Voice of Business Newsletter
January/February 2017
Rochester Chamber Executive Outlook 2017: Celebrating a Strong 130 Years in the Business Community
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reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Chairman Rob Sands, President and CEO Bob Duffy, and the entire Rochester Chamber board of directors have looked at what lies ahead for the organization in 2017 and beyond. Sands and Duffy shared the following messages:
invaluable. We also have an outstanding board of directors comprised of committed business leaders who provide vision and support for our mission of passionately serving, promoting, and advocating for members in order to secure economic prosperity for our Finger Lakes region.
Rob Sands: Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 130th anniversary this year in a position of great strength with solid leadership and more than 1,300 members. Rochester Chamber is poised to serve as the voice for business across our nine-county region, providing information, advocacy, human resource services, and networking to help employers grow their businesses, their dreams, and our economy. Rochester Chamber continues to be engaged with our membership and we ask that our members also stay engaged with us. As we look to the next 130 years, I believe Rochester Chamber must take on a major role in business and job development in our community and ensure that we have an educated and reliable labor force to meet future demand. We are particularly interested in business development in the City of Rochester and are pleased to see ongoing efforts. Rochester Chamber is working with economic development leaders to ensure that the business environment is as strong and welcoming as it can be in both the city and the surrounding Finger Lakes region.
I expect Rochester Chamber to expand its role as a chamber of commerce by enhancing customer service and creating additional value for members. I want you, our members, to feel as though every penny you spend on Rochester Chamber dues, services, and events has a return on investment. Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce must also work to make an impact on the entire nine-county Finger Lakes region. You will see Rochester Chamber get much more actively involved in efforts to improve the economy and quality of life in our community. A big part of that is serving our member organizations at the highest level possible to help them be successful and grow.
As Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce chairman, I wish you the best for 2017 and pledge Rochester Chamber’s constant effort to support and help your business grow and prosper.
Bob Duffy: 2016 was a very busy year for Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. We rebranded, launched a new website, and aligned some of the priorities that we have as a chamber of commerce. This allowed us to close out the year financially solid. Our staffing and reference checking business lines are very strong, and now our goal is to focus on the chamber side and pave the way for explosive growth in 2017, our 130th anniversary. There are a number of things that I see as key including our leadership. Board chair Rob Sands leads the third largest beverage company in the world. His guidance is
We also want to help attract new opportunities here by aligning with our government, business, and economic development leaders. This vision goes back to my time as Rochester mayor. We need a much better alignment of economic development efforts in Rochester and the Finger Lakes (Continued on p. 3)
What’s your networking style? Click on Upcoming Events at the top of our website for series details!
inside The future of manufacturing in Rochester
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Public Policy agenda for 2017
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Time for a wellness program checkup
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RBA Staffing tech updates for New Year
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2016-2017 Board Officers Rob Sands, Chairman of the Board Constellation Brands, Inc. John Pitton,Vice Chair Bank of America Brian Flanagan, Second Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer Nixon Peabody LLP
Senior Staff
Robert J. Duffy President and CEO
Bill Anderson Sr. Director, Membership, Sales, and Events Bill.Anderson@GreaterRochesterChamber.com
Colleen DiMartino Chief of Staff/Manager of Administrative Services Colleen.DiMartino@GreaterRochesterChamber.com
Kevin Donahue Director, Membership
Kevin.Donahue@GreaterRochesterChamber.com
Susan George Director, Events and Affiliate Relations Susan.George@GreaterRochesterChamber.com
Burt Parks Sr. Director, Business Services
From the CEO
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anufacturing is not dead in upstate New York. It is alive and well, especially in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region. In my travels to visit Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce manufacturing members, I am amazed by the technology and skill, incredible capital investments, and futuristic operations that abound. Some are well-known, others are not so well-known, but I believe this is a hotbed for manufacturing and we can thank our incredible colleges and universities and talent from some of our legacy companies for helping to make it happen. As we look to the future of manufacturing in Rochester, the AIM Photonics Testing, Assembly, and Packaging facility is slated to open here sometime in the summer of 2017. This will bring a whole new level of packaging manufacturing to our region.
There are skilled trades like tool and die, welding, and machinist that these enterprises need, but they’re not getting enough young people going into those fields. I never thought about welding when I was in high school, but if I was looking for a job now, I would learn it.
One suggestion that Rochester Chamber has received regarding the workforce of tomorrow is bringing high school co-ops and internships to our manufacturing floors. I believe paid internships could be a big draw for these fields. We would have to do it the right way, keeping labor laws in mind, but what a great way to develop this exposure that is now seriously lacking. We call upon the New York State Education Department to look for ways to fund and promote high school co-ops and internships in the manufacturing field. These experiences could be built right into the curriculum. The students will earn money, which builds an incentive to gaining exposure and experience in jobs that they may have never given a first or second thought. Then, after high school, these students could go on to the workforce or pursue further education to better prepare them for their chosen career path.
