Embracing the Latest in Employee Benefits and SHRM Insights - November 2023
November 07, 2023
Embracing the Latest in Employee Benefits and SHRM Insights - November 202
Nov23 Digital Issue of HR Professionals Magazine
HR Professional Magazine - May 2022
May 11, 2022
Don't miss the May 2022 digital issue of HR Professionals Magazine featuring great articles about Payroll and HR Technology.
HR Professional Magazine - May 2021
May 12, 2021
Don't miss the May 2021 digital issue of HR Professionals Magazine featuring great articles about Payroll and HR Technology.
HR Professionals Magazine
March 09, 2021
Don't miss the February digital issue of HR Professionals Magazine featuring great articles about Payroll and HR Technology.
HR Professionals Magazine
February 15, 2021
Don't miss the February digital issue of HR Professionals Magazine featuring great articles about Payroll and HR Technology.
Pandemic Workforce Trends Survey Results are In!
January 06, 2021
During the period of October 8 – November 8, 2020, NOARK - The Northwest Arkansas Human Resources Association conducted a survey of its members and affiliates in northwest Arkansas to determine workplace trends during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
Fill out the NOARK Workplace Trends Survey
October 15, 2020
The NWA Human Resources Association (NOARK) is committed to help businesses in NWA to get reliable data on the impact, new practices and initiatives a result of pandemic. Please take 15 minutes to fill out this survey and provide your precious input.
NOARK's Sheila Moss Featured in HR Professionals Magazine
April 06, 2020
Sheila Moss has been featured on the cover of the May 2020 HR Professionals Magazine.
Helpful Information Available
April 01, 2020
U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Small Business Association small business news releases related to COVID-19.
2020 NOARK President Interviewed
February 03, 2020
2020 NOARK President Sheila Moss Interviewed by 40/29 News
Internal Revenue Service issues 2019 optional standard mileage rates
December 20, 2018
The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2019 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.
Diversity Intelligence Survey
November 08, 2018
Members, Dr. Claretha Hughes, a colleague of Judith Tavano's at the University of Arkansas, is doing research on her theory of Diversity Intelligence. She has a survey instrument (approved by Research and Sponsored Programs at the U of A) that she uses to collect information to support her research. She has asked if it might be possible to survey our membership.
NWA Talent Development Survey
November 08, 2018
NOARK members, Grandslam Performance Associates needs our help! Please help us gain key insights into the learning and development needs and preferences of our NWA professionals.
EEOC Sues McDonald's Franchise for Disability Discrimination
July 06, 2016
Bentonville Restaurant Management Companies Fired Employee Because of His HIV Status, Agency Charges
Benefits Law Update
July 05, 2016
IRS Taketh and Giveth: Plan Determination Letter Program Scaled Back, Remedial Amendment Period Extended
DOL is Enjoined From Enforcing New Persuader Rule
June 28, 2016
On June 27, 2016, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas enjoined the Department of Labor (DOL) from enforcing its new persuader rule (Rule) which was scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2016. National Federation of Independent Business, et al v Perez, et al, Civil Action No. 5:16-cv-00066-C. The injunction enjoined the DOL enforcement of the Rule nationwide.
2016 Annual VEVRAA Hiring Benchmark is 6.9 Percent
June 15, 2016
OFCCP has published the 2016 Annual Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Benchmark on its Web site based on data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on March 4, 2016. The benchmark – 6.9 percent – is effective as of that BLS release date.
OSHA launches Whistleblower-Severe Violator pilot program
June 15, 2016
OSHA has launched a pilot enforcement program focused on employers who repeatedly and willfully disregard the rights of whistleblowers. OSHA's Whistleblower-Severe Violator Enforcement Program became effective on May 27, covering employers in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, and those companies under federal enforcement in Iowa.
What To Do If Someone Begins Shooting In The Workplace?
December 04, 2015
This year has seen an increase in incidents involving workplace shootings, including the Paris and San Bernardino attacks. According to a Fact Sheet published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, shootings have accounted for seventy-eight percent of all workplace homicides. Eighty-three percent of these shootings occurred in the private sector. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimates that the overall cost related to violence in the workplace is more than $120 billion.
Recent Third Circuit Decision Regarding Joint Employers Extends Liability for Violation of Title VII to the Clients of Staffing Companies
November 25, 2015
On November 18, 2015, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit issued a decision regarding joint employers that extends liability for violations of Title VII to the clients of staffing companies. In the case of Matthew Faush v. Tuesday Morning, Inc., the Third Circuit found that the client of a staffing company could be considered a temporary worker's employer and therefore liable for alleged violation of Title VII.
