Events

February 18, 2026 | Member Luncheon

Join us on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 for our Member Luncheon!

About The Event: This is part of our Member Meeting Networking and Learning Series. The purpose of the meeting is to welcome new and returning members, provide updates on SHRM Portage County activities, and listen to a speaker present on an HR topic of interest to our membership.

Agenda:

• 11:15am - Registration Opens
• 11:30am - Networking & Lunch
• 11:50am - Announcements
• 12:00pm - Presentation Begins

Session Title: Does Complacency Cultivate Risk?

Session Description: In today's fast-paced work environments, complacency is a silent yet deadly risk. It can creep in unnoticed, undermining safety cultures and placing employees and organizations in jeopardy. In this eye-opening presentation, safety expert Nicholas Coia will tackle one of the most dangerous attitudes in the workplace: complacency.

Drawing from years of firsthand experience as a safety consultant, Nic will share real-world stories of incidents and close calls caused by complacency. With engaging anecdotes from his consulting career, attendees will be taken on a journey through the stark realities of how routine, overconfidence, and a lack of vigilance can lead to accidents, injuries, and sometimes even fatalities.

Why Attend?
Statistics reveal the shocking impact of complacency on workplace safety. Studies show that up to 80% of workplace accidents are caused by human error, with complacency being a leading factor. In high-risk industries, complacency-related incidents can increase costs, disrupt operations, and harm employee morale. This presentation will help you understand the scale of the problem and give you the tools to address it head-on.

Don't let complacency jeopardize your team’s safety. This session will arm you with the knowledge and strategies you need to create a safer, more aware workplace. Join us for an engaging and insightful presentation that could be the key to preventing future accidents and promoting a stronger safety culture across your organization.

What You'll Take Away:

• What Complacency Looks Like: Learn to recognize the subtle signs of complacent behavior in the workplace before they lead to critical incidents.
• Indicators of Complacency: Identify the common red flags that signal when individuals or teams have become too comfortable with safety protocols and procedures.
• Solutions for Prevention: Gain actionable insights and strategies to combat complacency within your organization, fostering a proactive safety culture that reduces risk and ensures long-term success.

Speaker Bio: Nicholas Coia is the Chief Operating Officer of Coia Safety & Consultative Services LLC, where he leads innovative safety solutions that help businesses create safer, more compliant workplaces. With over 20 years of experience in the safety and health field, including more than a decade as a consultant, he has worked extensively across both general industry and construction, guiding organizations through compliance, risk reduction, and culture change.

As a recognized safety expert, Nic has presented at industry-leading conferences, including the Ohio Safety Congress & Expo, sharing insights on effective safety strategies, OSHA compliance, and building sustainable safety programs. Coia Safety & Consultative Services is committed to helping businesses proactively manage workplace safety through fractional consulting, program development, OSHA violation response, and customized training.

The company’s mission is to go beyond compliance by fostering a culture where safety becomes second nature. Outside of work, Nic enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, coaching soccer, basketball, and volleyball, and staying actively engaged in community development efforts aimed at preparing the next generation for success.

March 12, 2026 | Member Breakfast

Join us on Thursday, March 12, 2026 for our Member Breakfast!

About The Event: This is part of our Member Meeting Networking and Learning Series. The purpose of the meeting is to welcome new and returning members as well as guests, provide updates on SHRM Portage County activities, and listen to a speaker present on an HR topic of interest to our membership.

Agenda:

• 7:15am - Registration Opens
• 7:30am - Networking & Lunch
• 7:50am - Announcements
• 8:00am - Presentation Begins

Session Title: Attracting, Engaging and Retaining

Session Description: In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, securing and retaining skilled talent isn’t just an HR priority — it’s a business imperative. Organizations that successfully build a strong, stable pipeline of trained workers position themselves for greater productivity, innovation, and long-term success.

Join us for an insightful session with Tooling U-SME Workforce Development Specialist, Denise Cowburn, as she explores practical, proven strategies to strengthen your workforce from the ground up.

What You'll Learn

• Discuss Current Trends in Attraction and Retention
• Understand the impact of the multigenerational workforce. Explore the latest trends in attracting and retaining talent within a multigenerational workforce.
• Leverage findings from recent Retention Reports: Review recent retention reports and learn how they highlight the business case for investing in learning and development initiatives.
• Examine Best Practices in Onboarding and Training: Discuss effective onboarding and on-the-job training strategies that can directly enhance retention and employee engagement.

Speaker Bio: Denise Cowburn is a Senior Workforce Development Specialist at Tooling U-SME, bringing over 25 years of experience in learning and development within the manufacturing industry. Her background combines deep expertise in workforce training with hands-on experience, including the management of her family’s small machine shop for several years.

For the past 14 years, Denise has led the successful implementation of workforce education and skills development programs for corporations around the world, empowering employees and driving business results. A recognized thought leader, she regularly speaks nationwide on emerging trends and best practices that help manufacturers attract, engage, and retain top talent. She currently resides in Ohio.

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