SIHRA has arisen from the humblest beginnings! A group of five professionals decided in 1991 to begin meeting for lunch from time to time to talk about issues facing employers and to provide mutual support. Original participants were from Cummins, the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Top Seal Corporation, and the Ball Corporation. By 1994, more professionals had joined the group and a 14-person Steering Committee was formed. The Steering Committee focused on quarterly educational offerings and opportunities for networking among Human Resource professionals. The mailing list was built from personal contacts of committee members and the Columbus Area Human Resources Association (CAHRA) was formed.

Due to the growth and interest of individuals in the local human resources profession, Steering Committee members began researching affiliation with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in 1995. The responsibilities of operating a volunteer, not-for-profit association are very intense and require a high degree of volunteer commitment. A committed board of director slate of volunteers was finally prepared and application was made to SHRM. On December 17, 1997, the Columbus Area Human Resources Association became Chapter 0549 of the Society for Human Resource Management and was renamed the Southeast Indiana Human Resources Association (SIHRA).
 
Interest in the quality programs being presented by SIHRA and the need for professional networking led to an expansion of the geographic region the association served. As a result, SIHRA's outreach is to the southeastern Indiana area. Members initially represented employers in Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Jackson, Jennings, southern Johnson, Scott, and Shelby counties. Operating under the umbrella of the Columbus Area Chamber Foundation, SIHRA's membership is approaching 100 and continuing to grow!

The geographic area also continues to expand.

The purpose of SIHRA is:

* to provide a comprehensive array of quality education experiences which engage the membership in a
   discussion of issues pertaining to Human Resources management.

* to provide members access to Human Resources professionals to enhance problem solving, perception
   checking, and idea testing in an environment where confidentiality is respected.

* to expand the influence of Human Resources practitioners among the business community, the general
   public, and the State of Indiana.

For further information about SIHRA please feel free to contact one of the officers of the organization. Your interest in our organization is appreciated. We look forward to having you become a member.