A Message from our President |
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Dear Chamber Member,
I hope you will join us on Tuesday, October 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Golf Club at Oxford Greens for our next Out for Business. This networking event will be held outside and the weather is looking like it will be a wonderful fall evening! You can register here.
This week we held a ribbon cutting for Complete Care at Glendale, the home of short-term rehab, cardiac, and long-term care over on Hazel Avenue. Formerly Genesis Healthcare, Glendale has formed a new partnership with Complete Care. We had many area elected officials join us. Scroll down for a few photos from the event.
On Thursday, November 4, we will hold a ribbon cutting for Synergy Cycle and Fitness. Scroll down to learn more about this new Chamber Member; we hope you'll join us for the ribbon cutting ceremony!
Although there are only two more months left in the year, we are working on bringing you additional events. Stay tuned for details!
Please don't hesitate to reach out to me and share how we can support your business at lward@waterburychamber.com or (203) 757-0701.
Thank you for your continued membership,
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- President's Note
- New Chamber Member Spotlight
- Recent Ribbon Cuttings
- From the Desk of Ron Pugliese
- Upcoming Events
- Enrolling: Leadership Greater Waterbury
- Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation Annual Meeting
- HR Corner Corner by Carmody, Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP
- Hiring and Training Programs Available
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New Member Spotlight
Synergy Cycle and Fitness
6 Rubber Ave - Floor 3 - Naugatuck, CT
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Indoor cycling and yoga combined with entertainment in downtown Naugatuck |
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Join the Chamber for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 4 at 4:30 p.m. to mark the grand opening of Synergy Cycle and Fitness. |
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Work on building your Mind, Body, and Fitness - at Synergy Cycle and Fitness. They are committed to being a studio for everyBODY. Whether dropping in for a quick spin, joining them for a Yoga class, or becoming a regular member of Synergy Cycle and Fitness, they proudly offer a selection of affordable and flexible options to help you meet your goals. Synergy Cycle and Fitness invites you to visit us and enjoy our facility with a class suited to your individual needs as well as assistance and instruction from our experienced and professional staff.
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The Chamber held a ribbon cutting on October 14 for a celebration of Complete Care at Glendale, formerly (Genesis HealthCare.) Glendale Center has been the preferred nursing home in the Naugatuck community for over 20 years; they specialize in short-term rehab, cardiac, and long-term care. Glendale is excited to announce the new ownership with Complete Care.
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From the Desk of Ron Pugliese
President & CEO - Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation
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It is fall, and the NEDC Annual Meeting is on the horizon. The last public Annual Meeting was in 2019, and we are anxious to have another public Annual Meeting. We will be meeting at the Naugatuck Event Center on Oct. 21 at 5:30. We will discuss the year, and in my comments we will also discuss some of the projects in 2020. Everyone is invited. If interested, please email Lori Bourassa at the NEDC office. Lori’s email is lori@naugatuckedc.com.
These past few weeks we have been working with a Hamden company who is very interested to moving to the Naugatuck Industrial Park. We have showed two separate buildings, and they have decided on the second building we showed, and they are continuing their due diligence. I am confident that this company will be in Naugatuck very soon.
We continue to work on our downtown. We have helped several businesses to bring their employees downtown. As you may know the Town has decided to make lower Church Street one way, and since that occurred it seems to be an excellent idea, and motorists have had nearly no trouble. Parking is on both sides of the street.
One of our largest properties is on New Haven Road, formally known as the Hershey property. We have for the last few years worked to bring something to that excellent property. Last year we worked diligently with a Texas company that wanted to come to Naugatuck, on the Hershey property. They liked the property very much and its proximity to Route 8, to get their product to the South, and to the North. We worked hard on that project, but the two large companies could not come to an agreement. After that possibility fell through, we have worked with a trucking company. There seems to be an issue again between two large companies. I am hopeful that we can get all to the table and finally get a project on that property.
We continue to work on our transit-oriented development on Parcel B, and the Port of Naugatuck.
If there any questions about anything we are working on, please let me know. You can find us on 270 Church Street or call us at 203 723-4411. Thank you.
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Out for Business: October 19, 2021
Held outside at The Golf Club at Oxford Greens
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October 21: Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation 18th Annual Meeting |
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The Board of Directors & Staff of the
Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation
Cordially invites you to the
18th Annual Meeting of the
Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation
On
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2021
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
The Naugatuck Event Center, Gem Room
6 Rubber Avenue, Naugatuck
Guest Speaker(s):
Gov. Ned Lamont (invited)
Mayor Pete Hess
$35 PER PERSON
MAIL TO:
NEDC, 270 CHURCH STREET, NAUGATUCK 06770
OR PAY CASH/CHECK AT THE DOOR
Cocktails & hors d’oeuvres served, catered by The Station Restaurant
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October 26: Navigating the New Business Landscape
Cybersecurity & Identity Theft After 2020
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October 30: Naugatuck YMCA Halloween 5K |
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This year The Y Halloween 5K will be in person and virtual. Each runner is able to pickup their runner packet at the YMCA.
What is a virtual race?
A virtual race means each runner will run the distance on their own at any time and record their personal time. This year we encourage all racers to run the real course with all the arrows and sponsored signs from start to finish!
How do I share my time?
In the runner packet is a time card for each runner to fill in their time and share to our Facebook page @naugatuckymca. (Don’t forget to run in your Halloween costume)
What is the course like?
