Voice of Business Newsletter July/August 2018
A Call to Action: The Opioid Overdose Epidemic By Michael D. Mendoza, MD, MPH, MS, FAAFP Monroe County Commissioner of Public Health
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ttention to the opioid epidemic is at an alltime high. Roughly every other day, a loved one or friend in our community succumbs to overdose. All the while, many more struggle through treatment and the lifelong challenges of living in recovery. It makes sense, therefore, that as a community we are paying more attention to this crisis. In spite of all of the well-intended attention, however, misconceptions and stigma prevail. As a result, many are left wondering what needs to be done to combat this problem. Hospitals face new challenges, increases in demand for services tax our community resources, and the general public is often unclear about what can be done closer to home, in our communities, and our workplaces. As health care systems and local municipalities work to develop effective solutions to the recent overdose epidemic – and to the long-standing need for improvements in our addiction prevention and treatment services – it is clear that the broader community must also play a role in battling this crisis. Because the very nature of the problem crosses multiple sectors in our community, need for a community role in this crisis may be greater than any other health crisis of our generation. First and foremost, it is important to recognize that addiction is a chronic illness. It is neither a choice nor a sign of personal failing of the individual suffering from the illness of addiction. It is a medical illness that causes significant changes in an affected person’s body, and in this way, it is not unlike other chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, or depression. Like other chronic illnesses, our first goal is prevention. When possible, professionals in medicine and public health identify those at risk and work to mitigate those risks. When prevention is not
possible, we turn our attention to managing that illness with the overall goal of returning that patient to a better state of health. Addiction is no different in this regard. Unfortunately – and perhaps more so than the illnesses already mentioned – addiction is poorly understood as a medical illness and many still harbor misconceptions that addiction could have been simply avoided, or that it can be easily cured. As a result, many who need treatment may go unnoticed out of the fear of stigma. We would be well served as a community to do whatever possible to reduce the misunderstanding and stigma surrounding addiction. This begins with each and every one of us, in our homes, workplaces, and anywhere we interact with others who might discuss addiction and the opioid epidemic. As my colleagues work to improve prevention and treatment services for addiction, we must also recognize that the current epidemic of overdose cannot wait until these improvements are in place. Changes to the larger systems of care delivery are complex and will require time to implement. Even though many improvements are underway, it is also clear that overdose deaths are increasing at a still alarming rate. Owing in large part to the availability of lethal, synthetic forms of opioids including fentanyl and related drugs, we also need to aggressively combat the epidemic of overdose as a separate, though related, phenomenon.
that many who succumb to an overdose had few if any known risk factors. For this reason, as a community, our best hope to prevent opioid overdoses is to be broadly prepared with knowledge about how to identify an opioid overdose and how to take steps to help someone who is experiencing an opioid overdose. The next most important step is to rapidly administer naloxone (Narcan), a safe and effective antidote that can reverse an overdose in progress. The Health Department has worked to expand access to naloxone across the community, in restaurants, businesses, social service agencies, schools and libraries, and places of worship, just to name a few. Members of the general public may also obtain naloxone from any major pharmacy without the need for a written prescription thanks to a standing order that applies to all people in New York State. Furthermore, a new program called the Naloxone Copayment Assistance Program (NCAP) will cover up to $40 in co-payments for anyone with prescription insurance coverage, which in most cases means that one can obtain naloxone at little or no out-ofpocket cost. Overdose is preventable with the right preparation, and fortunately becoming prepared is easier than ever. Learn more at www. monroecounty.gov/opioids Rochester Chamber hosts an Opioid Overdose Awareness event for businesses featuring Dr. Mendoza, including Naloxone training and liability discussion, July 25. Click here to register.
While there are specific factors that raise the risk of having an overdose, we also know
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Bob Duffy calls for civic and regional pride
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GRQC opens “Day of Quality” applications
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End of session update
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Showcase your brand at Rochester Chamber Top 100
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2018 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, Support Services Bill.Anderson@GreaterRochesterChamber.com Kevin Donahue Director, Membership Kevin.Donahue@GreaterRochesterChamber.com Shannon Ealy Manager, Office of Future Leadership Shannon.Ealy@GreaterRochesterChamber.com Susan George Director, Events and Affiliate Relations Susan.George@GreaterRochesterChamber.com Kristin Graves Marketing Communications Manager Kristin.Graves@GreaterRochesterChamber.com Adrian Hale Manager, Strategic Initiatives Adrian.Hale@GreaterRochesterChamber.com Bob Lemen Chief Financial Officer Bob.Lemen@GreaterRochesterChamber.com Burt Parks Sr. Director, Business Services Burt.Parks@RBAstaffing.com Kathy Richmond Sr. Director, Human Resource Services Kathy.Richmond@GreaterRochesterChamber.com Ferah Roman Director, Business Services Ferah.Roman@RBAstaffing.com Dan Smith Sr. Director, Communications Dan.Smith@GreaterRochesterChamber.com Chris Wiest Vice President, Public Policy and Membership 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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July/August 2018
From the CEO
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tourists here, boosting our economy.
