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President’s Message

    October 14, 2015

    No surprise, there’s an aging workforce and it’s evident in the number of retirements occurring now and on the horizon for the next few years. It’s important, now more than ever, to motivate, educate and inspire young people into the career of Human Resources.

    AVHRA has been a long-time supporter of HR students and has re-energized its commitment to students through a partnership with Central Washington University (CWU) and its SHRM Student Chapter. Staci Sleigh-Layman adds extreme value in this effort as an AVHRA Board Member responsible for College Relations at CWU where she is the Executive Director for Human Resources.

    AVHRA is providing financial support to students engaging in HR studies, including the sponsorship of CWU students’ attendance at SHRM and AVHRA events. We also established a formal scholarship which is administered through the Community Foundation of North Central Washington for high school students seeking further education opportunities in HR.

    These young people are our future business leaders and HR professionals. And I want to introduce you to a local 7th grade boy, Luke Tate, who is aspiring to make a difference in the business world. Luke is an intelligent young man, very inquisitive and motivated, and academically advanced for his age.

    Luke is heading to Washington DC with his school this year and will have the opportunity to see where representatives and senators work and vote on bills, nominations, resolutions, and treaties. He will learn, first hand, how these laws impact business, employees and human resource professionals.

    Luke has his sights on a professional business career and enjoys the different opportunities in the human resources arena.  Luke’s been raised on “HR” – his mom is Hana Tate, a HR professional and AVHRA board member for many years.

    If you know a young person working hard to make things happen for him or herself or others, I encourage you to support them in their aspirations and goals. I believe that developing the creative and innovative potential of young people through non-formal learning is an incredible investment.

    Luke is funding his journey to Washington DC in a variety of fundraising events this fall. His first event is Krispy Kreme doughnut sales – at $12.00 a dozen and personal delivery, it’s a treat you can’t pass up.  Place your order by November 5th to hanatate2001@yahoo.com with DOUGHNUTS in the subject line and Luke will respond with more information.  Local work or home deliveries will be made on Friday, November 13.