A Message from our President

As we enjoy the last few weeks of summer and prepare for another busy fall, the Chamber staff continues to work on bringing our members business opportunities and events that are valuable, engaging, and enjoyable.
 
We continue to plan the 23rd Annual Malcolm Baldrige Awards Evening and look forward to bringing some new elements to this year's event. I invite you to take advantage of the opportunity to wish our 2017 awards recipients well by being included on our "Congratulations" card, showcasing your support with either your company logo or your individual name. This is a great option for those who may not be able to deliver their congratulations in person that evening. There are also, of course, still sponsorship opportunities and the ability to donate to the silent auction, both of which can highlight your company at the event.
 
I am also pleased to share that the Chamber will be hosting an informational meeting with representatives from the Connecticut Tourism Coalition on August 24th. As CT is being challenged in tourism by surrounding states, advocating for sufficient investments in CT tourism advertising is crucial to preventing CT from being a 'drive through' state. You can join us at this meeting to learn more about these efforts and how you can get involved - see below for more details.
 
Of special note this month is the upcoming state-wide Young Professionals Summit for YP business organizations, which this year is being hosted by our very own Young Professionals of Waterbury Region (YPOWR). We are excited to welcome young professionals from around the state to our area as they convene to share best practices and troubleshooting for their organizations. I encourage you to get the young professionals in your organization involved with YPOWR if you haven't already, as it is a thriving part of our business community.
 
There are many opportunities for you to make connections and promote your business with us in the weeks and months ahead. Keep scrolling to discover the ways we can support you, and as always, reach out to me if I can be of assistance at (203) 757-0701 or [email protected]
 

Best Regards, 
Lynn Signature
Join Us! - Upcoming Chamber Events

August Out for Business
Wednesday, August 9  

YPOWR 3rd Annual Mini-Golf Tournament
Wednesday, September 13
     
September Out for Business
Tuesday, September 19
 
Malcolm Baldrige  Community Awards Evening
Tuesday, September 26
Attention Restaurants, Entertainment and Tourist Destination Businesses!
The Chamber will be hosting an informational meeting with representatives from the Connecticut Tourism Coalition on Thursday, August 24th at 9:00 AM. We invite you to join us to discover how the Connecticut Tourism Coalition is advocating for increased advertising resources.  As CT is being challenged by surrounding states it's imperative that sufficient investments are made to prevent CT from being a 'drive through' state.  The state's investment in tourism marketing is crucial to the vitality of the tourism industry and your business. Learn more by joining us on August 24th.   The meeting will be held at 83 Bank Street, 4th Floor, Waterbury.  Please RSVP to Alison at 203-757-0701.
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings
Join us at upcoming ribbon cuttings to celebrate your fellow members!

The Station Restaurant
Monday, August 14
11:00 AM
Grand Opening!
195 Water Street
Naugatuck
Verizon Wireless
Friday, August 18
10:00 AM
Grand Opening!
1156 Main Street
Watertown
Hawk Ridge Winery

Thursday, August 24
12:00 Noon
Grand Opening!
28 Plungis Road
Watertown
FD Community Federal Credit Union
Tuesday, August 29
10:00 AM
Grand Re-Opening!
601 Watertown Avenue
Waterbury
Crystal Bees

Friday, September 1
4:00 PM
Labor Day Weekend Kickoff
240 Spring Street
Southington
*To schedule an upcoming ribbon cutting for your business with the Chamber, contact Membership Services and Communications Director Julie Donato at  [email protected]or  at (203) 757-0701 ext. 311.
2017-2018 Membership Directory
The Waterbury Regional Chamber Directory and Consumer Resource Guide is set to be published once again this year in conjunction with the Republican-American! This publication will be distributed to the newspaper's 30,000 subscribers and is slated to go out on September 21st. Your business details will be promoted to thousands of business leaders and consumers as part of your Chamber membership. Want to stand out from the crowd? Ads can be purchased in the directory through the Republican-American until August 24th.     See Advertising Details Here

Welcome New Members

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!

