May/June 2018 Newsletter

Voice of Business Newsletter May/June 2018

Rochester Chamber Announces Promotions, New Hires

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reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce announced the promotion of two staff members and the hiring of seven new employees.

Promotions include: Kristin Graves, promoted to Marketing Communications Manager from Marketing Communications Supervisor.

Graves has 11 years of experience at Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and previously served as Communications Coordinator at Genesee Valley Club. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mercyhurst University and is a Town of Gates resident.

Christyne Huerta, promoted to Accounting Manager from Accounting Supervisor. Huerta has served Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and its members for nine years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English, an associate degree in Business Management, and is currently working on a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Huerta lives in Irondequoit with her husband and two young sons.

New hires include:

Thank you to our 2018 website sponsors!

Julie Averill as Team Support Specialist. Averill has more than 30 years of experience in client and customer service. She is especially proud of her family, including two adult children and a young granddaughter and grandson.

Impact Technologies and Sentient Science Corporation. He holds bachelor and MBA degrees from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Patrick LoMando as Insurance Sales Agent. LoMando is licensed in life, health, accident, property, casualty, and commercial insurance. He has worked in the insurance and financial industry for 15 years with the bulk of that at MetLife as an advisor.

Janelle Harris as Employment and Academic Verification Representative for Rochester Chamber’s RBA Staffing division’s background screening department.

Harris is the mother of two daughters, eight and three years old.

Nydia Hernandez as Employment and Academic Verification Representative for Rochester Chamber’s RBA Staffing division’s background screening department.

Hernandez describes herself as a very independent, positive, and happy Puerto Rican woman with four beautiful daughters and a grandson.

Robert J. Lemen as Chief Financial Officer. Lemen served 27 years in finance at Eastman Kodak before taking CFO positions at

Janine Mason as Placement Specialist for Rochester Chamber’s RBA Staffing division.

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Mason has more than a decade of experience in the recruiting industry. Mason has three children and one grandchild.

Alicia Memmott as Receptionist/ Support Assistant. Memmott holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY Oswego. A native of Utica, she has lived in Rochester for 27 years.

Learn more about the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce staff at our team webpage.

inside Insight into ROC the Riverway

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NYS budget recap

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Guide to NYS labor laws

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Choose from our 2018 eventscape!

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2017-2018 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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May/June 2018

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was recently honored along with Monroe Community College President Anne Kress to have Governor Cuomo select us as co-chairs of the ROC the Riverway advisory panel. Work is now underway by the group to develop a comprehensive plan for development and revitalization along the Genesee River corridor in the City of Rochester. That plan is due to New York State for review by the end of May. The state has already pledged $50 million for the initial phase of ROC the Riverway, which is expected to become a ten-year, $500 million public/ private project.

Mayor Lovely Warren and her team have already put together a list of transformational and feasible project proposals including updating some ideas that were previously put forth. If we can accomplish these over the next decade it will be a great shot in the arm for Rochester economic development, tourism, and quality of life stretching through the river corridor.

The Genesee River is the only river in North America that runs south to north. It starts as a bubbling stream in Pennsylvania and works its way to Lake Ontario. It is a treasure.

Anyone who has traveled along the river or trekked the river path would agree that it is absolutely stunning. However, Rochester has never had a strong history in waterfront development. Very few developments of consequence along this beautiful waterway have come to fruition over the years. The most recent development that was impactful is Corn Hill Landing. I give credit to former Rochester Mayor Bill Johnson and Mark IV Development for making that project happen.

Now it’s time to look at the entire river corridor including the areas stretching north and south of downtown.

ROC the Riverway can be a catalyst to bring more families, tourism, and activity to the city. We are not yet achieving our potential in those areas, but with the development of the river, we can. One great example of a waterfront reaching its potential is Canalside in Buffalo. This outstanding project is still in progress but is already demonstrating its drawing power. You see skating in the winter, boating in the summer, and families enjoying this resource. You also see great development of hotels, shops, restaurants, and residential buildings surrounding the area. The ROC the Riverway advisory panel recently visited

From the CEO

Canalside to spark ideas of how to bring a similar revitalization to our city’s waterfront.

The panel is now working to finalize a list of priority projects for New York State to approve and start allocating its initial $50 million investment. These Bob Duffy projects must be impactful and include a four or five-to-one private to public investment. The goal is for approved projects to bring with them a “wow” factor that will create momentum and excitement for private investors and developers to get involved.

