A Note from our President, Lynn Ward
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Dear Chamber Member,
Fall is in the air and the days are getting shorter, but we are seeing signs all around us that the economy is beginning to pick up speed once again. For the fourth month in a row, the state of Connecticut's unemployment number has declined and sits at 7.2% for August, the most recently available data.
As of October 1, there are many new employment laws that went to affect in the state of Connecticut. Don't miss this month's HR Corner from Attorney Nick Zaino of Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey for an overview of a few changes.
Thank you to all of our Chamber Members who participated in the job fair that we held last week in partnership with the Northwest Regional Investment Board. We had over 250 attendees and more than 60 employers from the region. Look for details coming soon about another job fair that we will host after the holidays in January. We hope you will join us and secure some prospective leads on filling any open positions that you may have.
Our 26th Annual Waterbury Regional Open on Tuesday, October 12 was a great success! Thank you to our title sponsor Drew Marine and all of the other generous business and organizations, as well as the golfers, who helped to make this a very enjoyable day of golf, networking, food, and drinks. You can view some of the highlights from the day in a photo gallery here.
Next Tuesday, October 19 is our next Out for Business, which will be held at the Golf Club of Oxford Greens from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Come mingle with fellow Chamber members! You can register here.
Stay tuned for additional events!
You can reach me, as always, at (203) 757-0701 or lward@waterburychamber.com. Keep scrolling for this month’s updates and events to take full advantage of what our Chamber has to offer.
Thank you, more than ever, for your continued membership,
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In This Issue:
- President's Note
- Reopening Resources & Information
- Newsletter Sponsor Post University
- HR Corner by Carmody, Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP
- In the News
- Welcome New Members
- Upcoming Opportunities
- Hiring/Training Programs
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Reopening Resources & Information
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A Message From Newsletter Sponsor,
Post University
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Post University Provost Elizabeth Johnson Named a "Female Executive of the Year" by the 2021 Stevie Awards
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Post University Provost Elizabeth Johnson, Ph.D., has been recognized by the 18th Annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business as a “Female Executive of the Year.” She received a Bronze Stevie Award.
Dr. Johnson was recognized for leading academic affairs in spearheading 30 programs while guiding 60 faculty members, 800 associate faculty members, and 15,000 students through the pandemic. After successfully transitioning all faculty and students to remote learning, she helmed weekly meetings with all department heads to oversee the modification of coursework, ensuring they were optimized for online learning.
“In a time when so many educators across the country have risen to the occasion amid COVID-19 challenges, Beth’s exemplary leadership has been nothing short of heroic,” said Post University CEO & President John L. Hopkins. “We are in complete admiration of her stellar leadership, composure and expertise during this transformative time.“
Judges praised Dr. Johnson for stretching beyond her role as an academic officer to ensure student life, campus facilities and programs could transition smoothly to a remote setting. “A great result in such challenging times for the education sector,” wrote one reviewer. Others levied praise for her compassion, candor and genuine concern for students.
Dr. Johnson joined Post University in 2006 as an Assistant Professor of Environmental Science. After being named Provost in 2016, she has dedicated her career to optimizing the University’s programs and installing quality assurance processes for class curriculum.
The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the companies they run– worldwide. They have been hailed as the world’s premier business awards. Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 160 business professionals around the world, working on eight juries.
Winners will be celebrated during a virtual awards ceremony in January 2022
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HR Corner: It's Time to Update Your Employee Handbook
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This HR Corner is Brought to you by Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP. Written by: Attorney Nick Zaino
As some new laws became effective in 2021 and others take effect in 2022, it’s time for employers to update their employee handbooks. This article summarizes some developments that may require new policies or revisions to existing ones.
FMLA Policy: On January 1, 2022, Connecticut’s FMLA will be expanded to cover nearly all employers. The reasons why an employee may take job-protected leave also have been significantly expanded. Covered employers will need to either revise their FMLA policy or adopt a new policy if the employer was not previously covered under the state’s FMLA.
Salary Ranges: As of October 1, 2021, employers are required to provide the wage ranges for job positions to applicants prior to or when a conditional offer of employment is made, and to current employees upon their hiring or a change in the employee’s position. Employers must also provide wage ranges upon request. Employers should consider having a policy addressing this new requirement and noting that wage ranges may be periodically modified.
Drug and Alcohol Policy: Employers should review and update their drug and alcohol policy since adult recreational marijuana use is now legal in Connecticut. The new law includes some employment protections that will be effective on July 1, 2022 and generally restrict an employer from taking adverse action against an employee for using marijuana outside the workplace. However, the law exempts various employers and allows covered employers significant latitude to prohibit off-duty marijuana use provided the employer adopts and distributes a written policy.
