 |
|
In This Issue:
Upcoming Events
A Note from Newsletter Sponsor Post University
Welcome New Members
Hiring/Training Programs ~
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings
HR Corner ~ Health Care Council Update ~
Chamber New
s
|
|
|
|
 |
A Message from our President
Despite the recent blustery weather, winter is almost over and the new beginnings of spring are just around the corner. Likewise, the Chamber is coming to the close on another fiscal year at the end of March and looking forward to beginning a new year on April 1st. This means we are focused on reflection of the past year, re-evaluation of our successes and challenges, and mapping out plans and goals for the future of our Chamber.
For our members, the end of our 128th year as an organization means you can look forward to celebration and a comprehensive update at our
Annual Meeting & Luncheon on April 3rd. We look forward to recognizing our long-standing members celebrating their anniversary years, honoring our incoming and outgoing board members, presenting to you our Annual Report and year in review, and hearing from dynamic keynote speaker Tracy Knofla, who will address the topic of "Customer Service and Generations in the Workforce."
Hot on the heels of our Annual Meeting we will look to grow our membership, providing a larger network with which you can connect and do business, through the efforts of our annual Membership Campaign. Do you know a fellow business owner who could benefit from membership with us? The campaign is absolutely the best time to join us - I encourage you to
contact our Membership Director Chris Conway for more information to pass along to your colleagues in business.
How can the Chamber staff help support you and you business? Don't hesitate to reach out and let me know at (203) 757-0701 or
lward@waterburychamber.com
.
Best Regards,
|
|
|
Join Us! - Upcoming Chamber Events
|
|
|
Hartford's Biggest Pro-Business Day of the Year!
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 14 ~ 8:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Departing from Nino's Restaurant, 21 Scott Road, Waterbury
|
|
|
|
|
YPOWR Minute to Win It
Networking Social
|
Wednesday, March 14
5:30 - 7:30 PM
Mattatuck Museum
144 West Main Street, Waterbury
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monday, March 19
5:00 PM - Buzz Session
5:30 - 7:30 PM - Networking
DoubleTree by Hilton
42 Century Drive, Bristol
|
|
|
|
|
128th Chamber Annual Meeting & Luncheon
|
|
|
Tuesday, April 3 ~ 12:00 Noon
La Bella Vista, 38 Farmwood Road, Waterbury
|
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, April 10
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Waterbury Regional Chamber
83 Bank Street, 4th Floor, Waterbury
|
|
|
|
|
|
Business Expo &
Health and Wellness Fair
|
Monday, April 30
5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Aqua Turf Club
556 Mulberry Road, Plantsville
|
|
|
|
|
A Note from Newsletter Sponsor Post University
|
|
Custom Learning Opportunities at Post University
When your employees succeed, your company succeeds. Post University understands this concept, and helps organizations develop educational programs to align a company's strategic vision and goals with the personal
educational and career goals of their employees. By custom-designing learning strategies to address specific needs and outcomes, Post gets to the heart of what makes good companies even better. As a Post Corporate Partner, your associates may benefit from Employee Development Courses delivered online or in-person, while also enjoying special reduced tuition rates and the personal attention that is the trademark of Post University.
Shawn Whisenhant, Post's Director of Corporate Partnerships and a member of the 2017-2018 Leadership Greater Waterbury class, can assist you develop courses specific to your organization, or guide your employees to certificate, undergraduate, or graduate programs best suited for their development, and, of course, the advancement of your company.
For more information on Post's Partners in Education program, please contact Shawn Whisenhant (203.591.7143 /
partnerships@post.edu).
|
|
|
Welcome to our newest members who have joined over the past month*. We encourage you to connect with these members and learn about how you can work together!
| Alliance Bail Bonds |
Grinding Controls Technologies |
| Ambit Energy-Patricia Rodgers |
Mandy Allen, CPA |
| Art of Yum |
Nicholas Tobin Insurance |
| Cakes & Sweets by Emanuela |
Northwest CT Public Safety Communication Center |
| Clam Digger |
Sheep to Sharks |
| Clipper Magazine |
Socks & Tops |
| D. Myles Chef & Catering |
Washington Agency-The Bella Group |
| Edward Jones |
Wild Birds Unlimited |
| Great Heritage Investments, LLC |
Ziegenbalg Agency-Allstate |
*Joined February 1 - March 6
|
|
Hiring and Training Programs Available
|
|
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 Investment 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 state's 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. For information, contact Dave Krechevsky, the Chamber's director of public policy and economic development, at
dkrechevsky@waterburychamber.com or 203-757-0701.
|
|
Join us at upcoming ribbon cuttings to celebrate your fellow members!
|
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, March 13
1:00 PM
7 North Main Street, Southington
|
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 21
10:00 AM
Grand Opening!
