Event Details

Summer Seminar Schedule (1/2 Day Event)

• Must register by emailing RRHRPA@gmail.com by 8/15/25
• Visit a vendor for a chance to win a gift. See vendor list below
• Continental breakfast and snacks will be provided

8:00am - Registration

8:30am - AI in Human Resources, Caran Smith, AAIM

• Ready to explore how AI can elevate your HR work? Join us for a dynamic, demo-based workshop designed specifically for HR professionals. You’ll see real-time examples of how AI tools can simplify and strengthen your work—from drafting job descriptions and building policies to analyzing data and improving communication.
• About Caran Smith:  Born and raised between Illinois and Ohio, Caran worked in management while earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Findlay in Business Management, graduating Magna Cum Laude, before continuing her education at the University of Toledo College of Law, concentrating her coursework heavily in employment law. After graduating in 2016, Caran continued her career as an HR Professional within a Fortune 500 company where she gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in HR policy and practice she can draw upon when advising and connecting members with the resources provided by AAIM to assist them in navigating the complex and ever-changing HR environment.

10:000am - Child Care Toolkit, Abby Hoskins, Regional Office of Education #47

10:15am - Break

10:30am - Legal Update, Timothy Zollinger, Partner, Ward, Murray, Pace & Johnson, PC

• Are you up to date with the latest employment laws? Want to remain compliant with the ever-evolving legal landscape? Join Sterling Attorney, Tim Zollinger, as he presents information for Human Resource Professionals and leaders.  During the presentation Tim will give an overview of employment law changes, offer guidance on how to be compliant and how to avoid pitfalls that can occur.  It will be an interactive conversation, and questions will be encouraged to help you better understand how employers are affected.  
• About Timothy Zollinger:  

Education

Mr. Zollinger earned his law degree from Northern Illinois University in 1992, where he graduated magna cum laude and served as the managing editor of the Law Review. He received his B.S. from Illinois State University in 1989.

Bar Admissions & Associations

Mr. Zollinger was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1992. He is also admitted to the United States District Court – Northern and Central Districts of Illinois. He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and Whiteside County Bar Association.

Mr. Zollinger has served as Secretary to the Whiteside County Bar Association, 1993. He serves as a Member of the Council to the Young Lawyers Division, 1995-present, and the Civil Practice and Procedure Section Council, 2002-2007, of the Illinois State Bar Association.  He is a member of the Illinois Council of School Attorneys and National School Boards Association Council of School Attorneys.

e has also been active in community service, serving as: Salvation Army Board Member, 1998-2005, Chairman, 2000-2005; Chairman, Whiteside County Republican Central Committee, 2000-2008; Ambassador, Sterling Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, 1993-2002, currently a member of the Board of Directors; CGH Health Foundation (Chairperson); Board of Trustees Sterling Public Library (President), and United Way Volunteer Co-Chairman, Fundraising Drive, 1999, 2000. Mr. Zollinger and his family are members of the St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Visit one of our wonderful vendors and enter to win a prize.

Vendor List:

1. Reagan Mass Transit District & Whiteside County Transit

2. Sauk Valley Community College

3. Discover Dixon

4. Sauk Valley Chamber

5. Rock Falls Chamber

6. BEST

7. Manpower

8. Dixon YMCA