The process being used to identify priority ROC the Riverway projects relies heavily upon gathering widespread public input from every possible stakeholder group. Aside from a series of public meetings, the advisory panel is also proactively visiting with various neighborhood groups that also have a vested interest in riverfront development. We want to make sure that all voices are heard and that input is seriously considered before we submit a final plan. We are working at a feverish pace to get this done by the end of May deadline set by the state.

As that deadline approaches, I do want to temper expectations about the speed at which ROC the Riverway projects become reality.

Many of these projects may take years to come to fruition. We want to make sure we get things right. The “wow” factor won’t come quickly. Different processes that are involved including site planning, environmental impact studies, design, and construction all take time so I ask for our collective patience. ROC the Riverway is not for the Rochester of today. It is for the Rochester of the future and those who will live and work here.

When it comes to major projects, from my experience in a variety of positions over the years, I know that Rochester has developed a well-deserved reputation for over arguing the pros and cons and letting initiatives die.

Without naming specific ones, there is a laundry list of projects in our recent history that gathered resistance and just stopped for political or other reasons. Rochester (Continued on p. 3)

Voice of Business Ribbon Cutting Celebrations Services Launched

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reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce held the first celebration of its freshly revived ribbon cutting event services by welcoming member CoverWallet to its new Rochester offices. CoverWallet, based in New York City, plans to have 70 employees working in its Rochester location by the end of 2018.

Rochester Chamber ribbon cutting celebrations include the ribbon and use of oversize scissors, congratulatory remarks from a Rochester Chamber executive, photo coverage and mentions in Rochester Chamber newsletters and social media, invitations to media and local dignitaries, and more.

Click here to see a full list of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting celebration guidelines.

For more information, contact Rochester Chamber Membership Director Kevin Donahue at (585) 256-4651.

Rochester Chamber is pleased to assist members with ribbon cutting celebrations to recognize new businesses, expansions, relocations, or other milestones. Ribbon cutting ceremonies serve as a great way to garner recognition for your business and employees as well as an important marketing tool to get out the word about your products or services.

Watch Bob Duffy’s video announcement here!

From the CEO (continued) must now show what Buffalo has already demonstrated. We have to come together and get something done. ROC the Riverway presents a great opportunity to gather consensus and execute a plan. There is no project that will ever have unanimity of support. It most certainly is important for opinions to be heard but at some point we must determine what is best for our city and our region and take action. I can assure you what is best is not to have project after project be delayed or shelved. The best thing we can do is to get moving.

You can see a list of currently proposed

ROC the Riverway projects at www.

CityOfRochester.gov/ROCtheRiverway. I urge you to visit that website to see the potential of the Genesee River corridor in the City of Rochester and to learn about ways that you can get involved and share your ideas. Again, the deadline is the end of May so we must work quickly.

New Member Profile: 29 Design Studio

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ochester Chamber welcomed new member company 29 Design Studio in March and had a moment to get acquainted with founder Maureen Ballatori to learn more about this business.

Tell us about your company: 29 Design Studio is a boutique branding, marketing, and design agency in Upstate NY. We’re an intentionally small studio – a team of just 3 people – working with nextlevel businesses. Our clients are typically either startups or businesses that have been around for a while, but they need some help kicking things up a notch in their marketing and branding.

What prompted you to join?

We feel strongly about supporting our community. I serve as a board member for a couple of non-profits and I often donate my time and services to organizations in need. We’re proud to champion organizations like the chamber that have the same mission to support the Greater Rochester region.

What business challenges are you facing?

Everyone wants to do more with less.

And we want to be sure we’re spending our time investing in the organizations and individuals who need it most. A key part of being involved in the community is knowing what is happening in the local business landscape to stay ahead of the curve.

What is your business outlook?

We’re looking forward to continued growth this year and doing more to solidify our footing as an invaluable resource for growing businesses in the Greater Rochester region and beyond.

Now is the time to build momentum for the future. I feel positive that ROC the Riverway will do just that. http://29designstudio.com/ www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

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Voice of Business Rochester Chamber Event Explores Electric Vehicle Charging

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reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce member Archival Methods won an electric vehicle charging station at Rochester Chamber’s Passport to Workplace Charging and Electric Vehicle Showcase event at Radio Social. EV Charge Solutions donated the charging station as the grand prize for the event, co-hosted by the Rochester EV Accelerator and Rochester Chamber.

