Events

2025 Employee Health Benefits Market & Trend Updates with Kristen Harder

When
Thursday, May 15, 2025
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location
McKenna Children's Museum, 801 W. San Antonio, New Braunfels

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Kristen Harder

2025 Employee Health Benefits Market & Trend Updates

Senior Vice President & Employee Benefits Consultant, HUB International Texas

Kristen Harder has served the insurance industry since 2005 and brings a carrier background as well as a passion for healthcare. She loves to serve and help people. Kristen joined Catto & Catto in 2013 and was a partner of the firm until the merger with HUB International in December of 2021. She enjoys making a difference and adding clarity into the insurance space through her depth of understanding in the healthcare industry and how that lends itself to the overall patient or member experience. Kristen is eager to build relationships and to analyze and understand each company and their people, culture and needs. She and the HUB team customize each insurance program centered around what is important to each individual organization, with budgets and market benchmarking in mind. Kristen leads her clients and excels when asked to explore and to provide new ideas and perspectives to employers. Her consumer centric focus will always consider the end user (the employee) as well. She and the HUB team provide white glove customer service and value the enrollment experience, especially when educating your employees about their employee health benefits. Kristen received her Bachelors degree in Family & Consumer Sciences from Texas State University. She holds Life, Accident, Health & HMO and Property & Casualty licenses. Kristen is a 2015 graduate of the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lab, Past Chairman of the Resolute Health Hospital Governing Board, President of the Hope Hospice Board, Member of the Board of Trustees for New Braunfels Christian Academy, Communities in Schools of South Central Texas volunteer, and a member of the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce. She and her family are also members of Oakwood Church in New Braunfels. Kristen is married to Russell Harder and the proud mother of three boys.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

For our HR and Safety Conference

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

https://www.hrandsafetycongress.com

https://www.hillcountryhrma.org/event-5992477

Hill Country Human Resource Management Association will be presenting the inaugural HR + Safety Congress at the City of San Marcos Conference Center on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. This conference will be bringing together Human Resource Professionals, Business Owners, Safety Leaders, Risk Managers and Community Members to discuss important topics such as Safety, Mental Health, Risk Management, and Emergency Preparedness. This one-day conference aims to educate attendees on best practices in workplace safety, effective risk management strategies and how to be prepared for emergencies in the workplace.

The HR + Safety Congress is a must-attend event for anyone interested in advancing their knowledge and skills in workplace safety, risk management, and emergency preparedness. With a focus on education and networking, this conference promises to be a valuable and informative experience for all who attend.

Join us on September 23rd as we learn how to build a safer workplace and community together.

https://www.hrandsafetycongress.com

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Workplace Safety Awareness Proclamation to Hays County Commissioners Court

When
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
9:00 AM
Location
Hays County Courthouse 111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos, Texas

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Join Members of Hill Country Human Resource Management Association as we present our Workplace Safety Awareness Proclamation to Hays County Commissioners Court on May 20th.

Agenda:
Attend In Person: 111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos, Texas (Hays County Courthouse - Room 301)
Listen Live: Commissioners Court Live Stream

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

For our HR and Safety Conference

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

https://www.hrandsafetycongress.com

https://www.hillcountryhrma.org/event-5992477

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Overview of Recent U.S. Immigration Policy Changes

When
Thursday, June 12, 2025
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location
801 West San Antonio Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130

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Amanda R. Goodman

_{Immigration Attorney, Ogletree Deakins}

_{Overview of Recent U.S. Immigration Policy Changes}

Why It Matters:
This presentation highlights key shifts in U.S. immigration policy that directly impact global mobility, workforce planning, and compliance for U.S. employers. Topics include evolving regulations on employment-based visas, increased enforcement and worksite audits, executive orders under legal challenge, and new compliance mandates for non-citizen employees. HR leaders will gain insights into how these changes affect visa processing, I-9 verification, international hiring, employee travel, and internal compliance strategies. Staying ahead of these developments is critical to mitigating risk and maintaining operational continuity.

Key Topics Covered:

Recent Shifts in U.S. Immigration Policies
Impact on Employment-Based Visas
Executive Orders and Legal Challenges
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
DHS Non-Citizen Registration Requirement
Travel Considerations and Border Policy
Employee Travel and Interview Waiver Eligibility
Forecasting Potential Travel Bans and Consular Closures
Increased Emphasis on Enforcement
Worksite Enforcement Actions

Bio

As a trusted advisor to multinational corporations, financial

institutions, universities, hospitals, startups, and individuals, I bring

over fifteen years of experience navigating the complexities of U.S.

immigration law. My expertise spans all phases of non-immigrant and

immigrant visa classifications, with a proven track record of managing

high-stakes, time-sensitive cases that drive results for clients across

diverse industries.

