Seasonal Human

Resources Association

SHRA 2007 Attendees on the Nepenthe Deck in Big Sur CA
Photo: A handful of SHRA 2007 Attendees on the deck at Nepenthe in Big Sur CA

Welcome to the world of Seasonal Human Resources! It's the niche of a huge industry that comes with revolving doors, paperwork, peoplework and many things in between. The past 20 years have seen an AMAZING collection of HUMAN resource-fuls come and go in the world of SHRA. What a ride it has been! Sometimes the relationships last as long as one conference and sometimes the relationships have outlasted the jobs. Thanks for coming along and taking a look at what the SHRA connection can do for you!

The Seasonal Human Resources Association (SHRA) was launched in 1989, as a result of discussions held at the National Park Hospitality Association annual conference.

Throughout the last 20 years, the members of SHRA have grown to include human resource and operations representatives from national park concessioners, as well as resorts, cruise lines, ski areas and more. We welcome the opportunity to have new participants join us.

Members share a common interest in HR issues specific to seasonal employment, including recruiting, retention, staffing, training, employment law, orientation and onboarding, housing, benefits, recreation, policies and procedures.

WOW - that ocean is big!

A conference is scheduled each fall, with the goal of continued education, legal updates and networking. Consider the conference as a chance to break free of the desk that calls to you 24/7 - when you have the chance to leave that behind, if only for a day or two, you have the chance to breathe in fresh air, new ideas, give perspective to your job, the industry, your property. You'll return to your desk with the life-blood flowing once again.

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Past participants have ranged from seasoned veterans to HR newcomers, and the mix is always entertaining and insightful. The conference offers an ideal opportunity to review the past season, pick up new ideas, share successes, participate in workshops and share face time with others who have similar work-place challenges. The conference location changes each year.

2008 - Join Us in PORTLAND for our 20th Anniversary Conference!

"The Changing Face(s) of Seasonal Human Resources"

The 20th Annual Seasonal Human Resources Conference will be held at McMenamin's Edgefield. The Edgefiled is located in the Pacific Norhwest, just outside of Portland, Oregon. Edgefield is a unique property - originally built as the County Poor Farm, it signified a place of healing and refuge. Today, Edgefield continues this tradition, as it produces many of its own items including fresh ales, wines, fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs. This unique village is a spirited place to enjoy the tranquil pleasures of life.

Plan to arrive by early evening Sunday, October 26, 2008. (Participants are responsible for individual flight/transportation arrangements.) The Edgefield is located 20 minutes east of downtown Portland off Interstate 84, at the west entrance of the Columbia River Gorge, 15 minutes from the Portland International Airport. We'll orchestrate a casual get together for Sunday evening.

Monday and Tuesday, October 27th and 28th will be packed full with conference sessions from 9 AM - 5 PM, including group lunches, with dinners scheduled in the early evening. Breakfast will be scheduled prior to the 9 AM session.

Wednesday, October 29th , Conference sessions scheduled from 8 AM - Noon, including breakfast. We will conclude the official conference at noon to allow for flexibility in scheduling. Rooms are blocked at the Edgefield including the night of the 29th, so you're encouraged to stick around if possible. A tradition at SHRA is to have a group activity for less formal networking opportunities and this will take place on the afternoon of the 29th. According to our very own SHRA/Portland connection, "There are lots of great hikes just east of the Edgefield, plus wine tasting, and adorable Hood River for exploring." Don't pass up this opportunity to mingle with your SHRA friends! We'll get as many SHRA folks as possible together for a group no-host dinner off property Wednesday evening.

Plan your departure for Thursday, October 30th. No conference activities are scheduled for this day, so you are free to make travel arrangements as needed (or continue on an extended Northwest adventure!)

LODGING INFORMATION: Individual lodging reservations at the Edgefield must be made by each SHRA attendee ~ this is in addition to the Conference Registration as noted below.