The Rochester Electric Vehicle Accelerator is supported by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and is being led by the Electrification Coalition in collaboration with the City of Rochester, Genesee Region Clean Communities, and Energetics Incorporated. The goal is to demonstrate how the development of a full electric vehicle ecosystem approach can

increase electric vehicle adoption and prepare a community for long-term electric vehicle growth.

Rochester Chamber President and CEO Bob Duffy said, “Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping our members stay on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainability in today’s competitive world. Workplace charging allows employers to increase the convenience and affordability of driving electric for their employees, which plays a role in attracting and retaining top talent. Rochester Chamber was pleased to co-host the “Passport to Workplace Charging” event, which provided valuable resources and tools for evaluating needs and planning for this modern amenity.”

Energetics Program Manager Bryan Roy said, “Employees with access to workplace charging are much more likely to consider driving an electric vehicle. This showcase for employers will greatly contribute to the Rochester EV Accelerator’s success, which is part of our larger effort supported by NYSERDA to encourage electric vehicle adoption.”

NYSERDA estimates that the transportation sector accounts for more than 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in New York State.

Compared to gasoline-powered cars, electric cars are more energy efficient and cost about 50 to 70 percent less to operate per mile.

Last year, the state launched its Drive Clean Rebate which provides New Yorkers with a rebate of up to $2,000 for the purchase of a new electric vehicle.

Now Accepting Rochester Chamber Top 100 Nominations, Sponsors

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reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and KPMG LLP have issued a call for entries and sponsors for the Rochester Chamber Top 100 program.

Recognizing Rochester’s reputation as a region of innovation spurred by a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and KPMG present the Rochester Chamber Top 100 program to honor the fastest-growing privately owned companies.

To be eligible for the Rochester Chamber Top 100 program, companies must be privately owned, headquartered in the ninecounty Rochester region, and have earned at

least $1 million in revenue in each of the three most recent fiscal years. Find the nomination form in the “Programs & Events” section of the www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com website. The deadline for entries is June 22.

Both Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce members and non-members are eligible to participate in the Rochester Chamber Top 100 program.

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce invites companies to sponsor the Rochester Chamber Top 100 general reception and awards dinner scheduled for November 1 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside

Convention Center. Past events have drawn more than 2,000 guests. Sponsorships are available at a variety of levels ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 with appropriate sponsorship benefits attached. For more information on sponsoring the Rochester Chamber Top 100 or entering the program, contact Rochester Chamber Events Director Susan George at (585) 256-4612.

Rochester Chamber welcomes its new members 29 Design Studio.........................................29designstudio.com America Hears.............................................www.americahears.com Arkatecht, LLC.............................................www.arkatecht.com CORE Leadership Development............. www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/mariakast CoverWallet................................................www.coverwallet.com CURE Childhood Cancer Assocation....www.curekidscancer.com Fisher Associates, P.E., L.S., P.C. ...............www.fisherassoc.com Fitter Financials...........................................www.fitterfinancials.com General Wholistic Center of Health & Massage ... www.generalwholistic.com Innovation Finance.....................................www.innovationfinance.com Layer 3 Technologies..................................www.layer3.tech Mark IV Enterprises...................................www.markiventerprises.com MediSked, LLC............................................www.medisked.com Northstar Christian Academy..................www.northstarchristian.info

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May/June 2018

Penfield Business Chamber...........................www.penfieldbusiness.org Pride Pak, Inc. ..................................................www.pridepak.com RES Exhibit Services, LLC/LT Rental Services, Inc. ...

www.res-exhibits.com Rose & Kiernan, Inc. .......................................www.rkinsurance.com Select Fabricators, Inc. ...................................www.select-fabricators.com Solutions By Sloane........................................www.solutionsbysloane.com Stamp Paints.....................................................www.stamppaints.com Sydor Technologies..........................................www.SydorTechnologies.com TAG Solutions..................................................www.tagsolutions.com The Battery.......................................................www.batterybaseball.com Tournedos Steakhouse at The Inn On Broadway... www.innonbroadway.com United States Air Force Reserve..................www.afreserve.com Vivial ..................................................................www.vivial.net

*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.