Education

J.D., New York Law School, 2007

B.A., St. Lawrence University, 2004

S P E E C H E S

Ogletree Deakins Employment Law Briefing

“Navigating the New Administration’s Immigration Policies”

Ogletree Deakins Webinar

“H-1B Lottery Demystified: Tips and Tactics for Employers ”

Ogletree Deakins Briefing

“Headline News: Immigration Law Developments”

Ogletree Deakins Podcast

“Immigration in the Life Sciences: Visa Categories in Groundbreaking

Ogletree Deakins Webinar

“Preparing for the H-1B Lottery: USCIS Updates, Best Practices, and Tips for Success”

H O N O R S & A W A R D S

Recognized as a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ for Immigration Law (2025)

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

For our HR and Safety Conference

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

https://www.hrandsafetycongress.com

https://www.hillcountryhrma.org/event-5992477

Recent Shifts in U.S. Immigration Policies
Impact on Employment-Based Visas
Executive Orders and Legal Challenges
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
DHS Non-Citizen Registration Requirement
Travel Considerations and Border Policy
Employee Travel and Interview Waiver Eligibility
Forecasting Potential Travel Bans and Consular Closures
Increased Emphasis on Enforcement
Worksite Enforcement Actions

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Navigating The Hard Conversations - Alise Isabell

When
Thursday, July 17, 2025
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location
McKenna Center, 801 W. San Antonio, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Registered
Be the first

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Alise Isbell

Navigating The Hard Conversations

How do you tell someone, "No," gracefully? How do we announce a change or give constructive feedback without making the situation worse? How do we coach managers to manage change with their employees? We all encounter difficult situations in the workplace. This advanced communication course blends written and interpersonal skills. Participants will learn how to present thoughts clearly, logically, appropriately and persuasively.

Learning Objectives

· Presents thoughts clearly, logically, appropriately and persuasively.

· Adjusts to the audience – frames messages in line with audience experience, background, and expectations; use terms, examples, and analogies that are meaningful to the audience.

· Ensures understanding – seeks input from audience; checks understanding; presents message in different ways to enhance understanding.

· Listens closely to messages and strives to grasp the meaning and importance behind them.

Alise Isbell is an award-wining communication expert, experienced trainer, facilitator and instructional designer. She empowers clients to transform ideas into clear messages.

She holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Business Communication. She published articles on effective communication in Nationwide Business Journals while also winning several IABC Bronze, Silver, Best in Division and Best in Show Quill Awards in Writing and Marketing Communication Strategy.

Alise is a member of the International Association for Business Communicators, Association for Talent Development, and SHRM/HR Houston, and Women’s Energy Network. She frequently speaks at these organizations.

As an independent business owner, Alise provides instructional design services on any topic. She carefully determines the current needs, defines the goals of training and creates materials to bridge the gap. Alise also delivers instructor-led training courses in person or online in five categories: written, spoken, interpersonal communication, train-the-trainer and microlearning.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

For our HR and Safety Conference

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

https://www.hrandsafetycongress.com

https://www.hillcountryhrma.org/event-5992477

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Mediation How To! With Dr. Ernesto Escobedo

When
Thursday, August 21, 2025
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location
McKenna Center, 801 W. San Antonio, New Braunfels, TX 78130

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Dr. Ernesto Escobedo

Former EEOC Mediator and President SA SHRM

Mediation - How To!

This presentation will cover mediation strategies, dos and dont's, process, tips for success, getting past impasse, ZOPA, BATNA, and other useful tips. In his work experience, Ernesto has learned to practice the elements of Emotional Intelligence, by Daniel Goleman.

By way of background, Ernesto served as President of San Antonio SHRM 2023 and other leadership roles.

In his 30-year professional career at EEOC, Ernesto worked as a Federal Investigator, Mediator, and Supervisor. Today, Ernesto provides training in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, ADA, ADEA, EPA, mediation, and conflict resolution. Also, Ernesto is an adjunct faculty at several universities in San Antonio, Texas.

