February 23, 2022 Chamber Newsletter
Ribbon Cutting for Chaco Culture Conservancy
Chaco Culture Conservancy is a New Mexico philanthropic nonprofit supported by donations. Our mission is to assist and support Chaco Culture Historical Park and Aztec Ruins National Monument in preserving and protecting the Parks' resources and enhancing the visitor experience.
New Mexico’s Healthy Workplace Act
This is one of the topics we addressed at the Chamber’s February Lunch and Learn
 
Starting July 1, 2022, New Mexico law requires private employers with at least one employee to provide paid sick leave to employees (part-time, seasonal, or temporary.) Specifically, employees will accrue one paid sick leave hour for every 30 hours worked. Employees may use up to 64 hours a year.
 
As employers we know we must ensure compliance with federal and state employment law. The Health Workplace Act (HWA) is basically a mini-FMLA, federal Family Medical Leave Act. State law may be more benevolent as is the case with the Healthy Workplace Act (HWA) in that the 64 hours of ESL must be paid leave.
 
If you already have a paid time off policy, you don’t need to offer additional earned sick leave (ESL) if your program is at least as generous as the HWA including its terms and conditions. Please be sure to review the specifics of the law at: https://nmlegis.gov/Sessions/19%20Regular/final/HB0085.pdf
Highlights of the HWA include:
·       Earned sick leave (ESL) may be used as it accrues.
·       Unused leave must carry over into the new year.
·       When an employee separates employment, the leave is non-cashable. However, if they return within a year, they are entitled to the number of hours they accrued when they left.
·       If an employee accrues greater than 64 hours, the employer may still limit them to a maximum of 64 hours used per year.
·       Employees may start using ESL as it accrues.
·       The employee must make a reasonable effort to give advance notice so the leave doesn’t unduly disrupt the employer. If the leave is unforeseeable, employees must tell the employer as soon as possible.
·       Qualifying reasons to use ESL are broad. They include preventative medical care, or mental and physical injury or health condition for themselves or their family members.
·       Covered family members include an employee’s spouse or domestic partner, other traditional family members like children, grandchildren, grandparents, parents, and siblings or the employee’s spouse or domestic partner, along with an individual whose close association with the employee or the employee's spouse or domestic partner is the equivalent of a family relationship (i.e., guardian.) A domestic partner doesn’t need to be “registered”; it is an individual with whom the employee maintains a household and a mutual committed relationship without a legally recognized marriage.
·       ESL also covers issues associated with domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking suffered by the employee or a family member of the employee" so long as the leave is required for the employee to receive medical or psychological treatment; relocate; prepare for or participate in legal proceedings; or assist a family member suffering this abuse.
 
Be prepared to communicate this update with your employees before July 1 and with new employees. Also, document accrual of and use of this leave.
Breathable Moments Travel Update!
Dreaming of Beaches

Visiting a beautiful beach may be more in reach than you thought!

UNM San Juan Center
A growing selection of bachelor's and master's degree completion programs is available from UNM to meet your educational goals. Upper division and graduate classes are offered in a variety of ways, making it easier to earn your degree. Classes are offered primarily online.
Renewing Members
Alsco - Member since 1974. (505) 327-9601
Barbara Chambers - Member since 2013              
City of Farmington - Member since 1980. (505) 599-1100
Clancy's Pub, Inc - Member since 2021. (505) 325-8176
Defined Fitness - Member since 2008. (505) 325-3565
Desk and Derrick Club of Farmington - Member since 2019. (505) 330-2593
Enterprise Products Operating L.P. - Member since 1965. (505) 599-2180
Fredrick Zink & Associates, CPAs - Member since 2015. (970) 247-0506
Freight Direct Furniture - Member since 2018. (505) 486-9119
It's My Very Own Bags Of Love - Member since 2019. (505) 787-9755
Juniper Coffee & Eatery - Member since 2020. (505) 436-2145
Peggy Marie - Member since 1983
Safety Kleen Systems Inc. Member since 2015. (505) 327-9070
Sandia Hearing Aids - Member since 2019. (505) 326-2791
Summit Family Dental of Farmington - Member since 2019. (505) 327-9161
TownePlace Suites by Marriott - Member since 2010. (505) 327-2442
Tyson K Gobble, PC - Member since 2020. (505) 326-6503
5101 College Blvd | 505-325-0279 | chamber@gofarmington.com | www.gofarmington.com