Jeanette Batiste-Harrison led an inspirational biz. Exchange session that focused on creating accountability in the workplace.

Guests got a hands-on experience with some of the latest in electric vehicle technology at our most recent Chamber SPOTlight at Radio Social.

RBA Staffing teamed up with the Rochester Americans, News 8 WROC Rochester, and Entercom Rochester to host a Downtown Career Fair at Blue Cross Arena.

Experts from Avani Technology, the U of R Rochester Data Science Consortium, Wegmans, and Harris Corporation discussed using big data at a Rochester TRENDS event.

Common Ground Health CFO Wade Norwood contributed to the CLIMB cohort discussion on health care during a visit.

Four local experts focused on strategies for engaging businesses about the benefits of adopting environmentally sustainable business practices.

Rochester Chamber members received an update on “ROC the Riverway� planning from Mayor Lovely Warren and Bob Duffy at this Policy Matters event.

Rochester Chamber members got a rare look behind the scenes at the Wegmans Food Markets Perinton store, including The Pub.

Innovative Solutions CEO Justin Copie shared his journey on how he built the company with an intentional culture of employee engagement at a recent biz. Exchange event.

Recent Member Company Visits

SPX Flow MWI, Inc.

Cheribundi East High School Optics Program

Richards & West Manufacturing

EZaccessMD

www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

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Voice of Business Affiliate Events

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Young Women of Distinction Award Finalists Announced

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:

he Women’s Council, a Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce affiliate, has announced the 20 finalists for its 19th annual Young Women of Distinction Award. The scholarship program supports the Women’s Council’s belief that young women with promise today will become tomorrow’s leaders.

Associated New York State Food Processors • June 11 - Annual Golf Tournament nyfoodprocessors.org

Modeled after the ATHENA Award, the program is designed to discover high school seniors who have displayed outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and involvement in the nine-county Rochester and Finger Lakes region.

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• Sarah Oeun,Young Women’s College Prep • Maeya Yeatman, Naples • Autumn Jeffery, Caledonia Mumford • Morgan Milhollen, Perry • Triniti Boykin, North Rose-Wolcott • Olivia Keller, Palmyra-Macedon • Lauren Leone, Batavia • Jaelyn Morgan, Marion • Cassidy Graham, Alexander • Kiara Kolaczyk,Victor • Kaori-Mei Stephens, Harley • Grace Fjermedal, Mercy • Sarah Grace Hancock, Penfield • Joanna Jin, Penfield • Allison Wilson, Rush-Henrietta • Jasmine Thomas, Gates Chili • Juliana Tracey, Greece Athena • Lindsay Gallagher, Spencerport

Greater Rochester Quality Council • May 19 - 12th Annual Showcase & Performance Excellence Awards • June 18 & 19 - GRQC: Quality for Leaders www.grqc.org

Four top recipients, one each from the Rochester City School District, Monroe County east, Monroe County west, and the eight regional counties surrounding Monroe, receive a $2,500 scholarship and an opportunity for a paid internship at an area company.

The Women’s Council will recognize the finalists at a celebration on Monday, May 7 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Ballroom 384 at City Grill.

Small Business Council of Rochester • May 9 - Boot Camp: Cybersecurity Awareness Training: Effectively Educating Your Workforce • May17 - 2018 Headliner Event • Call for Business Person of the Year Award Nominations www.rochestersbc.com

The 2018 Young Women of Distinction Award finalists are: • Safiya Gazali, East • Arielle Mahoney,Young Women’s College Prep

For more information on the Young Women of Distinction Award ceremony and tickets, visit www.rocwomenscouncil.org or contact Jayni Woods at (585) 256-4619.

Rochester Hispanic Business Association • May 3 - Spring Networking • May 15 - Business Lunch with Nydia Padilla Rodriguez • June 19 - Business Lunch with Brenda Pacheco 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.

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May/June 2018

GRQC Announces Performance Excellence Awards Finalists

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he Greater Rochester Quality Council, a Rochester Chamber affiliate, announced 15 finalists for the 2018 GRQC Performance Excellence Awards. Through the award program, GRQC seeks to discover, recognize, and learn from high performing organizations in the area.

The following award finalists, representing business, not-for-profits, and healthcare, were selected for their applications in three categories:

Operations Excellence-Monroe Veterinary Association-Continuous Improvement Journey, University of Rochester Medical Center-Strong Memorial Hospital for the Unit Based Performance Program, Rochester Regional Health SystemLong Term Care Choicing Optimization, XeroxDocument Analysis Area.

