A Message from our President
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Dear Chamber Member,
We are just about a week away from our 100th annual meeting of the Naugatuck Chamber of Commerce and Awards Dinner, which is taking place on Thursday, February 24 at Aria. We will be honoring Attorney Carlos A. Santos of Fitzpatrick | Santos | Sousa | Perugini P.C. with the 2021 Lewis A. Dibble Sr. Award. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Ion Bank for supporting this event. We have an exciting evening featuring Comedian Dave Reilly, a look back at our accomplishments in 2021, and a preview of what's to come this year.
Registrations are now open for our 17th annual Duck Race and Festival, which is taking place on Sunday, June 5, 2022 in downtown Naugatuck. If you are a nonprofit interested in participating, you can register now. For more details about the process, scroll down below. This is a great fundraiser for area non-profits and a way to bring in some additional income, all while promoting the organization's name to a broad audience.
On March 24, the Waterbury Regional Chamber will hold our 26th Annual Malcolm Baldrige Chamber Awards Evening at the Aqua Turf. Receiving this year's Malcolm Baldrige Community Award will be John L. Hopkins of Post University; receiving the Chamber Leadership Award will be Nick Zaino of Carmody Torrance Sandak and Hennessey, LLP; and Sue Mellitt of Drew Marine will receive the Chamber Volunteer Award. Click here for sponsorship information and to register for this signature event.
Don't miss our Young Professionals of Waterbury Region CEO Series on Friday, February 25. Drew Marine President and CEO Frank Monteiro will be joining us via Zoom to share insights about the company's humble beginnings and growth to become one of the leading global suppliers for the maritime industry. Register here.
I hope to see you next week!
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 Member Spotlights
- Upcoming Events
- Thank You to Our Renewing Members
- HR Corner Corner by Carmody, Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP
- Hiring and Training Programs Available
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I started Salem Wood Shop back in 2017 after retiring from my first business of Wayne's Woods Inc, a furniture restoration shop located in Naugatuck and Wallingford CT. There was a span of six years of watching my grandkids in between the two businesses.
Salem Wood Shop strives for perfection, while trying to manufacture its primitive signs. First we select some form of salvaged wood, if it is available, we then hand - paint each board with "Old Village Paint" (the oldest paint company in the country), then we hand - stencil the town, state, or name onto each sign, then they are glazed to accentuate the grain and each is top coated with a flat finish to simulate that 100 + year look. Finally, each sign is framed with Tobacco Laths that have been reclaimed from Connecticut River Valley Tobacco Farms. Most reading have probably never realized Connecticut grew tobacco, but history goes back to the first settlers coming here in 1630 and finding Native Americans already growing the crop. Present day Connecticut broadleaf shade tobacco is the most sought after cigar leaf wrapper in the world, used by the top premium cigar manufacturers. D-ring hangers and coated wire is installed for easy hanging.
All signs can be customized for size, content, and color.
-Owner Wayne Malicki
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Paul Markette and Chuck Cammarata are two retired police officers that decided they wanted to go into business doing what they always enjoyed - smoking fine cigars!
Paul's grandfather owned the original Bridge Cigar Shop located many years ago in Derby Connecticut. When Paul and Chuck were deciding on a name, it was an easy choice to open under the old cigar shop name.
Bridge Cigar Shop is located in the Quinn Street neighborhood of Naugatuck and was opened to allow area cigar smokers a fun, clean and comfortable place to purchase and smoke fine cigars.
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February 24: 100th Annual Meeting and Lewis A. Dibble, Sr. Award Dinner presented by Ion Bank
Honoring Attorney Carlos A. Santos
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The Naugatuck Chamber of Commerce will present its 2021 Lewis A. Dibble Sr. Award in February to Attorney Carlos A. Santos, Esq. of Fitzpatrick | Santos | Sousa | Perugini P.C. during its 100th Annual Meeting and Lewis A. Dibble Award Dinner presented by Ion Bank.
The award, presented annually by the Chamber, recognizes an individual’s outstanding contributions to the business and the socioeconomic well-being of Naugatuck. Santos will receive the award during the Naugatuck Chamber’s 100th Annual Meeting and Lewis A. Dibble Award Dinner presented by Ion Bank on Thursday, February 24 at the Aria banquet facility, located at 45 Murphy Road in Prospect. The meeting will begin with cocktails at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards program at 6:30 p.m.
In addition to honoring Santos, the Chamber will look back on the successes it had in 2021, acknowledge members of its board of directors, and will provide a preview of what’s to come in 2022, including the return of an in-person Duck Day, which will take place Sunday, June 5 in downtown Naugatuck.
Since 1976, the Chamber has honored Dibble’s leadership by recognizing a key leader in the local community. Past recipients have included Marcelo R. Martins of Luso Cleaning Services LLC; Kathleen A. McPadden of Ion Bank; Naugatuck Mayor N. Warren “Pete” Hess; Naugatuck Economic Development Corp. CEO Ronald Pugliese; Laurie Yelding of printing company Yelding Inc., and Rebecca Zandvliet of Coldwell Banker Realty 2000.