HR's flu season concerns: absenteeism, presenteeism, vaccinations, and employment law
June 25, 2015
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the flu season “most commonly peaks in the U.S. in January or February.” In its last weekly flu advisory report, the agency reported that flu is widespread in more than half of the country and many states are reporting severe outbreaks. The CDC says “the proportion of people seeing their health care provider for influenza-like illness [has] increased significantly, and is above the national baseline” for this time of year. Reports of increasing hospitalizations and death are coming in from across the country, many of them caused by the H1N1 strain. Also known as the “swine flu,” H1N1 is the strain of flu behind the 2009 flu pandemic.
School of Innovation--Supplies List
June 14, 2015
The Springdale School of Innovation is a technology-rich STEM School. It embraces flexible and blended learning, allowing for a self-paced and project-based learning environment that promotes student success.
Arkansas Export Awards Winners Announced--NOARK's own... Collective Bias... Rising Star!!!
May 19, 2015
The Arkansas District Export Council named winners of the 2015 Governor's Award for Excellence in Global Trade in advance of its awards luncheon Wednesday at the Governor's Mansion.
The Heat (APP) Is On!
May 08, 2015
Heat illness sickens thousands of workers every year, and severe cases can be fatal. To help keep outdoor workers cool, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration developed a free app to calculate worksite heat index and risk levels, and educate users about how to respond to a heat emergency. More than 187,000 people have downloaded the app since its 2011 launch. In the app's first big update on May 5, iPhone users discovered new features. With an attractive, easy-to-use interface, the new version is optimized for the latest iPhones. The app automatically provides the current conditions and maximum heat at your location and can accept manual input if users don't have cell service.
Angela Robinson: The Job Guide...Small Business Person nominee
May 07, 2015
Bentonville Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce celebrated National Small Business week by having an award presented to a Small Business Person.
H-1B Visa Filing Season is Here!
February 18, 2015
February has rolled around again, so it's time to start working on H-1B petitions that must be filed on April 1 for eligibility under the H-1B cap.
Immigrant Application Process Through DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) Starts 2/18
January 30, 2015
On February 18, 2015, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin accepting requests for individuals who are eligible for the Expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program (i.e., people who entered the United States before the age of 16 and lived in the United States continuously since January 1, 2010).
Meeting Spaces Available in Bella Vista
January 28, 2015
FREE informative event to be held on February 13th at the Bella Vista Country Club.
Nominate Outstanding Businesses & Individuals for 2015 Small Business Week!
January 28, 2015
Nominate Outstanding Businesses & individuals for 2015 Small Business Week!
A Call for Nominations--Outstanding Business Women in NWA Community!!!
January 20, 2015
The Northwest Arkansas Business Journal will be celebrating women in the working world in the inaugural Women in Business feature, to be published in June 2015.
Notable Neighbors--NOARK Member Sheerah Davis,
December 22, 2014
Sheerah Davis, VP, Mitchell Commications Group, Springdale
myE-Verify Teleconference Invitation
December 02, 2014
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) invites you to participate in a listening session on Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 2–3p.m. (Eastern) to discuss a new website for U.S. workers called myE-Verify.
CGWG Recognized for Exemplary Workplace Practices; Firm Receives Prestigious When Work Works Award
September 02, 2014
Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C. (CGWG) has been honored with the 2014 When Work Works Award. The award recognizes companies that incorporate flexibility as an effective workplace strategy to increase business and employee success.
The Eight Myths of Mediation
January 24, 2014
The Employers’ Counsel Network includes the attorneys from each state who write BLR’s state employment law newsletters. Marcus is one of the EEOC mediators based in the Boston office of the EEOC.
Target to drop health insurance for part-time workers
January 24, 2014
(Bloomberg) -- Target Corp. said it will end health insurance for part-time employees, joining Trader Joe’s Co., Home Depot Inc. and other retailers that have scaled back benefits in response to changes from Obamacare.
Failing to Track All FMLA'4 Hazards
January 05, 2014
It is generally in your best interest to capture all absences that are Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)-related, says consultant Kristi McKinzey, PHR. She offers four common hazards employers face when they don’t track all absences.
Department of State Releases Visa Bulletin
July 13, 2013
riority dates for the Employment Based 2nd Preference category for foreign nationals from India advanced in the August Visa Bulletin to January 1, 2008. This is a jump of almost 3-1/2 years (from September 2, 2004 in July's Visa Bulletin).
First GINA Lawsuit Settled for $50,000
June 12, 2013
In early May, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) settled an employment discrimination lawsuit involving a violation of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (“GINA”). Although GINA has been in effect for several years – the law became effective in 2009 and final regulations were issued on November 9, 2010 – the case represents the first lawsuit ever filed by the EEOC alleging genetic discrimination under GINA.