Customer Excellence-Rochester Regional Health System-Newark Wayne Community Hospital.

Team Excellence- University of Rochester Medical Center-Emergency Department, Hillside Family of Agencies-Outpatient Center for Child and Family Therapy, Hillside Family of AgenciesResidential Treatment Center-Varick Campus, Trillium Health, Butler/Till, Gorbel, Monroe County Medical Society, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Roman Catholic Parish, Highland Hospital, Monroe Veterinary Association-Forever Friends Pet Crematorium.

Award winners will be revealed the evening of May 9, 2018, at the 12th Annual GRQC Showcase and Award Ceremony at Locust Hill Country Club.

See www.grqc.org for details and registration information.

Event sponsorship opportunities are also available.

For information on how to be a sponsor at GRQC’s 12th Annual Showcase and Award Ceremony, please contact Michele Hefferon at (585) 256-4614.

Public Policy

NYS Budget Recap

By Chris Wiest Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy

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nother NYS budget is in the books with the FY 2019 budget offering a mixed bag for many. The $168.2 billion spending plan adheres to a 2% cap for state operations spending and increases education spending by about $1 billion.

Rochester Chamber, Unshackle Upstate and its partners successfully opposed a number of proposed taxes and fees this budget session of concern to employers including: DOT right-of-way carbon fiber deployment fee (would have increased the cost of broadband deployment Upstate), new energy and sales taxes, health insurance windfall tax, additional taxes on ride-sharing Upstate, 3% corporate surcharge across all industries and types of employers and expansion of New York’s “Millionaire’s Tax.” Likewise, several other new mandates that would have increased costs to employers and taxpayers failed to pass including: Changing the definition of “public work” and expanding prevailing wage (changes that would increase construction project costs receiving state funding by 15-30 percent significantly limiting upstate development), Food Scrap Generator bill (new disposal and recycling mandates for establishments that generate 2+ tons of food scraps per week).

Responses to Federal Tax Code changes in the budget include: • New Charitable Contribution Vehicles (two new state-operated charitable contribution funds to accept donations for the purposes of improving health care and education in New York) • Alternative Employer Compensation Expense Program (voluntary payroll tax program that would generate a new tax credit to cut personal income taxes on wages) • Budget decouples the state tax code from the federal tax code to avoid more than

$1.5 billion in state tax increases.

Middle Class Tax Cuts Preserved: • Budget protects the phase-in of middle class tax cuts. Once fully phased in, the new rates will drop from 6.45 to 5.5 % for incomes ranging from $40,000 - $150,000 and 6.65% to 6% for incomes ranging from $150,000 - $300,000 Changes of note in other areas of interest to Rochester Chamber members include: Higher Education: • Budget provides $4 million to expand the NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEAM) scholarship program to students attending private colleges in NY • Restores $35 million in Bundy Aid for private colleges • Increases base aid for community colleges by $18 million, $12 million for SUNY, to help prevent tuition hikes • Restores $200 million in cuts to SUNY and CUNY capital programs Workforce Development: • The budget establishes a $175 million workforce initiative to support strategic regional efforts to meet businesses’ shortterm workforce needs, improve regional talent pipelines, expand apprenticeships and address the long-term needs of expanding industries. Funding subject to and distributed through the Regional Economic Development Council consolidated funding application process.

Sexual Harassment: • The budget includes several new regulations to combat sexual harassment in the workplace that take effect October 9, 2018: • DOL and Division of Human Rights will develop a model sexual harassment policy for employers to adopt or use to establish a similar policy, employers must distribute to employees in writing • All state contractors must submit an affirmation that they have a sexual harassment policy and that they have trained all their employees • Employers are prohibited from using a mandatory arbitration provision in an employment contract in relation to

sexual harassment charges • Amends the law to protect contractors, subcontractors, vendors, consultants or others providing services in the workplace from sexual harassment • Requires annual sexual harassment prevention training for employees MWBE Program: • The State’s Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise Program (MWBE), due to expire this year, is extended for one year Economic Development: • Regional Economic Development Councils continue for an eighth round of REDC awards totaling $750 million • Photonics Attraction Fund in Rochester.

