By Mike Cass
President, BC HRMA

Once a year, we gather – and it makes a difference for our entire profession.  With the upcoming BC HRMA Conference and Tradeshow just around the corner, the theme of “Founding Our Future” is all the more relevant.

These are exciting times for us, both as HR professionals and members of the BC Human Resources Management Association. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the conference and the 70th year of our association.

Once again, the conference organizing committee has managed to engage top speakers and arranged for many networking events that I am sure you will find very beneficial and enlightening.  The underlying message of “People, Passion, Profit” is both timeless and one into which HR has grown.  “Founding Our Future” takes on even greater significance in this light, as we acknowledge our evolution and accomplishments as HR professionals.

Some of us have been around long enough to have experienced and even contributed to the great shift in the human resources practice.  Many of us remember the former ‘industrial relations officer’ or ‘personnel manager’ roles that hallmarked the early years. Looking back, I truly see how far HR has come and the key role we are positioned to play in the future.

I think of how transactional we once were in our actions. Today, when I look around, I see a true paradigm shift in our profession.  The trend is certainly strategic, rather than transactional.  There is truly a marked shift in the thinking of business leaders when it comes to involving HR at the strategic, decision-making level.

How did that happen? By chance? Not by a long shot.  Are we fully there yet?  No, but we are well on our way. A large portion of that credit is due to you as HR professionals and BC HRMA as an association that continues to set the standards for industry excellence.  The continued success and strategic focus of our profession is one we share, especially at events such as the 50th Anniversary Conference and Tradeshow.

Coming back to the core of people, passion and profit, I believe it illustrates the great responsibility we share.  The future is in our hands, hearts and heads to found and it is we who must drive the continued focus on improvement.  More strategic alignment of ‘people’ resources is mandatory for businesses to turn a profit. In this light, people drive the quest for success in any business; driving with passion makes for a world of difference.  Great HR is the key.

How often have you noticed the difference in certain outcomes when you can see and feel the urgency for change, when the passion that people have in the desired outcomes is evidenced in everything they do?  If you do so on a daily basis already, the congratulations. If not, well, isn’t that the place where you would rather work?  Again, HR makes the difference.

I welcome you to continue to be part of this drive for success.  Show your passion for your profession and for yourself!   I hope to see you at the BC HRMA Conference, April 25-27 and join in on the great sessions and networking opportunities.

This is your event – participate, be active, and support our sponsors in the tradeshow as they make your conference a complete event.

I look forward to seeing you at the Conference.

Mike Cass
president@bchrma.org