As a lifelong resident of this region, I could not think of a place I would rather live. However, I have witnessed what I interpret as an erosion of regional pride by many over the last several years. When we collectively submitted a proposal for the Amazon HQ2 project, a number of people came forward with criticism that we even made the effort and expressed their view that we had no chance of winning. When projects come up for public discussion, the positive vibes get drowned out by this type of negativity and criticism. All of us involved in the Amazon process thought that we had a legitimate shot to finish at least in the top ten. The feedback we received from Amazon has been very positive.
At a recent meeting, a Visit Rochester staff member told me that the number one reason that conventions come to Rochester is a positive recommendation from a Bob Duffy local person with contacts inside those organizations. When conventions come to Rochester, they spend money on hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and other amenities that create jobs. I would like to suggest that we take this approach and expand it.
ow is the time to reinforce our civic and regional pride.
Throughout my public life, I have been a firm believer in listening to contrarian views and opinions that differ from mine while making every effort to build consensus. Looking at today’s landscape, it really is time for Rochester and the Finger Lakes region to seek a more collaborative, team-building approach to boost our positivity. I truly believe that our strengths outweigh our weaknesses by a country mile. Computer software and artificial intelligence company LiveTiles learned about our strengths firsthand when it explored Rochester to serve as the hub for its new North American Intelligent User Experience hub. LiveTiles chose Rochester over four other U.S. cities. At the announcement in the High Falls district, LiveTiles CEO Karl Redenbach’s energy and enthusiasm about this choice was infectious. With a booming voice and striking body language, Karl told those gathered that Rochester’s level of talent, quality of life, and standard of research drew LiveTiles to our region. We can all follow Karl’s lead. Any expert on customer service will tell you that it starts within. You must treat your internal team as your most valuable customers. Caring about and respecting people inside your organization carries over to how those on the outside are served and how they view your operation. Taking this to a larger scale, the same thing goes for our city and our region. If we are able to collectively feel good about and tout what we have here, it translates to outsiders seeing us in a positive light. This can help bring more companies and
We must ramp up our efforts to develop a spirit of palpable hometown pride. A small example of this that I recently saw was when Nashville created its own version of the Garbage Plate. Social media and the local news lit up with those proud of this Nick Tahou culinary icon letting the country and the world know that Rochester is home of the Plate. Let’s let the country and the world know about the other great things that make the Rochester and Finger Lakes region what it is. Our future success depends upon regional collaboration. With Rochester and Monroe County as our hub, we have eight surrounding counties that are all connected. This entire region must come together to develop ways that we can more effectively promote our great assets. One of the biggest impediments that we have in doing this is a sense of competition among ourselves. I believe in competition when appropriate. Competition built this country, but we have now reached a point where these clashes between organizations have brought with them a detrimental effect. In my first year as Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, I brought together a group of leaders from our area’s top marketing and public relations firms to talk about collaborating on a single, powerful message to promote the entire Rochester and Finger Lakes region. At the end of the 90 minute discussion, it was clear that some at the table did want to collaborate (Continued on p. 3)
Voice of Business Finger Lakes Welcome Center Opens in Geneva
New Member Profile:
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he new Finger Lakes Welcome Center, promoting local attractions and regional food and beverage producers, opened on the shore of Seneca Lake in Geneva, Ontario County. Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce member New York Kitchen, formerly the New York Wine and Culinary Center, operates the Welcome Center. The Finger Lakes Welcome Center’s theme, “Wine and Water,” promotes the worldrenowned assets of the Finger Lakes by paying tribute to the region’s famous vineyards and namesake lakes. This location, one of eleven Welcome Centers being built across the state, will be the first location to sell New York State-made wine, beer, and cider at its Taste NY Market. Wine tastings and other programming surrounding New York State’s booming craft beverage industry are being planned. The tasting bar will be available to local wineries and other food and beverage producers to use for promotional events with reservations made available through NY
Kitchen. Tourism is at the core of the Finger Lakes Welcome Center, with multiple interactive I Love New York kiosks positioned throughout, allowing visitors to test their knowledge of the region or design a trip itinerary. A glassencased community room offers stunning views of the picturesque Seneca Lake. Organizations and groups may register to use the room for not-for-profit meetings and events. The Welcome Center features a Taste NY Market, which offers hot and cold lunch options such as seasonal soups and salads, sandwiches, and a kids menu, all made from fresh ingredients and products grown and produced by local farmers. The Market will also offer grab-and-go snacks and gifts, including a variety of New York-made chips, trail mixes, jams and jellies, desserts, cheeses, maple syrup and more.
