Northstar Chapter News:  A Look at the First Half of 2003 Highlights

It has been a busy first half of 2003 for our Chapter.  Several topics of interest to payroll professionals were presented at the monthly meetings, a few of which were covered this year for the very first time.

At the February meeting, a panel of speakers from several local employers discussed the use of Shared Services Centers as a mechanism for improving an organization’s efficiency by providing their employees with centralized, one-stop help with fringe benefits and other human resources questions.

The March meeting offered an extended ½ day session on the topic of Data Privacy Requirements.  Presenters by Deluxe Corporation and the University of Minnesota addressed numerous aspects of employee data privacy, including the new HIPPA laws, the recent rise in identity theft, and personnel records management and retention.

In April, Sharlene Smith, CPP and Karen Kline, CPP presented an overview of the complexities regarding international workers.  Karen discussed the issues involved in paying aliens working in the US, while Sharlene focused on the special concerns related to paying American citizens working abroad (expatriates).

Our speaker in May, Mary Kate Cole of UMACHA, talked about recent development in the ACH network, as well as rules for originating bank deposits and ideas for increasing direct deposit participation levels.

The topic in June was Intergenerational Dynamics in the Workplace.  This fun and fascinating discussion by Lisa Dau of the University of Minnesota stressed the idea that the time period in which an employee grew up has a huge impact on the attitudes, behaviors, and skill sets they bring to the work environment.  Recognizing the inter-generational differences that inherently exist between employees can help us to interact with each other in a more positive fashion.  

The July meeting held a jam-packed agenda.   Marsha Smith, outgoing President, conducted the annual Business Meeting and officially turned over the helm to incoming President Sharlene Smith.  Our newest group of CPPs was formally recognized, and the new board members were introduced.  Marsha announced that we have adopted the new Siouxland APA chapter, representing South Dakota payroll professionals, as our sister chapter, and Terry Meggitt, CPP is taking the lead in mentoring their development.  The presentation topic, “Motivating Employees”, was conducted by a team of professionals from Robert Half and Accountemps.

Not to be outdone, the remainder of the year promises even more activity, with our state-wide full-day Fall Conference and the annual ½ day “Preparing for Year-End” meeting.  Stay tuned!