Q2 2026 Newsletter

President's Report

Lead, Serve, and Grow with STAHR

One of the greatest strengths of STAHR is the dedication of members who choose to go beyond attendance and step into service—by volunteering on the Board or serving on a committee.  These volunteers play a vital role in shaping our programs, strengthening our professional community, and ensuring STAHR continues to thrive.

Serving in a volunteer leadership role offers meaningful benefits.  Board and committee service provides opportunities to develop leadership skills, expand your professional network, share your expertise, and directly influence the direction and impact of STAHR. Many of our volunteers share that the experience, connections, and sense of purpose gained through service are among the most rewarding aspects of their STAHR membership.

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our current Board and committee members.  Your commitment, time, and hard work do not go unnoticed.  The success of our programs, events, and initiatives is a direct result of your dedication and willingness to serve.

Call for Board Nominations

As we look ahead, STAHR is seeking nominees for upcoming Board positions. We encourage you to consider nominating yourself or a fellow member who would be a strong leader and advocate for our organization. Whether you are new to STAHR or a long‑time member, your perspective and talents are valuable, and your involvement can make a meaningful difference.

Please respond to the call for Board nominations and submit your nomination to Aaron Reeves ([email protected]) by May 31, 2026.  Your participation helps ensure a strong, engaged leadership team for the future of STAHR.

Thank you for being an active part of our professional community and for supporting the mission of STAHR.

Best regards,

Sandy Jones, SHRM-SCP

President

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Welcome New Members

 We want to say a big “Welcome!” to our most recent STAHR members:

They heard that STAHR offers many benefits at a low cost:

STAHR is committed to the community in which we live and work. We build local connections as we navigate an ever-changing HR world. Do you want to develop your career while learning from others who understand the challenges we face here in the Southern Tier? Do you want to develop lifelong friendships? Join today!

How do you become a STAHR member? It’s easy! Just visit our website at: https://stahrshrm.com/join.php. Do you know colleagues who haven’t joined yet? Send them to our website to check out membership benefits.

For corporate memberships, please contact STAHR president Sandy Jones, Treasurer Lisa Downey, or me at [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you at our next event!

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Calendar of Events

Join us on Thursday, June 11, 2026, as STAHR welcomes Broome–Tioga Workforce NY for an informative and practical discussion on workforce solutions available to Southern Tier employers. This is an excellent opportunity for HR and hiring leaders to connect directly with workforce development experts and explore mutually beneficial partnerships.

Speaker details will be announced soon. We hope you’ll join us for this timely and valuable conversation!

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Connect with us!

Building strong connections between students and local professionals is key to developing the next generation of HR and business leaders. At Binghamton University, students gain a solid academic foundation—but partnerships with organizations like the Southern Tier Association for Human Resources help bring that learning to life.

Through collaboration, students can access valuable opportunities such as networking events, guest speaker sessions, internships, and mentorship programs. These experiences allow students to engage directly with HR professionals in the Southern Tier, gaining insight into real-world challenges and best practices that go far beyond the classroom.

As of the start of 2026, STAHR has seen increased interest and participation from the Binghamton University student chapter. This growing engagement is an encouraging sign that students recognize the value of connecting early with industry professionals. STAHR looks forward to continuing this partnership and expanding opportunities to involve even more students in the years ahead.

For employers and STAHR members, partnering with the university creates a direct pipeline to emerging talent. It’s an opportunity to share knowledge, support workforce development, and identify future employees who are eager to contribute and grow within the local business community.

Strengthening the connection between campus and community benefits everyone involved. Students gain experience and confidence, employers gain access to motivated talent, and the Southern Tier continues to grow a strong, locally rooted workforce.

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Workforce Readiness

Helping New Graduates Start Strong at Your Organization

Each spring, college and high school graduates enter the workforce with energy and potential. Many are eager to make a good impression, but they may not yet understand how work really operates day to day. Employers play a powerful role in helping these new hires begin with confidence rather than confusion.

The first step is to set clear expectations early. New graduates often struggle not because they lack ability, but because they do not know what “good” looks like in a workplace. Be very specific about schedules, communication norms, deadlines, and how success is measured. What feels obvious to experienced staff may be completely new to someone in their first full time job.

Structure matters more than employers sometimes realize. A thoughtful first week sets the tone for everything that follows. Make sure new hires know where to go, who to ask for help, and how their role fits into the bigger picture. Even simple steps like a written agenda for the first few days can reduce stress and build trust.

 Supervisors also play a key role. Many graduates are used to frequent feedback in school and may assume silence means they are falling short. Encourage managers to check in regularly, especially in the first few months. Short conversations about what is going well and what can improve help new employees learn faster and feel supported.

 Professional communication, time management, and accountability are still developing for many young workers. Rather than assuming these skills, take time to teach them. Explain how meetings work, when email is appropriate, and how to handle mistakes. Clear guidance prevents frustration on both sides.

 Helping graduates start on the right foot is about building a strong foundation. When organizations provide clarity, structure, and support, new employees become productive faster and are far more likely to stay and grow with the business.

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Member News

STAHR leaders recently participated in the 2026 NYS SHRM Volunteer Summit — just one example of the opportunities available to members who want to get more involved. Whether helping at events, joining a committee, or serving on the board, volunteers are the heart of this organization.

Getting involved is a great way to connect with the Southern Tier HR community and grow your skills. To learn more, email [email protected].

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