From the CEO (continued) but many others preferred to compete. The message I received from those firms was ‘May the best agency win’ as opposed to pooling all of their immense talent to develop a knockout campaign to tout the region. I understand that marketing campaigns are not cheap, and I wasn’t expecting anything for free, but at the time I felt that should these amazing agencies work together on an impressive message, the money would follow. I still feel that way and encourage local marketing firms to work together on a singular regional message. Rochester Chamber is happy to host another meeting to develop a feasible strategy. Yes, we have some challenges, like every other metro. But we also have remarkable companies, colleges and universities, talent, creativity, arts and culture, and one of the most beautiful regions in the entire world right here. We have to change our status as the best-kept secret in New York State. To do that, we must first take a long look in the mirror to see how each one of us can think and act differently to help promote our region. Visit Rochester does a phenomenal job with its marketing efforts. We should now all work together to expand those efforts to
the next level and on a wider scale. We are all ambassadors for our region. No one is going to invest in a person who doesn’t believe in themselves. Similarly, no one is going to invest in a region where its own residents tend to denigrate themselves often or compete with each other to a level where it becomes counterproductive and breaks trust. Let’s find many more unifying opportunities as a region. If we focus on this, we will see investments and tourism grow, we will see companies wanting to move here and stay here, and we will see tremendous dividends in the future. I believe that we have to first feel our regional pride on the inside and then get that message out in any way that we can. No campaign on Earth is worth a dollar outside if we are not feeling that true sense of pride at home. I’m sure that deep down everyone who lives here feels this way. Let’s start to demonstrate our pride in both our words and our actions.
Marshall Boxes ochester Chamber welcomed new member Marshall Boxes, Inc. in May and had a moment to get acquainted with Jeffrey Skuse, president, to learn more about this business. Tell us about your company: Marshall Boxes is a third generation familyowned business specializing in custom industrial packaging manufacturing and design. We design and build plywood and lumber packaging for original equipment manufacturers, trade shows, and the military. What prompted you to join? A friend recently mentioned Rochester Chamber, and his enthusiasm prompted me to take a closer look. The large network of businesses and the services offered are very appealing. It is a great resource for making connections, increasing awareness, and being part of an organization committed to advocating for local business. What business challenges are you facing? I like to call challenges “opportunities”. A thoughtful business owner should convert a challenge into an opportunity. Business should be about mitigating customers’ challenges and giving them more value than they expect. What is your business outlook? We are growing both geographically and in new markets. Also, the economy is fairly strong now and that is also helping growth.
www.marshallboxes.com
Show off your new MEMBER window cling!
For complete contest details, click here
www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com
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Voice of Business
ROC the Future... Focused on Children’s Success. TOGETHER By Jessica Lewis
success.
ROC the Future Communications Specialist
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elping every child reach his or her full potential drives all our efforts to improve educational results. At ROC the Future, we work every day to promote alignment and focus of community resources to improve outcomes for children in the City of Rochester. We know that the challenges are many when it comes to the educational landscape in our community. No single entity or organization can create the change necessary to improve outcomes for all children.Yet, improvement is possible when communities employ a collective impact approach to agree on shared goals; use evidenced-based approaches or best practices to improve; and measure success together.
We recently launched a High School Graduation Outcome Team to look at root causes for low graduation rates and identify strategies to make lasting changes. This work is being led by Linus Guillory, Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning at RCSD, along with Hank Rubin,Vice President of Rochester Area Community Foundation, and Rosemary Rivera of Citizen Action. In 2016, the August RCSD graduation rate was 53%. That number rose to 57% last year. While we are happy to see this increase we know that graduation rates for individual schools vary, and want to ensure that all students are graduating from high school, college and career ready.
We are also making efforts through our School Readiness Outcome Team to ensure more children begin school ready and able to learn. A new focus on policy and advocacy efforts for early childhood funding, policy asks and related systems level efforts will guide our work. Lastly, a new Outcome Team will launch to improve Early Grade Reading. When kids fall behind in reading, it becomes more and more challenging for them to stay on track in all subjects as they move into middle and high school. We want to get ahead of this issue and ensure that all children are developmentally on track and are reading on grade level during their early years. For more on our work and updates on our progress visit us at www.rocthefuture.org.