Edgefield Notes: " The stately main Edgefield building (circa 1911), is a national historic landmark. Our expansive 38-acre estate includes 114 guest rooms and two 12-person hostel rooms along with restaurants, small bars, gift shop & espresso bar, vineyard, meeting rooms a movie theatre, golf course, massage, gardens and more. All rooms are non-smoking. McMenamin's Edgefield is pleased to offer guests free wirelss internet access in our meeting and event spaces and several of the pubs. "

We currently have rooms blocked at the Edgefield, awaiting our individual reservations. Queen rate: $50 / King rate: $75. TO MAKE LODGING RESERVATIONS, please call the Edgefield at 503.669.8610 or 877.492.2777 and identify yourself as a SHRA Conference attendee. Access on-line reservations here. There is a 48 hour cancellation policy. Check out Edgefield's Web Site for additional details.

Agenda Items (subject to updates) for the 2008 Conference include:

  • Legal Update and Workshop ~ Employment Law presentation - Mark Berry, partner with Davis, Wright and Tremaine, LLC
  • The Strategic value of HR - Explore the present and future implications of environmental, organizational and industry changes on Seasonal HR - Jack Kondrasuk, Associate Professor, University of Portland School of Business Administration
  • Cross recruiting efforts between summer and winter employers
  • Succession Planning - Examine the existing talent in your department/orgainzation, create a professional development plan, and anticipate external conditions that may affect future organizational needs - Dian Cipollaro, MA. LPC - FUNdamental Training Solutions
  • Social Awareness - Web 2.0 and encouraging your employees to be good stewards
  • When HR is Not So Much Fun - First hand reflection on HR's role when responding to employee-related tragedies
  • The Strategic Value of HR - Hear from current industry executives about what HR brings to the table
  • HR record keeping - updates, options and practices
  • The Greening of HR - hear from Reed College Housing Reps and learn about their new "green" dorms
  • International Employee Session - J1 student market update, with additional H2B information
  • A Christian Ministry in the National Parks ~ 2008 in review
  • CoolWorks User Group - optional - chance to scheme/inquire

    As always, the sessions are geared toward personal and professional development, with the seasonal hospitality industry in mind. Networking with peers who are on the same page continues to be the highlight of the conference.

Registration for the Conference is $499 per person. This Registration Fee covers conference fees, speakers, materials, group breakfasts M/T/W, lunch and dinner on M/T, and conference breaks. Click here to download a 2008 Conference Registration Form.

We look forward to having you join us in Portland! Call or e-mail with questions or concerns.

_______________________________________

2007 Sessions Included:
Big Sur Field Trip

Legal Update and Workshop ~ Mark Berry, partner with Davis, Wright and Tremain, LLC

"Building the Pyramid of Success: Strategies to Develop Employees Who ROCK" , Dina Cipollaro of FUNdamental Training Solutions

"EE 24/7 ~ The HR Job That Starts When Employees Clock Out" Nathan Russell and Joe Ardito of YMCA of the Rockies

"Marketing Your Jobs With Generational Focus" Candace Hassinger, Xanterra Parks & Resorts in Yellowstone

"Beneficially Speaking: Your Must's, Your Should's and Your Might Want To's " Kari Quaas, former benefits manager at Princess Tours

International Employee Session - Visas, Markets, Where the $$ Goes, Preparing Your Managers for Int'l Staff, Student Orientations, Meet a J1 Student

A Christian Ministry in the National Parks ~ 2007 in review

CoolWorks User Group - optional - chance to scheme/inquire

2006 Sessions Included:

"Back to Your Roots: Developing Your Own Mission Statement"
Employment Law Update and Workshop
"Who's Running The Show? Preparing the Next Generation for Leadership"
"Journey To A Hate Free Millenium"
"Top 10 Challenges fro Today's HR"
Technology Demands of Today's Employees
International Employment Updates and Challenges

PRIOR CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:

International Jeopardy










Photos: 2003 Conference at the LaFonda Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Previous Conference Sessions have included the following topics:

Legal Update
Speed Networking
Generational Leadership

Guest Service Training
Putting First Things First

Personality Profiles
Terrorism and Its Effect on Who and How We Hire
Technology Update
ACMNP

Best Practices/Biggest Nightmares
Residence Life/Programming
Employee Assistance Programs
Recruiting/Retention/Orientation
International Employees
International Jeopardy
Leadership
Benefits
Cultural Consideration in Working with Native American Populations
Drug Testing
National Park Concession Contract Updates
Disaster Preparedness
Wage Comparisons


