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About Us

To learn more about the WBHRS, please visit the links below.

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Upcoming Events

MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Upcoming meetings and events are available below. Event registration can be completed online or by contacting secretary@westbranchhr.org.

To learn more about our meetings and events or to suggest topics for future meetings, please contact programs@westbranchhr.org.

All WBHRS Meetings will be submitted for SHRM PDC's, so don't miss out!

Upcoming events

    • Friday, March 13, 2026
    • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
    • Buzz Saw Coffee
    Register

    What's brewing in HR?

    Please join us for this opportunity for coffee and conversation.

    The focus of this quarter's conversation will be around "The Art of the Difficult Conversation" and performance management.

    Date/Time: Friday, March 13, 2026 - 8:00-9:00 AM

    Where: Buzzsaw Coffee - 1307 Park Ave, Williamsport, PA 17701

    This is an ongoing and valuable information session for Chapter members and guests to meet and discuss current topics of interest and provide peer support and education. 

    Hope to see you there!

    • Thursday, May 14, 2026
    • 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Williamsport Country Club
    Register

    Benefit Compliance in HR: What HR Professionals Need to Know

    Location: Williamsport Country Club

                          800 Country Club Lane

                          Williamsport, PA 17701

    Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026

    Breakfast: 8:00 AM

    Program: 8:30-10:00 AM

    The HR compliance landscape surrounding employee benefits continues to evolve. Join us for an informative session designed to help HR professionals better understand the complexities of benefit compliance and how to manage risk within their organizations.

    Michael Pontious, Senior Vice President of Employee Benefits at USI Insurance Services, will lead this session focused on practical compliance guidance for HR leaders. Mike brings extensive experience advising organizations on benefit strategy, compliance, and cost-containment initiatives.

    During this session, participants will gain insight into key benefit compliance requirements and emerging issues impacting employers today. Mike will share practical strategies HR professionals can use to strengthen their compliance practices, manage benefit programs effectively, and partner with leadership on benefit decision-making.

    Michael has served clients throughout Central Pennsylvania since 2008 and currently provides strategic consulting and brokerage services to more than 70 commercial clients, overseeing over $100 million in insured and self-funded premium. His expertise includes employee benefits analytics, population health management, prescription drug strategy, program budgeting, and alternative funding approaches for health and welfare plans.

    Mike earned his Bachelor of Arts in Managerial Economics from Lycoming College and holds the Advanced Chartered Benefit Consultant (ACBC) and Professional, Health Insurance Advanced Studies (PHIAS) designations.

    He is also actively involved in the local community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, supporting initiatives such as Leadership Lycoming County, and serving as Treasurer for the Friends of the James V. Brown Library. Mike also supports community outreach initiatives with Hope Enterprises.

    This session is ideal for HR professionals responsible for benefits administration, compliance oversight, and strategic workforce planning.

    Join us to gain valuable insight into navigating benefit compliance and protecting your organization.

    Attendees will receive 1.5 SHRM PDC's.

    • Friday, June 12, 2026
    • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
    • Buzz Saw Coffee
    Register

    What's brewing in HR?

    Please join us for this opportunity for coffee and conversation.

    Date/Time: Friday, June 12, 2026 - 8:00-9:00 AM

    Where: Buzzsaw Coffee - 1307 Park Ave, Williamsport, PA 17701

    This is an ongoing and valuable information session for Chapter members and guests to meet and discuss current topics of interest and provide peer support and education. 

    Hope to see you there!

    • Friday, August 14, 2026
    • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
    • Buzz Saw Coffee
    Register

    What's brewing in HR?

    Please join us for this opportunity for coffee and conversation.

    Date/Time: Friday, August 14, 2026 - 8:00-9:00 AM

    Where: Buzzsaw Coffee - 1307 Park Ave, Williamsport, PA 17701

    This is an ongoing and valuable information session for Chapter members and guests to meet and discuss current topics of interest and provide peer support and education. 

    Hope to see you there!

    • Thursday, September 17, 2026
    • 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Williamsport Country Club
    • Friday, October 09, 2026
    • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
    • Buzz Saw Coffee
    Register

    What's brewing in HR?

    Please join us for this opportunity for coffee and conversation.

    Date/Time: Friday, October 9, 2026 - 8:00-9:00 AM

    Where: Buzzsaw Coffee - 1307 Park Ave, Williamsport, PA 17701

    This is an ongoing and valuable information session for Chapter members and guests to meet and discuss current topics of interest and provide peer support and education. 

    Hope to see you there!

    • Thursday, November 05, 2026
    • 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • Williamsport Country Club

SHRM Links

To learn more about the national chapter, please visit the links below.

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