ROC the Future convenes leaders at all levels of the education, nonprofit, community, civic and philanthropic sectors to improve academic outcomes and equity. We work with more than 80 leading Rochesterarea institutions and community partners, including the Rochester City School District to provide leadership and infrastructure support to better align and coordinate activities, and reduce duplication to accelerate and increase our impact. As part of ROC the Future’s new strategic plan, we are putting a laser focus on three areas along the cradle to career continuum – School Readiness, Early Grade Reading, High School Graduation. All three of these areas are critically important to a child’s future
Rochester Chamber welcomes its new members All-American Home Care........................www.all-americanhomecare.com Alpha Omega Leadership & Life Coaching... Altra Tech Consulting..................................... Antithesis Advertising..............................www.antithesisadvertising.com Ascend Executive Search..........................www.ascendsearch.com AVARUS Solutions......................................www.avarussolutions.com BizXL Solutions..........................................www.bizxlsolutions.com CatPrint .......................................................www.catprint.com Center for Employment Opportunities...www.ceoworks.org Consolidated Container Company........www.cccllc.com Direct Payroll Services, Inc. .................www.directpayrollny.com Eastern Great Lakes Association of Continuity Professionals... http://chapters.acp-international.com/easterngreatlakes EG Industries ..............................................www.egindustries.com GiGi’s Playhouse Rochester...................www.gigisplayhouse.org/Rochester
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July/August 2018
Gillespie Associates.........................................www.gillespieassociates.com Holiday Inn Rochester Downtown ..www.holidayinn.com/rochesterdtwn JK Executive Strategies, LLC....................www.jkexec.com Mad Science of Western New York.......wny.madscience.org Marshall Boxes, Inc. ...................................www.marshallboxes.com McCabe Associates Inc. ............................www.mccabe1.com Measures for Justice.......................................www.measuresforjustice.org Mercer Health & Benefits LLC......www.mercer.com Niagara Scenic Tours.................................www.niagarascenictours.net ProNexus, LLC...........................................www.pronexusllc.com Pulsafeeder, Inc. ..........................................www.pulsafeeder.com Remanufacturing Industries Council...........www.remancouncil.org Upstate Special Needs Planning...................www.upstatespecialneeds.com Verification Block Solutions .........................www.vblock.us *Companies listed in blue denotes our Partner Members*
Connecting Business Rochester Chamber offers a variety of events each month. For more photos, visit our Facebook page. The YouTube logo next to the photos denotes a video posting on our YouTube channel.
Rochester Chamber hosted a half-day event for women (GO!) focusing on breaking barriers, finding voices, and learning from others who’ve crushed the glass ceiling.
Monroe County Public Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Mendoza and a panel of experts discussed the opioid crisis and support services available at this Rochester TRENDS event.
The Rochester Chamber 2017-18 CLIMB cohort attended the last event of the year at New York Kitchen.
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce staff rolled up their sleeves at the Bay View Family YMCA for the United Way of Greater Rochester annual #dayofcaring.
Rochester Chamber partnered with Action for a Better Community, OACES, and the New York State Office for New Americans to provide employment strategies for new American workers.
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce teamed up with Visit Rochester to offer members a private reception at the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival.
Common Ground Health CFO Wade Norwood contributed to the CLIMB cohort discussion on health care during a visit.
Rochester Chamber members had an opportunity to interact with a panel of some of our area’s up and coming business leaders at a recent Chamber Business Rounds event.
Rochester Chamber partnered with the National Human Resources Association Rochester Chapter and the Rochester Area Business Ethics Foundation to present “The Challenges of Sexual Harassment: New Approaches to an Old Problem.”
Recent Member Company Visits
Rochester Colonial
Datto American Packaging BZ Design
Century Mold
Advanced Atomization Technologies
www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com
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Voice of Business 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 • August 8 - Networking event www.grqc.org
GRQC Opens “Day of Quality” Application Process
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reater Rochester Quality Council, a Rochester Chamber affiliate, has opened the application process for its annual Day of Quality on Thursday, October 4. More than 25 organizations have already benefited, at no cost, since the GRQC Day of Quality began five years ago. This collaborative, one-day effort pairs experienced quality professionals on-site with small business and not-for-profit organizations. The combined team’s goal is to develop an improved business process which will result in lower costs, time savings, improved simplification, and greater customer satisfaction for each selected organization.
and related tools, and proven methods to identify target processes for maximum impact. Prospective organizations can attend the class and get help to identify a potential process for deeper GRQC focus. Advance class registration is required by Monday, July 16. Deadline for Day of Quality applications is Monday, August 13.
New this year is an optional and unique free half-day class on Thursday, July 19, for any interested participants who wish to learn about this event, the quality process
The Day of Quality culminates in a celebration featuring the highlights of enhanced processes from each participating organization on October 18.
All details on the application submission, a complete brochure, the optional free class registration and other Day of Quality event details can be found at: http://www.grqc.org/ GRQC-Day-of-Quality.aspx.
OWN Rochester Focuses on Worker Owned Co-ops Small Business Council of Rochester • July 19 - BBQ Bash at Oak Hill www.rochestersbc.com Rochester Hispanic Business Association www.rochesterhba.org The Women’s Council www.ROCWomenscouncil.org
Through our affiliate groups, you can meet business people who share your interests and challenges.
Featuring Rochester native Miriam Rivera,Venture Capitalist and Former Google Executive Tuesday, July 19 5-8 PM | Oak Hill Country Club
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July/August 2018
By Kate Washington OWN Rochester CEO
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ow do you control your destiny? You create it. Innovative new worker ownership models are changing the landscape, fostering sustainable employment and helping create wealth building opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed. OWN Rochester (formerly Market Driven Community Corporation) has joined the cohort of change agents around the country who support approximately 7000 worker owned cooperatives. The growing number of employee owned companies had employee assets valued at $1.3 trillion in 2014 or $92,900 per worker owner!
from anchor partners at City of Rochester, University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester Regional Health, as well as Rochester Chamber and others.
