Welcome to Our Newest Members | |
A warm welcome to our newest members!* We encourage you to connect with them soon and see where your next partnership can be! | |
To advertise your business or organization in the January member marketplace and get premier placement for your company, contact David Huck at dhuck@waterburychamber.com or call 203-757-0701. Space is limited! $100 per ad. | |
Young Professionals of Waterbury | |
From Our Newsletter Sponsor: Post University | |
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Post University proudly announces the promotion of Jeanna Sinn to Chief Operating Officer (COO), recognizing her outstanding leadership in higher education over the past 14 years. Previously serving as Senior Vice President of Operations, Sinn will now oversee the University’s daily operations and lead strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing student success, driving operational excellence and fostering institutional growth.
In this new role, Sinn will focus on streamlining processes, optimizing resource allocation and enhancing service delivery across critical areas such as enrollment management, student services and academic programs. She will also work closely with the leadership team to ensure that strategic initiatives are executed efficiently, improving both operational performance and the student experience. Additionally, Sinn will play a key role in expanding the University’s regional and global presence, forging new partnerships.
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“Post University has been my professional home for over a decade, and I am thrilled to take on this new role as COO,” said Sinn. “The opportunity to further our mission of providing accessible, student-centered education – especially to those who face barriers to traditional college enrollment – is something I am deeply passionate about. I look forward to working with our exceptional team to drive meaningful change, enhance the student experience and ensure that we continue to make education more accessible for all.”
Sinn began her career at Post University in 2010 as Assistant Director of Admissions for the Accelerated Degree Program (ADP). Over the years, she played a key role in developing go-to-market strategies and overseeing initiatives that impacted enrollment and retention across departments, including ADP, Main Campus, Graduate, Military and the American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Her leadership was instrumental in navigating operational challenges, enhancing the student experience, maintaining regulatory compliance and driving Post’s online expansion and improvements in student retention.
A proud Post University alumna, Sinn earned her MBA in Leadership and Entrepreneurship in 2018 and her bachelor’s degree in community development and applied economics from the University of Vermont.
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HR Corner: Texas Court Invalidates Overtime Rule | |
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On November 15, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a nationwide order vacating the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) 2024 Final Rule increasing the minimum salary levels for exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Prior to the 2024 Final Rule, the minimum salary level was $684 per week (the equivalent of $35,568 per year) for the executive, administrative and professional (EAP) exemptions and $107,432 per year for the highly compensated employee (HCE) exemption. These thresholds had been in place since 2019.
The 2024 Final Rule increased the minimum thresholds as follows:
- July 1, 2024: $844 per week for the EAP exemptions and $132,964 per year for the HCE exemption
- January 1, 2025: $1,128 per week for the EAP exemptions and $151,164 per year the HCE exemption
- Automatic increases every three years beginning in 2027
In vacating the 2024 Final Rule, the Court held that the DOL exceeded its authority by implementing: (1) a salary level so high that it effectively displaced the “duties” test that also must be met for an employee to qualify for exempt status, and (2) automatic increases that were not specifically authorized by the FLSA.
While it is possible that the DOL appeals the decision, with the impending change in administration, it is unlikely that the 2024 Final Rule will survive as originally implemented.
For now, employers may rely on the lower 2019 salary thresholds, which are reinstated as a result of the Court’s decision.
For further information, please contact:
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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Mark your calendars! The Southbury Chamber invites you to an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer and community spirit at the Festival of Wreaths on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the Heritage Hotel, Golf, Spa, and Conference Center.
Step into the enchanting Timbers Room, transformed into a winter wonderland showcasing over 50 stunning wreaths uniquely designed by local businesses. With raffles for these gorgeous wreaths—and exclusive grand wreaths valued at $800 or more—this is your chance to bring the magic of the season home. Grand wreath sponsors include: Chatfield True Value, Leisuretime of Southbury, Onyx Jewelers, Suzanne Clerkin Photography, and The Heritage Hotel.
New this year! Enjoy a performance by dancers from the Southbury School of Performing Arts showcasing excerpts from The Nutcracker. Add festive music, photos with Santa, a delicious buffet dinner featuring pasta, salad, desserts, and beverages, a few surprises, and you have an evening brimming with holiday cheer.
