A Note from our President, Lynn Ward |
Dear Chamber Member,
April brings us to the start of our new fiscal year, a time for reflection and planning. We are focused on growing the Chamber so that we can continue broadening our voice over the next 12 months.
Following our 131st Annual Business Meeting, I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome our three new Board Members: Hedy Ayers, Community Relations & Economic Development Specialist at Eversource; Rosemary Briglia, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Thomaston Savings Bank; and Nick Zaino, Attorney at Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey.
I'd also like to give a warm welcome to our incoming Board of Directors Chairman, Rich DuPont, who is the president of Resource Development Associates. Rich brings a wealth of experience and knowledge; I know he will be a wonderful addition to our leadership team.
Thank you to all our members, directors, council and committee leaders, ambassadors, and volunteers for your support over the last year. The pandemic created a historic shift in how we live and do business; your input and diverse array of expertise helped us to better adapt so that we can best serve you.
The Chamber is strengthening its focus on providing our members with insightful resources, programs, and advocacy as we navigate the evolving climate of COVID-19. We continue to update our COVID-19 resources page on our website with the latest news and information.
I'm excited to report that over the last year, we retained 88% of our members and gained 40 new members. Typically, most chambers keep 80% of their members year over year, so thank you to all our members who stuck with us during this challenging period.
I encourage you to stay connected and look forward to sharing additional events and resources with you in the coming weeks.
You can reach me, as always, at (203) 757-0701 or lward@waterburychamber.com. Keep scrolling for this month’s updates and events to take full advantage of what our Chamber has to offer.
Thank you, more than ever, for your continued membership,
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In This Issue:
- President's Note
- Reopening Resources & Information
- Newsletter Sponsor Post University
- HR Corner by Carmody, Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP
- Welcome New Members
- Upcoming Opportunities
- Business Women's Forum 2021
- Thank you to our Event Supporters
- Young Professionals of Waterbury Region
- Staples Advantage Program
- Hiring/Training Programs
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CHAMBER WELLNESS CHALLENGE |
Win cash for walking - and help support the community- with the statewide Chamber Wellness Challenge. Learn more and sign up yourself and your employees by April 30. |
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Tune Into the Chamber Hour Radio Show on Thursday, April 15 @ 10 a.m. on WATR |
Joining Chamber President Lynn Ward for Thursday’s radio show on WATR will be Terry Macary, Tourism Administrative Director for the Chamber. Also joining in on the discussion will be Gregg Dancho, chairman of the Western Connecticut Tourism District and Director of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, as well as Carmen Romeo, President of Fascia’s Chocolates and Treasurer of the Western Connecticut Tourism District.
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In February, we surveyed our Chamber Members and were pleased to learn that 96% of organizations said they were satisfied with their Chamber membership and that 95% felt like we have met their expectations.
We're proud to report that we continue to serve over 900 Members representing over 30,000 employees across a diverse array of industries.
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Reopening Resources & Information |
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A Message From Newsletter Sponsor,
Post University
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Post University To Be Vanguard for Next Generation of Nursing Students |
The demand for well-educated healthcare professionals has long been indisputable, with the global pandemic further exposing the need gap. With that purpose in mind, Post University and American Sentinel University in Denver, Colorado, last month announced that they have completed their merger, creating American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University. The transaction also includes a related entity, Sentinel U®, which licenses highly innovative simulated healthcare learning experiences to other colleges, universities, and healthcare institutions.
This merger brings together two universities, each with a strong online presence while expanding programs, dedicated to nursing and health sciences. Post University, a regionally accredited university, has substantial experience in online education, including more than 15,000 current online students, and will now support the healthcare community in Connecticut, and throughout the country, in a much bigger way.
“Acquiring American Sentinel University, along with, Sentinel U®, two exceptional institutions, is a great strategic fit for Post University as it catapults us into the high demand nursing and healthcare vertical. I’m ecstatic about our future possibilities given the combined talents and resources of the merged entity,” said Post University CEO & President John L. Hopkins.
All American Sentinel College programs, faculty, administrators, and staff will become part of Post University.
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HR Corner: What Employers Need to Know About Connecticut’s New Anti-Discrimination Law, the CROWN Act
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This HR Corner is Brought to you by Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP. Written by: Attorney Amanda C. Nugent
What is the Crown Act?
This addition to Connecticut State law makes it illegal to discriminate based on a person’s hair texture or protective hairstyle, like braids, locs or twists, in employment, public accommodations, housing, credit practices, union membership, and state agency practices. The “CROWN” in CROWN Act is an acronym for the bill’s official title, “An Act Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair”. The legislation is aimed at protecting people of color, particularly African American people, from discrimination based upon their hair.
When Does it Go into Effect?