NYS will dedicate $30 million to a Photonics Attraction Fund, administered through FLREDC, to attract integrated photonics companies to set up their manufacturing operations in the Greater Rochester area • Pledge of $50 million for ROC the Riverway.

This year’s legislative session concludes in June and Rochester Chamber will continue to work to ensure employers’ voices are heard. For more information on any items mentioned in this article, or how you can assist our advocacy efforts, send me an email.

Meet Your State Legislators May 24 Join us Thursday, May 24 for a networking reception with the Rochester and Finger Lakes region’s New York State Senate and Assembly members at the Inn on Broadway. With the legislative session scheduled to end in mid-June, this event gives you a chance to meet your state representatives and discuss issues of interest. Mingle and enjoy drinks and snacks with your peers. Thank you to our sponsors AT&T, Delta Air Lines, RG&E and Charter Communications for making this Policy Matters event possible. Register here. www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

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Human Resources 2018 Employer’s Guide to NYS Labor Laws Released

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his comprehensive guide provides information on New York State labor laws, including clear and concise explanations of each law, compliance and recordkeeping requirements, required posters, and more.

This guide is published by Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and updated each year by Nixon Peabody LLP. Topics covered in the guide include the Paid Family Leave law, wage deductions, employment of minors, hours of work, pay frequency, meal periods, termination notices, Wage Theft Prevention Act requirements, and more.

As a benefit of membership, a complimentary

PDF copy of the guide is sent via email each April to HR contacts at Rochester Chamber member companies at the Partner, Corporate and Business Builder level, whose membership is in good standing. To order a hard copy of the guide, please click here to download an order form. Rochester Chamber members (membership must be current) can request a resend of the free PDF of the guide or just the updated pages (for those who maintain a hard copy) by contacting Jennifer Suppé at (585) 256-4608 or Kathy Richmond at (585) 256-4618.

Benefits Benchmarking Data Available

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he 2017/2018 Rochester Chamber Policies and Benefits Survey, released last year in April 2017, contains information from 122 participating Rochester Chamber member organizations from the Rochester area, as well as national data provided by 1,595 organizations across the country.

These organizations responded to 333 questions on a variety of topics in the area of health and welfare benefits, retirement benefits, pay practices, working conditions, paid time off, part-time benefits, recruitment, training and development and more.

The survey will be conducted again in September 2018. Corporate and Partner members will be invited to participate in this and other 3rd quarter surveys in June 2018. If your organization participated in this survey, but you didn’t receive the results, please contact Kathy Richmond at (585) 256-4618 or Jennifer Suppé at (585) 256-4608 to request a resend. If you would like to order this or other surveys, please click here to download an order form, or contact Kathy or Jennifer for more information.

Have You Tried ThinkHR Comply?

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ochester Chamber added a new membership benefit in January 2018 ThinkHR Workplace/Comply. If you haven’t tried it yet, check it out! This online HR knowledge solution is a value-added benefit that can save your organization time and money. It is included as part of all tiers of Rochester Chamber membership, at no additional cost.

With ThinkHR Workplace/Comply, members receive: • Q&A database with answers to thousands of trending HR questions and common workforce issues • A comprehensive, easy-to-use federal employee handbook builder • Powerful tools to help benchmark and compare salaries, plan performance reviews, and write great job descriptions • Hundreds of downloadable sample

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May/June 2018

notices, forms, policies, and checklists • Live webinars that provide HRCI or SHRM credit Click here to view a one-page brochure that describes more about the unique and useful solutions available through ThinkHR Workplace/Comply. To request a resend of the welcome email or to have new contacts added, please contact Kathy Richmond at (585) 256-4618.

Save the Date!

The Challenges of Sexual Harassment: New Approaches to an Old Problem – June 20 Creating and Updating Pay Structures – June 27

2018 Local Wage and Salary Data Now Available The Rochester Chamber 2018 Annual Wage and Salary Surveys were released in April, reporting local wage data on close to 320 jobs, including those in administration, engineering, finance, human resources, information technology, customer service, sales and marketing, health care, and manufacturing.

These surveys are a valuable benchmarking tool to help employers maintain competitive pay rates in the Rochester area.

Annual surveys are conducted as a benefit of Rochester Chamber membership and only Corporate and Partner members are eligible to participate. All participants whose membership is in good standing automatically receive a complimentary copy of the results.