Why are so many bright young men and women choosing different careers when manufacturing can be a great choice? You have to go back and challenge school districts, guidance counselors, and even parents who see sending students to a four-year college or university much more desirable than going into a certificate program at Monroe Community College or a similar school. That certificate program at MCC could open up a career for that young person where their earning power may go higher than if they went to a four year school with a much lower investment and college debt potential.
Rochester Chamber is also committed to taking every opportunity to connect our local manufacturers with government and economic development leaders to keep and expand these operations and jobs in the Finger Lakes region. Incentives available to outside companies being recruited to move here should be equally available to companies established here for decades or generations. These companies are often not on the government’s radar screen. Any HR professional will tell you that it is cheaper to keep the talent that you have as opposed to going out and recruiting new talent. It is
However, two issues that we continually hear about from our manufacturing business leaders are a lack of support from our state, federal, and local governments and a shortage of qualified workers to fill open positions. In terms of workforce development, I have visited companies that expanded out of state in order to find the skilled workers that they need. One company even brought in workers from Mexico to get the job done. Bottom line, if companies can’t get their workforce here, they will go elsewhere.
Burt.Parks@RBAstaffing.com
Kathy Richmond Sr. Director, Human Resource Services
Kathy.Richmond@GreaterRochesterChamber.com
Nina Shelton Director, Group Health Insurance
Nina.Shelton@GreaterRochesterChamber.com
Dan Smith Sr. Director, Communications
Dan.Smith@GreaterRochesterChamber.com
Tammy Stefani Chief Financial Officer
Tammy.Stefani@GreaterRochesterChamber.com
Chris Wiest Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy Chris.Wiest@GreaterRochesterChamber.com
Voice of Business is the official newsletter of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, published at 150 State St., Rochester, NY 14614. Articles printed are for information only and are not intended to render legal advice.
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January/February 2017
open to technical careers, the manufacturing community should also much better market what is out there and start telling a better story about the types of jobs available in technical fields. If moms and dads and counselors don’t know that these Bob Duffy opportunities exist, we have to work to let them know. Manufacturing is no longer the manual labor of putting a screw into a camera or assembling parts. Young men and women with great creativity as well as computer and engineering skills can thrive in the manufacturing field. These jobs can create great earning potential and quality of life.
As we ask schools and parents to be more
(Continued on p. 3)
Voice of Business Charter Communications to Expand Facility, Jobs in Rochester
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harter Communications, a Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Partner member, announced plans to expand operations and add 228 new full-time jobs in Rochester and Henrietta. The second largest cable operator in the nation, Charter will invest more than $2.9 million to renovate its existing Rochester-based facility, lease a new, 46,000 square-foot headquarters in Henrietta, and purchase interior fixtures in order to support its customer contact center.
restored facility will allow us to bring together our field operations leadership and vital support functions under one roof. Through our partnership with the New York State Economic Development Corporation, the Rochester area benefits from an influx of high-paying technical jobs, while our customers across Upstate New York and throughout New England benefit from improved communication, collaboration, and efficiency in our operations.”
As part of the agreement, Empire State Development will provide Charter Communications with up to $2.5 million through performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits in return for job creation commitments.
Charter currently employs more than 11,000 full-time employees across the state, including 460 at its existing facility in Rochester. Once completed, this expansion will support more than 230 employees at Charter’s new regional headquarters in Henrietta while maintaining more than 460 jobs at its customer care center in Rochester.
Charter Executive Vice President of Field Operations Tom Adams said, “This beautifully
Charter Executive Vice President of Customer Operations Kathleen Mayo said, “We plan to add 20,000 new jobs at Charter in the next several years in part by returning Time Warner Cable call center work to the United States. The combination of our investment and these incentives will help us place some of those call center jobs right here in Rochester.” As the nation’s fastest-growing TV, Internet and voice company, Charter’s recent acquisition of Time Warner Cable broadens the company’s customer base and upstate New York footprint. The company is at the forefront of the intersection between technology and entertainment, facilitating essential communications that connect more than 25 million residential and business customers in 41 states.
Executive Message (cont.) region. That means Rochester Chamber, Greater Rochester Enterprise, Rochester Downtown Development Corporation, the City of Rochester, Monroe County, COMIDA, Empire State Development, and other agencies throughout the Finger Lakes region working much more effectively as a team. Historically, with the best of intentions, we have operated somewhat independently. My vision is if a CEO is looking to locate a business here from out of state, he or she could walk into a conference room in a downtown Rochester
building to see a table surrounded by a group of every economic development leader in the region. That group would have already worked together collaboratively to develop a plan to present on the spot to persuade that CEO to move here. The chamber of commerce has had an impact on Rochester and the Finger Lakes region since a group of business leaders started it in 1887 to address issues important to them. As we celebrate this 130th anniversary, we
look at the great prosperity that our region has experienced as well as the challenging times. Through it all, the strength of our business leaders has helped bring Rochester the reputation as one of the most giving and most resilient communities in the nation. Our best days are still ahead of us, but they won’t come easy. Our world, our technology, and our customers are changing every day. Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce vows to be ready to help members stay ahead of the curve.