OWN (Owner Worker Network) Rochester’s mission is to create jobs and wealth-building opportunities in low income neighborhoods by overseeing the development of for-profit, employee-owned businesses linked to large sources demand. In our first year of operation we launched Eneroc, LLC our first clean energy business and last month launched our second; a custodial business serving a large regional grocery chain. We build and support a portfolio of worker owned cooperatives that include start ups and existing business conversions. OWN Rochester is grateful to have support and board representation
Small business owners nearing retirement can consider conversion of their company to a cooperative as an option for succession planning. One in three businesses today are owned by baby boomers and many of these viable businesses may not attract large buyers when attempting sale. Instead of liquidation or other options, OWN Rochester will assist business owners in evaluating co-op conversion and executing a financed buyout by the workers who helped grow their businesses.
Businesses can partner with OWN Rochester in several ways. Contracting with Eneroc, LLC and other businesses in OWN Rochester’s portfolio supports employment for workers at a living wage. Quality work and commitment to service is woven into the fabric of worker owned cooperatives and cooperative businesses thrive in times of macroeconomic growth and contraction.
For more information, visit www. ownrochester.coop
Public Policy
End of Session Update By Chris Wiest Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy
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he 2018 New York State legislative session recently came to a close with little fanfare, due in large part to a gridlocked Senate. Here’s a summary of what happened on several issues of interest to employers. Health Care. A bill that would create a single payer health plan in New York, The New York Health Plan, passed in the Assembly but failed to pass in the Senate. As a governmentrun health plan, the projected cost of this proposal is estimated at between $91billion to over $200B. As a point of reference, the total NYS budget passed this past year amounted to roughly $168B. Due largely to the significant negative impact on the budget and the need to increase taxes 2x-4x to pay for the program, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce joined with 18 other business groups in opposition to this bill. To learn more visit www.RealitiesofSinglePayer.com. This legislation has passed the Assembly previously and will likely be introduced again next session. Smoking Prevention- T-21. Spiraling health care costs continue to be one of the largest concerns of Rochester Chamber members. Recognizing that smoking-related disease and illness are responsible for nearly 9% of all health care costs, Rochester Chamber and members of its Health Care Committee advocated at the state and local levels to pass legislation to increase the purchase age for tobacco and e-cigarette products to 21. View the T-21 coalition letter developed by Rochester Chamber and its coalition partners here. While enjoying bipartisan support in the state Senate and Assembly, this legislation failed to pass this session. Likewise, legislation at the county level stalled in committee. Momentum continues to build on this issue as over 310 cities and counties in 20 states have passed T-21. We will continue to remain actively engaged on this issue. Workers’ Compensation. Recognizing that New York continues to have some of the highest workers compensation (WC) costs in the nation, employers were pleased
to learn several months ago of a proposed 11.7% reduction in workers’ compensation rates for the coming year. View Rochester Chamber’s announcement on this proposed reduction here. On the heels of that announcement, several bills began to move through the legislature this session that, if passed, could significantly erode savings and increase costs. One of these bills included an expansion of providers authorized to provide WC treatment. Rochester Chamber and its Workers’ Compensation Committee were actively engaged on these issues with the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) and leaders of the NYS Senate. While a bill was passed to add licensed acupuncturists to the list of authorized providers (vetoed last year by the governor), a much more comprehensive provider expansion bill failed to pass. The WCB is currently seeking public comments on changes to the provider fee schedule. Rochester Chamber and its Workers’ Compensation Committee will submit feedback and remain engaged on this matter. Bereavement Leave. Perhaps the largest end-of-session surprise for employers was passage of expanded Paid Family Leave legislation that now includes bereavement leave. Scheduled to take effect in 2020, this new legislation would authorize the use of paid leave for the death of a family member. The definition of family member is the same as that to care for a sick family member (employee’s spouse, child, parent/parent-in-law, grandparent and grandchild, step relationships). While the intent of the bill is understandable, the potential impact on employers- particularly small employers- could be significant. View Unshackle Upstate’s memo in opposition to this legislation here. The governor must still approve this legislation and the Workers’ Compensation Board will be charged with releasing final regulations. Prevailing Wage. A carry over from the budget debate earlier this year, a strong push to require prevailing wages on any private construction project receiving state funding failed to pass this session. If passed, it is estimated that constructions costs could have increased by as much as 20% or more, making many upstate economic development projects financially unfeasible. Rochester Chamber joined with Unshackle Upstate and other leading business groups to oppose this
legislation. View the Prevailing Wage coalition letter here. While it did not pass this session, it is highly likely that this legislation will be revisited in the future. With a closely divided Senate, the results of elections this Fall will likely shape the future direction of many of the above issues. We will keep you posted. Federal Update. Recent announcements by the President to significantly raise tariffs on select foreign imports have generated high levels of concern from the business community regarding the potential impact on trade and jobs. For example, two-way trade between New York and Canada totals nearly $30B and it is projected that the proposed Canadian steel tariff, and resulting counter measures, could impact nearly 1,200 companies and more than 75,000 jobs in New York. Rochester Chamber has joined the US Chamber and more than 270 national associations and chambers in support of bipartisan legislation which would require the President to submit to Congress any proposal to raise tariffs in the interest of national security under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Click here to view the letter. For more information, or to discuss any of the above state or federal issues, please contact me.