If your organization participated in one or more of these surveys, but you didn’t receive the results, please contact Kathy Richmond at (585) 256-4618 or Jennifer Suppé at (585) 256-4608 to request a resend. If you would like to order one or more surveys, please click here to download an order form, or contact Kathy or Jennifer for more information.

Survey Spotlight • 2018 Turnover and Absenteeism Survey - Released March 30 • 2018 Annual Wage & Salary Surveys - Released April 24 • 2018 National Executive Comp. Survey - Release expected week of May 28

Voice of Business

www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

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Voice of Business Rochester Chamber Eventscape 2018: We Offer, You Choose!

By Susan George Director, Events and Affiliate Relations e offer our members up-to-date information and valuable business insights from our strategic executive roundtables, tours of member businesses, featured speaker series, legislative reviews, community recognition award ceremonies, after-hour socials, and young professional engagement. Our programs and events deliver practical, measurable benefits to you and your team at an affordable rate or in some cases, complimentary.

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In addition to the successful programs we are continuing in 2018, we are very excited to highlight some of the new events we have lined up for this year. Let’s take a closer look….

For our professional women – “GO! Get Fierce. Get Focused” – May 17 We encourage women to get their Game On (“GO”) at this half-day event focusing on breaking barriers, finding their voice, learning from others who’ve crushed the glass ceiling and overcame obstacles, and hearing some honest answers (and solutions) about what’s facing professional women today. Our intent is to have our #GORocWomen walk away

with key strategies and tangible takeaways designed to help them become stronger communicators, more confident professionals, and effective, focused leaders at whatever stage of career they’re in or aspiring to be.

diverse group of businesses and organizations, educate our community, retain top talent in our region, and build our tech community. We invite you to join us as a sponsor, vendor, or guest.

Legal Insights for Small to Mid-Size Business – Chamber Counsel – Coming in June Chamber Counsel is a new series that will focus on how to enhance the growth of small to mid-size businesses through informed analysis and management of legal issues. In each session, an expert attorney who has seen a “worst case scenario” will educate our small business attendees on an important legal topic that is essential to the future of their organization. This is a great opportunity for small to mid-size companies to attend and learn how to be prepared and take steps now to avoid high legal bills down the road.

In addition to these new events launching this year, we will continue to showcase Rochester’s Top 100 companies for their substantial growth and economic contribution to our community. The Rochester Chamber Top 100, our signature awards ceremony created in 1987, draws close to 2000 business leaders at an annual dinner celebration honoring Rochester’s fastest-growing companies. The Rochester Chamber Top 100 awards program has grown to become the chamber’s most valuable source of recognition for our top 100 companies and as well as our sponsors.

We encourage you to join us as a guest or a sponsor and use this prestigious platform to network and showcase your business to a premier gathering of ROC leaders. Click here for more info on sponsorship.

Technology for Business and ROC: ROC Tech Conference – September 6 We have partnered with Innovative Solutions to host the ROC Tech Conference. The event builds upon the success of a conference (ISTC17) held by Innovative Solutions last year.

The goal of the 2018 ROC Tech Conference is to increase awareness of the Rochester technology commitment, bring together a

To view our Eventscape 2018 click here and take advantage of what WE have to offer so that YOU can choose what works best for you. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at (585) 256-4612.

Community Service Program Spends Day Volunteering at Foodlink

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reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce held a Chamber IMPACT community service event at Partner member Foodlink. Nearly three dozen volunteers from Rochester Chamber member companies worked to sort items for Foodlink to distribute to those in need.

Boulter Industrial Contractors Vice President and CFO Michele Rhoda said, “Foodlink provides a great service to a number of people in this community. I don’t think folks realize how many people are hungry in Rochester.”

Foodlink relies upon volunteers like those who worked through the Chamber IMPACT program to achieve its mission as the regional food bank.

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May/June 2018

Foodlink Communications Specialist Mark Dwyer said, “We get over 15,000 volunteers every single year. When you add up all the hours that our volunteers contribute and donate time to us, it is the equivalent of about 20 extra full-time employees. So, we couldn’t do the work we do and we couldn’t sort through all of this donated product without the help of our volunteers. They’re not just in the sorting stations. They’re out with our programs, they’re helping our food access programs, they’re in our gardens, they’re helping out our nutrition education team.

Sometimes they’re in our back kitchen. So, volunteers touch almost every single part of this organization.”