From the CEO (cont.) no different with companies. It is more cost effective to keep the companies we have in New York State than it is trying to recruit new companies. Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce also needs all of its members to work alongside us to foster a more business-friendly regulatory climate in New York. On a visit, a manufacturing executive told me that if a worker is worth $15 an hour, he will pay $15. However, if that worker’s skills are worth $9 an hour in a highly competitive marketplace, the government puts him in a bind by
artificially determining a wage. When public policy dictates how much companies pay their people, the unintended consequences can cause that company to lose to a competitor. As opposed to passing laws that really take our manufacturers out of worldwide competition, let’s find ways to make them competitive. If we grow manufacturing, we will grow service, support, and other jobs. Think of it as throwing a pebble into a pond. With an initial splash by manufacturing, the ripples carry to all edges.You may hear that the Rochester
economy has shifted to the service sector. I disagree. In many ways, manufacturing has simply not gotten the attention it deserves. No, manufacturing is not dead here. It’s only been declared dead by some people who really haven’t seen the inside. I urge our government and economic development leaders to take the time to walk inside, talk with these CEOs, and hear first-hand what they need to keep thriving.
www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com
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Rochester Chamber Top 100 Celebration
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reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 30th annual Rochester Chamber Top 100 awards at a November dinner gala. The Top 100 program honors the fastest growing, privately held businesses in the Finger Lakes region based upon revenue. Rochester Chamber President and CEO Bob Duffy said, “The diversity of businesses from technology to manufacturing to service and everything in between is tremendous here. We are an economic power in this state and we are going to get only better and bigger as we go down the road. This is 30 years of outstanding business leadership and outstanding work by all of the employees of all of those great companies.” Nearly 2,000 people attended the celebration at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. They saw marketing communications firm Dixon Schwabl take the award for number three, waste services broker Waste Harmonics took the number two spot, and construction management
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and general contracting firm Hamilton Stern Construction grabbed number one on the 2016 Rochester Chamber Top 100. Hamilton Stern Construction Co-owner Justin Hamilton said, “When we found out we were number one, I just about fell out of my chair to be honest with you. We are very proud. We knew with the revenue growth that we had in the last three years that we would probably be in the top ten. We had three incredible years, but never thought we’d be number one. We’re so excited.” Hamilton Stern Co-owner Chris Stern added, “Hopefully it brings us a lot of new business. Hopefully it opens a lot of potential clients’ eyes to our business. It’s something we’re very proud of.” Hamilton Stern leaders agreed that their employees were the key in landing at number one. Click here to see the full 2016 Rochester Chamber Top 100 list. 2017 Top 100 nominations open in February.
Connecting Business Rochester Chamber offers a variety of events each month. For more photos, visit our Facebook page.
Leaders from our counterpart to the west, Buffalo Niagara Partnership, visited Rochester Chamber to share ideas and best practices.
Our staff ditched their business attire in lieu of hair nets and cooking utensils to prepare and serve breakfast at the Open Door Mission.
Our staff continued spreading the holiday cheer and helping those in need by volunteering to ring the bell for The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester.
Guests spent an evening under the stars indoors networking and enjoying the newly remodeled indoor garden at DoubleTree by Hilton Rochester.
The November 17 Not-for-Profit sector session featured ABVI Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, Rochester Area Community Foundation, and YMCA of Greater Rochester.
The Chamber Business Rounds Service sector session featured Insero & Company CPAs, Woods Oviatt Gilman, Claims Recovery Financial Services, LLC, and Mason Marketing.
Gary Keith from M&T Bank and Kent Gardner from the Center For Governmental Research discussed the business outlook for the coming year at our last 2016 Policy Matters event at Genesee Valley Club.
Major General John Batiste, U.S. Army (Retired), shared his vast leadership experience from the battlefield to the boardroom in this presentation, focusing on the principle of “Lead with Clarity.�
The Rochester Chamber board of directors held its final quarterly meeting of 2016 with presentations from the Center for Governmental Research and ROC City Coalition.
