May 15, 2004
For 35 years, the Society of Human Resource (HR) Management has been the leading source of information and resources needed for successful employment professionals. Every year, at the annual Employment Management Association (EMA) conference, the Society presents information on the latest knowledge, skills, abilities and behaviors needed to succeed.
As part of this annual conference, EMA awards are given for creativity in recruitment advertising and collateral produced on behalf of companies across the country. What's more, respected peers and colleagues in the HR industry judge entries.
This year, those colleagues awarded the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) the grand prize for "Best in Class" for its new recruitment video/DVD. This is a "Best of the Best" award from each of the seven categories recognized, and YKHC won the grand prize for a beautiful, creative and compelling video/DVD.
From August of 2002 and March of 2003, the Bernard Hodes Group (BHD) partnered with YKHC to present a realistic yet inspiring account of life in Bethel and the surrounding region of the Y-K Delta. After shooting and working with KYUK, the local TV station, the YKHC-BHD team created a 25-minute presentation from 12 hours of footage.
For the soundtrack, music from artists tied to the local area or the Native American culture – such as Pamyua and Michael Faubion – was used to add emotion and flow to the presentation. Since the video/DVD was also to be distributed internally and throughout the Y-K Delta, it was meant to be appealing to both Alaska Natives and non-Natives.
Curtis Alexie, a recruiter at Human Resources, recalls the project being a team effort, but was mainly coordinated by Audra Jackley of BHG. Other YKHC employees, then involved in the project, were Rose Laraux, Terry Fitka, and Keith Sims.
The award will be sent to YKHC soon for display.