HR Connections 2025 Calendar of Events

*$100 annual fee covers 10 events this year!

*Individual “a la carte” session price varies, per fees & costs for each event.

  • HR Connections Roundtable Discussions with Lunch provided
  • HR Connections Special Events
  • Free access to all materials provided at sessions
  • SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) certification credits

Please extend this invitation to your colleagues and others in your organization.

HR Connections is a professional development resource group for local HR practitioners and business leaders to network and discuss topics and trends involving workforce development and employment related issues. Sponsored by the Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation (VHEDC), HR Connections has been meeting since 2016, building strong professional connections in the Northeast Metro area.

 We partner with other groups and organizations to bring topic experts to our special events and encourage participants to learn from each other at our roundtable discussions. Due to popular demand, we alternate roundtable discussions with speakers and special events – 10 this year!

Reasons to join the HR (Human Resources) Connections Networking Group!

  • Keep up with business trends
  • Share best practices
  • Network with peers
  • Grow your knowledge base and career
  • Learn how other companies handle similar situations

Roundtable Lunch Topics:  11:30a – 1p. Wednesday 1st choice, Thursday 2nd choice. Lunch provided.

Specific subject topic; a speaker/facilitator to provide a brief overview & resources. Open forum discussion. Bring your questions & ideas to discuss!

Special Events:  2-hour sessions; times vary, depending on speaker & facility availability.

Speakers are subject matter experts in their field!

Follow-up:  Continuation from “Building an Inclusive Workplace for Economic Development” Introduction on 5/30/24

Sponsored by Ramsey County Workforce Solutions & VHEDC.

Planning Committee:  Cindy O’Donovan, Steve Schad, Katie Swenson, Joy VanderHeiden

2025 Schedule (watch here for updates to the schedule)

Date Topic
Wed Jan 15
11:30a-1p		 “Ask HR!”
This will be a great start to the new year! All levels of HR and companies without HR will continue to see changes and new trends coming forward. Submit questions in advance & bring ideas to share!
Tue or Wed Jan 28 or 29 “Talent Pipelines & Programs”
Wed Feb 19 “Employment Law Updates:”  ESST, FLSA Classification, Paid Leave, Pay Transparency, MN Secure Choice Retirement Program & more!
Wed Mar 19
11:30a-1p		 “AI for HR” New info shared on how applicants are using AI in the interview process!
Wed Apr 16 “Active Threat Preparedness:”  Presented by field-experienced law enforcement officers, topics include Situational Awareness, Threat & Vulnerability Assessments, & De-escalation Techniques
Drew Moldenhauer – Blue Ethos
Tue or Wed
May 6 or 7		 “Upskilling for the Future”
Wed May 21
11:30a-1p		 “Benefit Trends,” including:
Preparing for annual renewals process brokers & employees; managing costs; employee preferences
Wed Sep 17
11:30a-1p		 “MN Paid Leave Law (Chapter 268B): Timeline, Overview & Updates”
-Oct 2024 – 1st quarterly wage reports due from employers
-Jul 2025 – Outreach grant funds for community-based groups are available
-Dec 2025 – Deadline for employers to notify employees about Paid Leave benefits
-Jan 2026 – Employees can begin taking paid leave, payroll deductions begin, small employers (?) can apply for assistance grants
-Apr 2026 – 1st quarterly premiums due from employers
Wed or Th Oct 15 or 16 Accessibility Topics (to be named)
National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Request Melissa Fletcher again!
Tue or Wed Nov 19 or 20 “Community Resources”
Buy 2025 Pass

Please extend this invitation to your colleagues and others in your organization.
 Watch the VHEDC website and weekly VHEDC Biz Newsletter for dates and topics.
 Please RSVP for each event to help us accurately reserve space and order food at the link provided in the
announcements.
 Cost for each event are $20 each, charged at time of registration or buy an Annual Pass for $100 to cover all events!
 Questions? Call Cindy O’Donovan at 651-295-1843 or [email protected] or Liz Moscatelli at
651-401-3211 or [email protected]