A Note from our President, Lynn Ward |
Dear Chamber Member,
We are less than a week away from the official start of summer and this seasonal change, I hope, sparks a desire among individuals in the region to get out and support our area businesses and attractions.
With the mask mandate restrictions loosening and workers starting to return to their offices after a multi-month absence, the Chamber is doing its part to promote our business community and Members, particularly with the addition of more in-person events. We also just finished up our annual Business Directory, which will be distributed on June 24.
After more than a yearlong absence, I'm delighted to share with you that our first Out for Business in-person event will be held on Wednesday, July 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Mattatuck Museum, our host sponsor. Thank you to Secor, Cassidy, and McPartland, P.C., for their generous sponsorship of this event. You can register for the event by clicking here.
Save the date for the following events as well:
I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome to the Chamber our newest Membership Director: Susan Sloan. Susan comes to us with a rich background in membership sales and will be a great addition to our team. Please welcome her!
Lastly, be sure to tune into WATR today at 10 a.m. for the Chamber Radio Hour. Joining me will be Armando Paolino of Paolino Public Affairs; Joe Violette, our Public Policy and Economic Development Director; and Chris Caulfield, our Events Director. We have lots of events and updates to share.
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
- Health Care Council Award Nominations Due by 6/30
- Chamber Employee News
- Welcome New Members
- Thank you to our Event Supporter
- Recent Ribbon Cuttings
- Upcoming Opportunities
- Hiring/Training Programs
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Reopening Resources & Information |
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A Message From Newsletter Sponsor,
Post University
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Malcolm Baldrige School of Business at Post University
Recognizes Drew Marine as Partner of the Year
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Waterbury-based Drew Marine, a global leader in the maritime industry, received the Partner of the Year Award from the Malcolm Baldrige School of Business at Post University at a reception on May 27 at the Waterbury Country Club. The business school selected Drew Marine because of the company’s efforts to advance career opportunities for Post students as well as its strategic investments in workforce education for its employees, who span three continents.
Drew Marine Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Monteiro accepted the award on behalf of the global organization. As a civically engaged and caring leader in the community, he is widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts. He is an avid supporter of youth programs throughout greater Waterbury and changing people’s lives through education.
“Post University is proud to recognize such an esteemed member of our community as a partner, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership for the advancement of our community and Drew Marine, around the world,” said Post University CEO & President John L. Hopkins.
“Being able to partner with the Post and Baldrige School gives our colleagues around the world a leg-up on the competition,” said Frank Monteiro, Drew Marine’s CEO. “On top of the normal programs at the business school, they have customized specific courses for our business needs and that allows us to focus on colleague development, which in turn helps us develop future leaders within the organization.”
Last year, Drew Marine asked the business school to create two professional development programs for the employees working in Asia, Europe and the United States. With a proven record of accomplishment in online learning, launching its first online programs 25 years ago, developing customized programs was a natural fit for the University. The courses met twice a week virtually and synchronously. Shortly, the University will conduct English as a Second Language courses for several of the company’s international employees allowing them the opportunity to improve their English language skills.
“The opportunity to collaborate with Post and the Baldrige School--offering quality online education--expands our reach around the globe as an investment in our employee’s professional development,” said Drew Marine’s Senior Vice President for Human Capital, Training and Development, Carrie McMahon. “This is a priority of ours as we plan for succession, a key to the future success of Drew Marine.”
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HR Corner: Is Your Website Accessible Under the ADA? |
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This HR Corner is Brought to you by Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey LLP. Written by: Attorney Nick Zaino
Most businesses are well aware that the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires covered employers to reasonably accommodate employees with disabilities and prohibits disability discrimination. Businesses also are aware that the goods and services they offer to the public must be accessible to disabled individuals (e.g., allowing service animals, providing handrails in bathrooms, installing wheelchair ramps). But, many businesses are not aware that their websites and mobile apps may also have to be accessible to disabled individuals under the ADA. Although there is a split of authority among the courts as to the extent of an business’s obligation, a number of courts have found that a website is just another type of door to the public that must be accessible to individuals with visual, auditory and other types of disabilities.
There has been a tremendous increase in the website accessibility lawsuits over the past few years. Many of these lawsuits have been brought against retailers who sell their products or services on their website. For example, in 2019, a blind man sued Domino’s Pizza because he was not able to use its website or app to order a pizza. Domino’s is certainly not alone. According to one survey, more than 66% of the top 500 retailers were named in an ADA web or app accessibility lawsuit from 2017 through 2019 (www.digitalcommerce360.com, 3/30/21). While retailers and restaurants are the main targets, lawsuits have also been brought against companies and non-profits involved in industries as varied as healthcare, banking and financial services, real estate, travel and hospitality, and entertainment.