Recent Member Company Visits
Charter Spectrum Henrietta Expansion Announcement
SUNY Empire State College Ribbon Cutting
RIT MAGIC Spell Studios Launch
Five Star Bank Downtown Ribbon Cutting
www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com
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Voice of Business Upcoming Affiliate Events
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reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is made up of employers big and small, in just about every industry imaginable. While our programs and events are designed for all, we recognize that there are times when employers and employees want to be among a smaller group that shares their specific business issues. Here are some of our affiliates’ upcoming events: Associated New York State Food Processors nyfoodprocessors.org Greater Rochester Quality Council • Jan. 18 - Performance Excellence Forum • Jan. 26 - Performance Excellence Awards Application Deadline • Feb. 15 - Performance Excellence Forum www.grqc.org Small Business Council of Rochester www.rochestersbc.com Rochester Hispanic Business Association • Jan. 17 - RHBA Lunch Series with Andrea Holland www.rochesterhba.org The Women’s Council • Jan. 19 - ATHENA Awards Luncheon www.ROCWomenscouncil.org
Through our affiliate groups, you can meet business people who share your interests and challenges.
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January/February 2017
AIM Photonics Chooses Manufacturing Site
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mpire State Development announced ON Semiconductor at Eastman Business Park as the AIM Photonics manufacturing site. The facility will be used to test, assemble and package chips that use photons in place of electrons for increased performance of semiconductor circuits. The New York State Photonics Board of Officers unanimously recommended the site. The site selection process recommended ON Semiconductor, located in Building 81 at Eastman Business Park, based on its existing infrastructure, including a clean room; regional accessibility; and the fact that it had the highest “quality” score based on factors such as building functionality, operational needs, and real estate terms. ON Semiconductor is also likely to meet the required project timing and has the ability to leverage significant existing building and system infrastructure. It is also located at Eastman Business Park, which is a priority strategic site identified by the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council. Governor Andrew Cuomo said, “The selection of ON Semiconductor further cements the
Finger Lakes’ position at the forefront of the photonics industry and as a national leader in this emerging, high-growth field. With a long history of spearheading technological innovation, Rochester is delivering on a bold vision to revitalize the regional economy and jumpstart 21st century growth. It’s clear that our strategic investments in next generation industries are paying off – delivering highpaying jobs and driving the Finger Lakes forward.” Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO and AIM Photonics Leadership Council Chairman Bob Duffy said, “I am thrilled with the selection of ON Semiconductor as the location for the AIM Photonics TAP facility. This is the cornerstone of the AIM Photonics investment in Rochester and will make us a center for packaging for the wafer and semiconductor industry not only in New York State, but potentially across the country and abroad. I thank Governor Cuomo for New York State’s $250 million investment and all of our AIM Photonics partners for their work in making this possible. Today is a great day for Rochester and the Finger Lakes region.”
SBC Cares Appeal Reaches Nearly 3,000 Families
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he Small Business Council of Rochester, a Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce affiliate, distributed nearly 3,000 Thanksgiving dinner food boxes as part of its annual SBC Cares Thanksgiving Appeal. Volunteers collected food from companies across the region and delivered boxes for distribution by agencies including Sojourner House, the YWCA, Willow Domestic Violence Center, Baden Street Settlement,Veterans Outreach Center,Volunteers of America, and more. 2016 SBC Cares Thanksgiving Appeal Chairman Greg Miller of Davie Kaplan CPA said, “It’s really emotional hearing stories from the families who are there when we drop off the boxes. We hear about the great need for this food and how much it means to these families. It’s a great feeling to know how much these boxes are appreciated. It’s heartbreaking
knowing that there is that much need in the community.” SBC counts upon its members, Rochester Chamber members, and the community at large to show their generosity in donating food for the SBC Cares Thanksgiving Appeal. Miller said, “A lot of organizations use it as a team building and bonding experience. At our firm, people really get great enjoyment out of shopping and bringing those things in. There is a lot of camaraderie involved. Some companies make a competition out of it to see how many more boxes they can donate than other companies.” For more on the Small Business Council of Rochester and the SBC Cares Thanksgiving Appeal, visit www.RochesterSBC.com.