Special Meeting: Opioid Addiction What Employers Need to Know 8-9:30 a.m. July 25 Join us as we offer guidance from local experts to help employers prepare, both from the medical side as well as the compliance side. Register at bit.ly/opioid072518 www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com
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Human Resources Summer Benchmarking Surveys in Progress
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n mid-June, Corporate and Partner members were sent an email invitation to sign up to participate in a variety of benchmarking surveys taking place throughout the summer. Members that participate automatically receive complimentary results as a benefit of membership. Below is a summary of upcoming surveys. Health Benefits Survey – This comprehensive benchmarking survey collects Rochester-area data on many health insurance topics including: average health plan premiums, domestic partner and parttime benefits, retiree benefits, high-deductible health plans, self-insured, and dental plans. As a reminder, a complimentary copy of this survey is only available to those that participate. Pay Trends Survey – This annual survey
reports pay adjustments (merit, cost of living, etc.) received as a percent of pay in firms giving increases. Holiday Closing Survey – This annual survey reports anticipated 2019 paid holiday observances by member companies. 2019-20 Policies & Benefits Survey – This comprehensive biennial survey reports policies and practices on topics such as paid time off, working conditions, pay practices, and more. Reminder! The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) grants one leadership recertification credit per year for participating in extensive compensation or benefit surveys (requiring one hour or more to complete). 2017-18 edition of the Policies & Benefits Survey is still available for purchase by completing the Rochester Chamber survey order form. The 2019-20 results will be
HRCI/Rochester Chamber Alliance Exciting New Membership Benefit for HR Professionals Click here to learn more. available in March 2019. Emails with web survey links will be sent out to those who sign up. There is still time to sign up to participate in all of the summer surveys. Contact Jennifer Suppé at (585) 256-4608. As a reminder, only Corporate and Partner members are eligible to participate in Rochester Chamber benchmarking surveys. To discuss options for upgrading membership, or joining Rochester Chamber, so that your company may participate in various benchmarking surveys, please contact Kevin Donahue in membership at (585) 256-4651.
2018 National Executive Compensation Survey Released
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he results of the 2018 National Executive Compensation Survey were released at the end of May. This survey contains compensation and benefits/perks data for 47 top level positions. Coordinated by the Management Association, 1,566 organizations participated through 16 co-sponsors across the country. For the Rochester area, 77
Registration for the Sr. HR Executive Forums for Small and Large Companies begins at the end of August. HR professionals: watch your email in August for an invitation to join these valuable HR networking forums!
Corporate and Partner members of Rochester Chamber participated in the survey. Each position has two pages of compensation data portraying several different data breakouts. Breakout categories in the survey include sales volume, employment size, industry, region, and geographic area. In addition to cash compensation for each position, this report summarizes data for a variety of benefits and perquisites.
Rochester Chamber member survey participants were sent an email at the end of May containing a complimentary copy of the results. Corporate and Partner members that didn’t participate, as well as other member tiers and future members, can purchase the results by completing the Rochester Chamber survey order form. Please contact Kathy Richmond at (585) 256-4618 or Jennifer Suppé at (585) 256-4608 if you have any questions, or to request a resend of the complimentary results (member participants only).
Survey Spotlight
Survey
Questionnaires Participation Sent Deadline (week of) (week of)
Anticipated Release (week of)
If you haven’t yet signed up for third quarter surveys but would like to, contact Jennifer Suppé at (585) 256-4608 or Jennifer.Suppe@GreaterRochesterChamber.com
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July/August 2018
Voice of Business Rochester: A Bright Light That I Proudly Call My New Home By Dr. David Munson
and welcoming spirit of community.
