Chapter History

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Researching the history of our organization starts with understanding the acronyms. How many do you know? NIPA, ASPA, CAPA & SHRMNWI. Of course you know the current one; Society for Human Resource Management Northwest Indiana. In the mid 1970's the Northwest Indiana Personnel Association (NIPA) was formed. There were a handful of members, primarily holding jobs with the title of Personnel Administrator. The first chapter president was W. Dean Lewis of Gary National Bank.

On April 6, 1977 NIPA was accepted for membership by the American Society of Personnel Administration. ASPA was headquartered in Ohio. The local chapter was accepted with 14 regular and 9 associate members.

The chapter experienced moderate growth in membership for the next ten years when the name was changed to ASPA - Northwest Indiana. In September 1987, the incoming board decided to make changes in the focus of the organization in order to expand the membership. The new vision was to increase the chapter's commitment to providing professional development of human resource professionals in the area. Monthly programs were opened  to non- chapter members including those in another organization called the Calumet Area Personnel Association. CAPA membership was primarily  HR Professionals from  industrial companies in the northwestern portion of the state and from Illinois. ASPA and CAPA put on annual  joint programs with large crowds.

Beginning in 1988, the board made the decision to focus on enhancing the programs to include workshops, conferences and seminars.  Door prizes, gifts for speakers, new meeting locations were just a few of the changes implemented. In addition, by-laws were developed including specific policies for membership, board member terms, job descriptions, etc.

A significant event took place in 1989. The American Society of Personnel Administration (ASPA) made the decision to change their name and image in keeping with the new direction of the Personnel field. The name was changed to the Society for Human Resource Management. SHRM recognized that Personnel professionals were making the transition to management and their responsibilities were encompassing many more functions in addition to administration.

The 1990's brought continued rapid growth, with membership reaching 100 members by 1992. The growth of the chapter seemed to follow the growth of the economy in Northwest Indiana. More senior level practitioners were joining the organization. Various members started to sit for the PHR and SPHR exams leading to an increased number of members becoming certified.

During the mid 90's, a combination of new board members, more chapter publicity, a stepped up focus on membership recruiting and quality programs led to unprecedented growth in members. That growth continued through the Millennium with membership approaching 200. A strategic plan  developed in 1996 provided the guidance to propel the chapter into the future - a future that appears bright.  The budget reached a record level as SHRMNWI was being recognized as one of the major chapters in Indiana. The annual conference was initiated in 1999 attracting more than 150 participants. The success of the annual conference allows the chapter to provide free SHRM National memberships and Indiana State Conference attendance to our members (through a raffle process.).

Chapter Hall of Presidents