Public Policy Public Policy Agenda for 2017 By Chris Wiest Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy
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ased on member feedback from the recent public policy and advocacy survey, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has developed its legislative agenda for 2017. Our priorities in 2017 will continue to focus on creating a more business-friendly environment for employers, assisting members on issues important to the success of their organizations, and supporting key initiatives that improve the community as a whole. Below is a summary of several key areas of focus: Economic Development: Growing private sector jobs is key to the region’s economic future. Rochester Chamber remains committed to the priorities of the Regional Economic Development Council, including optics, photonics and imaging, agriculture and food production, next-generation manufacturing, and technology under the Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI). AIM Photonics continues to progress and holds great promise for creating jobs and boosting Rochester’s reputation as the world’s optics leader. We will also continue to support signature projects such as North American Breweries’ plan to create a Genesee EcoBrewery District that will invest millions of dollars into our economy by creating over 100 jobs and attracting a projected $20 million annually in tourism. New York State Mandates and Taxes Affecting Business: The Rochester/Finger Lakes region can be made more competitive through mandate relief, responsible stewardship of local finances, and reducing state and local regulatory burdens. Rochester Chamber will work to support broad-based tax reform, reduce outdated and complex business taxes, oppose costly labor laws, promote making the tax cap permanent, oppose prevailing wage mandates, and support business-backed tort reform legislation. Health Care: We will continue to look for ways to control the rising costs of health care in our region. Members of the Rochester
Chamber Health Care Initiative work on plans designed to generate affordable, quality health care and to improve the health of our community. This past year, the chamber health care initiative received national recognition in winning the 2016 American Chamber of Commerce Executives Regional Innovation Award. Rochester Chamber supports the work of the “Million Hearts” Initiative, a national program that aims to prevent heart attacks and strokes, and the ongoing work of the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agencyled High Blood Pressure Collaborative. On the legislative front, Rochester Chamber will continue to oppose state and federal health care mandates that increase costs for employers. Education and Workforce Development: If the Rochester/Finger Lakes regional economy is to grow, it must have a supply of skilled workers to meet employer needs. Rochester Chamber is committed to helping improve the education and training pipeline to develop a skilled labor supply. Rochester Chamber supports efforts of ROC the Future to improve student achievement in the city, increased opportunities for Career and Technical Education, FLREDC Workforce Development Committee Initiatives, Rochester Market Driven Community Cooperatives, and Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative. Workers’ Compensation: High workers’ compensation costs is a frequent concern heard from members. The Rochester Chamber Workers’ Compensation Committee continuously advocates for reforms to reduce costs and improve system efficiency. We oppose rollbacks of cost saving measures and continue to defend against costly new legislation that is introduced each year. This summer, Rochester Chamber led an effort with Unshackle Upstate and other business groups to produce a NYS workers’ compensation employer survey that included feedback from over 200 companies. This data has been shared with state leaders and is playing a key role in current reform efforts. Rochester Chamber’s workers’ compensation conference was well-received this past year and had over 100 members in attendance. We will continue our educational outreach to help businesses better understand system costdrivers and ways to navigate this challenging
area. Transportation/Infrastructure: Rochester Chamber recognizes that a solid infrastructure and transportation system is crucial to the economic success of our region. Working with UNICON and other local partners this past year, Rochester Chamber successfully advocated for greater parity in upstate/downstate infrastructure funding, including $10.9 million for the I-390/490/Lyell interchange project. Rochester Chamber supports the legalization of upstate ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft, City of Rochester and Monroe County arts & tourism growth, increased upstate investment in road and bridge repair, and highway trust fund stabilization and funding increase. Constituent Support: If there is an issue impacting your business, we urge you to contact our Public Policy department for assistance. This past year, Rochester Chamber responded to numerous requests for assistance, developing over 100 letters of support/opposition to decision-makers, testifying at hearings and helping members have their concerns heard on legislative and regulatory matters. In 2017 we will once again host our “Policy Matters” series, which allows members to network directly with elected officials and community leaders. As always, we will continue to serve as a voice for the employer community-actively responding to legislative and policy concerns that develop over the course of the year. For more information on the 2017 advocacy agenda, or how we can assist your organization, please feel free to contact me at (585) 256-4626.
We have a perfect sponsorship to suit you! Click for details
www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com
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Human Resources
Discounted Labor Law Posters Available to members on GovDocs
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s a benefit of Rochester Chamber membership, members are eligible to purchase discounted labor law posters through an agreement with GovDocs, one of the largest providers of labor law posters and compliance services in the country.
Employers were required to post the updated minimum wage poster starting Dec. 31, 2016. Since NYS typically releases new posters close to the required posting date, the updated NYS all-in-one poster will not be available through GovDocs until mid-to late January.
Rochester Chamber members are eligible to receive a 10% discount on the price of all products purchased through GovDocs (see discount code below). Members will also receive an email notification from GovDocs when there is a NYS and/or federal labor law change affecting a required poster.
So anyone that orders the NYS minimum wage poster will get the 2015 version until the new version is available. Employers can print the NYS minimum wage poster for free here once NYS releases the new version and then order a replacement all-in-one poster when it’s available.
The first round of scheduled NYS minimum wage increases was effective Dec. 31, 2016.
While it is still the responsibility of each employer to post current state and federal
labor law postings at each of their locations (don’t forget your remote employees!), we hope this service has made it easier for members to stay in compliance. Rochester Chamber will also continue to keep members up to date on changing labor laws via articles in the weekly News & Events emails. To review available posters and/or to place an order, go to http://www.laborlawposter.com/ site/index.html.You must enter promotion code GN-RBA to your shopping cart to apply the 10% discount. Rochester Chamber members with questions can contact Kathy Richmond at (585) 2564618 or Jennifer Suppé at (585) 256-4608.