1029 North Main Street, Watertown
|
|
|
|
|
|
Franciscan Ever There Care
|
Friday, March 23
11:00 AM
New Location!
411 Highland Avenue, Suite 1N,
Waterbury
|
|
|
|
Friday, April 6
11:00 AM
Grand Opening!
1156 Main Street, Unit B,
Watertown
|
|
|
|
*To schedule an upcoming ribbon cutting for your business with the Chamber, contact Membership Services and Communications Director Julie Donato at jdonato@waterburychamber.comor at (203) 757-0701 ext. 325.
|
|
|
HR Corner: AI - Good or Scary?
|
|
|
|
Although four in five employees think artificial intelligence (AI) will make doing their jobs easier, there is a huge concern that some AI may take their job from them altogether! As organizations keep silent on the subject, they create fear and concern in the hearts of their employees. Often the silence is due to the fact that organizations are not quite sure themselves how AI will be used in the future. They are taking a wait and see attitude and are trying to achieve efficiencies with the "machines" that they do not have to pay salary and/or benefits to!
Most organizations should realize that silence breeds fear, so they need to draft a communication plan to disseminate to the employees, even if that communication is "We are not sure yet". HR professionals should discuss the possibility of lessened productivity overall, if fear takes over, with their Senior Leaders/Owners. They should also develop a detailed communication plan to alleviate the fear and answer all questions in order to integrate any AI seamlessly (or with as few problems as possible.
Always err on the side of over communication, rather than under communication. Communication raises the level of trust in an organization and helps to dispel rumors and misinformation!
The HR Corner is brought to you by Lois A. Krause,
MBA, SPHR, SHRM, SCP - KARDASLARSON, LLC -
Human Resources Solutions. Learn more at www.kardaslarson.com
|
|
|
Your Health Care Council Update
|
|
|
Mental Health First Aid 2-Day Training Program
|
|
The Health Care Council is happy to present the opportunity to take part in Mental Health First Aid Training on March 20th and 21st. Did you know that you are more likely to encounter someone in an emotional or mental
crisis than someone having a heart attack? Take advantage of the Mental Health First Aid Training through Mental Health Connecticut. Like CPR, Mental Health First Aid prepares participants to interact with a person in crisis and connect the person with help. First Aiders do not take on the role of professionals- they do not diagnose or provide any counseling or therapy. Instead, the program offers tools and answers questions, like "what do I do" and "where can someone find help?" To take part in this training, please RSVP ASAP!
Click here for flyer.
|
|
|
HealthMatters Publication Coming March 18th
|
|
On March 18th, the Spring 2018 edition of Health Matters will be distributed to over 30,000 Republican-American newspaper subscribers. Our Health Care Council is proud to bring this resource to our members and to the general public. The publication features Health Care Council members, articles, updates, and tips for consumers in our area. The Spring 2018 Supplement presents articles on everything from securing your own health insurance for young adults to end-of-life considerations and questions and a slew of topics in between. Look for Health Matters in your Sunday paper on March 18th, or visit the Republican American online to view the digital version!
|
|
Is your company interested in the Health Care Council or are you a current council member and want to get re-engaged please contact Courtney at cligi@waterburychamber.com or 203-757-0701.
|
|
|
Harold Webster Smith Awards Breakfast
|
|
On February 9th, the Waterbury Regional Chamber celebrated the 35th Annual Harold Webster Smith Awards Breakfast, honoring the life and legacy of Waterbury-based businessman Harold Webster Smith. The event honored our three 2018 Award Recipients: Small Business of the Year Campion Ambulance Services, Entrepreneur of the Year Nicki Maiorano of Karmic Inspirations, Inc., and Manufacturer of the Year The Siemon Company. In addition, honored Jim Smith, son of Harold Webster Smith, who recently retired from his position as CEO of Webster Bank and celebrated all of his lasting contributions to the community. Thank you to our sponsors, Premier Sponsor: Webster Bank; and Small Business Sponsors: Albert Bros., Inc, FD Community Federal Credit Union, Largay Travel Inc., Nardelli's Grinder Shoppe, Onyx II Fine Jewelers, People's United Bank, Pisani Steel Fabrication, Powerstation Events, Secor Cassidy & McPartland, P.C., Siemon Company, TBI Construction, Thomaston Savings Bank, Traver / IDC, Winvian Farm.
