ROCKPORT – The Maine Human Resources Convention saw its largest-ever turnout on Tuesday at the Samoset Resort, where hundreds of people gathered to discuss the latest strategies for keeping their businesses competitive and their employees happy.

More than 600 people were registered for the four-day event with 250 people present on day one.

Keynote speaker Margaret Morford, a management consultant and lawyer from Tennessee, gave a direct and humorous talk on adding value to an organization. She recommended human resources executives do the following:

. Locate university students looking to perform a special project and add them to the current work force at little or no cost.

. Keep in touch with former employees to recruit them back or get referrals.

. Reduce turnover, don’t just measure it.

. Train managers to assess potential candidates in terms of match with the “personality” of the organization, the manager and the job itself.

. Create a “talent hit list.” Target organizations that lack stability or have oppressive cultures and try to recruit their best employees.

“Talent is just getting more scarce, and it’s not getting any better. You’ve got to be fiercely competitive,” Morford said.

She encouraged audience members to implement a performance review process that forces employees to improve their work and become more efficient every year. Consider rating managers based on whether their employees show improvement, Morford said.

At the various workshops held throughout the day, participants discussed the legal and social dangers of inappropriate Internet use at the office, staff recognition in the workplace, and supporting psychologically troubled employees.

The convention features speakers from around the country, including Susan Meisinger, president and CEO of the national Society for Human Resource Management.

Bud Bernstein, CEO of Law Publishers, the firm that organizes the annual Maine Human Resources Convention, said he was surprised at the number of registrants given the tough economic times. He said the turnout may be partly due to the need to boost morale in the workplace.

“These [human resources] people come to have their spirits boosted, too, because HR isn’t always that appreciated. How can you boost yourself and encourage HR to be at the executive table, involved in the decision-making?” Bernstein said.

aravana@bangordailynews.net

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