“This event is about bringing our community together to celebrate the season in a fun, festive, and meaningful way,” says Danielle Hawthorne, Chairwoman of the Festival of Wreaths and publisher of Southbury Neighbors Magazine. “It’s the perfect opportunity to gather with family, friends, and neighbors while supporting local businesses and enjoying the beauty of the season.”
The Festival runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and admission is $25 per person (children under 10 attend free with a paying adult). Your ticket includes five raffle tickets, a chance to win door prizes every 15 minutes, and access to all the evening’s festivities.
Special thanks to our Fraser Fir Sponsors: Chatfield True Value, Griffin Welding, Ion Bank, and Open MRI – Women’s Imaging Center.
Balsam Fir Sponsors: Begin Again, Personal and Professional Advocate; Denmo's Snack & Dairy; Eastern Water Solutions, Inc.; PT for Life; River Glen Health Care Center; Saint Mary's Hospital; Southbury Neighbors Magazine.
Blue Spruce Sponsors: Angell Creative, LLC; Chipman Mazzucco Emerson LLC; Fiorita, Kornhaas & Company, PC; Guardians Farm; Jack Zazzaro DMD LLC; Joseph Bette Realtors; Karen A. Dibble-Flaherty - William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance; Kumon Math and Reading Center of Southbury; Michaels Jewelers; Motif by Monarch; On the Mend Medical Supplies & Equipment; Pomperaug Woods; Señor Pancho's Mexican Restaurants; Southbury Plaza; SPYNE Pilates Studio; The Ivy at Watertown.
Hemlock Sponsors: ADHD Coach Near You; Adam Broderick Salon & Spa; Alaska Company; Alcher Interiors, Inc.; Calvary Southbury; Comfort Keepers of Southbury; Cornerstone Realty, Inc.; Ion Solar Pros; Lutheran Home of Southbury; M&T Bank; Ma Petite Bakery LLC; Nardelli's Grinder Shoppe; Piper and Dune; Redeeming Life Nutrition; Southbury Baking Company; Southbury Kitchens; The Cottage at Main, Cooperative LLC; The Local Gourmet Kitchen & Market.
Proceeds benefit the Pomperaug High School Scholarship Program, supporting the next generation of leaders.
Don’t miss this wonderful celebration of community, creativity, and holiday spirit! To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or learn more, visit southburychamber.com or call 203-757-0701
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Watertown Oakville Chamber News | |
During its 58th Annual Meeting, Awards, and Scholarship Dinner on Tuesday, November 19 at The Grand Oak Villa, the Watertown Oakville Chamber honored Susan Santopietro of Baribault Fuel with the Community Leader of the Year Award, Fire Marshal Kimberly Calabrese with the Unsung Hero of the Year Award, and The Middle with the Beautification of the Year Award. Congratulations! | |
Hiring & Training Programs Available | |
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The Northwest Construction Careers Initiative
NCCI — The Northwest Construction Careers Initiative — offers Northwest Connecticut residents the opportunity to pursue a career in the construction and building trades. Job training and employment possibilities include:
- OSHA 10, OSHA 30, and Hazwoper certifications
- CORE Curriculum, which includes HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical.
Orientation sessions are held each Thursday at 249 Thomaston Avenue in Waterbury, CT beginning at 10AM. You do not need to RSVP to attend, but you will need to be on time to participate.
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Healthcare training program
The NRWIB is currently offering training opportunities in the following fields:
- Patient Care Technician
- Central Sterile Processing
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Certified Nurse’s Aide
- Community Health Worker
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CT WHISP Program
Connecticut Workforce & High-Tech Industry Skills Partnership (CTWhisp) Program offers a variety of IT career training at schools such as Naugatuck Valley Community College and Patrick’s Academy.
Naugatuck Valley Community College in partnership with the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board is offering grant-funded, short-term (15 weeks), IT course clusters aligned with industry certifications and supportive services. Clusters include Networking, Programming, Systems, Software and Project Management. Each IT cluster has been mapped to Microsoft and/or CompTIA certifications. The course clusters are offered free of charge to eligible CTWHISP participants. Additional services include enrollment assistance, academic advising, and employment services. In addition to gaining skills and stackable credentials, participants at NVCC will earn between 9-12 college credits that may be used towards a degree.
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