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 March 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. | |
February 3 Chamber Happenings Column: A Resource To Grow Your Business | |
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Whether you are a small business, a national corporation with a footprint in the area, a budding entrepreneur, or a nonprofit, belonging to a Chamber of Commerce makes sense in order to remain informed, resilient, and competitive. As the area’s premier business advocacy organization, the Waterbury Regional Chamber, and our three affiliates the Naugatuck Chamber, Southbury Chamber, and the Watertown Oakville Chamber, have been an effective advocate, valuable resource, dynamic network, and promotional vehicle for its members since our founding in 1889. All together, we serve more than 960 members across more than 14 towns in the region and the state.
The Chamber has something for everyone. Last year, we held over 50 events throughout the year, drawing over 5,800 attendees, providing a variety of opportunities for professionals from all sectors to network. We also offer special opportunities for emerging leaders, young professionals, human resource officers, and individuals in the manufacturing and healthcare industries to learn from area experts. We also understand the difficult decisions that business owners must make every day. Part of our work is to help ease that burden as an organization with a rich knowledgebase among our business professionals and dedicated staff. We offer critical guidance and member-only resources that will help your business or organization thrive and carefully navigate the changing economic landscape.
Our significant partnerships with organizations like the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board have led to actionable steps to grow workforce development opportunities in the region—benefiting both businesses and the community at large. Working alongside Post University for many years has also allowed us to offer exclusive, member-only benefits like discounts for online certificate programs—giving members and their families opportunities to add to their skillsets.
“The quickest way to get entrenched in the business community and to make new connections is to join the Chamber,” says Jason Van Stone, Vice Chairman for Membership for the Waterbury Regional Chamber and Vice President for Marketing at Sentinel U. “Beyond networking and professional development, the Chamber actively champions pro-business policies at the local, state, and federal levels. Our advocacy efforts ensure that the voice of the business community is heard, helping to shape legislation that supports economic growth and a favorable business climate. From workforce development to infrastructure improvements, we remain committed to fostering an environment where businesses of all sizes can thrive.”
Additionally, our promotional and marketing opportunities help members boost their visibility through digital and print advertising, sponsorships, and targeted exposure at high-profile events. Whether you’re looking to build brand recognition, attract new customers, or strengthen existing relationships, Chamber membership provides a powerful platform to enhance your business presence.
The numbers speak for themselves—81% of Americans view Chamber members as trusted business partners, and 92% believe their local Chamber helps grow their network, according to polling performed in 2024 by Harris. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of these exceptional benefits and position your business for success in 2025. The Chamber is currently offering limited time-only new member incentives through February 28. These packages include no application fees, complimentary enrollment in special chamber programs, and other exclusive perks. Learn more by visiting www.waterburychamber.com or giving us a call at 203-757-0701.
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March 19: Malcolm Baldrige Awards Dinner & Silent Auction | |
From Our Newsletter Sponsor: Post University | |
Three Malcolm Baldrige School of Business Students Awarded Business Women's Forum Scholarships | |
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Post University is proud to announce that three outstanding students from The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business are the recipients of the prestigious 2025 Business Women’s Forum (BWF) scholarships.
These scholarships, awarded annually to female students, recognize academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to advancing women in business. At the Annual Business Women’s Forum on February 12, 2025, the recipients will be formally recognized and presented with their awards of $3,333 each.
The 2025 recipients of the BWF scholarships are:
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Alexa Philippi: A sophomore from Watertown, CT, Alexa is earning her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in communication and media studies. A member of the University Honors Program, she has consistently maintained a 4.0 GPA while actively contributing to her community as a Pop Warner Cheerleading coach and an intern at ShelterLogic Corporation in Watertown.
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Kirsten Perry: A sophomore from Wilton, CT, Kirsten is working toward her bachelor’s degree in business management with a minor in accounting. An entrepreneur, she runs a pet-sitting business that provides in-home care for pets, giving their owners peace of mind.
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Tristan Currie: A junior from Ontario, Canada, Tristan is a double major pursuing a bachelor’s in business administration and management. After graduation, she plans to contribute to her family’s business, Delta Power Equipment, by bringing fresh insights and innovative strategies to the company.
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“We are so incredibly proud of these talented young women! Each exemplify the Post University mission and demonstrate the value of hard work, dedication, and leadership,” said Chief Academic Officer & Provost Dr. Sandra Affenito. “This recognition from the Business Women’s Forum underscores their potential to make significant contributions to the business world.”
The Business Women’s Forum, a program of the Greater Waterbury Chamber of Commerce Foundation, has a long-standing tradition of supporting women in business through professional development, mentorship, and scholarships. Each year, BWF provides financial assistance to deserving students who aspire to lead in their fields.
The Malcolm Baldrige School of Business at Post University is dedicated to preparing future business leaders with a strong foundation in ethical decision-making, strategic thinking, and innovative problem solving. Through opportunities and partnerships with organizations like BWF, the school continues to foster opportunities for students to excel in their careers.
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HR Corner: Preparing for ICE Worksite Raids | |
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With the new Trump administration, employers can expect a significant increase in the enforcement of immigration compliance, particularly I-9 raids and I-9 audits. Even if you meticulously confirm the work authorization of your employees, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can show up at your door as part of an ICE raid or to investigate your workplace in connection with a lead or complaint, or other factors. In this Part One of a two-part client alert series, Carmody’s Immigration team will help prepare you so that if ICE makes an unannounced visit, you and your employees are ready.
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Tips for employers in the event of an ICE worksite raid:
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Call Your Lawyer. The receptionist can tell ICE that the employer’s policy is to call the employer’s lawyer, who may be able to come to the worksite or speak to the ICE officers over the phone.
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Search Warrant / Scope of Investigation Considerations. Officers can enter public areas of your worksite but need a valid search warrant or your consent to enter non-public areas.
- You can accept the warrant but not consent to the search. If you do not consent, the search will proceed but you can later challenge it if you have grounds to do so.
- An authorized employer representative should examine the search warrant to check that:
(1) it is signed by the court
(2) it is served within the permitted time frame, and
(3) the search is within the scope stated in the warrant—the area to be searched and the items to be seized.
- Send your attorney a copy of the warrant.
- Do not block or interfere with ICE activities or the agents.
- Exceptions:
- You do not have to give the agents access to non-public areas without a valid search warrant.
- Object to a search outside the warrant’s scope, but do not debate or argue with the agent. Simply present your objection to the agent and make note of it.
- Write down the names of the supervising ICE agent and the U.S. attorney assigned to the case.
- Have an employer representative follow each agent around the facility. They may take notes or videotape the officer.
- Note: for items seized, ask if copies can be made before seizure, especially if something is vital to your operation. Reasonable requests are usually granted.
- If ICE wants to examine privileged materials (ex. attorney-client privileged documents), tell them they are privileged and ask that they not be inspected by the agents until you can speak to your attorney. If agents insist on seizing such documents, do not prevent them from doing so.
- Ask for a copy of the list of items seized. The agents are required to provide this to you.
- Employer representatives should not give statements to ICE or allow themselves to be interrogated before consulting an attorney.
- Do not hide or assist employees in leaving premises, provide false or misleading information, or falsely deny the presence of named employees, or shred documents.
Employees Have the Right to Remain Silent and the Right to an Attorney
- You can inform employees that they may choose whether to talk to ICE, but do not direct them to refuse to speak to ICE.
- Your employees have the right to remain silent and do not need to answer any questions.
- An employee may refuse to show identity documents that disclose their country of nationality or citizenship.
| 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. | |
Watertown Oakville Chamber News | |
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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