Remote Work: With an increasing number of employees working remotely, employers are well-advised to revisit, or adopt, a policy setting forth the terms and conditions of remote work, including addressing the job positions that may be eligible for remote work and compliance with wage and hour laws.
Smoking Policy: As of October 1, 2021, employers must prohibit smoking and the use of electronic nicotine and cannabis delivery systems and vapor products in any area of any business under the employer’s control. Also, any outdoor smoking must be at least 25 feet away from the building. Employers should revise their smoking policy to address these changes and comply with new no-smoking signage requirements.
Non-Discrimination & Dress Code Policies: Connecticut’s passage of the CROWN Act changes the definition of the word “race” as it is used in anti-discrimination statutes to specifically include “ethnic traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles.” Protective hairstyles include “wigs, headwraps and hairstyles such as individual braids, cornrows, locs, twists, Bantu knots, afros and afro puffs.” Employers should review their dress or appearance policy to ensure that it does not violate this law, either explicitly or by implication.
Age Inquiries of Prospective Employees: Employers with three or more employee are generally prohibited from requesting or requiring a prospective employee to provide their age, birthdate, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. Employers should review their employment application form and hiring practices to ensure compliance.
Holiday Policy: Juneteenth (June 19th) is now considered a federal holiday. Employers may wish to revise their holiday policy to include this new federal holiday.
Voting Time: Employers must provide each employee two hours of unpaid time off to vote in any state election or special election for U.S. senator, representative in Congress, state senator or state representative. To be eligible, employees must request the time at least two working days in advance. Employer may wish to adopt a policy that addresses this new law.
Education Assistance Program: Connecticut now requires employers with 100 or more employees to notify their Connecticut resident employees if the employer offers an education assistance program and provide details of the plan. Covered employers should ensure that their policy is compliant.
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.
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Palace Theater's Economic Effect Worth Applauding
By Lynn Ward
When the Palace Theater opened its bronze doors for the first time in January 1922, a newspaper headline that day spoke to the majestic quality to the venue: “Rich Beauty of Splendid New Playhouse Will Appeal to the Artistic Senses of Every Waterbury Theater-Goer. Every Provision Has Been Made for Convenience of Patrons.”
One-hundred years later, as the Palace Theater heads into its centennial anniversary, much can still be said about the historic theater and the experience that awaits visitors from near and far as they step underneath the marquee on East Main Street and into the grand foyer. Gone are the days of vaudeville movies, but the performing arts center has experienced a shift in recent years, expanding its range of programming and increasing the number of patrons who are visiting from outside Waterbury, leading to economic benefits for a wider part of the region.
According to Palace Theater CEO Frank Tavera, and based on Americans for the Arts data, it is estimated that for each Palace Theater patron an additional $21.00 is spent in the community. Based on that economic multiplier, the theater’s annual 130,000 attendees generate in excess of $2.7 million in ancillary spending, supporting area business in the Greater Waterbury area and its surrounding towns.
On October 1 and 2, the Palace kicked off their 2021-22 season to full houses for performances of “A Bronx Tale.” The opening nights also gave a boost to local eateries, such as Signatures Restaurant. “It was packed before the show and then a half hour before curtain time, it emptied out,” Tavera said. “We are already seeing that people are making a night of coming to the theater once again. They’re coming out for dinner and seeing a show, like they did pre-COVID.”
Tavera says that when the Palace Theater reopened its doors in 2004 after a $30 million renovation, 35 percent of patrons were from Waterbury. Today, that number is 18 percent; the rest are coming from the Greater Waterbury region, as well as Hartford, Litchfield, and Upper Fairfield counties. As patrons travel to the theater, they are stopping along the way for dinner, fuel, and shopping.
“Patrons are supporting a large number of communities within a 15-mile radius and beyond. We are a larger economic driver for more than just our downtown,” Tavera said. The Palace has also teamed up with other six notable performing arts venues from across the state and launched a marketing campaign this month that will widen its market reach even more.
That’s something to cheer about! The Chamber, which has a regional presence, has had a long running partnership with the Palace Theater and we are proud to continue supporting their efforts as they head into their 100th anniversary year.
In the 1980s, when the theater fell into disrepair and talks began about preserving the venue, community members disagreed over whether it would be possible to attract Broadway-style shows and big-name performing artists. Within the last decade, the Palace Theater has proven itself as a premier entertainment destination by hosting performers like Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Leonard Cohen, Joe Cocker, B.B. King, and Willie Nelson, along with high-quality Broadway productions like “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Chicago.”