The CROWN Act was passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Lamont in early March 2021. The Act went into effect immediately upon signing.
How Will it Impact My Workplace?
The CROWN Act changes the definition of the word “race” as it is used in Connecticut’s anti-discrimination statutes to specifically include “ethnic traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles.” Under the law, protective hairstyles include “wigs, headwraps and hairstyles such as individual braids, cornrows, locs, twists, Bantu knots, afros and afro puffs.”
Any employer with a dress or appearance policy should review that policy immediately to make sure that it does not prohibit any of the hairstyles covered by the law, either explicitly or by implication. Employers should consider avoiding the use of subjective hair or grooming requirements, like hairstyles should be “professional”, as these terms can be difficult to define and apply. While policies requiring hair be kept neat and clean are likely still permissible, employers should ensure the policy is equally applied across all employees and hairstyles. Remember, state and federal anti-discrimination laws not only prohibit policies that are discriminatory on their face, but also prohibit those that create a “disparate impact’ on a particular race or gender (just to name two examples) as applied. Employers should train managers to understand the requirements of their grooming code and how to avoid discriminatory application of requirements.
What are the Next Steps?
While the Crown Act focuses on discrimination based on an individual’s hair, the law’s language leaves open the possibility that discrimination based on other “ethnic traits historically associated with race” may form the basis of a racial discrimination claim. It makes sense for employers to review the entirety of their workplace policies through this lens. Employers may also want to mandate implicit bias training for managers who are part of hiring or promotion decisions, or who enforce dress or appearance guidelines. Finally, employers should make sure that there is a process in place for requesting accommodations of all dress code requirements for cultural, religious or other reasons.
What is the Takeaway?
An increasing number of states are mandating workplace policies that respect all aspects of employees’ identities. Eight states have now passed a version of the CROWN Act, including New York and New Jersey; more than 20 other states and the United States Senate have introduced a version of the law. The passage of the CROWN Act in Connecticut serves as an important reminder that employers should be proactive in reviewing their workplace policies to ensure they adhere to the current standards. Doing so both fosters increased diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and avoids opening the door to claims of discrimination.
Amanda C. Nugent is a partner in Carmody’s Labor & Employment and Litigation practice groups. She leads Carmody’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Team and assists clients with developing and implementing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and trainings.
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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News from the Better Business Bureau and SBA: PPP and EIDL Loan Program Updates
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SBA Increases the Lending Limit and Time Period for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL); PPP Extended to May 31, 2021 |
Last week, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced updates to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
SBA increased the lending limit for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
SBA announced that they are increasing the maximum amount small businesses and non-profit organizations can borrow through its COVID-19 EIDL program. Starting this week, the SBA is raising the loan limit for the COVID-19 EIDL program from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000.
For loan amounts over $25,000, SBA will continue to take a security interest in business assets evidenced by a general security agreement and UCC filing. SBA will also require an unsecured personal guarantee for loan amounts over $200,000 from any individual with 20 percent or more ownership. Real estate collateral will not be required for any loans of $500,000 or less.
SBA announced last month that they are extending the first payment due date for all loans until 2022. For COVID-19 EIDL loans made in calendar year 2020, the first payment due date is extended until 24 months from the date of the note, and for loans made in calendar year 2021 the first payment due date is extended until 18 months from the date of the note. Loan interest continues to accrue during the deferment period, and a loan increase will not further extend your first payment due date.
Follow these instructions if you wish to request a loan increase:
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Send email to CovidEIDLIncreaseRequests@sba.gov
- Use subject line "EIDL Increase Request for [insert your 10-digit application number]"
- Be sure to include in the body of your email identifying information for your current loan including application number, loan number, business name, business address, business owner name(s), and phone number.
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Important: Do not include any financial documents or tax records with your initial request. You will receive a follow up email notification if we need additional documents.
We will process increase requests in the order they are received. Due to the expected high volume of incoming requests, it may be several weeks before you receive a response from SBA on next steps to follow. Please do not resend multiple requests if you do not hear back right away as the extra emails could slow down the overall response time.
If you have any questions regarding the COVID-19 EIDL program, or SBA's other COVID relief program, please visit our website at SBA.gov/relief for the most current updates.
Questions about SBA COVID-19 EIDL and disaster loan payments can be emailed to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or directed to SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard of hearing).
This week when President Biden signed the PPP Extension Act of 2021 into law, it extended the Paycheck Protection Program an additional two months to May 31, 2021, and then provided an additional 30-day period for the SBA to process applications that are still pending.
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Free PPP Webinar Series Hosted by the U.S. SBA Every Tuesday in April |
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Do you wonder when you need to apply for forgiveness on your PPP 1st draw loan? What are hold codes and how do I fix them? Why haven’t I heard from my lender; I applied weeks ago?
