Fargo Moorhead Human Resource Association upcoming events

Book Club: Proverbs of Influence (2 Part Session!) (October 27, 2026)

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Book Club: Proverbs of Influence

By: Randy Johnson

Book Synopsis:
In Proverbs of Influence, Randy Johnson explores a skill that is at the heart of effective HR and leadership: the ability to positively influence others. Drawing on more than 40 years of corporate experience, including over 25 years in senior executive roles, Johnson presents 12 practical principles, or “proverbs,” designed to help people become more effective influencers.
For HR professionals, influence is especially important because we often need to create change, gain leadership support, coach managers, guide difficult conversations, and advocate for employees without relying solely on authority or position. Johnson's approach reinforces the idea that meaningful influence comes from how we communicate, build relationships, establish credibility, and connect with others.
The book's emphasis on simple, timeless principles makes it a great starting point for conversations about how HR can influence workplace culture and leadership at every level of an organization.

Books will be distributed to participants on Tuesday, October 27th, where we will discuss what we hope to get out of this book, as well as how HR can influence workplace culture and leadership at every level of an organization

Final book discussion taking place on Tuesday, December 1st with book's author, Randy Johnson.

Note: Upon registration, all participants will be assessed an invoice to their FMHRA account for $13.99. We ask that you do not pay this invoice immediately. Following your attendance at the Book Club event, the invoice will be removed from your account. If you are unable to attend the Book Club event, you will be required to pay the invoice.

Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Most of Your Workplace Problems (Morning Session) (November 03, 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 14:15:00 GMT

Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Most of Your Workplace Problems (Morning Session)

**Registration closes 10/30/26**

**REMINDER: Lunch is included with morning session registration. No separate lunch registration is required.

Please note: the morning session will not be available virtually.**

To Register: Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Most of Your Workplace Problems (Morning Session)

Tuesday, November 3rd | 8:15 am - 11:30 am

Presented: Avalon Events Center Only (morning session); Avalon Events Center OR Virtual (lunch session)

Speaker: Dana Haagenson

Program Summary

According to Harvard research, up to 90% of workplace success is driven by emotional intelligence—not technical expertise. Yet many of us have never been formally trained in how emotions actually work or how to manage them effectively in high-stakes situations. In this highly interactive session designed specifically for HR professionals, participants will explore the science behind emotions and learn practical strategies to navigate them with confidence. From difficult employee conversations to coaching leaders and managing workplace conflict, emotional intelligence is at the core of effective HR practice.

Through engaging discussion, real-world scenarios, and actionable frameworks, you’ll leave with tools you can immediately apply—so you can stay in control of your emotions and help others do the same.

Takeaways

1. Discover how emotions are created and why they sometimes feel hard to control, especially during performance conversations

2. Learn simple, practical techniques to regulate emotions in real-time

3. Gain a deeper understanding of what drives employee behavior and performance

4. Learn a practical, effective framework for keeping performance conversations on track to create actionable results

About the Speaker

Dana develops and delivers customized leadership, team, and personal development sessions for organizations across a wide range of industries. As a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, Dana has guided over 5,000 individuals and teams in discovering and leveraging their unique strengths to achieve personal and professional success. Dana previously served as an adjunct professor at Minnesota State Community and Technical College, teaching in the Human Resource and Accounting programs.

Before entering higher education, Dana spent more than a decade in the software industry, holding roles in Product Development, Product Management and Strategy, and Human Resources. She holds an Accounting degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead and is both a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Professional in Human Resources.

Menu (for lunch)

Beef Stroganoff, Asparagus, mixed mini cheesecake bites

Re-certification Credits

This presentation is pending approval for SHRM and HRCI credits.

Event Cost

Member Rate: $75 (lunch session is included)
Non-Member Rate: $100 (lunch session is included)

Please submit payment one week prior to the meeting.
Registration will close 10 days prior to the event.

Navigating Meaningful Moments with Emotional Intelligence (Lunch Session) (November 03, 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 17:50:00 GMT

Navigating Meaningful Moments with Emotional Intelligence (Lunch Session)

**Registration closes 10/30/26**

To Register: Navigating Meaningful Moments with Emotional Intelligence (Lunch Session)

Tuesday, November 3rd | 11:50 am - 1:00 pm

Presented: Avalon Events Center OR Virtual (lunch session)

Speaker: Dana Haagenson

Program Summary

Emotions show up in every workplace—but when they spike, they can quickly derail conversations, relationships, and results. The challenge isn’t eliminating emotions—it’s understanding and managing them in the moments that matter most.In this highly practical session, you’ll explore how emotions are actually created and why they can feel so difficult to control in the workplace. You’ll learn to recognize the “meaningful moments” that are most likely to trigger emotional reactions—both for yourself and others—and gain simple, effective techniques to stay grounded and respond with intention instead of impulse.

Takeaways

1. Discover how emotions are created and why they can be difficult to manage

2. Identify the “meaningful moments” in your workplace that are most likely to cause emotional spikes

3. Learn simple, practical techniques for regulating emotions

4. Gain tips on how to coach others to better control their emotions

About the Speaker

Menu

Beef Stroganoff, Asparagus, mixed mini cheesecake bites

Re-certification Credits

This presentation is pending approval for:

1.0 SHRM Credit
1.0 HRCI Credit

Access to this session is limited to individuals who have completed registration. Virtual credentials are not to be shared or forwarded.

