Portland HR Management Association

What Portland HR Management Association does

Portland HR Management Association (PHRMA) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional association founded in 1947 that serves HR professionals in the Portland-metro area and broader Pacific Northwest. With over 1,100 members, PHRMA is the largest SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) affiliate in the Pacific Northwest and one of only 18 SHRM chapters with membership exceeding 1,000 individuals. The organization operates as a 100% SHRM chapter, requiring SHRM membership, and pioneered dual-membership integration with SHRM as one of the first three chapters to rollout combined transactions.

PHRMA delivers a portfolio of programs built around member engagement rather than a software platform. Core offerings include SHRM Certification Study Groups with a 95% pass rate, HR Essentials foundational courses, an award-winning mentorship program, the annual Strategic Management Conference, monthly HR in 90 sessions, and tiered networks organized by geography (six districts), career stage (emerging, mid-level, executive), and industry (government, healthcare, HR department of one). Supporting infrastructure includes the HR Marketplace for vetted vendor referrals, the Workforce Readiness Program addressing inclusive hiring, and a HR Assistance Fund providing financial aid. The underlying technology stack is YourMembership.com association management software powering the member portal, event registration, email marketing, and HR Marketplace functionality.

PHRMA's revenue model is diversified across annual membership dues ($99/year), paid certification prep and foundational courses ($699-$2,099), event fees ($50-$549 depending on program and member status), HR Marketplace vendor listings ($300-$700 for 1-2 year placements), and sponsorship/partnership packages. The organization is led primarily by volunteer board members drawn from the local HR community, supplemented by a small staff including an Executive Director. Operations are regionally concentrated in Portland, OR, with no disclosed expansion beyond the Pacific Northwest market.

Name

Portland HR Management Association

Legal name

Portland Human Resources Management Association

Website

https://portlandhrma.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1947

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Portland HR Management Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional association serving 1,100+ HR professionals in the Portland-metro area through membership, networking, certification preparation, and professional development programming as the largest SHRM affiliate in the Pacific Northwest.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional HR Association

NAICS

Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYTHAHACAA

Association & Society Conference Management (Nonprofit, Professional Bodies)

Travel & Hospitality/MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions)/Professional Conference Organizers (PCOs) & Meeting Planners

Keywords

• Professional HR association
• HR networking community
• SHRM certification prep
• HR professional development
• HR continuing education

Headquarters

HQ city

Portland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees provide core revenue. PHRMA membership is $99 per year and includes dual-membership integration with SHRM. As a 100% SHRM chapter, SHRM membership is required.
2. Events and Conferences: Revenue from paid events including the annual Strategic Management Conference, HR Specialty Sessions, HR in 90 programs, and various networking events. Conference pricing ranges from $349-$549 depending on membership status.
3. Certification Study Groups: SHRM certification preparation courses with all-inclusive pricing. Members pay $1,299-$1,699; non-members pay $1,699-$2,099. Pricing includes SHRM Certification Prep System materials and exam vouchers.
4. HR Essentials Course: Five-week foundational HR course with tiered pricing: Supported ($699-$899), Standard ($899-$1,099), Community Builder ($1,099-$1,299) for members; higher rates for non-members.
5. HR Marketplace Listings: Resource partner listings in HR Marketplace categories. Basic 1-year listing $300, Enhanced 1-year listing $375. Basic 2-year listing $550, Enhanced 2-year listing $700.
6. Sponsorship and Partnership: Annual partner packages (Title, Gold, Silver, Bronze) and a la carte sponsorship opportunities for the Strategic Management Conference and other programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

PHRMA (Portland Human Resources Management Association) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional association that delivers networking, professional development, and educational programming to HR professionals in the Portland metro area. The association sells annual individual memberships (with dual-SHRM integration) and standalone paid offerings including an annual Strategic Management Conference, SHRM certification study groups, HR Essentials foundational course, HR in 90 monthly sessions, HR Specialty Sessions, and paid HR Marketplace listings for service providers.