Farmers Insurance Marketing Specialist Brianna Schunk said, “I just thought it was

great that my company was getting hands on in the community. We always love to give back and help out people in need.”

For Yajai Arpaichiraratana of Rochester Chamber Partner member Morton’s the Steakhouse, the day was about more than volunteering. Arpaichiraratana said, “I just moved here from Atlanta, so Rochester is new to me. I think this is a good opportunity to help people and learn about the community at the same time. I enjoyed connecting with people from different companies and working together. It feels good.”

To learn more about the Chamber IMPACT community service program and upcoming volunteer opportunities, click here. View the photo album here and video here.

Voice of Business RBA Staffing Improves Policies, Procedures, Technology

By Burt Parks Sr. Director, Business Services

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BA Staffing, your full-service staffing and background screening agency and Rochester Chamber business service division, has ushered in a new era of service with improved policies, procedures, and technology.

The move comes in response to customer needs and desires as well as a look to the future. As part of the move, a new website serves as a single portal allowing users to explore RBA Staffing’s full suite of staffing and talent acquisition offerings as well as background screening services.

We knew that to innovate and stay on top of the industry that RBA Staffing had to reinvent itself. We have now done that with cutting edge technology as well as improved policies and procedures. This included automating some systems to make our service faster and more affordable.

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Duffy said, “Our RBA Staffing division has added service offerings

and launched a new website to improve its customer service experience and make available resources that can most help our clients succeed. We based these changes directly upon client feedback. Rochester Chamber and RBA Staffing exist to serve business in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region and these enhancements are more tools at our disposal to do just that.”

On the background checking side, RBA Staffing offers in-depth investigative reports with enhanced database access and personalized service, fully automated background checks, and tenant screening checks.

“Background Check Express”, available to new clients through the RBA Staffing website, offers a simple, instant online search.

The new RBA Staffing “OnTAP” tenant screening service allows landlords to check prospective renters’ credit reports and nationwide criminal and eviction reports at no cost. Once applicants verify their identity through an online link sent by RBA Staffing through OnTAP, they buy their Experian credit report and nationwide criminal and eviction report, then grant private access to

the landlord for up to 30 days. This unique method is far less legally complex than other methods which have landlords pulling reports on prospective tenants.

The new www.RBAStaffing.com website also allows faster and easier access for employers to make strategic hiring decisions.

For more than 30 years, RBA Staffing has provided employers with customizable hiring services to bring in the best candidates.

From recruiting of temp or direct hires to onboarding services to payroll services, RBA Staffing has the experience and talent to help businesses succeed.

Job seekers can also use the new www.

RBAStaffing.com job board to find and apply for the right position by matching expectations and skills with companies seeking what they have to offer. RBA Staffing works with some of the top employers in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region to help catapult workers into stable careers.

For more on RBA Staffing services, contact me at (585) 256-4639.

Friday HR Briefings May 4: Tax Reform Act of 2017: Everything You Need to Know May 18: HR & Benefits Technology – Tools to Simplify HR Processes June 1: Recent Changes at NLRB Promising for Employers June 15: The Impact of Engagement on Talent Acquisition and Retention Time: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Open to: Members only (no cost) To register, email Michele.Hefferon@ GreaterRochesterChamber.com www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

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Upcoming Events

Business Made Social:

For more details and to register, visit www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Member Soiree

May 9 biz. Exchange: Work/Life Balance: Tools to Lead a Happier, Healthier Life May 17 GO! Get Fierce. Get Focused. - Honest, Real Biz Talk for Women May 22 Rochester TRENDS: Understanding the Opioid Crisis May 24 Policy Matters: Meet Your Legislators June 13 Chamber IMPACT: Willow Domestic Violence Center June 14 Re:Generation: Empowering Rochester’s Future Leaders June 20 Chamber Business Rounds: Emerging Leaders

Seminars Held at Rochester Chamber Register at www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

June 1-29 Leadership for Managers (8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

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.

June 27 Creating and Updating Pay Structures (8:00 - 10:30 a.m.)

Many organizations are not satisfied with their compensation program for various reasons. Some do not have a formal compensation structure, others may have a concern that their salary ranges are not competitive with the market, and others may feel that their pay administration is not driving the right results. To help address these concerns, this program will assist organizations in designing new pay structures and validating or modifying current pay structures.

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