Learn about the PPP Forgiveness process, eligible payroll and non-payroll expenses, forms and instructions, the forgiveness timeline and much more. Find out answers to your questions.
Join the SBA in a series of webinars every Tuesday in April from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm on the PPP forgiveness process.
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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.
*Joined 3/1/2021- 4/8/2021
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CT Procurement Technical Assistance Center Webinar: Who Buys What You Sell? A Step-by-Step Process
April 20 @ 11 a.m.
Learn how to efficiently research and maneuver through the various databases to find out which federal government agencies buy what you sell.
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Digital Duck Day Celebration
Sign up your organization now!
Ticket sales: April 12 - May 31
Virtual Celebration: June 4 @ 4 p.m.
Register your nonprofit organization to participate in this safe and effective fundraising initiative. Organizations keep 50% of all proceeds raised.
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Register Your Business for a week in May!
Perks are scheduled first come, first serve.
Since the launch of the Chamber Perks program in November, more than two dozen Chamber Members have taken advantage of this exclusive member initiative that allows you a unique and creative way to market your business.
Some of the benefits include:
- Social media marketing to more than 5,000 followers
- Personalized eblasts to 1,000s of recipients
- Live video and highlights posted to social media
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Business Women's Forum News |
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A special thank you to Donna Johnson of Diagnostic Radiology Associates for her leadership of our 2020 Business Women's Forum. Donna successfully led our first ever virtual Business Women's Forum as Chairwoman.
The event was held on November 18, 2020 and more than 500 individuals tuned into the virtual forum, which featured Valerie Bertinelli.
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Save the Date: Virtual Business Women's Forum October 20, 2021 |
Our 2021 Business Women's Forum will be held virtually on October 20, 2021. We're pleased to announce our 2021 Chairwoman, Carrie Raybeck of Eversource.
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Thank You for Your Support |
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Our sincere thanks go out to the following members who have supported our virtual event efforts over the past month through attendance donations. We could not do what we do without your support. THANK YOU! |
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Margret Warner
Litchfield Bancorp
Nancy Taylor
Charter Oak State College
Corey Shaker
Shaker Auto Group
Julie Clark
Natural Health and Wellness
Sheila M Powers
L.F. Powers Company, Inc.
Barbara Kalosky,
North East Transportation Co., Inc.
William Palomba
Blasius Chevrolet-Cadillac
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Justin Golden
Golden Technology Services, Inc.
Tom Snyder
Thrive Drumming
Sarah Elizabeth Carabetta
Acts 4 Ministry Inc.
Semina DeLaurentis
Seven Angels Theatre
Mary Rosengrant-Chiappalone
Biondi & Rosengrant, LLC
Jack Traver
Traver IDC
Carmen Romeo
Fascia's Chocolates
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Young Professionals of Waterbury Region |
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Young Professionals Host Annual Socks for All Fundraiser |
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The Young Professionals of Waterbury Region are once again hosting this Socks for All Fundraiser - virtually! Socks are one of the most-needed but least-collected items requested by non-profit organizations. The group will work to collect monetary donations online which will be used to purchase new socks for people in need, all the way from infants to adults.
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The Waterbury Regional Chamber, has signed on to support an advocacy effort launched by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association called the Rebuild CT campaign. It consists of a package of 11 policy proposals that, if enacted, will help create a more positive climate for growing jobs and driving investment in our cities and infrastructure. You can read the 11 policy proposals here.
The act of rebuilding our state demands a change in thinking, and a bipartisan approach. We believe these forward-thinking proposals meet those goals and are a good first step in positioning our state for economic recovery.
Last month, CBIA mailed a copy of these proposals to every state and local lawmaker or candidate for office, asking them to take the Rebuild CT pledge. CBIA has already received signed pledges from a bipartisan group of over 70 current legislators and legislative candidates, with more coming in each day. Its next statewide digital ad will discuss various aspects of the pledge with the public, and ask viewers to question whether their public officials have signed on. You can view the video here.
We want your help! We need to show broad-based support across our state for these policies. We ask you or your business to take the pledge to demonstrate that support. Organizations or individual businesses that sign the pledge will appear on the RebuildCT.com website. Together, we can hold lawmakers accountable and make sure they live up to their pledge in the coming years. We hope you will join us in this effort by supporting the pledge.
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NEW! Staples Connect Program |
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A new program from Staples offers EXCLUSIVE discounts at Staples stores for Chamber Members. These discounts include 20% off your in-store print & marketing services order, 10% off your in-store purchase of regularly priced items, and more!
In order to take full advantage, sign up at the link below. This link can also be accessed by logging into your member account on www.waterburychamber.com. Simply scroll down once you've logged in to view full details.
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June 28: Naugatuck Chamber & YMCA Golf Outing |
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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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