As the Palace Theater looks forward to its 100th anniversary next year, the theater is kicking off the celebrations of this month with unique programming that recalls the venue’s first Golden years era. Offerings include an evening featuring a legendary concert promoter sharing stories from shows held at the Palace Theater, an exhibition featuring concert memorabilia, a free screening of a film detailing the theater’s original owner—Sylvester Z. Poli, a variety of performances in their Webster Bank Broadway series, holiday concerts, a performance of the Wizard of Oz in partnership with the Waterbury Symphony on April 2, and more. Visit palacetheaterct.org for a full list of events.
What’s been the secret behind the longevity of the Palace for nearly a century?
“The integrity of the building. Not only is it a historic space, but architecturally it’s probably one of the most attractive theaters in the state,” Tavera says. “And we have loyalty from people who remember seeing big band shows here in the 1950s, for example. They say it’s here again, in a bigger, brighter, better way.”
This column originally ran in the Republican-American on Monday, October 11, 2021.
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A warm welcome to our newest members!* We encourage you to connect with them soon and see where your next partnership can be!
*Joined 9/9/21 to 10/13/21
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What is Leadership Greater Waterbury?
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A personal and career development program which creates lifelong partnerships and develops community awareness among future leaders in civic, professional and community organizations in the Greater Waterbury area. Its goal is to provide a creative, interactive environment for the participants to meet regional leaders and discuss the challenges that affect Greater Waterbury.
Open to business participants who are lifelong learners with five to 25+ years of work experience.
Program Timeline:
Orientation: November 17, 2021
Classes begin December 15, 2021
Graduation & Alumni Reception June 21, 2022
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Looking for a unique marketing opportunity?
The Chamber Perk program is a way for members to showcase their business or organization by offering up a discount or promotion for a specified week. Perks are promoted on the Chambers’ social media channels, through videos, and multiple spotlights in the Chamber’s newsletter, which is distributed to thousands of individuals. If you are a business who is interested in learning more about the Chamber Perk program contact Communications and Social Media Director David Huck at dhuck@waterburychamber.com or call 203-757-0701.
Some of the benefits include:
- Social media marketing to more than 5,000 followers
- Personalized eblasts to 1,000s of recipients
- Live video and highlights posted to social media
- Earned media in area press (front page placement on the business section in the Rep-Am; over 30,000 subscribers)
- Ad placement on the Chamber website
- Cost $250
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For Malcolm Baldrige sponsorship opportunities, contact Chamber Events Director Chris Caulfield by email or call (203)-757-0701 ext. 324.
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Opportunity to Participate in MyCTSavings Pilot Program
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MyCTSavings, is a new retirement savings program created by the state of Connecticut’s Retirement Security Authority. MyCTSavings gives small businesses an easy way to help employees save and plan for their future, and it helps businesses compete with businesses that do offer retirement savings plans.
Employers with more than 5 employees who do not provide a qualified retirement savings plan are eligible to participate in the program. Employees must be at least 19 years old, have earned income, are employed in Connecticut, and have been employed for at least 120 days. There is no cost to participate in the pilot or the program.
Before the full MyCTSavings program rolls out across the state in 2022, we’re looking for interested employers to participate in an exclusive pilot of the program. The pilot is your chance to be one of the first to offer this great new program to your employees and help influence the program for other business owners. We also will provide dedicated support to help guide you through enrollment.
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Hiring & Training Programs Available
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Do you need help finding qualified workers for your business? Could you use some financial assistance to offset the cost of hiring and training new workers, or training your existing workforce?
The Waterbury Regional Chamber is working with the Northwest Regional Workforce Investments Board to help businesses in Greater Waterbury learn more about the available hiring and training programs and whether they qualify for them. This includes providing information on posting jobs on the states CThires.com website, as well as information about Manufacturing Innovation Fund Incumbent Worker Training, the apprenticeship program, hiring veterans and on-the-job training programs.
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PLUS: Need a Job Now?
NeedAJobNow.usNLx.com contains over 400,000 job openings and continues to grow daily. While many employers are downsizing their staff, others are significantly increasing their hiring efforts due to current demands. Through this initiative, DirectEmployers and National Association of State Workforce Agencies offers a way to bridge the gap between job supply and demand by offering an easy way for job seekers to gain access to current open positions and for employers to fill positions quickly and efficiently during these difficult times.
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