New Jan. 31 W-2 Filing Deadline for Employers
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he Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, enacted last December, includes a new requirement for employers. They are now required to file their copies of Form W-2, submitted to the Social Security Administration, by January 31. The new January 31 filing deadline also applies to certain Forms 1099-MISC reporting nonemployee compensation such as payments to independent contractors. In the past, employers typically had until the
end of February, if filing on paper, or the end of March, if filing electronically, to submit their copies of these forms. In addition, there are changes in requesting an extension to file the Form W-2. Only one 30-day extension to file Form W-2 is available and this extension is not automatic. If an extension is necessary, a Form 8809 Application for Extension of Time to File Information Returns must be completed as soon as you know an extension is necessary, but by January 31. Employers can review the instructions for Form 8809 for more information. The new accelerated deadline will help the
The January 31 deadline has long applied to employers furnishing copies of these forms to their employees and that date remains unchanged. Employers will meet the “furnish” requirement if the form is properly addressed and mailed on or before the due date.
Survey Spotlight
HR Services Staff Kathy Richmond Sr. Director, Human Resource Services (585) 256-4618 Kathy.Richmond@ GreaterRochesterChamber.com
IRS improve its efforts to spot errors on returns filed by taxpayers. Having these W-2s and 1099s earlier will make it easier for the IRS to verify the legitimacy of tax returns and properly issue refunds to taxpayers eligible to receive them. In many instances, this will enable the IRS to release tax refunds more quickly than in the past.
Survey
Questionnaires Deadline Sent Date (week of) (week of)
Release Date (week of)
Jennifer Suppé, MSHRD, PHR Sernior Human Resource Services Specialist (585) 256-4608 Jennifer.Suppe@ GreaterRochesterChamber.com
If you haven’t yet signed up for first quarter surveys but would like to, contact Jennifer Suppé at (585) 256-4608 or Jennifer.Suppe@GreaterRochesterChamber.com
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Legal Briefing Time for a Wellness Program Checkup Kate Saracene Nixon Peabody LLP
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ast spring, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued two sets of regulations affecting employer wellness programs – one under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the other under the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). While some provisions had immediate effect, others were delayed until 2017. With January right around the corner, it’s time for a wellness program checkup. What does the ADA have to do with wellness programs? The ADA generally prohibits employers from making “disabilityrelated inquiries,” or requiring employees to undergo “medical exams,” unless the inquiry is job-related and consistent with business necessity. For example, an employer can require an over-the-road truck driver to undergo a physical in compliance with federal regulations, but cannot do so for all new hires. In the wellness program context, Health Risk Assessments (HRAs) and other health questionnaires commonly ask questions that would reveal whether an employee has a protected disability. Likewise, biometric screenings and nicotine testing, other common wellness program components, are considered medical exams. Some wellness programs even offer incentives for employees to get annual physicals from their own physician, or preventive screenings like mammograms or colonoscopies. There is an exception permitting medical inquiries and exams through “employee health programs” where participation is voluntary, the information is safeguarded according to the confidentiality requirements of the ADA, and the information is not used to discriminate against employees. A wellness program qualifies if it: (1) has a reasonable chance of improving health or preventing disease; (2) is not overly burdensome; (3) is not a subterfuge for violating the ADA, and (4) is not highly suspect in the method chosen to promote health or prevent disease. To satisfy these criteria, it is not sufficient for an
employer to simply collect medical data; the employer must offer follow-up programs to address conditions revealed through the data, or take other actions to demonstrate that the intent of the data collection is truly to promote health and/or prevent disease. For example, asking employees to provide medical information on a HRA or take biometric screenings without providing any feedback about risk factors, or without using aggregate information to design programs to treat specific conditions, would not comply. In order for a wellness program to be “voluntary,” the employer cannot require participation. This means the employer cannot deny coverage or limit benefits under any of its health plan options, or take any adverse employment action (like discipline or discharge), for employees who decline to participate. Employers must also provide eligible employees with a notice describing the restrictions on disclosure of the medical information, the individuals with whom the information will be shared, and the methods used to protect the information. The EEOC has issued a model notice for this purpose. The regulations also cap the incentives the employer can offer in connection with medical inquiries or exams. The dollar value of financial and in-kind incentives, like prizes or time off, cannot exceed 30% of the cost (employer and employee share)
of single coverage under the employer’s least expensive health plan option. If the employer does not offer health insurance, the 30% is measured against the cost of a Silver plan on the health insurance exchange where the employer has its principal place of business. While the ADA only regulates wellness programs offered to employees, the GINA regulations govern wellness programs offered to spouses and dependents. These rules prohibit any financial incentives for children to participate in a wellness program that solicits information about current or past health status (because it could reveal genetic information about the employee). While employers may offer incentives to spouses, the GINA regulations generally extend the ADA protections to them. For example, spousal participation must by voluntary, spouse incentives must be capped at 30% of the single premium, and the spouse must be provided with disclosures similar to those described above. In addition, the spouse must provide prior knowing and written consent. The rules also clarify that the employee’s incentive cannot be conditioned on the spouse’s participation, or vice versa. If your wellness program includes HRAs, biometric screenings or other medical inquiries or exams, now is the right time to make sure you are ready for the new rules.
