Shue, Michiana SHRM 
honored

The Michiana chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management recently won three awards for professional excellence. The chapter includes Niles resident, former Dowagiac resident and graduate of Dowagiac Union High School, Eileen Shue.
As part of the 17th annual HR Indiana conference, which recognized winners of Indiana’s HR professional, HR volunteers and chapter of the year awards. The Indiana State Council of SHRM presented the Award for Professional Excellence. The award recognizes an individual who applies creative management
concepts to improve performance, advance the profession and promote the understanding of HR Management.
Shue, has worked in the field of human resources for more than 20 years
and currently holds the position of Vice President of Corporate Resources for The Sterling Group.
She is a member of the South Bend based Michiana SHRM chapter. She is also past president emeritus of the chapter and has been on the board for 10 years, currently holding the position of public relations representative. Eileen also chairs the business continuity and disaster preparedness committee and as such, is a member of the St. Joseph County Pandemic Influenza Working Group.
She is active in the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce and was the first female member and female officer of a local Elks club. She represented SHRM as a panelist at 2011 Public Health Preparedness Summit, “Partnering
with Business in Pandemic Preparedness: The Critical Role of Human Resource Policies” and co-presented with other SHRM representatives at the 2009 Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy Conference: “Keeping the World Working During the H1N1 Pandemic.”
The Chapter of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding achievements in chapter development and contributions to the advancement of effective HR management and was presented to Michiana SHRM.
Michiana SHRM has partnered with the Bridges Out of Poverty agency in St. Joseph County to help eliminate the high rate of women continuing the cycle of poverty in their community. They have implemented a human resource certification scholarship program in 2011 in addition to awarding two scholarships to current human resource students.
The Michiana Chapter was also presented with the 2011 Indiana Pinnacle Award for their partnership and achievements with the Bridges Out of Poverty Initiative.

Two Niles grads join Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance

The Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance (SMEGA) recently welcomed two Niles High School graduates to its staff.
Maddie Stelter, currently a business student at Southwestern Michigan College (SMC) and Katie Furner, who holds a degree in design and graphic art technology also from SMC.
Stelter brings skills and an interest in business development and has already completed a number of projects over the summer and is currently developing a Berrien County Manufacturers database that will enable the organization to better promote companies and position southwest Michigan as the place for high-level, diverse manufacturing companies to grow and prosper. She  has also been updating the general database, the SMEGA and BCMC websites, and SMEGA and Business Expo Facebook pages.
Furner has taken on the business management aspects of the office and has implemented changes that the organization said increased efficiency and the ability to respond to business and information requests. Furner will also use her graphic design skills to help update office brochures and other marketing materials.

Grand openings

The Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate two grand openings and ribbon cuttings this week. Inspired by You, located at 24 N. 4th St. in Niles will hold its official grand opening ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 11 a.m.
Jimmy John’s, located at 1260 S. 11th St. in Niles will celebrate its grand opening ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 11 a.m.
Opening remarks and a brief ribbon cutting ceremony will be held by members of the chamber of commerce, company and city officials. The public is invited.

Lakeland HealthCare offers Worksite Flu Immunization Program

Lakeland’s Worksite Flu Immunization Program can help maximize employee health protection through the flu season and minimize employee absenteeism. Worksite flu clinics are conducted by registered nurses who adhere to Lakeland’s quality and service standards. Flu clinics start in early October.
Benefits to Organizations include:
• Decrease the spread of influenza to co-workers
• Decrease employee presenteeism / absenteeism
• Reduced potential associated medical / insurance costs
• Reduce cost of replacement personnel
• Increase productivity
Benefits to Employees include:
• Provide an opportunity to receive the flu vaccine in a convenient location
• Decrease the risk of catching the influenza virus
• Decrease the spread of flu to family members
• Increase the chances of having a “flu-free” Christmas and winter vacation
For more information on scheduling a flu clinic, e-mail Melissa Schultz at mschultz@lakelandregional.org or call (269) 927-5275.