Message From Newsletter Sponsor: Post University
Entrepreneurship Certificate: Your Ticket to the Future
Twenty percent of businesses fail in the first year, but these new businesses are the backbone that help us keep innovating and allow our economy to grow.

There is an obvious appeal to starting a business or buying a franchise; freedom and flexibility to be your own boss. Entrepreneurs who are prepared before they begin their efforts will have a better idea of what to expect and how to handle the potential challenges as they arise.

Through the Post University School of Continuing Education, earning an entrepreneurship certificate can be an excellent way to prepare yourself. It could help you understand the different issues you might face as an entrepreneur and strategies to maximize your chances for success.

Post offers a rigorous, well-rounded Certificate in Entrepreneurship that prepares you to seek a future career as an entrepreneur.

What does the Post Certificate in Entrepreneurship entail?
This certificate is designed to help you explore key issues you will encounter as you start your own business. The program is designed to help students better understand what is required of successful entrepreneurs as they start and grow their own businesses from the ground up. Not only will the courses included in the certificate empower students to learn and use the resources available to business owners, but it will also help future professionals prepare for all the different facets involved in running a business.

What courses are included in the Post Certificate in Entrepreneurship?
While earning your certificate, you will take courses in:
  • Finance and accounting. Designed to teach you to manage the accounts associated with your business as you juggle loans, business expenses, and income.
  • Important areas of business law. Learn about different types of laws that might impact you, such as employment law, the law that dictates how contracts are written, government regulations that are pertinent to different areas of business, and how regulations protect intellectual property.
  • Marketing. This course provides instruction on strategies that you can use to attract and engage with your target audience.
  • Leadership. This course covers methods to become a better leader and drive organizational growth

To register for this course, you only need to add it to your shopping cart from the Post School of Continuing Education.
HR Corner:
HR Corner: DOL Proposes New Rule for Independent Contractor Classification
This HR Corner is brought to you by Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP. Written by Attorney Nick Zaino
Misclassification of workers as independent contractors has been a long-standing issue for employers, and enforcement priority for various federal and state agencies.

On October 13, 2022, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) proposed a new rule that would make it harder to classify a worker as an independent contractor under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The proposed rule would rescind the more employer-friendly test issued by the DOL in 2021. In proposing this new rule, the DOL stated, “Misclassification is a serious issue that denies workers’ rights and protections under federal labor standards, promotes wage theft, allows certain employers to gain an unfair advantage over law-abiding businesses, and hurts the economy at-large.” 

Employers misclassify workers for various reasons. Employers may want to avoid paying certain payroll taxes, prevent the worker from being entitled to employee benefits, or prefer the simplicity of an independent contractor arrangement. And many times, employers are lured into classifying a worker as an independent contractor because that is the worker’s preference.

The determination of whether a worker is truly an independent contractor depends on the facts and circumstances. An agreement by the parties to establish an independent contractor arrangement is not dispositive. The proposed rule would require that the following six non-exhaustive factors be considered in light of the economic reality of the entire work that is to be performed:

1.   The worker’s opportunity for profit or loss based on the worker’s use of managerial skill—an independent contractor can make a profit and experience a financial loss; 

2.   Whether the worker makes capital or entrepreneurial investments related to the performance of work, and if so, whether such investment relative to the employer’s investment indicates the worker is an independent business; 

3.   Degree of permanence in the work relationship—a worker is likely an employee if the worker’s relationship with the organization is permanent or indefinite;

4.   Nature and degree of control exercised over the performance of work—an independent contractor exercises control over important aspects of the work being performed;

5.   Extent to which the work performed is an integral part of the employer’s business—if the worker’s role is a fundamental element of the business, the worker is likely economically dependent on the employer whereas an independent contractor’s work is unlikely to be vital to the organization; and

6.   Whether a worker uses specialized skills and initiative to perform the work.

The Proposed Rule is unlikely to go into effect until the middle of 2023. In the meantime, employers should closely scrutinize their existing contractor relationships, and exercise caution in classifying workers as independent contractors. The risks of misclassification can be significant including exposure to class action claims, liability for employee injuries, liability for workers’ compensation, back payment of payroll taxes and penalties, benefits lawsuits, and wage and hour claims. 
 
If you have questions, please contact a member of Carmody’s Labor and Employment team.

This information is for educational purposes only to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. It does not constitute legal advice and does not establish any attorney-client relationship.
Welcome New Members:
Submit Your News and Social Media Content
Do you have upcoming events, company news, holiday specials, or other-related information you'd like the Chamber to promote in our December Chamber Member newsletter or on one of our many social media platforms? You can submit your content by emailing Communications Director David Huck or Social Media Associate Amy Wergin.
Gain Exposure & Credibility: Digital Advertising with the Chamber
Across the country and region, individuals use Chambers of Commerce's as a primary resource for visitor, relocation, business, and community information. Advertise your business or organization on one of our four Chamber websites and reach new customers. The waterburychamber.com website, for example, annually receives over 60,000 unique website visitors, amounting to more than 111,000 website views throughout the year.

