A Note from our President, Lynn Ward |
Dear Chamber Member,
As summer winds down, we are gearing up for a variety of events over the next few months.
Thank you to everyone who attended our Southbury Chamber launch event on Tuesday evening. We had a great turn out and are grateful for the many Southbury businesses who have recently joined. We are looking forward to working with you in the weeks to come. You can view some photos from the event below.
Next Monday, Sept. 19, we have the Waterbury Regional Chamber Golf Outing, taking place at the Golf Club at Oxford Greens. Network, enjoy 18 holes on one of Connecticut's premier courses, savor a tasty lineup for lunch and dinner, drinks, prizes, and more! Register here.
Our next Out for Business takes place on Thursday, September 22 at Ion Bank's New Haven Road location in Naugatuck. Come enjoy some food and beverages, networking with other Chamber Members, and get the chance to win one of several door prizes! You can register now here.
On Thursday, October 27, we will honor Viron Rondos of Viron Rondo Osteria, Fascia's Chocolates, and Peak Physical Therapy during the Harold Webster Smith Awards Breakfast, to be held at Aria. Registration is now open, along with sponsorship opportunities. If you'd like to have your company's logo on the invitation, secure your sponsorship by September 23. For more details, scroll below.
We have many publications we are working on, which will be distributed by the Republican American. The Health Matters supplement will be distributed on Sunday, September 18. In partnership with Main Street Waterbury, "Celebrating Downtown" will be published on Thursday, September 29. Our Manufacturing Today supplement will be distributed on October 27; the ad deadline for this publication is October 7. Many great opportunities to get exposure for your company or organization!
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Lastly, I'd like to welcome James Rutkowski to the Chamber. In his role as Marketing Director and Graphic Designer, Jimmy will take the lead on creating invitations, publications, and other materials for upcoming events and Chamber outreach efforts, as well as work with members to maximize their exposure. Jimmy can be reached at 203-757-0701 Ext. 303 or by email.
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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
- In the News
- A Message from Newsletter Sponsor: Post University
- HR Corner
- Welcome New Members
- Member Benefit Highlight
- Upcoming Events & Opportunities
- Southbury Chamber News
- Watertown Oakville Chamber News
- Hiring/Training Programs
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Message From Newsletter Sponsor: Post University |
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Post University's Malcom Baldrige School of Business Honors Crowe LLP with the 2022 Partner of the Year Award |
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Crowe LLP, a public accounting, consulting, and technology firm with offices around the world, including in Connecticut, received the Partner of the Year Award from The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business at Post University at a reception at the Waterbury Country Club in late August. The business school selected Crowe because of the firm’s long-standing commitment to advance career opportunities for Post students.
Crowe tax partner Daniel Kusaila, a 1998 graduate of Post University, accepted the award on behalf of the global organization. Sixteen years ago, Kusaila initiated an internship program, which led to successful accounting careers for dozens of Post students. Every year since 2006, Crowe has had one or two accounting majors from Post complete the internship. The firm also awards a $1,500 scholarship annually to a Post accounting major. To date, Crowe has awarded approximately $23,000 to Post students.
“Crowe places their trust in us to prepare accounting graduates to integrate into the field and we take this responsibility very seriously. Accounting is the language of business, and our accounting graduates are fluent. As the largest accounting program in Connecticut (by enrollments), students come to The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business to learn from the best and they expect us to live up to that reputation,” said Dr. Jeremi Bauer, Dean of The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business.
Currently, there are 13 Post University accounting alumni employed at Crowe. Post senior Jenna Abeyta, an accounting and sport management double major, recently completed her summer internship working for Crowe out of their Denver office.
“I have seen firsthand that the Post faculty truly know their students. Today, we work with the faculty to identify the best candidates for the internship positions,” explained Kusaila. He noted that a high percentage of Post students who complete their internships with Crowe are offered a full-time job after graduating.