Product overview

PHRMA is a professional association (501(c)(6) nonprofit) operating as a single unified offering—membership in the association—rather than a platform-plus-modules architecture. The membership provides access to an integrated portfolio of programs and services including: membership with SHRM dual-membership option, events (Strategic Management Conference, HR in 90, HR Specialty Sessions, District Networks, Career Networks, Industry Networks), professional development (SHRM Certification Study Group, HR Essentials Course), the Mentorship Program, HR Marketplace, Workforce Readiness Program, HR Assistance Fund, and the PSU Student Chapter. These programs work together to provide networking, professional development, education, and resources for HR professionals in the Portland metro area.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PSU HRMA: Portland State University Student Chapter of PHRMA - a college student chapter sponsored by the PHRMA board

Products and services

• PHRMA Membership Annual membership providing access to networking, professional development, educational opportunities, mentorship, certification study groups, career-level and industry networks, and exclusive member discounts for HR professionals in the Portland metro area. Includes dual-membership integration with SHRM.
• Strategic Management Conference PHRMA's premier annual learning and connection conference featuring speakers, practical sessions, networking opportunities, and recertification credits for HR professionals, held at the Hyatt Regency in Portland.
• SHRM Certification Study Group Comprehensive 13-week SHRM certification preparation course combining the official SHRM Certification Prep System with personalized support from SHRM-certified instructors, with an option to include the SHRM exam voucher.
• HR Essentials Course Five-week foundational HR course covering the role of HR in the workplace, employee experience, culture and inclusion, HR technology, performance and impact, and employment law, delivered in partnership with SHRM with tiered pricing.
• HR in 90 Monthly lunchtime professional development program featuring practical HR topics with discussion-friendly sessions, combining learning, connection, and community in 90 minutes.
• HR Specialty Sessions Focused programs exploring specific HR disciplines such as DEI, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, and workplace legal updates through practical, experience-based learning led by local experts.
• HR Marketplace Resource hub providing top-notch product and service referrals for HR professionals across categories including Consultants & Trainers, HR Technology & Payroll, Legal Services, Recruitment, and Employee Benefits; sold as 1-year or 2-year paid listings.
• Mentorship Program Award-winning approximately 8-month mentorship program connecting HR professionals across experience levels through 1:1 mentor/mentee meetings, a competency-based curriculum, and a cohort kickoff experience.