"Ode to the Employee" as created during the 2000 final event

Oh, employee
how we love thee
let us count the ways
we love you when 
you complete the contract
when you pass the drug test
oh, thou art so committed
oh, thou return
and bringeth your identification
oh, come with many friends
and stick around until the end
You're a pain in my ass
whether you're making up beds or picking up glass
you leave so early
and drink so much
how we need you so much
if you return next year
we'll buy you a beer
scream you a cheer
have no fear
don't let the door hit you in the rear
Hello mother, hello father
dear Aunt Betty, dear Aunt Sally
here I am at Camp Death Valley
although I came here to make money
I very quickly met my honey
in this valley oh so sunny
now my job is not so funny
had to get this off my chest
I fear I failed my pee test
Oh how we love thee
we need you every summer
without you it's a bummer
the j-1's save our butts
they take us out of ruts
you boost our liquor sales
especially our macho males
when the season approaches
we look for your roaches
when you pee in a cup
we wish you good luck
as the end of the season nears
we'll all shed a tear
Employee, employee
oh our employee
oh how we desire thee
we wander & we search
we even look in the church
when we find you
we keep you, 
house you  & feed you
your wants are our command
come to our scenic land
all that we request ~
you do your best when serving our guests
 

Photo: 2000  SHRA Fall Conference Attendees in Death Valley


SHRA Conference History:

1989 ~ Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
1990 ~ Las Vegas, Nevada
1991 ~ Lake Powell, Arizona
1992 ~ Zion National Park, Utah
1993 ~ Estes Park, Colorado
1994 ~ Bozeman, Montana
1995 ~ Yosemite National Park, CaliforniaDave waving from Lolly the Trolley in Acadia
1996 ~ Acadia National Park, Maine
1997 ~ Arizona Golf Resort, Mesa, Arizona
1998 ~ Lake Quinalt Lodge, Washington
1999 ~ Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
2000 ~ Death Valley National Park, California
2001 ~ Wahweap Lodge, Lake Powell, Arizona
2002 ~ Sequoia National Park, California
2003 ~ Santa Fe, New Mexico
2004 ~ Park City, Utah
2005 ~ South Lake Tahoe, California
2006 ~ Seward, Alaska
2007 ~ Big Sur, California
2008 ~ Portland, Oregon

2002 Conference Attendees in SequoiaParticipating Organizations:

Acadia Corp
A Christian Ministry in the National Parks
ARAMARK - Denali Park Resorts
ARAMARK - Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas
ARAMARK - Lake Quinalt Lodge
ARAMARK - Lake Tahoe
ARAMARK - Mesa Verde
ARAMARK - Shenandoah
Crested Butte Ski Resort
Custer State Park Resorts
Deer Valley Resort
Delaware North Park Services ~ Grand Canyon
Delaware North Park Services ~ Sequoia
Delaware North Park Services ~ Yellowstone General Stores
Delaware North Park Services ~ Yosemite Concession Services
Forever/NPC Resorts, LLC
Glacier Bay Cruiselines
Glacier Park Inc
Grand Teton Lodge Company
Guest Services Inc - Mount Rainier
Hatchet Resort
Holiday Inn - Estes Park
Las Vegas Bay Marina
Lindblad Expeditions
Mammoth Mountain
Princess Tours
Rodeway Inn - Red Feather Lodge
Ruby's Inn
Sequoia-Kings Canyon Parks Services
Signal Mountain Lodge
Sol Duc Hot Springs
St Mary Lodge Resort
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation
Xanterra Parks & Resorts ~ Corporate
Xanterra Parks & Resorts ~ Crater Lake
Xanterra Parks & Resorts ~ Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort
Xanterra Parks & Resorts ~ Grand Canyon NP Lodges
Xanterra Parks & Resorts ~ Mt Rushmore National Memorial
Xanterra Parks & Resorts ~ Utah Parks
Xanterra Parks & Resorts ~ Yellowstone NP Lodges
Yellowstone Park Service Stations
YMCA of the Rockies

Questions about SHRA can be addressed to:

Patty Ceglio Bishoff, SHRA Conference Coordinator
PO Box 751 Gardiner MT 59030
Phone: 406.848.2380  FAX: 888.276.1582
E-mail: patty@coolworks.com

 



Photo: 1999 SHRA Conference at the Grand Canyon 

How time flies! - 1995 Conference Participants in Yosemite at the Awahnee