In addition to benefiting their career path, an internship enhances the students’ experiences in the classroom as well, explains Kusaila. “Having hands-on experience in the field can allow students to connect the content they are learning within their courses to the working world.”
“For the past 16 years, I’ve worked with Dan and I’m in awe of the work environment he has created in Crowe’s offices. He is one of those rare people who are technically proficient, a good administrator and a leader. Our students have been employed by him and have grown under his tutelage. He’s a great friend and supporter of the University’s Accounting Department,” said Richard Dumont, program chair of the Post University Accounting Department.
Post University, through its business school, has established other strong partnerships with organizations such as Liberty Bank, Albert Bros., Bristol Health, and Drew Marine to produce innovative, customizable programs as well as pathways for student internships and talent pipeline to career opportunities.
The Partner of the Year Award was established two years ago to recognize the organizations that continue to collaborate with The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business in significant ways.
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HR Corner: What Employers Can Learn from Mar-a-Lago |
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In recent days, pictures of documents labeled “top-secret” and “classified” strewn about the carpet of Mar-a-Lago have dominated the news headlines. These pictures have been shocking but likely don’t seem applicable to the general public given that the vast majority of people will never possess such sensitive state secrets. However, with the rise of remote work, employers can use this national headline as an opportunity to review their remote work policies and practices.
Prior to authorizing remote work, employers should outline the expectations and scope of the remote work with the employee. The best practice for defining expectations is to enter into a written remote work agreement signed by both the employer and employee. While there are many remote work considerations recommended for inclusion in a remote work agreement (e.g. wage and hour and safety issues), this article focuses on five document and information security considerations.
Document and Information Security Considerations
1. What work may be performed or accessed remotely?
One of the first considerations for employers is identifying the type of information that may leave the worksite or be accessed remotely. Doing so reduces the risk of proprietary or confidential information being inadvertently exposed to unauthorized individuals, including family members and friends.
2. How will documents be stored?
Employers should also consider how remote employees will store documents, both physically and electronically. For physical documentation, employers may consider locked filing cabinets if the remote employee will maintain sensitive information. Further, employers should decide if employees may keep original documents (such as original contracts) in the remote workspace. Employers should also be aware of how electronic documents will be accessed. For example, will the employee be accessing documents from a family or shared computer? Being aware of who else may have access to the employee’s work on a shared or personal computer allows the employer to create appropriate safeguards.
3. What is the digital security plan?
Employers are also encouraged to explore if the employee will be accessing work documents from a secured home network and to decide if the employee will be permitted to conduct work on an unsecured network. Employers should obtain email encryption software to allow employees to communicate securely, particularly with regard to emailing documents with proprietary or confidential information.
4. Are there any client confidentiality requirements?
Additionally, in designing a remote work agreement, employers are cautioned to be mindful of any client imposed controls or requirements. Employers with non-disclosure or confidentiality agreements should confirm if any remote access will run afoul of any agreement prior to permitting related work to be conducted remotely.
5. How can employees report a breach?
Finally, employers should maintain a clear policy on how employees can report a data breach, including specifically who to contact in the event of a breach or suspected breach. Specific instructions on the steps to take in both a known breach and a suspected breach should help mitigate the potential damage and loss to the employer and clients.
If you have questions about designing a remote work agreement, 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.
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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 8/5/22 to 9/12/22
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Accessing Your Member Portal |
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Every Chamber Member can access a plethora of information and insights through their Member Portal. Click this link (also accessible by clicking on the "Member Login" link on the upper right hand corner of each Chamber website) through your user name (main contact email) and password (last four digits of your company telephone number.) Within the portal, you can enhance your member directory listing, such as your website address or social media accounts, submit an event to be listed on our community calendar, register for events, make payments, connect with other Chamber members, check referral reports, view leads, and other important information.