What is the risk of noncompliance? Title III of the ADA limits a plaintiff’s legal remedies to injunctive relief (e.g., an order by the court that the business make its website accessible) and attorneys’ fees. However, for businesses that are on the receiving end of a lawsuit, the cost of defending such claims through the litigation process, much less trial, often exceeds the cost of remedying the alleged accessibility violations. Hence, plaintiffs and their attorney are often able to force quick settlements as businesses do not want to increase their own defense costs, and still face the risk of having to pay the plaintiffs’ mounting attorneys’ fees.
To complicate matters, Title III of the ADA does not define what makes a website accessible and there currently are no federal regulations specifying to what extent websites must be accessible. Therefore, many businesses have turned to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which is a widely accepted industry standard for website accessibility. To minimize risk, businesses should review their websites for accessibility, understand their legal obligations and, if necessary, retain a third-party service provider who is familiar with the WCAG guidelines
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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Deadline for the Health Care Council's Annual Awards Nominations: June 30 |
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Organizational Excellence Award
This award is presented to a business, civic or non-profit organization that demonstrates the best qualities of a health provider. Through exceptional commitment to safety, quality, positive outcomes, and compassionate care it exemplifies the ideals that embody excellence in everything it does.
Leadership Award
This award is presented to an individual from the health profession who embodies the qualities required to improve healthcare in our community. Through raising awareness, initiating change, enhancing quality of care, or creating new services, the recipient has demonstrated the vision and foresight needed to create a healthier future for us all.
Unsung Hero Award
This award is presented to a health care practitioner who has distinguished himself or herself by providing exceptional care, compassion and commitment in their daily work. They have dedicated themselves to working behind the scenes in a hands-on capacity, making a difference in the lives of those they serve.
Stephen Sasala Health Advocate Award
This award is presented to an individual or group who works outside of the health industry yet still demonstrates exceptional commitment to healthcare related issues. By using their own unique capabilities and competencies they have demonstrated an ability to improve health and influence health related issues in a positive way. Possible recipients of this award would be policy makers, business people, directors, etc.
These awards will be presented at the Waterbury Regional Chamber Health Care Council's 16th Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, August, 17, 2021.
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After more than 15 years at the Waterbury Regional Chamber, Senior Director Courtney Ligi says goodbye. Watch the video above, featuring President and CEO Lynn Ward, to see Courtney's Chamber farewell. |
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Meet our Newest Director: Susan Sloan |
As Director of Membership, Susan will be responsible for growing and maintaining a robust, active, and involved membership. For the past 17+ years, Susan has had the pleasure of being the Membership Director for the Sugar Mill Country Club in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. In that role, Susan served on the Membership Committee for their local Chamber (Southeast Volusia) and was then recruited to serve on the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce in a pilot group called the Outreach Committee.
"I loved serving on both Chambers, where I met some lifelong connections and learned from some wonderful mentors along the way," Susan says. "I relocated to Connecticut to be closer to my adult children and my 3-and 5-year-old grandchildren."
In her spare time, Susan teaches fitness classes (a women's choreographed barbell class and Zumba) and hosts a virtual book club.
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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 5/4/21 to 6/17/21
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Thank you to our Recent Event Supporter: |
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Register Your Business for an Upcoming Week!
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
- Earned media in area press
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Join Events Director Chris Caulfield, along with Chefs Niko, Peter, and Carmine, as they tour the new Alltown Fresh in Middlebury. See how their famous breakfast burrito is made, along with tips on how to roll the perfect burrito. |
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The 2021 Direct Supplier Summit & Matchmaker will provide an opportunity to let small and diverse direct suppliers in your network meet with large buyers and hear from experts on the changes to chains as a result of the pandemic and advances in technology and data. The Summit will take place on the morning of June 22, followed by the Matchmaker which will start at 12:30 p.m. and all day on June 23. For the agenda, speakers' bios, event registration, and more, visit: https://eventdex.com/CTSupplierConnection/index.php
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On-Site Employer Vaccination Clinics |
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The Department of Public Health is conducting on-site vaccination clinics with employers around the state, which have been very successful in helping to get Connecticut employees and their families vaccinated.
The clinics are available to all employers, regardless of size and number of employees seeking vaccination, and are free of charge. ID and proof of insurance are not required (although may be requested to facilitate provider reimbursement), the vaccination teams provide the choice of Pfizer and J&J, and the clinics are open to anyone aged 12+, so employers are encouraged to open the clinics up to families of employees as well. Clinic timing is flexible to meet the needs of employers, including helping to vaccinate multiple shifts. We are happy to make quick stops for employers with a small number of employees seeking vaccination, and have held mobile clinics for as few as 5-10 people – there is no minimum number of individuals required to be vaccinated to host a clinic.
If you are interested in hosting a DPH mobile clinic, please see here for more information, and here for the form to request a clinic
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June 28: Naugatuck Chamber & YMCA Golf Outing - Limited Spaces Remain! |
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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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