Attendance will be monitored. FMHRA reserves the right to invoice any unregistered participant who joins the session without prior registration.

We Make Each Other Possible: Cultivating Conditions for the Growth and Development of Children (And The Employees Who Care For Them) (November 17, 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

We Make Each Other Possible: Cultivating Conditions for the Growth and Development of Children (And The Employees Who Care For Them)

**Registration closes 11/16/26**

To Register: We Make Each Other Possible: Cultivating Conditions for the Growth and Development of Children (And The Employees Who Care For Them)

Tuesday, November 17th at 8:30 am, presented via Zoom.

Speaker: James Bergman, M.S., CCC-SLP

Program Summary & Key Takeaways:

Employees don't leave their concerns about their children at the office door. When a young child is struggling developmentally, parents often experience increased stress, absenteeism, and difficulty staying engaged at work. This session will equip HR professionals with practical knowledge about Early Intervention and how connecting families to support early can improve employee well-being, retention, and productivity. Discover simple ways HR teams can become trusted partners for working parents while strengthening organizational culture and demonstrating a meaningful commitment to families and community.

At the end of the session, participants will be able to:

1. Understand how developmental concerns in young children can affect employee well-being, attendance, engagement, and retention.

2. Recognize which local resources may benefit employees with children from birth to age three.

3. Identify practical opportunities to raise awareness of local resources into benefits, onboarding, employee communications, and wellness initiatives.

4. Develop strategies that position HR as a proactive partner in supporting working parents while strengthening recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.

About the Speaker:

James Bergman is a songwriter, speaker, speech-language pathologist, and early interventionist for Pediatric Partners. Before he started providing free birth-to-three services in the home with a parent coaching model, James spent 10 years working as a speech therapist in the public school system. His current job with Pediatric Partners Early Intervention provides an opportunity for him to show his passion for community partnership, preventative care, and early childhood development. James lives in Fargo with his wife, 2 kids, and their dog, Butters.

This session is pending approval for the following:

1.0 SHRM PDC
1.0 HRCI Credit

Access to this session is limited to individuals who have completed registration. Zoom credentials are not to be shared or forwarded.

Attendance will be monitored. FMHRA reserves the right to invoice any unregistered participant who joins the session without prior registration.

Holiday Social (December 01, 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Holiday Social

**Registration closes 11/27/26**

To Register: Your Employer Brand Is Already Out There, Whether You Built It or Not

Tuesday, December 1st | 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

In addition to the presentation, attendees will enjoy:

Appetizers
Cash Bar
Silent Auction

Presented: Avalon Events Center

Speaker: Amanda Shilling

Program Summary

Your employer brand exists right now, on Google, Indeed, Glassdoor, in what your people post, and in how candidates get treated. The only question is 'who's steering it?' We'll cover how to take the wheel to recruit and retain in a way that not only feels good but also helps increase revenue.

Takeaways

1. Candidate-journey mapping

2. Recruitment messaging structure that isn't "competitive pay and great culture"

3. An audit attendees can run the next day

4. A strong understanding of why HR is the heartbeat of a brand

About the Speaker

Amanda is a brand strategist who refuses to settle for surface-level marketing—and that includes the brand your company wears to job seekers. For 24 years, she's been building brands that drive measurable growth. As Founder + CEO of MINT Brand Marketing, she's led hundreds of businesses through sharpening their message, elevating their presence, and cutting through the crap. Amanda knows a brand isn't just what you say to customers. It's what shows up online, what your people post, and how candidates get treated before they ever sign an offer. The same discipline that wins customers wins talent, and most companies are leaving that brand on autopilot. She'll show you how not to.

Recertification Credits

This presentation is pending approval for:

1.0 SHRM Credit
1.0 HRCI Credit

Access to this session is limited to individuals who have completed registration. Virtual credentials are not to be shared or forwarded.

Attendance will be monitored. FMHRA reserves the right to invoice any unregistered participant who joins the session without prior registration.

Book Club: Proverbs of Influence (2 Part Session!) (December 01, 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Book Club: Proverbs of Influence

By: Randy Johnson

Book Synopsis:
In Proverbs of Influence, Randy Johnson explores a skill that is at the heart of effective HR and leadership: the ability to positively influence others. Drawing on more than 40 years of corporate experience, including over 25 years in senior executive roles, Johnson presents 12 practical principles, or “proverbs,” designed to help people become more effective influencers.
For HR professionals, influence is especially important because we often need to create change, gain leadership support, coach managers, guide difficult conversations, and advocate for employees without relying solely on authority or position. Johnson's approach reinforces the idea that meaningful influence comes from how we communicate, build relationships, establish credibility, and connect with others.
The book's emphasis on simple, timeless principles makes it a great starting point for conversations about how HR can influence workplace culture and leadership at every level of an organization.

Books will be distributed to participants on Tuesday, October 27th, where we will discuss what we hope to get out of this book, as well as how HR can influence workplace culture and leadership at every level of an organization

Final book discussion taking place on Tuesday, December 1st with book's author, Randy Johnson.

Note: Upon registration, all participants will be assessed an invoice to their FMHRA account for $13.99. We ask that you do not pay this invoice immediately. Following your attendance at the Book Club event, the invoice will be removed from your account. If you are unable to attend the Book Club event, you will be required to pay the invoice.