Santos, a Naugatuck native, is a personal injury, criminal law, and real estate lawyer with the firm Fitzpatrick | Santos | Sousa | Perugini P.C., which he joined in 1994. He has argued cases before the Connecticut Superior Court, Connecticut Appellate Court, and the Connecticut Supreme Court. In addition to English, he is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. Santos has also had a longtime involvement in local commercial and residential real estate development.
“Carlos has been a tremendous asset to the community, both in his professional career and in his active role mentoring youth and assisting local organizations,” said Kevin McSherry of the McSherry Law Firm, and the Chairman of the Naugatuck Chamber Board of Directors. “He gives generously and enthusiastically of his time. We are grateful for the contributions Carlos has made, and continues to make, to our community and surrounding region.”
Santos attended the local school system and is an alumnus of St. Francis in Naugatuck and Holy Cross High School in Waterbury. Santos received a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Connecticut and a Juris Doctorate from Quinnipiac University. His peers named him a Super Lawyer for 2020-21. He has been named a Top American Lawyer—representing the top 1 percent of lawyers in the state—and has earned a Readers’ Choice Award from the Citizen’s News. Along with two decades of practicing law and resolving thousands of cases, Santos is a longtime, active member in the community. He currently sits on the Naugatuck Economic Development Corporation and the Naugatuck Valley Regional Development Corporation and has served as a board member on the United Way of Naugatuck and Beacon Falls, Our Lady of Fatima Church, and the Portuguese Sport Club of Waterbury. He has also mentored for many years in the Naugatuck school system and has coached with the Middlebury and Naugatuck Youth soccer organizations. Santos is also a co-owner of the Station Restaurant in Naugatuck.
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February 11: Legislative Summit Photo Gallery
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On Friday, February 11, the Waterbury Regional Chamber held its annual Legislative Summit at the Wyndham Southbury Hotel, which featured keynote speaker Governor Ned Lamont, as well as many area legislators. You can see more photos here. WTNH also covered the event; you can view the news story here.
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Friday, February 25: YPOWR CEO Series Featuring Frank Monteiro
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The Young Professionals of Waterbury Region present their 10th Annual CEO Speaker Series: Looking Back to Looking Forward. Join us to hear from these local business leaders on how the past two years events have shaped not only them but their business models moving forward.
In this session, engage with Frank Monteiro, President and Chief Executive Officer, Drew International and Drew Marine.
From their humble beginnings as a local boiler water treatment supplier to a few ocean-going vessels, they have vastly expanded their onboard presence following decades of growth. Drew Marine has cemented their reputation as the premier global supplier of maintenance chemicals, refrigerant and welding gases and products, fuel management programs and services to the very same industries they so proudly serve.
Drew Marine's distinguished history, one where they brought groundbreaking water treatment programs and maintenance methods to their business partners. Several of our branded chemical products have become industry standards and actively pursue new technologies and programs to benefit their business partners.
The Young Professionals of Waterbury Region CEO speaker series provides our YP’s an up-close-and-personal exposure to decision-makers and community leaders along with a question and answer forum. Past speakers include James Smith, Chairman & CEO of Webster Bank, Robert Burns, Executive Director of The Mattatuck Museum, Sandra Vigliotti Senich, Senior Vice President of U.S. Trust Private Wealth Management, Frank Tavera, CEO Palace Theater and Carmen Romeo, President of Fascia's Chocolates.
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March 9: Malcolm Baldrige Chamber Awards
Honoring:
John L. Hopkins - Post University
Nick Zaino - Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey, LLP
Sue Mellitt - Drew Marine
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If your nonprofit organization is looking for an easy way to raise money for your cause, the Naugatuck Chamber of Commerce has two words for you: Duck Race.
The Chamber is seeking local area nonprofit organizations to benefit from its 17th annual Duck Race & Festival, to be held Sunday, June 5, 2022, rain or shine, in historic downtown Naugatuck.
Created in 2006 by the Naugatuck Chamber, the Duck Race features the release of over 15,000 rubber ducks from the Whittemore Bridge to race down the Naugatuck River. Each duck is vying to be among the first 20 to cross the finish line to win prizes, including the first prize of $5,000 for one lucky ticket purchaser.
During the annual Duck Race & Festival, Maple and Water Streets in downtown Naugatuck are filled with food and craft vendors, live music, games, circus talent and much more. Businesses also will exhibit their products and services to the more than 5,000 people who attend each year.
The Naugatuck Chamber is seeking local area nonprofit organizations to sell raffle tickets to the general public as a fundraising activity for their organization. “By selling tickets, each organization has the opportunity to raise money specifically to support their individual group’s mission and cause, at no cost to them,” said Lynn Ward, director of the Naugatuck Chamber. Tickets may be sold on line at www.cometoduckday.com and in person.
