2008 Kenneth Hall

Kenneth “Kenny” Hall, Executive Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/AIA has a proven track record of working cooperatively with ARSHRM during state legislative sessions.

In his position with the Chamber, Kenny has a record of accessibility and willingness to listen and learn about local, state or federal legislative issues affecting the Human Resources profession. Kenny is in regular contact with ARSHRM governmental leadership on issues of importance to our profession, and encourages ARSHRM members to sit on Chamber committees (such as workers’ compensation and unemployment compensation) to assure the HR Voice is heard.

Kenny is sensitive not only to the diversity of the Chamber’s membership, but also to the interests of the HR Profession when legislation could adversely affect employers in our state. Kenny brings together differing groups to reach a consensus whenever possible so that the Chamber can support a united effort before the Arkansas General Assembly. Kenny is always at the Capitol during a session, and works diligently with labor prior to the session to reach an employer-labor consensus on various legislative proposals. When such agreement cannot be reached, Kenny is educating and rallying the troops so they can engage their local legislators on the relevant issues.

By bringing HR Leaders “into the fold” at the Chamber, Kenny has proven that he is an active participant and believer in educating the Human Resources Profession on legislative issues and assuring HR has a Voice at the Chamber level and at the Capitol. Kenny was an advocate for our own ARSHRM member, Russell Gunter, when Russell was considering the chairmanship of the unemployment compensation committee.

Through this deliberate and diligent open communication and education process, Kenny has provided continuous support, directly or indirectly, to ARSHRM legislative goals. Even when the legislative issue is difficult for the Chamber (due to diverse membership or other relevant reasons), Kenny is certain to notify HR of the Chamber’s position and assist with leading its leadership to the right venue so it can take up its own fight.

When concerned about a legislative matter, Kenny is always a resource to HR Professionals who are engaged in the legislative process. Kenny has assisted HR leadership with obtaining meetings with legislators, engaging our local businesses in the legislative effort, and many, many other issues. Kenny has been a regular guest at ARSHRM’s ELLA conference and is always available to the HR Profession.

Kenny and the Chamber/AIA should be commended for their cooperative, open approach to addressing legislation in a manner which serves the best interests of its members as well as the HR Profession.