RIT President
Sometimes you need an outsider’s perspective to better capture reality. As I come to the close of my first year in Rochester, I have developed a strong affection and appreciation for the Greater Rochester community and all that it has to offer as a premier place to live, work, and ultimately prosper. My wife, Nancy, and I have been warmly welcomed as newcomers, and we both are proud to call this community our home. To help understand my perspective and experience, you should know that I was born and raised in the Midwest, educated in the East, and returned to the Midwest for most of my career at the University of Illinois and the University of Michigan. I have been blessed to travel across the United States and much of the world. As a child, I was a major consumer of Kodak film, first with a Brownie camera, and later graduating to a rangefinder and then an SLR. I had rolls of Kodachrome slide film with me everywhere I traveled. As a young faculty member, I met with research colleagues at Kodak to discuss progress in digital photography, before the advent of the first digital camera. So, I have a great appreciation for what Kodak brought to this region and the world. And, I have similar admiration for Xerox and Bausch and Lomb. When we think back to the heights of these companies in Rochester, it should be with excitement rather than wistfulness, for we have been given an amazing legacy that includes everything necessary for major success in a new era that now is in full swing. As president of Rochester Institute of Technology, I could not be more optimistic about the positioning of our community as a center of innovation and entrepreneurial leadership. The greater Rochester region has an extraordinary abundance of assets that position us to be an entrepreneurial powerhouse. We not only have the intellectual talent and major university partners that forward-looking companies require, but we also have inherited an exceptional quality of life thanks to an impressive cluster of cultural organizations, unparalleled natural resources, and a resilient
This past year, I have traveled to numerous cities, from Seattle to Dubai. At many of these stops, RIT alumni and partners have asked how Rochester is doing. This has been an easy segue, as I have spoken about Rochester’s strengths and overall vision to capitalize on creativity and innovation. Indeed, Rochester’s economic development agencies and universities are in discussions with out-of-state alumni who are eyeing Rochester to invest and expand here. One of those decision makers is Mark Oney, who lives in Silicon Valley. Oney is a senior vice president of EmployeeChannel, a West Coast firm that just announced with Governor Cuomo that it soon will open its Software Development Center for Excellence in RIT’s Downtown Center for Entrepreneurship on Franklin Street. This will create 30 new high-tech jobs in our city. Other signs of momentum? Governor Cuomo also announced in May the decision by Live Tiles to establish a new Intelligent User Experience hub in downtown Rochester. Live Tiles is a global software firm founded in Australia and headquartered in New York City. Like EmployeeChannel, Live Tiles chose Rochester for expansion for two main reasons – the ability to hire exceptional talent and the vibrant downtown environment. Within the next five years, Live Tiles will create some 500 new jobs, many of which I hope will be filled by graduates of RIT! These technology-based companies join Datto, which also benefitted from New York State incentives to locate here. Datto, founded by RIT alumnus Austin McChord, is thriving in our region thanks to the depth and breadth of our talent base, the opportunity to collaborate with our faculty, and the ability to interact with like-minded entrepreneurs and “creative class” companies.
iconic buildings, creating a new sense of place and pride in the center city. And, the ROC the Riverway project has the potential to further transform downtown, creating a focal point for the entire community as well as visitors. On the theory that success breeds success, I’m confident that we will continue to see more companies like Live Tiles and Datto decide that it makes good business sense to locate in Rochester, N.Y. We at RIT are committed to working with our partners in government and organizations such as the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council and Greater Rochester Enterprise to continue the region’s momentum and celebrate our impressive wins. So, these are my observations, offered after only one year as a Rochesterian. We have the talent and resources to regain and maybe even surpass our former glory, just in a different way. To borrow from an old slogan: I’d rather be in Rochester! Originally printed in the Democrat and Chronicle
And there are more signs of progress. Downtown, housing is booming. The Downtown Innovation Zone now boasts 172 tech companies, and local developers and investors are rejuvenating the landscape of www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com
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Voice of Business Partner with Pencils and Paper to Provide School Supplies
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ore than 50% of Rochester’s children live in poverty (only three cities in the nation have worse poverty rates). If a family struggles to afford food, school supplies don’t top the list of necessities and it is difficult for a child to learn without access to basics such as pencils, paper, and crayons. Moreover, studies show that teachers typically spend between $500 and $1,200 of their own money each year so that their students have supplies. Pencils & Paper is a program of Jewish Family Service of Rochester (which also operates a food and clothes cupboard) that works to even the playing field for local children. In its first school year of operation, it served 37 schools, 824 teachers, and provided free school supplies to over 20,000 children in schools where 70% or more of students are eligible for free and reduced meals. Teachers from high poverty schools are invited to fill up shopping carts (donated by Wegmans) with supplies at no cost to help their students
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July/August 2018
learn. The store is located at 1099 Jay Street in Water Tower Park owned by Chamber member Rochester Colonial. Wegmans embraced the effort early on as being like a
food bank for school supplies and helped with not only carts, but also store design, shelving, furnishings, and signage. Their print shop on Brooks Avenue is currently sharing items that would otherwise be scrap but are now repurposed in classrooms for art projects. Rochester Chamber CEO Bob Duffy visited the store last summer when
it was being set up and he liked the idea of doing something to help Rochester’s children learn as one step in a community effort to improve education. Since then, several Rochetser Chamber members have pitched in with supply drives and excess item donations including First American, Cooley Brands, On Semi-Conductor, and ABVI. Conway Beam has donated use of a truck to help with pick-ups. Now as Pencils & Paper gears up to stock its shelves for teacher shopping next fall, Rochester Chamber asks the Greater Rochester business community to allocate a targeted supply drive effort. Most needed items include reams of paper, filler paper, markers, glue, and basic hygiene items such as band aids and wipes. Pencils & Paper will provide for supply drive boxes and pick-ups, with this campaign running from July 9 through August 10, with pickups the week of August 13. For more details about how to donate supplies, click here.