When you advertise on the Chamber's website, you're getting premier placement on the home page and most-visited pages on our websites, including:


Three different sized ads will promote your business across a variety of web spaces, including a mobile-optimized version. For a small fee, the Chamber offers banner design services, should your company need them.
As part of your membership, you have access to stats on referrals from the banner ads, among other items, such as social media links, that are listed on your Chamber profile and accessible through the Member Login portal in the upper right hand corner of each Chamber website. With the more months you advertise, the more money you save! There are also discounted rates available for non-profits.
Chamber Happenings Column
Chamber Happenings: Support United Way's Annual Campaign

By Lynn Ward

Behind the scenes and out of the spotlight, there is amazing, upbuilding work taking place to provide residents in the region with basic needs like food, access to affordable healthcare services, housing, early education experiences, and pathways to stable employment. Among the community partners leading that charge is the United Way of Greater Waterbury, which serves ten towns in the area.

According to the United Way, 44 percent of residents in the region struggle with the aforementioned basic necessities, while 31 percent live below the federal poverty level.

The United Way kicked off their 2022-23 Annual Campaign called “Have a Direct Effect” on September 8 as a way encourage financial support to help chip away at that need. On that same day, the United Way held a Day of Caring, during which dozens of employees fanned out to partner agencies to complete volunteer projects, another example of the selfless residents and employees we have in the area. It also gave participants a first-hand experience of the needs in the community and the impact they can have through United Way.

The campaign is being led by Campaign Chair Dr. Justin Lundbye, President and CEO of Waterbury HEALTH. The Vice Chair is Michael Dorso, the Program Director at RestorixHealth. “Have a Direct Effect” supports 35 programs and 19 initiatives. These strategic investments align with the organization’s goals of delivering in the areas of education, financial stability, and basic needs.

“The dollars we raise will help address their immediate needs, while also removing the obstacles holding people back from achieving their potential,” Lundbye said during the United Way’s recent annual meeting. “And that’s good for us all. It’s work worth investing in.”

There is an urgency now to secure financial commitments as the agency enters the final months of 2022, so that payroll deductions through their Employee campaign program can take effect January 1.

“With a multitude of needs in our community, how does anyone choose who to help, and who gets left behind?” said United Way President Kristen Jacoby. “How do you choose between supporting a food bank or an after-school program? Between helping a family avoid eviction or supporting a job training program? Between providing services for someone leaving an abuse relationship or providing books to low-income children?”

Over the last year, the United Way assisted 8,219 children with early literacy initiatives and were able to distribute 15,110 books. Investments in early childcare and education improved the professional skills of teaching staff, while 97 percent of parents showed an increase in implementation of strategies at home to support the achievement of their children. The agency assisted 1,329 individuals with mobile crisis intervention responses, while 15,000 pounds of food to pantry partners was received from Stock the Pantry donations.

“By giving to the United Way annual campaign, the choice disappears, and in its place, is a direct, positive, effect,” said Jacoby. “One gift to the United Way—combined with others throughout our community—strategically invested by knowledgeable community volunteers who drive the process—does more in a way no single gift to an individual agency or program ever could do on its own.”

As an adviser to the UWGW’s Campaign Leadership Council, I urge you to encourage your employees to take this opportunity to make a difference and become involved in this year’s United Way Employee campaign program. Companies large and small should consider participating in workplace campaigns, which have a vital impact on the community, while at the same time providing a fun way to build the morale among employees.

To enroll your business in the United Way Employee campaign program, contact Tomeka Cole at 203-757-9855, Ext. 17 or by email at [email protected]. The United Way also accepts cash, checks, stocks, and planned gifts throughout the year. Individuals may give online by visiting unitedwaygw.org/give or by mailing donations to: United Way of Greater Waterbury, 100 North Elm Street, 2nd Floor, Waterbury, CT, 06702-1512.

Lynn Ward is president and CEO of the Waterbury Regional Chamber. Contact her at 203-757-0701 Ext. 310 or [email protected]

This article originally appeared in the Republican American newspaper on Monday, November 7.
Click the video to watch a special message from United Way of Greater Waterbury 2022-2023 Campaign Chair Dr. Justin Lundbye, President/CEO of Waterbury HEALTH.
Upcoming Events & Opportunities
November 16: Job Fair in Downtown Waterbury
Register Now: December 14 - Annual Holiday Gathering
World-renowned fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff will be the keynote speaker during the Business Women’s Forum on March 15, 2023.