Bedard & Company,  PC
Minchella & Associates, LLC
Connect Physical Therapy LLC Morrissey Plumbing Services
Connecticut Airport Authority NSL Center for Primary Care LLC
CoWorker Hub On The Mend
DeveloMark Tractor Supply
Expense Reduction Analysts
United Auto Sales & Service
Franciscan Ever There Care
USA LED SOLUTIONS
Franciscan Home Care & Hospice Care Verizon Wireless
Lake Wine & Spirits
Vivint-Local Authorized Dealer
Middlebury Dental Center


*Joined July 1- August 7
Public Policy Blog
The 2017 Legislative Session has officially ended, but work on the state budget continues. We know you're busy running your business, and that's why our Public Policy and Economic Development Director Dave Krechevsky strives to keep you updated on the key developments happening in Hartford that could affect your business. Follow Dave's Public Policy Blog to stay in the know and on top of developments at the capitol. 
HR Corner: The USCIS Revises the I-9 Form,
 AGAIN - REALLY!
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released another revised version of the I-9 form on July 17, 2017. All organizations may continue to use the older version of the form with a revision date of November 14, 2016, however they will only be able to do so until September 17, 2017.
 
There are minor changes to the form, but changes just the same.  These changes will make the older version obsolete on September 18, 2017.
 
I believe it is best to begin to use the new form as soon as possible so you do not forget to make the change by the due date, as it is coming up very quickly!
 
Here is a link to the legal notice I posted on our KardasLarson website with a link to the new form and more information for your convenience. http://wp.me/p8cnZv-xX
 
If you have any questions about these changes or which form to use, please contact me and I will be happy to guide you through the process.
 

The HR Corner is brought to you by Lois Krause, 
MBA, SPHR, SHRM, SCP - KARDASLARSON, LLC - 
 Human Resources Solutions. Learn more at www.kardaslarson.com 

PSST! Here's an update on last month's column regarding time off:
Your Health Care Council Update
The Health Care Council is working on the fall HealthMatters supplement with the Republican-American newspaper, bringing readers updates on healthcare in our region. There are still opportunities to advertise through this supplement, but only for a limited time! Contact the Republican-American advertising department for more details and to be included.
No Limits: Empowering Human Potential
Join in for an inspirational evening featuring stories of resilience! Presenters will tell you there are no limits to what you can achieve. You only have to ask yourself "What if..." P anelists include: Robert Krug, M.D., Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital; Alexander Palesty, M.D., Saint Mary's Hospital; Kevin Carroll, MS, CP, FAAOP; several local amputees who will share their success stories; Andrew (AJ) Montgomery, an amputee who is living his dream of performing in an aquatic/ acrobatic show in Las Vegas. 
This program is presented by Hanger Clinic in partnership with our Health Care Council Member, Trinity Health Of New England, and Naugatuck Valley Community College. Admission is free but pre-registration is required.  Date:  Wednesday, August 9.  Registration begins at 5:30 PM with the Program and Q&A running from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.  Location: Naugatuck Valley Community College, Founders Hall, 750 Chase Parkway, Waterbury. 
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 [email protected] or 203-757-0701.
Chamber Updates
Neighbors Meeting Neighbors Networking 
Litchfield Bancorp welcomed Watertown-Oakville Chamber members to its branch at 51 Straits Turnpike in Watertown on August 1st. Members shared information about their businesses and learned a little more about Litchfield Bancorp and its presence in the community. Many members at the meeting shared their longstanding status in the local community, many having been in business for over 50 years.  
Out for Business at Quassy Amusement Park
The Chamber's monthly Out for Business event was held in July at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury. Attendees and their families enjoyed an outdoor cookout along with the rides at Quassy as they networked and made new connections. The opportunity to meet fellow members' families was a special addition to the usual networking activities. Special thanks to Quassy Amuseument Park for hosting this fun event for our members and their guests! 

This month's Out for Business will be held at Ion Bank in Naugatuck. 
Tribury Informational Breakfast
In July, the Chamber hosted an informational session for potential members at the Heritage Hotel and Conference Center in Southbury. Current and potential members joined in for breakfast and to learn more about all of the products and services that the Chamber can offer to businesses. Chamber staff heard from attendees about their companies and potential issues that the Chamber might be able to offer support on. Anyone interested in membership with the Chamber is encouraged to reach out to Membership Director Christopher Conway at [email protected] 
Wake Up Your Business
Networking Made Simple!
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
Shop Local Shop Chamber 
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 [email protected] today!
To update your email preferences with the Chamber, please contact Alison at [email protected] or (203) 757-0701.