Message from the A.J. Baynes
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Nearly one year ago to the day, I was in Albany advocating on behalf of small businesses alongside Chambers and business advocacy organizations throughout the state of New York for the annual NFIB (National Federation of Independent Businesses) small business day.
(Picture is pre-COVID: early March 2020.)
We brought a message of rolling back regulations, tax relief, and supporting small businesses. It is amazing to look back on that day and to think how we were fighting to lessen all of the burdens the business community faces, and just a few short weeks later, the Chamber was fighting on behalf of its members for their survival in the truest sense of the word.
While we have all battled the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to fight through "COVID fatigue," it is imperative we move forward in a manner that ensures we reach the finish line sooner than later. The Chamber will continue to advocate for our business community. We will maintain the same access to information and assistance that you have become accustomed to while still pursuing our goals of creating a more inclusive, prosperous, and viable Western New York economy for the future.
While we have remained primarily virtual through the past year, we are excited to slowly begin to gather in person and kick off the year with one of our most popular events Lunch Mob at The Irishman Thursday, March 18th. We still have a full calendar of virtual events, our "Lunch and Learns" are back, albeit virtual, with Tronconi Segarra and Associates, this Tuesday, March 9th, where we will educate your business about the Employee Retention Tax Credit. This is a Chamber led event in collaboration with Erie County Back to Business Taskforce. One of the Chamber's great friends, Larry Meitus, is guiding our first-ever Business Book Club with "We Tried that Once " and Other Popular Excuses That Sabotage Business Success! taking place March 16th.
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Lunch & Learn!
Tuesday, March 9
12pm
Zoom Webinar
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Join us!
Thursday, March 18
12pm
Irishman Pub
5601 Main St
Williamsville
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Special Enrollment Period Extended to May 12
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Special Enrollment Period Extension to May 12 for Sole Proprietors
An Individual plan special enrollment period has been opened due to the continuing Covid-19 emergency:
- For coverage April 1, enrollment deadline 3/12.
- For coverage May 1, enrollment deadline 4/12.
- For coverage June 1, enrollment deadline 5/12.
Intended to assist the both the uninsured and the underinsured, this extension also allows currently enrolled subscribers to change their plan, if desired.
Small Group Coverage Can Begin Any Month of the Year!
Are you a small business deciding to offer employee health insurance benefits for the first time? The Healthy NY plan, a reduced-cost health insurance, may be right for your business.
Review your business eligibility for the Healthy NY plan or discuss other options with our licensed brokers at healthinsurance@amherst.org or call (716) 632-6905.
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Independent Health Community Report
Throughout our 40-year history, Independent Health has long had a clear sense of priorities for our community. The obstacles presented over the past year haven’t changed our mission but have only brought it into sharper focus. Our 2020 Report to the Community – Health and Hope Grow Here – highlights the power of collaboration and community as we help people get and stay healthy. To learn more, we invite you to view our online Community Report.
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We know life has never been more challenging and your to-do list is never ending. But there's one thing you simply cant put off - scheduling your annual mammogram.
Windsong's breast imaging experts make your mammogram quick and convenient with evening and Saturday hours to fit your busy schedule. We're also taking all the necessary steps to ensure your safety. So, don't put it off another day.
You're worth it!
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Did you know?
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention shows mammography screening cuts the risk of dying from breast chance nearly in half!
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The Business Council of New York State has partnered with the New York State Department of Labor to conduct a statewide business workforce survey. The goals of this survey are to:
• Understand the current and anticipated future needs of the business community, specifically as they relate to hiring needs, skills gaps and training.
• Better outline, based on data, where and how to position resources related to training and hiring programs and initiatives.
As we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, the state and nation will have an acute focus on workforce development with new resources and opportunities for workers and businesses. To best target these resources, understanding the demand (employer) side of workforce development will be crucial.
Having strong regional and sector-based data will be instrumental to target new workforce resources to where the demand is greatest, for this reason, we ask that you share this 20-minute survey with your organization’s members to strengthen regional and industry input. You can preview the survey questions here.
Survey will close Friday, March 19, 2021. Don’t delay, complete the survey today!
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Health Saving Accounts (HSAs)
can provide triple tax benefits
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Now that tax season is here, it’s the perfect time to highlight the various tax advantages associated with Health Savings Accounts (HSA). Employers that offer a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) may be able to combine it with an HSA as a way to not only make it easier for their employees to pay certain medical expenses, but also help them realize significant tax savings and save for the future.
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HSAs have the following triple tax advantages that other savings and retirement programs just don’t have:
1. Tax-free contributions
Some savings accounts, such as a Roth 401(k) or IRA, are taxed before someone puts funds in. When someone contributes money to their HSA, the funds are not taxed. This is similar to a traditional 401(k) or IRA. Because of the significant tax advantages of an HSA, the IRS has put a limit on how much someone can contribute to an HSA each year. For 2021, the maximum contribution limit is $3,600 for an individual and $7,200 for a family. Those accountholders 55 and older can contribute an additional $1,000 annually.
2. Tax-free growth
Accountholders can grow the funds in their HSA through interest and, potentially, through investing. And, unlike other growth options, the increase in funds is not subject to taxes. There is also no expiration date on an HSA and no required minimum distribution like there is from a 401(k) or IRA. This means that accountholders can potentially spend years growing the funds in their HSA — all tax free.
3. Tax-free distributions
Unlike traditional IRA and 401(k) programs, where money is taxed when it is taken out of the account, funds spent from an HSA are not taxed as long as they are spent on qualified medical expenses, such as doctors’ visits, dental and vision care, etc.
We make managing HSAs easy
Independent Health is proud to partner with HealthEquity, the leading administrator of HSAs in the nation. Through this collaboration, Independent Health is the only local health plan that offers an HSA product with complete integrated enrollment and claims payment solutions that makes it easier for employers and members to manage, use and maximize an HSA.
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The Amherst Chamber of Commerce
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"Proud Member" graphics are available for your website and/or marketing. Contact us at marketing@amherst.org. .
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The Amherst Chamber of Commerce | (P) 716.632.6905 | (F) 716.632.0548 | www.amherst.org
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