US Department of Labor's OSHA seeks applications for $1.5 million in Susan Harwood safety and health training grants
May 16, 2013
US Department of Labor's OSHA seeks applications for $1.5 million in Susan Harwood safety and health training grants
NOARK Leaders Receive Prestigious Awards
May 10, 2013
The Arkansas Society for Human Resource Management recently presented several prestigious awards to NOARK leaders, Thomas Dunlap and Broderick Daniels, at the 2013 annual conference held in Hot Springs.
NOARK Receives Distinguished Award
April 29, 2013
NOARK's leadership has not gone unnoticed! The Society for Human Resource Management has awarded the NOARK chapter the EXCEL Silver Award for 2012.This award recognizes outstanding achievements in chapter operations and a commitment to providing meaningful programs and services to its members. It also recognizes the continued growth and development as a business leader, capable of developing strategies that lead to business success!
FORM I-9 Revised and New
March 08, 2013
The new, revised Form I-9 will contain a revision date of “(Rev. 03/08/13)N.”
NOARK Honored as a 2012 SHRM Foundation Champion
March 07, 2013
Congratulations are in order! As a result of the fundraising efforts in 2012, NOARK chapter has been designated as a 2012 SHRM Foundation Champion. The support provided by the chapters and councils allows the Foundation the ability to provide opportunities available to fellow HR professionals that they may not have had otherwise, including:
NOARK To Host 'PerformanceGPA' Book Release
February 27, 2013
Springdale, AR--NOARK will be hosting a book release party for Dr. Adam Arroyos' book, "PerformanceGPA™: Achieving High Performance Through Service".
Employer Expectations for 2013 and Beyond: Post-Election Update via Webinar March 7, 2013
February 20, 2013
Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C. is partnering with Lighthouse Compliance Solutions to offer this webinar in an effort to increase your access to an important legal update. No matter where you are located, you can join us online.
NOARK Mourns the Loss of Russell Gunter of Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus
February 11, 2013
It is with heavy hearts that NOARK announces the passing of colleague and friend Russell Gunter, one of NOARK's greatest advocates and friend to us all. Russell died peacefully on Feb. 9, 2013, with family and friends at his side, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 62 years old.
2013 Federal FMLA Changes & Impact
February 11, 2013
The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a final rule implementing two important expansions of Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protections.
Author and CEO to Conduct Book Release April 2nd
January 17, 2013
Springdale, AR--Grandslam Performance Associates, LLC
2012 SHRM Foundation Contribution Goal Exceeded!
December 19, 2012
Thanks to your generosity, we have raised over $500 for the SHRM Foundation for 2012, and total contributions to the SHRM Foundation were over $1,000 for 2012. This exceeds our goal of $750 for 2012!
Chambers USA Names CGWG a Leading Labor Employment Firm in Arkansas
November 13, 2012
Little Rock, Ark. (Nov. 2, 2012) – Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C. has been ranked as a leading Labor and Employment law firm in the state of Arkansas in the 2012 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. This marks the eighth consecutive year the firm has received this “Band 1” ranking – the highest honor in a specific area of practice.
CFPB Requires Updated Forms for Background Screening
October 04, 2012
The Consumber Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has made changes to three of the notices required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. These changes are effective January 1, 2013.
NOARK's Career Center posts HR jobs
May 29, 2012
The purpose of NOARK's Career Center is to connect qualified HR professionals with the companies who are looking for them. If you are an HR professional looking for a job in NW Arkansas, you'll find current openings here on the Job Listings page. If you need to fill a vacancy in your HR department, please visit our Post a Job page for more information.
Big Thanks to 2012 NOARK Sponsors
November 28, 2011
Thanks to our generous sponsors and vendor directory advertisers, NOARK will be able to continue to keep the cost of the lunch meetings the same for 2013.
Make Better Business Decisions Using the NOARK Compensation & Benefits Survey
July 25, 2011
About the Compensation and Benefits Survey:
NOARK Receives Distinguished Award
April 05, 2011
The Society for Human Resource Management has awarded NOARK the EXCEL Silver Award for 2010.
Legislative Blog: Your Support Needed
March 17, 2011
See the recent post on the NOARK Legislative Blog to see why you should contact both your State Senator and Member of the State House of Representatives NOW to express your support for HB 1728 and SB 593.
Welcome to the new NOARK website!
October 12, 2010
We have striven to make this website a valuable resource to HR Professionals in Northwest Arkansas. We hope you will use this website to keep up to date on the latest issues in Human Resources.