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Upcoming Events & Opportunities |
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October 3: Young Professionals of Waterbury Region (YPOWR) Mini Golf Palooza |
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October 27: Harold Webster Smith Awards Breakfast |
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ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Viron Rondos
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SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Peak Physical Therapy
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MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR
Fascia's Chocolates
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The owner of Viron Rondo Osteria restaurant, Fascia’s Chocolates, and local rehabilitation clinic Peak Physical Therapy will each be honored during the 2022 Harold Webster Smith Awards breakfast in October.
The Waterbury Regional Chamber will present the awards on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Aria Wedding and Banquet Facility, 45 Murphy Road in Prospect. The annual awards recognize smaller companies and small business executives who have achieved excellence. The keynote speaker will be Alexandra Daum, the Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Economic and Community Development.
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Supporting Business Sponsors |
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Reach an Audience of Regional Business and Community Leaders with a Sponsorship
Sponsorships provide a wide array of marketing benefits for your business or organization, including inclusion of your company name or logo on the event invitation, speaking opportunity at the event, recognition in marketing, radio promotion, and more—depending on the level of sponsorship. To show your support for the Chamber and this year’s recipients, contact Chris Caulfield or call 203-757-0701 by Sept. 23.
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Leadership of Greater Waterbury: October 14 Application Deadline |
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What is Leadership Greater Waterbury?
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 provideeative, 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.
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Leadership Skills Covered:
- Recruiting, Leading and Managing Teams
- Innovation, Change, and Crisis Management
- Project Management
- Communication and Time Management Strategies
- Government Relations/Civic Engagement
- Media, Public Relations, and Digital Communications
- Presentation Skills
- Board of Directors Development
-Diversity & Inclusion
- Community Involvement
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Program Overview
Orientation Day One:
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Waterbury Regional Chamber
Orientation Day Two:
Thursday, October 20, 2022
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.,
YMCA Camp Mataucha, Watertown
Alumni Reception and Out for Business:
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.,
Palace Theater, 100 East Main Street, Waterbury
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Class Days:
November 16, 2022 - 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - History
December 21, 2022 - 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Media & Communication
January 18, 2023 - 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Education
February 15, 2023 - 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Economic Development
March 22, 2023 - 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Government
April 19, 2023 - 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Arts & Entertainment
May 17, 2023 - 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Health & Human Services
June 14, 2023 - 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Program Wrap-Up
June 20, 2023 - 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - Graduation - Post University Downtown
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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. The Greater Waterbury Chamber of Commerce Foundation is an affiliate of the Waterbury Regional Chamber. Waterbury Regional Chamber staff serve as GWCC Foundation staff and will direct and lead the program. An oversight and approval committee, compromised of City officials and Chamber Foundation officials will be responsible for reviewing and awarding the grants.
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.
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Advertise in the Fall Manufacturing Supplement |
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September 13 Southbury Chamber Launch Event |
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December 7: Festival of Wreaths |
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Watertown Oakville Chamber News |
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Join the Watertown Oakville Chamber on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. at Grand Oka Villa for our 58th Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner. During the event, we will honor Robert LaBonne Jr. of LaBonne's Markets with the Community Leader of the Year Award; Tom DeMatteis of Martino's Pizzaria with the Unsung Hero Award; and Ivy at Watertown with the Beautification Award. |
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Robert LaBonne Jr.
LaBonne's Markets
Community Leader of the Year
Presented to an individual within the business community for their dedication to economic development in our area. This person has an impact on the business community, demonstrates leadership, is involved in the community and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
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Tom DeMatteis
Martino's Pizzaria
Unsung Hero
This person or organization has made substantive yet unrecognized contributions to the community, exhibits fair and honest business practices, either lives, works or owns a business in Watertown-Oakville, and does not have to be a Chamber member. Priority consideration is given to Chamber members.
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Ivy at Watertown
Beautification Award
Presented to individuals, companies or organizations for efforts that add to the aesthetics of the area by improving their properties or key access points to the community. This person or business has made a special effort to improve and/or maintain a high standard of beautification of their property and is a Chamber member.
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16th Annual Brass City Brew & 'Que Recap |
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Event Host:
Victor Shah
of Mountain Top Liquors
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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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