Quantifiable outcome

• 95% SHRM exam pass rate for PHRMA Study Group participants
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPHRMA is the largest SHRM affiliate in the Pacific Northwest and a 100% SHRM chapter, meaning SHRM membership is required. PHRMA helped pioneer dual-membership with SHRM as one of the first three chapters to rollout the process. The partnership provides members access to SHRM resources, research, toolkits, certification preparation, Ask an HR Advisor service, and multi-state law comparison tools. SHRM membership value estimated at $13,000.
• NHRMA (Northwest Human Resources Management Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNHRMA is PHRMA's regional organization housing local chapters in Oregon, Washington and Alaska. It is the only regional association covering three states and includes only chapters that are 100% affiliated with SHRM. NHRMA helps chapters provide services and professional development to members.
• Oregon SHRM (Oregon State Council)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOregon SHRM serves as the communication link between SHRM and the nine local SHRM affiliate chapters in Oregon. PHRMA's Board President sits on the Oregon SHRM Board as one of nine chapter Presidents, enabling collaboration with other chapters.
• Portland State University HRMAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPHRMA sponsors the PSU HRMA student chapter, working directly with student advisors to foster leadership, facilitate student activities, engage members as mentors, and promote SHRM student membership to help students find their next HR role.
• YourMembership.comcoreTechnology or IntegrationYourMembership.com provides the association management software powering PHRMA's website, including member portals, event management, email marketing, career center, and HR Marketplace functionality.
• Barran LiebmanminorGTM or Marketing PartnerResource Partner and sponsor. Partner Nicole Elgin presents HR Specialty Sessions on employment law topics such as Paid Leave Oregon compliance.
• Xenium HRminorGTM or Marketing PartnerResource Partner providing HR services. Multiple Xenium HR employees serve on PHRMA Board including Director of HR Services Nicole Blevins (Treasurer) and HR Business Partner Nae Hakala (EDI Committee).
• Legado TalentminorGTM or Marketing PartnerResource Partner listed on PHRMA homepage as sponsor supporting the HR community.
• Field DayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAffiliate organization helping companies build employee volunteer programs that foster community and strengthen culture through workplace volunteering with local nonprofits.
• Oregon Healthy Workforce Center (OHWC)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAffiliate organization dedicated to improving worker health, safety, and well-being through effectiveness research, collaboration, and evidence-based programs. A NIOSH Total Worker Health Center of Excellence.
• ATD-CascadiaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAffiliate organization and one of the largest ATD chapters in the nation, providing cutting edge programs for workplace learning professionals to learn, connect, and develop.
• ODN OregonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAffiliate organization advancing the practice of organization development professionals through learning, connection, and community giving opportunities.
• ICF OregonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChartered chapter of International Coaching Federation, offering education and training for HR professionals seeking to enhance coaching skills. PHRMA members receive member pricing using promo code 'PHRMA'.
• Mac's ListminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTop local job search site for Oregon and Washington professionals with 74,000 monthly visitors. PHRMA members receive one-time $15 discount on job postings and access to employer newsletter.
• HR NetworkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal job posting website and mailing list for HR, payroll, and administrative positions in Oregon and Washington. PHRMA spotlight partner with free weekly newsletter.
• Western Pension & Benefits Council (WP&BC)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPremier educational organization for employee benefits professionals, founded in 1954, providing education and resources for pension and benefit plan governance.
• PNW ISCEBSminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPacific Northwest chapter of International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists, providing unbiased education to benefits and compensation professionals across nine western states.
• Portland Workforce AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting youth career exploration after high school and education requirements for career paths. PHRMA sources member volunteers for mock interviews, career talks, and workshops.
• The DKB Foundation (Dave's Killer Bread)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPHRMA supports the DKB Foundation in educating employers about Second Chance hiring, best practices, financial assistance, and support resources for hiring employees with past criminal records.
• Sheridan Federal Correctional InstitutionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPHRMA works with Sheridan Federal Correctional Institution to provide training and information to inmates preparing for workplace reentry.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• NYC SHRM: Major metro SHRM affiliate chapter serving HR professionals in the New York City area. Comparable large-metro chapter structure with SHRM dual-membership integration and event-driven programming, useful for benchmarking against PHRMA's Portland operations.
• HR Atlanta: Large SHRM affiliate chapter serving HR professionals in the Atlanta metro area with comparable structure, programming portfolio, and SHRM partnership model. Another large-metro SHRM chapter peer for benchmarking membership and revenue scale benchmarks.
• HRCI (HR Certification Institute): Independent HR certification body administering PHR, SPHR, and other HR credentials. While PHRMA primarily promotes SHRM certifications, HRCI represents a parallel credentialing ecosystem that competes for the same certification-preparation audience and HR professional mindshare.
• Seattle SHRM: Other major Pacific Northwest SHRM affiliate chapter serving HR professionals in the Seattle metro. Operates with similar SHRM-dual-membership model, chapter-based networking, and certification prep — the most directly comparable geographic peer for benchmarking membership scale and programming.
• Bay Area HR: Large California SHRM affiliate chapter (formerly Bay Area Human Resources) serving Silicon Valley/Bay Area HR professionals. Comparable scale and structure to PHRMA with similar SHRM-dual-membership model and major metro professional development programming portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• WorldatWork: Non-profit professional association for total rewards (compensation, benefits, work-life) professionals with a similar membership-based, conference-driven, certification-anchored business model. Targets overlapping HR buyer audience with deeper specialization in compensation and benefits.
• SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management): National parent organization of which PHRMA is the largest Pacific Northwest affiliate. SHRM operates as the broader HR professional association with 300,000+ members globally, providing the certification programs, national advocacy, and resources that PHRMA distributes locally through its chapter.
• ATD (Association for Talent Development): National professional association serving workplace learning and talent development professionals with a chapter-based structure (PHRMA partners with ATD-Cascadia locally). Comparable membership/conference/certification business model targeting the adjacent learning and development segment of HR.

Emerging players

• Disrupt HR: Global HR community/events platform with a TED-talk-style format running HR events in cities worldwide. Represents an emerging digital/event-based alternative to traditional professional associations like PHRMA, potentially competing for the same HR community engagement mindshare with a more nimble, lower-overhead model.

Regional players

• NHRMA (Northwest Human Resources Management Association): Regional umbrella organization housing SHRM chapters in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. Operates at the regional tier between SHRM national and local chapters, providing similar member services and serving as PHRMA's direct organizational parent in the regional structure.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/PortlandHR
• Facebookfacebook.com/PortlandHR
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/portland-human-resources-management-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Portland HR Management Association