The Naugatuck YMCA is hosting the fifth annual 5K in Naugatuck, CT. A 3.1 mile course that is mostly flat, fast course that follows Naugatuck streets along the scenic Naugatuck river! Start/Finish Line in front of the Naugatuck YMCA, 284 Church Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770.
Where can I register?
What is the cost of the race?
Race entry is $25.00 and includes a TEK-Shirt, Medal, Race Bib, Time Card and more!
What comes in the runner packet?
The runner packet will consist of a T-Shirt*, Finisher Medal, Race Time Card, Runner Bib, $5.00 Gift Card to The Feel Good Lab, 3ml BIOFREEZE professional gel, and more. *T-shirts guaranteed to the first 100 registrants.
For more information, call the Naugatuck YMCA at 203-729-9622 or email the Race Director, Bryan Sapione.
Virtual Personal Time Card:
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Enrolling Now: Leadership Greater Waterbury |
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We are now enrolling for our Leadership Greater Waterbury personal and career development program, which will begin in the fall. If you or someone you know might be interested in learning more about this program, where participants will get the opportunity to meet regional leaders, build lifelong partnerships, and develop a wide variety of leadership skills, please visit this page for more information. The deadline to apply is November 11. Orientation is November 17; the first class kicks off on December 15; and a graduation and alumni reception is planned for June 21, 2022.
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Share your business events, news and announcements with your fellow Chamber members! |
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HR Corner: It's Time to Update Your Employee Handbook |
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As some new laws became effective in 2021 and others take effect in 2022, it’s time for employers to update their employee handbooks. This article summarizes some developments that may require new policies or revisions to existing ones.
FMLA Policy: On January 1, 2022, Connecticut’s FMLA will be expanded to cover nearly all employers. The reasons why an employee may take job-protected leave also have been significantly expanded. Covered employers will need to either revise their FMLA policy or adopt a new policy if the employer was not previously covered under the state’s FMLA.
Salary Ranges: As of October 1, 2021, employers are required to provide the wage ranges for job positions to applicants prior to or when a conditional offer of employment is made, and to current employees upon their hiring or a change in the employee’s position. Employers must also provide wage ranges upon request. Employers should consider having a policy addressing this new requirement and noting that wage ranges may be periodically modified.
Drug and Alcohol Policy: Employers should review and update their drug and alcohol policy since adult recreational marijuana use is now legal in Connecticut. The new law includes some employment protections that will be effective on July 1, 2022 and generally restrict an employer from taking adverse action against an employee for using marijuana outside the workplace. However, the law exempts various employers and allows covered employers significant latitude to prohibit off-duty marijuana use provided the employer adopts and distributes a written policy.
Remote Work: With an increasing number of employees working remotely, employers are well-advised to revisit, or adopt, a policy setting forth the terms and conditions of remote work, including addressing the job positions that may be eligible for remote work and compliance with wage and hour laws.
Smoking Policy: As of October 1, 2021, employers must prohibit smoking and the use of electronic nicotine and cannabis delivery systems and vapor products in any area of any business under the employer’s control. Also, any outdoor smoking must be at least 25 feet away from the building. Employers should revise their smoking policy to address these changes and comply with new no-smoking signage requirements.
Non-Discrimination & Dress Code Policies: Connecticut’s passage of the CROWN Act changes the definition of the word “race” as it is used in anti-discrimination statutes to specifically include “ethnic traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles.” Protective hairstyles include “wigs, headwraps and hairstyles such as individual braids, cornrows, locs, twists, Bantu knots, afros and afro puffs.” Employers should review their dress or appearance policy to ensure that it does not violate this law, either explicitly or by implication.
Age Inquiries of Prospective Employees: Employers with three or more employee are generally prohibited from requesting or requiring a prospective employee to provide their age, birthdate, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. Employers should review their employment application form and hiring practices to ensure compliance.
Holiday Policy: Juneteenth (June 19th) is now considered a federal holiday. Employers may wish to revise their holiday policy to include this new federal holiday.
Voting Time: Employers must provide each employee two hours of unpaid time off to vote in any state election or special election for U.S. senator, representative in Congress, state senator or state representative. To be eligible, employees must request the time at least two working days in advance. Employer may wish to adopt a policy that addresses this new law.
Education Assistance Program: Connecticut now requires employers with 100 or more employees to notify their Connecticut resident employees if the employer offers an education assistance program and provide details of the plan. Covered employers should ensure that their policy is compliant.
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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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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Connecticut Hospitality Awareness Training
Connecticut Hospitality Awareness Training, or CHAT for short, is an innovative, educational program developed by the Connecticut Tourism Coalition to train frontline personnel who work at attractions, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses that make up the Connecticut tourism industry.
The CHAT program features an introductory video and seven interactive, online modules. The program takes under 90 minutes to complete, although participants can learn the material at their own pace. Once a participant receives a score of 70% or better, they have successfully completed the CHAT program. A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded from the Connecticut Tourism Coalition at a future tourism event.
CHAT's core curriculum features training on guest service and insight on why tourism matters. With greater knowledge, employees will understand how to best serve our valued guests. It is essential that Connecticut personnel are educated in their field to best represent our tourism industry.
Companies can sign up their employees to take the CHAT program for a package price of $10 per participant. Contact Frank Burns at the Connecticut Tourism Coalition at flburnsjr@yahoo.com. You will then be assigned a promo code to enroll your team in CHAT at chatcertificate.com
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