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www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com
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Voice of Business Rochester Chamber Member American Packaging Announces Expansion
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merican Packaging Corporation, a Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce member, dropped plans to expand in Iowa when New York State stepped in with a package to help build a new 350,000 square foot facility on Beaver Road in the Town of Chili. The manufacturing plant is expected to create 366 jobs in Monroe County by 2021, 262 of which will be permanent jobs. American Packaging plans to invest nearly $170 million in the project, with Empire State Development providing the company with up to $14.7 million through performancebased Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits
and Upstate Revitalization Initiative grants. Rochester Gas and Electric also facilitated the project by providing the company with up to $870,000 in grant funding for electric and gas infrastructure. Monroe County contributed to the venture by providing tax exemption benefits through COMIDA. American Packaging President and CEO Peter Schottland said, “The decision to invest such a significant project scale into New York State was a complex one indeed. The quality of the work ethic in New York is full of great people who deeply care about the well-being of their company. Our current APC families working in New York are second to none and finally the
Cuomo administration fought aggressively to get us to make this investment.” Governor Andrew Cuomo said, “By actively engaging with the private sector, incentivizing growth, and cutting red tape, companies like American Packaging are expanding their operations and new companies are moving to New York, strengthening the economy and creating good-paying jobs in Monroe County and across the state.” The company plans to break ground on its new Monroe County manufacturing plant early this year.
Glassman Delivers 2017 Economic Outlook
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reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Partner member JP Morgan Chase Head Economist James Glassman delivered his 2017 economic outlook at a University of Rochester Simon Business School breakfast. Rochester Chamber served as a sponsor for the event, where Glassman shared some thoughts with the Voice of Business newsletter. On America’s recovery from the 2008 recession, Glassman said: So far, what I’ve seen in the recovery is very normal things happening and things that we care about. The job market is back on its feet. Unemployment is back down. There are still pockets of unemployment out there but the auto industry is flying. Construction activity all over the country is doing well. The underwater housing problem that we had back in the crisis is largely gone with the
exception of maybe Phoenix. The fiscal budget deficit, which is very cyclical, is back down to something more normal. And, by the way, the equity market, which summarizes all of this stuff, the valuations of the stock market are back to levels you normally see in good years. I would say the recovery looks pretty good, pretty normal. I wouldn’t be surprised as history passes and we look back at this period and think of it as a normal recovery. On the White House transition, Glassman said: I think the impact on the economy will be very limited because the fact is we are very divided as a country. Out of that, we’re probably going to get a very divided government. The economy is not in recession, not in crisis, so we don’t need any big fiscal action. Our real constraints are the structural deficit, which is a little out of kilter. Part of the reason for that is the economy is growing more slowly
and that’s putting pressure on some of these government support programs. It means if we don’t do something to get control of this, it’s putting more of a burden on our working population to finance all the promises that we have made. That, to me, is the real constraint to anybody who comes into Washington. I think it limits how much you can do on the spending side or the tax side. Regarding the overall 2017 economic outlook, Glassman said: The main point is we’re doing fine. If you focus on the things we care about, the economy is doing a lot better than many people say. That means it’s time for the Federal Reserve to normalize rates. If we don’t do that, we run the risk of creating new financial dislocations that then become a problem for the economy as we get fully on our feet.
Rochester Chamber welcomes its new members Aaryn Maharaj State Farm Agency.........www.aaryncares.com M L Caccamise Electric Corp. ................www.caccamiseelectric.com Anytime Fitness.........................................www.anytimefitness.com Martino Flynn, LLC....................................www.martinoflynn.com Badge of Honor Association...................www.boha.info MDS Consultants....................................... www.mds-consultants.com Burns & Schultz LLP .................................www.burnsandschultz.com Mercury Print Productions, Inc...............www.mercuryprint.com Can-Am Consultants, Inc. ........................www.can-amconsultants.com MONAT........................................................www.healthyhaircoach.com CannaMetrix, LLC https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Smith_(scientist) Rochester Drug Cooperative, Inc. .........www.rdcdrug.com Century Benefits Group Inc. ..................www.aboutcentury.com RW Manufacturing Co. .............................www.rwmfg.com DelMonte Hotel Group............................www.delmontehotels.com T&T Materials, Inc. .....................................www.tandt-materials.com dPost ............................................................www.dpost.com The Mark Siwiec Team/Nothnagle Realtors ..www.marksiwiec.com EquiCenter, Inc. ..........................................www.equicenterny.org Wegman Companies, Inc. ............www.wegmancompanies.com ER Select......................................................www.er-select.com Finger Lakes Premier Properties, Inc.....www.flpplake.com *Company listed in blue denotes our Partner Member* Indus Hospitality Group ..........................www.indushg.com
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January/February 2017
Voice of Business Downtown Career Fair Welcomes Job Seekers
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BA Staffing, a Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce division, teamed up with the Rochester Americans hockey club and 13WHAM-TV for a Downtown Career Fair at Rochester’s Blue Cross Arena. RBA Staffing Manager Ferah Roman said, “Because we recruit for a wide range of companies, job fairs like this are beneficial because we get exposure to job seekers with a variety of skill sets. We have seen people come through with experience from executive to entry level in several fields, so it’s a good way for both those looking for work and employers to make mutually beneficial connections.” Rochester Americans Vice President of Business Operations Rob Kopacz said, “Since its inception three years ago, the Downtown Career Fair has welcomed over 2,000 job seekers and has averaged 60 local businesses at each event and it continues to grow each
to look for positions in customer service or light industrial.
