A Note from our President, Lynn Ward
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The new buzzword in business these days: "Reopen."
Leaders at every level are developing strategies on what reopening will mean for businesses and consumers of every kind, and businesses are eagerly awaiting more instruction on when and how they will be allowed to resume and expand their operations.
As we continue to move through this unprecedented and challenging time, please remember to utilize our Chamber resources for guidance and support. We're committed to sharing the most accurate, up-to-date information with our members as quickly as possible, and will continue to do so with information and guidelines about reopening our businesses. Our
COVID-19 Resource page
continues to be updated daily, along with our new
Reopen CT page
, and the emails coming straight to your inbox.
In an effort to provide the answers our members are looking for, the Waterbury Regional Chamber, Naugatuck Chamber and Watertown Oakville Chamber, have set up virtual events with our city and town leaders to connect them with you directly. We will hear from Watertown Town manager John Gavallas
later this morning
, Waterbury Mayor Neil O'Leary
on Thursday
, and Naugatuck Mayor Pete Hess
next week
. Please, log into these sessions and send us your questions so that we are able to connect you with that valuable information.
I continue to be amazed at the resiliency, innovation, and tenacity of our members. Thank you for your continued support, not just to the Chamber, but to the communities of which you are part.
Our staff
is always 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
- Welcome New Members
- Upcoming Virtual Events
- Promote Your Business on Social Media
- Hiring/Training Programs
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Protect Your Staff and Give Back to the Chamber!
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Member Barker Specialty Company is generously offering Waterbury Chamber members
boxes of 50 masks at $0.99 per mask
(only $49.50 + tax per box) with a
ONE BOX MINIMUM ORDER
AND
…. $10 from each box sale will be donated to the Waterbury Regional Chamber.
To order, email your desired quantity with promo code WRC-MASKS to
promo@barkerspecialty.com
and you will receive an order confirmation email with secure credit card link. Masks can be picked up at 27 Realty Drive, Cheshire, CT or shipped for additional $9.99 charge.
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A Message From Newsletter Sponsor,
Post University
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How a Master’s Degree in Project Management Can Advance Your Career and Help Your Business
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The field of project management holds huge potential. A Job Growth and Talent Gap survey published by the Project Management Institute reveals a projected growth rate of 33 percent by 2027. This survey also highlights, however, a considerable talent gap, with many job candidates lacking the skills necessary to take on the most promising positions. This gap can be addressed through higher education, with a Master of Science in Project Management.
A Master of Science in Project Management provides the hands-on skills and in-depth knowledge vital to success for the demanding position of project manager. This role is important in fields increasingly driven by influential short and long-term initiatives, which also must be executed promptly and seamlessly.
What, exactly, a project manager does depends on the industry and department in which the employee works. This can vary significantly from one position to the next. In general, however, project managers are responsible for leading teams through all elements of defined projects. This may involve the conception of projects, with managers often asked to analyze existing company concerns to determine how they can best be resolved within a matter of weeks or months.
Once defined, the project in question must be planned in detail to ensure that it can be completed within specific parameters related to budgetary or timing concerns. From there, project managers oversee the execution and completion of assigned initiatives. Nearly all work within teams. They often consult with professionals from a variety of other departments. The collaborative nature of the work calls for extensive soft skills and a love of working closely with all kinds of professionals.
Depending on the scope of the organization, project managers may be employed in a variety of specific industries or within certain departments. Information technology and information systems project managers are particularly common. Other common fields include engineering, manufacturing, and health care. Corporate work is common, while some project managers find employment in government.
The future is bright for the field of project management. It promises considerable growth in the next several years. From consulting gigs to director positions, a variety of opportunities can spark professional growth in project managers at all levels.
While employers value experience, it’s possible to gain an edge with targeted graduate education. It demonstrates the mastery of complicated subject material and the ability to excel in leadership positions. A
Master of Science in Project Management
may open up a variety of compelling opportunities. Your hard work at the graduate level could lead to your dream job in project management.
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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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Next Meeting of the HR Council:
The next virtual meeting of the Chamber's HR Council, which will feature a discussion on reopening regulations with Atty. Nick Zaino and Atty. Vincent Farisello of Carmody, Torrance, Sandak & Hennessey LLP, will take place on Tuesday, May 19th at 11 AM. If you are interested in participating, please email Courtney at
cligi@waterburychamber.com
to request the meeting information. Please note: These meetings are only for those in an HR role/administering HR functions at their company.
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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 4/1/2020- 5/8/2020
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Virtual Business Meeting with Watertown Town Manager John Gavallas
May 12th
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Virtual Business Meeting with Waterbury Mayor Neil O'Leary
May 14th
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Virtual Business Meeting with Naugatuck Mayor Pete Hess
May 19th
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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: May 22nd @ 8 AM
After That: June 12th @ 8 AM
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Young Professionals Business Connection Group
Next Meeting: May 21st @ Noon
After That: June 4th @ Noon
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Promote Your Business on Social Media
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Is your business offering special takeout or curbside service during this time? The Chamber has created Facebook Group communities for you to promote these services! Restaurants/Food Service are welcome to post their offerings in the Waterbury Region Take-Out and Delivery Group. All other businesses are invited to post in the Waterbury Region Curbside Commerce Group. Post as often as you like, and invite your friends, family, and coworkers to join. Happy Posting!
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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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