There is no fee for an organization to participate; instead, the Naugatuck Chamber will donate $2.50 back to the nonprofit organization for each ticket sold by volunteers of that organization. Over the past 16 years, more than 375 organizations have received over $420,000 by participating in the Duck Race fundraising activities. Organizations, who will each have a personalized landing page created for them, can begin selling tickets on March 30.
“Nonprofit organizations do not need to secure a minimum number of tickets to sell, nor is there a maximum number of ticket sales required for a donation to be made by the Chamber to the participating nonprofit,” Ward said.
To reserve raffle tickets for organizations to sell to the general public for the June 5, 2022, Duck Race & Festival, organizations are asked to submit their information via an online form at www.cometoduckday.com, or by calling the Chamber at 203-757-0701 or via email at ccaulfield@waterburychamber.com. Completed application forms can be faxed to 203-756-3507 or mailed to the Naugatuck Chamber at 270 Church Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770.
To learn more about the 2022 Naugatuck Chamber Duck Race & Festival, visit www.cometoduckday.com, call 203-757-0701.
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Share your business events, news and announcements with your fellow Chamber members!
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Thank You to Our Naugatuck Members Who Renewed in January 2022
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C2G Environmental Consultants, LLC
Chittenden Group
Citizen's News
Connecticut Signcraft
Connecticut Water Company
Down to Earth, LLC
Howard Whittemore Memorial Library
Ion Bank
LPL Financial Services
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Naugatuck Youth Services
New England Systems
Rhino Garage Doors
Rich's Car Works
St. Mary's Hospital Medical Walk-In
The Club Health & Fitness
United Way of Naugatuck & Beacon Falls
Veolia Water North America
Wellmore Behavioral Health
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HR Corner: Given the Times, An HR Audit Would Be Prudent
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There is no doubt that the ongoing pandemic has significantly changed the workplace. An increasing number of employees are working remotely, and there has been a high level of turnover in connection with the “Great Resignation”. We also have seen the federal government, many states—including Connecticut—and cities pass employment laws that provide greater employee rights that are reshaping the workplace.
In the dawn of this new era, employers would be well-advised to conduct a comprehensive review of their policies and employment practices. An HR audit can help an employer determine whether it: (a) is complying with the ever-changing laws; (b) is following best practices; (c) has the policies, practices and forms that it needs to run the business; and (d) has the benefits, compensation structure, and policies to competitively recruit and retain talented employees.
By examining these questions, employers will have a better understanding of what is working well, what needs improvement and where changes need to be made. Start with these major areas:
Hiring – Employers should review recruiting practices and postings to ensure compliance with discrimination laws and that they further the principles of DEI. Job descriptions should be updated and list truly essential job functions. Employment applications should be vetted for inappropriate questions and include all appropriate disclosures and notices. Employers should provide written offers of employment that include basic information about the job, an at-will statement, and indicate whether employment is subject to any contingencies such as a drug testing and/or background check. 1-9 forms must be completed, and employees should be given confidentiality and/or non-compete agreements when the offer is extended.
Wage & Hour – Employers must ensure that there is an accurate process for recording work hours. Employers should review wage payment policies, how PTO is accrued, carryover time, and whether PTO is paid out on separation of employment. Employees must be paid on at least a bi-weekly schedule and within eight days after the end of the payroll period. Exempt/non-exempt and independent contractor classifications should be closely scrutinized. Bonus plans should be written, clear, and scrupulously followed. Employees must be paid for all compensable time worked including on-call, training, and traveling time.
Review of Personnel Policies – With recent new laws, updating the handbook is crucial. This review should include, among others: that EEO policies include new protected classes; anti-harassment policies are legally compliant; there is a proper FMLA policy; drug testing policies account for legalized marijuana; PTO policies comply with the sick leave law; and employees have signed an acknowledgement of receipt.
Posting, Record-Keeping, and Required Documentation – Ensure records are maintained for the required period. Personnel, medical, immigration and investigation files should be maintained separately. Electronic files also should have limited access and be controlled. Confidential records must be secured, marked as confidential, and disclosed on a need-to-know basis. Postings are required for FMLA, non-discrimination/harassment, electronic monitoring, OSHA, workers’ compensation, sick leave, pregnancy accommodation, and wage and hour. Employers should have toolkits for administering the FMLA and other medical leaves, and for addressing employee performance.
Analysis of the Termination Process – Having a thoughtful protocol for the termination process is critical. It is helpful to review a liability checklist, consider severance pay, address benefit information, and return of all company property.
Believe it or not, these are just some key areas to audit. A comprehensive HR audit is a smart and cost-effective way for companies to minimize their legal exposure by pro-actively managing their workforce.
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.
* Romania Morley is a non-lawyer member of the firm’s Labor and Employment group and holds an Advanced Business Certificate in Human Resource Management. She is pursuing an MBA with a concentration in Management at the University of Connecticut and preparing for the SHRM-CP exam. Romania is also a member of the firm’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Team.
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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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