA-NCA online membership directory, using various search categories. Log in through the "Member Login" on the HRA-NCA Web site home page. Keep your membership record up-to- date so we don't lose touch!

New Positions and Certifications

• Beatrice Camino, Human Resources Generalist, Quadel Consulting Group
• Angela Carpenter, Director, Human Resources, Development Gateway Foundation
• Holly Clark, SPHR, Director, Human Resources, SHRM
• Patsy Porter, SPHR, Director, Human Resources, Pal-Tech, Inc.

• Cheryl DeSantis, Communication Consultant, Watson Wyatt Worldwide
• Anne Vandegrift, PHR, Manager, Human Resources, Investment Company Institute
• Patricia Richardson, Regional Sales Manager, Charles E. Smith Residential

HRA-NCA invites organizations to sponsor our newsletter - or any of the following: chapter meetings, the January 28th conference, the Web site, etc. Interested? Contact Bob Corlett, HRA-NCA's Vice President, Marketing and Community Relations, or click here. For information on sponsoring the conference, click here. For this issue, we sincerely thank the following three sponsors.

Worldwide ERC®, the authority on workforce mobility, issues hosts a premier industry educational and networking event, the Global Workforce Symposium. It's critical for HR professionals to attend and network with industry leaders to benchmark, strategize and share answers to US and international workforce mobility issues. Participate in this comprehensive program to develop your personal and career skills. In 3 days you'll have access to dynamic speakers, 40+ sessions, and an exhibit hall. Register today!

Troy University is pleased to announce the addition of the Master of Science in Human Resources Management to its list of graduate degree offerings in the Washington DC area. Stop by one of our information sessions, either September 8 or 29, to learn about how TROY offers graduate students affordable cost with the flexibility of an accelerated program that can be finished in 15 months. HRM professor Dr. Heisler will also be available to answer your questions online from 12 noon to 1:00 pm on Tuesday, September 7, and Tuesday, September 28. Visit www.troyst.edu or call Susan Manthey at 703-781-7044 for more details. Registration starts soon!

SSi Consulting is the Mid- Atlantic leader in Human Resources Management Software Consulting. Do HR administration tasks keep you from engaging in top-level strategic planning? You may need a system to support your crucial HR and/or payroll functions. Implementing ABRA Suite can reduce HR costs through more efficient management of projects and data, while providing more robust reports to management. And, with ABRA Workforce Connections, tedious data entry, manual paperwork, and disconnected departments are a thing of the past with online Employee Self Service and Benefits Enrollment. Call 1-800-886-3369 x4618 or visit www.ssiconsulti ng.com for product information and upcoming events!