|
|
|
February Out for Business
|
|
The Waterbury HEALTH Network welcomed members of the Waterbury Regional Chamber to celebrate Heart Health Month at Waterbury Hospital, hosting the Chamber's monthly Out for Business event on February 15th. Guests were invited to a Buzz Session presented by cardiologist Dr. Ehsan Ansari called "Tips to Keep Your Heart Healthy" and were also given the opportunity to get an inside look at the hospital's cardiac catheterization laboratory. Over 130 members enjoyed networking, food and drinks at the hospital and learned more about the many partners that make up the Waterbury HEALTH Network. Thank you to our host and sponsor, Waterbury Hospital. This month's
Out for Business event will take place on March 19th at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bristol.
|
|
|
Watertown Oakville Chamber Legislative Breakfast
|
|
The Watertown Oakville Chamber hosted its annual legislative breakfast, providing its members the chance to connect with their state legislators. Members of the panel included State Senator Eric Berthel (R-32), State Representative Joe Polletta (R-68), and Chamber Lobbyist Armando Paolino of Paolino Public Affairs Consulting LLC. The panel reported on goings on at the state capitol, took questions from attendees and offered their insight on the current challenges facing the state.
Want to Connect with Legislators? Learn About Connecticut Business Day
|
|
|
YPOWR CEO Speaker Series - Final Seminar
|
|
The Young Professionals of Waterbury Region hosted their annual CEO Speaker Series which this year focused on Community Cornerstones and the direction of higher education in Waterbury. The third and final seminar in the series featured John Hopkins, CEO of Post University. John shared the story of his career and the challenges of taking on the rebranding of Post, a 128-year-old Waterbury institution. He talked about the importance of treating everyone around you with respect and dignity in the journey of your career. Thank you to the seminar's sponsor, Servpro of Waterbury.
Anyone interested in participating in YPOWR is welcome to attend an event or
contact us for more information.
|
|
|
T
he Waterbury Regional Chamber hosted the annual Mayoral Luncheon on February 27th, providing a forum for Mayor Neil O'Leary to address over 300 attendees from the regional business community. Mayor O'Leary gave an update on the city's progress and challenges, touching on budget, transportation, state and federal aid, arts and culture, community initiatives, downtown revitalization and more. Thank you to the event's sponsors: Platinum: KBE Building Corporation and Post University; Gold: Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP, Doosan Fuel Cell America, Inc., Eversource CT, Hubbard-Hall, Ion Bank, King Industries, Inc. Specialty Chemicals, O&G Industries Inc., Powerstation Events, Savings Bank of Danbury, Secor, Cassidy & McPartland, P.C.; Silver: AI Engineers, Inc., Pisani Steel Fabrication, Synagro Northeast, TBI Construction
|
|
|
Naugatuck Legislative Breakfast
|
|
The Naugatuck Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual legislative breakfast, providing its members the chance to connect with their state legislators. Members of the panel included State Senator Joan Hartley (D-15), State Senator George Logan (R-17); State Representative David Labriola (R-131) and State Representative Rosa Rebimbas (R-70). The panel reported on goings on at the state capitol, took questions from attendees and offered their insight on the current challenges facing the state.
Want to Connect with Legislators? Learn About Connecticut Business Day
|
|
|
Promote Your Business with Door Prize Donations
|
|
Promote your products and services and get great exposure by donating a gift certificate or item to a Chamber function.
Donated items are drawn as prizes for our monthly Out for Business events, Young Professionals of Waterbury Region networking events, Out for Health events, and more. Donations can also be made specifically to the annual Malcolm Baldrige Awards Dinner silent auction.
When you donate, you can gain a new customer and your business is publicly spotlighted by the Chamber.
Start a Donation Today! - Click Here
|
|
|
|
|
We're working to promote shopping local and shopping Chamber! Our digital initiative provides the opportunity to promote your business and to encourage your fellow members to shop local and utilize your business. Every month, different members will be showcased- and YOU can be a part of it. Click here for further details and consider which month you'd like to sign up for. Contact Julie at
jdonato@waterburychamber.com today!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