year. The Downtown Career Fair is a perfect opportunity for individuals looking to enter the workforce or those who wish to expand their careers. The Amerks are proud to partner with Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.” Rochester Chamber member Wilkins RV had a recruiting table at the job fair. Wilkins General Manager Denise Haggerty called it a positive experience. Haggerty said, “The appeal of it is you get to see a large amount of people in a short amount of time. You really get your name out there and meet a lot of people that I don’t think would know about your business or see where we currently advertise our job openings. We have found a number of people already that we plan to bring in for interviews.”
Jacqueline said, “This is one-stop shopping. Instead of traveling from place to place on the bus line, I can come here and meet several employers that have job openings. I feel that’s a better deal. I can get a lot done and cover several different areas. My confidence is up. I believe I’m going to get a job.” Click here to see a photo album from the Downtown Career Fair.
Job seeker “Jacqueline” visited the career fair
RBA Staffing Receives Technology, Software Upgrades for 2017
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BA Staffing’s service model prides itself on its ability to provide customers flexible and customized service for their unique requirements. An example is on-site programs, which are different and unique for each of the customers served. To provide this flexibility and customization, RBA Staffing is consistently looking at both internal and external processes for improvement. To achieve these goals, RBA Staffing will be moving into Tempworks software for both front and back office processes and systems. The new software will offer the flexibility and highly customized service level that is expected by many current customers In addition to the software upgrade, the job application process is transitioning to a paperless system. Research has shown that eliminating a paper trail helps lengthen the
time recruiters have to interview candidates, thus improving the quality of the candidate pool. It will also allow for quicker turnaround in placements.
These are just some of the highlights of the enhancements and changes RBA Staffing will be making in 2017. We pride ourselves on our ability to create solutions unique to every client’s needs. These service and software upgrades show our dedication and investment to providing the best service to our customers.
Another digital enhancement for RBA Staffing this year will be the implementation of web-based time reporting and timecard approval.
Friday HR Briefings
Beginning this year, our staffing agency has teamed up with reputable third parties to enhance the available job board and promote jobs through shared social media sites. Through another new addition, the Web Center, both clients and employees will be able to quickly exchange and find job information. Customers will be able to electronically place orders, review candidates, check invoices, and approve time cards Employees will have access to their work history, payroll information, forms, and any other information they may need.
Jan. 6 - Complying with New NYS Pay Card and Direct Deposit Jan. 20 - Best Practices for Retirement Plans and Fiduciary Duties Feb. 3 - Annual Employment Law Update Feb. 17 - Planning for the New EEO-1 and Reporting Pay Data Time: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Location: Rochester Chamber 150 State St., Rochester, NY 14614 Open to: Members only (no cost) To register, email Michele.Hefferon@ GreaterRochesterChamber.com
www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com
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Seminars Held at Rochester Chamber Register at www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com
January 31 - February 14 Successful Supervision Supervisory success is made possible by understanding the options and tools available to you as a supervisor or manager. Successful Supervision is a function of role clarity, the achievement of goals, the development of people, decision making skill, successful delegation, effective communication, and the selection and retention of talent. Successful supervisors know how to create self-fulfilling prophecies of success…through people. February 10 - March 10 Leadership for Managers This program presents the practical concepts, strategies, and skills needed to enhance a leader’s performance. Learn to create an environment of trust where people do better work by building a higher trust. Integrate generational differences into leadership mindset. Improve interpersonal skills and build emotional intelligence. Improve teamwork and motivation. Understand TQM and lean thinking in the modern organization. Master all forms of communication to reduce stress and conflict.
Upcoming Events For more details and to register, visit www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com
January 10 Chamber Business Rounds: Higher Education
January 18 Speed Networking at Pole Position Raceway
February 1 Chamber Member SPOTlight: 13 WHAM-TV
February 8 Rochester TRENDS: Active Shooter Phase II
February 14 Chamber Business Rounds: Branding and Marketing
February 16 biz. Exchange: Professional Development Series:YEA! CEO Roundtable
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Chamber Networks After 5 - Holiday Party and Member Showcase