Throughout his 30 years of federal government service, Ernesto received awards and recognitions, including from the President of the United States of America, US Congress, and Federal Executive Association. Prior to EEOC, Ernesto worked for the US Air Force, Wells Fargo Banks, and Honeywell, Inc. Ernesto has a BBA with Honors in Business Management, MBA in Business Administration, a PhD in Organization and Management - Business, and JD law degree executive program. Further, he is certified, SPHR, SHRM-SCP.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

For our HR and Safety Conference

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

https://www.hrandsafetycongress.com

https://www.hillcountryhrma.org/event-5992477

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Keys to a Relevant and Effective HR Strategy

When
Thursday, September 18, 2025
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location
McKenna Center, 801 W. San Antonio, New Braunfels, TX 78130

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Keys to a Relevant and Effective HR Strategy

Hong V Miller

Chief Human Capital Officer, U.S Army Futures Command

Ms. Hong Miller currently serves as the Chief Human Capital Officer for Army Futures Command in Austin, TX. She has worked in Human Resources management across the Department of Defense for over 35 years, leading strategic human resource management, developing and implementing employment and compensation policy, conducting workforce shaping through major resource reductions and reorganizations, and delivering operational human resource functions.

She will share her perspective on garnering value through strategic HR management. HR leaders must shift from the mindset of transactional service providers to strategic partners. Operating on the principle that people are the foundation of every organization, HR’s role of strategically managing people programs is pertinent to organizational success.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

For our HR and Safety Conference

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

https://www.hrandsafetycongress.com

https://www.hillcountryhrma.org/event-5992477

Show details

HR + Safety Conference

When
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Location
The City of San Marcos Conference Center 1001 East McCarty Lane San Marcos, TX 78666

Register

HR + SAFETY CONGRESS

SAVE YOUR SEAT! REGISTER TODAY!

Hill Country Human Resource Management Association will be presenting the inaugural HR + Safety Congress at the City of San Marcos Conference Center on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. This conference will be bringing together Human Resource Professionals, Business Owners, Safety Leaders, Risk Managers and Community Members to discuss important topics such as Safety, Mental Health, Risk Management, and Emergency Preparedness. This one-day conference aims to educate attendees on best practices in workplace safety, effective risk management strategies and how to be prepared for emergencies in the workplace.

The HR + Safety Congress is a must-attend event for anyone interested in advancing their knowledge and skills in workplace safety, risk management, and emergency preparedness. With a focus on education and networking, this conference promises to be a valuable and informative experience for all who attend.

Join us on September 23rd as we learn how to build a safer workplace and community together.

https://www.hrandsafetycongress.com

TRAUMA IN THE WORKPLACE - Jennifer Goodson

ACTIVE SHOOTER - HOW TO RESPOND - Jeff Jordan and Hays County SWAT Team

WORKERS COMPENSATION 101 - Amy Rich

INSIDER THREATS AND HOW HR CAN HELP PREVENT THEM - Kirk Burns

HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN OSHA SITE VISIT - John D. Surma and Frank Davis

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE -Jason Barrett, JD and Kyle Police Department

ACCOMMODATIONS UNDER THE ADA - Rodney Klein

HOW TO BUILD A SAFETY CULTURE - Garrison Wynn

VERBAL DE-ESCALATION STRATEGIES FOR THE WORKPLACE -James Bell

FRADULENT CLAIMS - Jamie Allen

PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY - Christopher Espinoza

LEGAL - Sarah Glaser

CRISIS MANAGEMENT - John D. Surma and Frank Davis

INVESTIGATIONS - Natalie C. Rougeux

SELF DEFENSE IN THE WORKPLACE - Alyssa Davenport

HOW TO CREATE A "PEOPLE-FIRST" EMERGENCY PLAN - Justen Noakes

TRANSFORMING TOXIC CULTURE: HR'S SECRET TO THRIVING TEAMS - Alan Utley

FIRESIDE PANEL DISCUSSION - Dan Reynolds and Chuck Allen

INTEGRATING HUMAN RESOURCES IN PREPAREDNESS EXERCISES: A CORPORATE IMPERATIVE - Kevin Wilson and Carson Carroll

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Creating Lasting Culture - Christopher Espinoza

When
Thursday, October 16, 2025
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location
McKenna Center, 801 W. San Antonio, New Braunfels, TX 78130

Register

Christopher Espinoza

Creating Lasting Culture

How do we create lasting culture change in our workplaces and communities? It’s not about grand initiatives or top-down mandates—it’s about the small, everyday moments that shape how we work and connect. In this discussion, we’ll explore how individual behavior change and habit formation at scale can transform teamwork, synergy, and a true culture of belonging. By focusing on the moments that matter—how we listen, give feedback, include others, and show up—we can drive meaningful, lasting change. Small shifts lead to big impact. Are you ready to be part of the movement?

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

For our HR and Safety Conference

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

https://www.hrandsafetycongress.com

https://www.hillcountryhrma.org/event-5992477