Voice of Business Rochester Chamber Offers New Business Services By Burt Parks Sr. Director, Business Services
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company and your employees a more connected benefits experience. This includes consolidated enrollment forms and statements, online employee enrollment, and 24-hour system access. Click here to see the available benefits and services.
For more information or to schedule a noobligation consultation, contact Rochester Chamber Business Services Insurance Broker Patrick LoMando at Patrick.LoMando@ GreaterRochesterChamber.com or (585) 256-4644. Of course, our employee benefits and business insurance offerings complement other Rochester Chamber business services including staffing, background and tenant screening, health insurance, affordable advertising opportunities, and certificates of origin.
Optimize your employee benefits strategy with ease using Rochester Chamber nocost resources. The streamlined platform is designed to simplify enrollment and administration to provide both your
On the business insurance side, we believe that it is critical to work a broker to tailor coverage to your company’s unique needs. Rochester Chamber recommends essential coverage including general liability, product liability, professional liability, commercial property, business interruption, and homebased business insurance. We also offer coverage for individuals including life, disability, long-term care, auto, home, and umbrella policies. Click here for more on Rochester Chamber business insurance.
reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has enhanced its focus on business services to help companies succeed. This includes the recent addition of employee benefit and business insurance services. Our experienced, in-house broker can develop customized plans that serve your business needs. Click here to see the detailed flyer.
I encourage you to explore the business services available to your company. Our mission is your success.
Showcase Your Brand to Rochester’s Fastest-Growing Top 100 By Susan George Director, Events and Affiliate Relations
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ubstantial growth, heightened exposure, and a far-reaching presence in our region are not only three current achievements of the Rochester Chamber Top 100 awards, but are three continual objectives that Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce strives to attain through this signature program. Created in 1987, the Rochester Chamber Top 100 awards program has grown to become a premier gathering of business leaders in our community. A strong entrepreneurial spirit and a hunger for innovation and growth are the key qualities of the Top 100 companies in our region. These companies invest in our community, our people, and our future and therefore the success of our business world translates to the success of our entire community. The Rochester Chamber Top 100 awards program has become well-recognized in the community as a lively awards ceremony filled with great energy. Our media partners – 13WHAM TV, Entercom Radio, and D&C heavily promote this signature awards program to the community giving the exposure
needed to showcase this event beyond the Top 100 recipients and their networks. Companies aspire to be recognized by this esteemed award and thus are encouraged to work harder and contribute more to our community. This awards program is so much more than just a dinner, it is a program that brings the community together in celebration and will no doubt continue to do so at increasing degrees in the many years to come.
to 100 potential clients in the room, as well as encouraging continued economic growth in our region by honoring these fast-growing companies. Click here to join us as a Rochester Chamber Top 100 sponsor, where the best of the best are given a tremendous platform to tout their economic achievements! If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact me at (585) 256-4612 or Susan.George@ GreaterRochesterChamber. com.
Just as the companies recognized by this prestigious award have demonstrated tremendous growth, the event itself has demonstrated substantial growth in the 32 years of its existence. The attendance of the recognition dinner, previously a luncheon, has expanded from merely 200 attendees to close to 2000 in the most recent years. Over the last three decades, sponsoring companies have helped Rochester Chamber enhance the awards ceremony by continually contributing toward its success.
Aug. 3: The Implications of Medical Marijuana in the Workplace
If you are not convinced yet, join us as a 2018 Top 100 sponsor and check it out for yourself! Sponsoring the awards program will give you an opportunity to showcase your organization
Time: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Open to: Members only (no cost) To register, email Michele.Hefferon@ GreaterRochesterChamber.com
Friday HR Briefings July 20: Form I-9 Compliance: Best Practices in an Evolving Landscape
www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com
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Upcoming Events
Re: Generation:
For more details and to register, visit www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com
Empowering Rochester’s
July 19 Business Made Social at Trio
Future Leaders
July 25 Special Meeting: Opioid Addiction - What Employers Need to Know July 26 SPOTlight FLX Success Stories: CloudCheckr August 8 biz.Exchange: Avoiding Burnout, Staying Energized August 15:Young Professionals Soccer Night
Seminars Held at Rochester Chamber Register at www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com
Sept. 12-Oct. 12 Human Resources Management - Full Series (8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) Sept. 12 HR Management Series - Recruiting/Retention (8:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.)
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