The Business Women’s Forum, which is now in its 40th year, is Connecticut’s largest and longest running conference for women in the state devoted to professional and personal development. The event will take place at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. Throughout the day, attendees will hear from a variety dynamic speakers and trainers, get the opportunity to network with hundreds of other professional women, and get the chance to win prizes. 

Additional speakers for the 2023 event will be announced in the coming weeks.
Applications are now being accepted for the Greater Waterbury Chamber of Commerce Foundation's new economic investment initiative, the Central Business District Investment Program, aimed at helping central business district property owners to lease their vacant storefronts.

The program uses $1.5 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to establish a matching grant program that would support property owners within the district who were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the program, eligible property owners can receive up to $100,000 to be used for interior or exterior buildout costs for vacant ground floor-level retail space. Property owners with vacant storefronts are eligible for a grant of $50 per square foot, up to $100,000. Any grant awarded to a property owner must be matched at 100 percent by the owner of the property, the tenant, or a combination of both parties. Additionally, Waterbury businesses can be eligible for up to $10,000 to relocate to the Central Business District or to another location within the City.
Southbury Chamber News
December 7: Festival of Wreaths
Come and celebrate the holidays with community spirit! Join the Southbury Chamber on Wednesday, December 7 at the Heritage Hotel Golf, Spa, and Conference Center for an evening of decorated wreaths, live music, photos with Santa, and a pasta dinner. The cost to attend the event is $25 per person; children under 10 are free with a paying adult. Admission includes pasta and salad buffet, cookies, hot chocolate and cider, 5 raffle tickets, and a door prize entry. Participants will have the opportunity to win one of over 50 decorated wreaths, including several Grand Wreaths valued at $500+! Door prizes will be awarded every 15 minutes. Open to the public!
Southbury Chamber Holds First Board of Directors Meeting; Names Leadership Positions
The Southbury Chamber held its first Board of Directors meeting on November 8 at Heritage Hotel Golf, Spa, & Conference Center. The board, made up of area business owners and representatives, elected Charlie Berger of Chatfield True Value as Chairman; Chris Anderson of the Heritage Hotel as Vice Chairman; Kathleen Lengyel of Ion Bank as Secretary/Treasurer; and Lynn Ward of the Southbury Chamber as President and CEO. The board had a productive first meeting, which included discussion of members who have recently joined, upcoming events, and more.

To see a complete list of the Board of Directors, visit: https://www.southburychamber.com/about-us.html
Watertown Oakville Chamber News
New Member Spotlight: Agnew Florist
A full-service florist in Watertown, Connecticut, Agnew Florist is committed to turning your special wishes into a work of art, one flower at a time. Owned and operated by skilled floral designer Dina Daddario, the company views each floral request as a memory creation to be cherished by the receiver. Featuring an unrivaled level of creativity and personal service, Agnew Florist guarantees a satisfying floral experience that delivers your thoughts and wishes. Designer / Owner, Dina Daddario, and her staff commit to providing an atmosphere of creativity, fresh ideas and an understanding of the special sentiments that flowers deliver.

Serving the Watertown, Oakville, Southbury, Woodbury, Middlebury, Thomaston, Bethlehem, Waterbury, and Naugatuck area since 1930. To set up an account or if you have any questions, contact Agnew Florist at 860-945-0647 or email [email protected]or visit www.agnewflorist.com
Check out the new Watertown Oakville Instagram and Facebook Pages
Looking for the latest Watertown Oakville Chamber news, events, member happenings, and more? Be sure to follow our new Instagram and Facebook pages.
Manufacturing News
Manufacturing Today Supplement
In case you missed it on October 27 in the Republican American newspaper, the Chamber's Manufacturing Today supplement is available in an easy-to-read flipbook online here. Inside, you'll find feature stories, company milestones and news, industry insights, member listings, and more! The publication is overseen by the Chamber's Manufacturing Advisory Council.
On November 4, the Waterbury Regional Chamber, in partnership with the Northwest Regional Investment Board, held a STEM and Advanced Manufacturing Expo at Naugatuck Valley Community College. The event was attended by more than 580 students from the Waterbury area. At the expo, students had an opportunity to meet one-on-one with area manufacturers, tour the advanced manufacturing lab at NVCC, and hear from area workers who are enjoying and finding success in the manufacturing industry today. Thank you to the following companies who had a booth at the expo:
Beta Shim Company
Braxton Manufacturing Company, Inc.
Click Bond
Cly-Del Manufacturing
CT Center for Advanced Technology, Inc.
ESI Electronic Products Corp.
Gyre9 LLC
Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board
Naugatuck Valley Community College
Prospect Machine Products
Schaeffler Group USA Inc.
Silgan Dispensing
Traver IDC
Ward Leonard