A Note from our President, Lynn Ward
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The past month has been a whirlwind for every business, from those operating under new regulations to those that have moved to working remotely or some that have even ceased operations for the time being.
Your Chamber is also feeling the effects of COVID-19 as we remain fully operational working from home offices to provide you with unique services, guidance and public policy advocacy.
In the flurry of emails and phone calls that we have made to our members, our goal has been simple: connect you to the people and resources you need during this challenging time of COVID-19.
The Chamber continues to provide resources, marketing, and advocacy for your business. Don't forget that your fellow Chamber members are a network for you to utilize during this time, and if you need a service our resource we are here to make that connection for you.
Our
entire staff
is available via phone and email to answer your questions and offer support. Please don't hesitate to connect with us at (203) 757-0701.
Stay Safe and Be Well,
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In This Issue:
- President's Note
- Newsletter Sponsor Post University
- HR Corner by Carmody, Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP
- Upcoming Events
- Welcome New Members
- Health Care Council Update
- Chamber News
- Hiring/Training Programs
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Promote Your Business through our Facebook Groups!
Curbside Commerce
- For all businesses to share their curbside services and promotions
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A Message From Newsletter Sponsor,
Post University
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Post University Receives Connecticut Main Street Award of Excellence
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Connecticut Main Street Center (CMSC) recognized Post University for its transformation of the historic former Howland-Hughes Department Store and its role in helping to revive downtown Waterbury, with a 2020 Connecticut Main Street Award of Excellence. The university, recognized for its stewardship, was one of eight companies honored this year for its efforts in bringing traditional downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts back to life.
"We are committed to downtown Waterbury and care deeply about this area and its legacy...it’s our home,” said John L. Hopkins, CEO & President of Post University. “We are honored with this recognition and look forward to strengthening our history with the downtown community for years to come.”
Under Hopkins’ leadership, the updated Howland-Hughes building has transformed into a state-of-the-art technological hub for the associates who serve the university’s growing population of distance learning students through its online programs. Now, almost 500 university employees occupy three floors of the building, all of whom can enjoy and support downtown Waterbury’s array of local businesses and offerings.
"Post University didn’t just re-open the doors and windows to the building, they opened avenues to connection and community stewardship," said Carl Rosa, Main Street Waterbury CEO. "Not only did we see a beautiful and historic building get the care it deserved, its new function is for such a great reason: supporting members of our community who want an education.”
CMSC selected organizations and initiatives from Bridgeport, New Britain, Manchester, Norwich, Rockville, Simsbury, Waterbury, and Windsor Locks to receive the prestigious awards. Other winners include:
In light of the COVID-19 crisis, CMSC will present each award locally in the community in which the project is located.
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HR C
orner:
COVID-19 Resource Center
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This HR Corner is Brought to y
ou by Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP.
With quickly changing regulations and laws emerging in regards to the COVID-19 situation, Carmody, Torrance, Sandak & Hennessey LLP has compiled everything into a resource center on their website. There you will find webinars, updates, and overviews on a wide variety of topics surrounding COVID-19, including employment, business services, education, cyber security and more.
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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The Chamber is committed to keeping our members connected - digitally! We are using Zoom to hold digital networking meetings. Email Courtney at
cligi@waterburychamber.com
to get the details for the meetings below.
These dates and times don't work for you, but you're still interested in virtual networking?
Let Courtney know so she can reach out to you with more opportunities.
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Wake Up Your Business
Next Meeting: April 9th @ 2 PM
After That: April 24th @ 8 AM
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Young Professionals Business Connection Group
Next Meeting: April 9th @ Noon
After That: April 23rd @ Noon
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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 - click on the business name to learn more.
*Joined 3/1/2020- 4/7/2020
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Health Care Businesses Seeking Support During COVID-19
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Many of our Health Care Council members that work directly with patients are in need of PPE (Personal Protection Equipment). If you have any of the following and would like to donate, please connect with Courtney at
cligi@waterburychamber.com
and she can connect you with a local business/organization in need:
Disposable head covers
Disposable Gowns
Disposable Gloves
N95 respirator face masks
Disposable face masks
Face-shields/goggles
Coveralls/scrubs
Shoe-covers
Disinfection wipes and liquids
General-purpose hand cleaners
Have something that you think can be helpful that is not on this list? Please connect and we will see if any of our members can use it!
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Waterbury Mayoral Luncheon
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In earl
y March, the Chamber hosted its annual Mayoral Luncheon, with Mayor Neil O'Leary providing his State of the City address. Business leaders from around the city and beyond gathered to hear about the successes, challenges and future plans for Waterbury.
Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible, including: KBE Building Corporation, Post University, AT&T, Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP, Eversource CT, Hubbard Hall, King Industries, Powerstation Events, Savings Bank of Danbury, Saint Mary's Hospital, Secor, Cassidy & McPartland, P.C., Tomasso Group, Waterbury Hospital, Webster Bank, AI Engineers, Inc., Luvata Waterbury, Paolino Public Affairs Consulting, People's United Bank, Pisani Steel Fabrication and Synagro Northeast.
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YPOWR Philanthropic Happy Hour Benefitting Exchange Clubs
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Over 40 Young Professionals members gathered in early March to support the Naugatuck and Waterbury Exchange Clubs and their mission to prevent child abuse. Members were able to network and enjoy food and drinks at host Drescher's Restaurant while learning about the mission of the Exchange Clubs and how they can get involved. Plus, they walked away with some great raffle prizes, the ticket sales of which yielded $400 for the clubs!
To learn more about the Young Professionals of Waterbury Region
click here.
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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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PLUS: Need a Job Now?
NeedAJobNow.usNLx.com
contains over 400,000 job openings and continues to grow daily. While many employers are downsizing their staff, others are significantly increasing their hiring efforts due to current demands. Through this initiative, DirectEmployers and National Association of State Workforce Agencies offers a way to bridge the gap between job supply and demand by offering an easy way for job seekers to gain access to current open positions and for employers to fill positions quickly and efficiently during these difficult times.
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RECEIVE OUR TEXT ALERTS!
Text "chamber" to (203) 496-4462 to receive a few updates or reminders from the Chamber. You can respond to any text and we will receive your response!
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