Become A TEA Member

Joining The Employers’ Association is a wise and cost-effective decision. Your membership gives you a wide range of free and deeply discounted services aimed at the prevention of HR problems. As a TEA member, you have access to salary surveys, compliance guidance, management and human resource advice, training, and consulting. Most day-to-day services are included in one annual membership fee. When members choose specialized services and training, discounted rates apply.

How do I join?

Not sure if your company is already a member? Check here.

Testimonial

After searching various HR sites on my own for about 15-20 minutes, I called TEA for assistance. I left a very specific topic (I was looking for "bad hire costs"). I was so impressed that within ten minutes, I had an email from Rob Strate...with a PERFECT article/white paper on the subject. The article far exceeded what I had found on my own. I need to remember that TEA is truly an extension of my HR department! Thank you!
Cathy Wilson
Executive Director of Human Resources
Staff Relations & Employment
Grand Rapids Community College

David Smith, CAE, President & CEO

Dave joined The Employers’ Association in 1989 and has been President since 1993. Prior to joining The Association, Dave was responsible for Union Relations, Compensation, Safety/Environmental Compliance, and Organizational Development for a local furniture manufacturer (5 years). His previous experience includes Human Resource Management for a local automotive supplier, Technical Recruiting, and Operations Management within the Chemical Industry.

Dave has developed and implemented more than 275 Compensation Administration Programs while at The Association and also consulted with Members in:

                            Organizational Development                 Family Business Issues
                            Succession Planning                             Safety / Health Compliance Concerns
                            Staffing                                                Legislative Compliance
                            Performance Management / Pay-for-Performance Program Development

Dave has provided strategic direction, planning, and consistent management techniques promoting excellence in the management of people to Manufacturing, Service/Professional, Family-Owned, Educational and Non-Profit businesses. Dave speaks frequently on Generational Diversity issues and is actively involved in Executive Coaching and Mentoring. Dave is a regular contributor to The Employers’ Association’s newsletter (Executive Update), The Grand Rapids Business Journal (People Matters), and MiBiz (The Human Factor).

An active contributor to the community, Dave serves on the following Boards and Steering Committees:

        Director for Herbruck Poultry Ranch (Chair of its Compensation Committee)
        Member of the Kent/Allegan County Workforce Development Board (Chair of its Adult Committee)
        Member of the YMCA HR Policy Committee
        Director, Member of Governance Committee, and Chair of HR Policy Committee for MI Blood
        Vice-Chair of Kent Health Plan’s Board of Directors
        Director for Touchstone Innovare (Member of Finance Committee)
        Director for the region’s Aligning Forces 4 Quality initiative
        Director for the Reentry Employment Resource Center
        Advisory Board Member for MBPA’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in West Michigan
        Member of Gun Lake Community Church (Chair of its Personnel Committee)
        Director for Employer Associations of America (National Industry Group)

Dave was graduated from Hope College with dual majors in Chemistry and Psychology then took further studies in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Purdue University) and advanced coursework at the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law. Dave has achieved the designation Certified Association Executive and been accepted into both the National and International Who’s Who Registry of Business Professionals and recognized as one of America’s best poets.

Email Dave