May/June 2016 Newsletter by Greater Rochester Chamber

Voice of Business Newsletter May/June 2016

Rochester TRENDS: AIM Photonics Update

reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce held an AIM Photonics update as part of its Rochester TRENDS featured speaker event series at The Strong Auditorium. More than 250 people attended to hear directly from AIM Photonics management and corporate partners about how their organizations can become involved. Speakers included Bob Duffy, Rochester Chamber CEO and AIM Photonics Leadership Council Chairman, Tino Treiber, AIM Photonics Industry and Government Outreach Executive, Loucas Tsakalakos, General Electric Global Research Photonics Laboratory Manager, Daniel Vaughn, Corning External Technology Collaboration and Intellectual Assets Director, and Ed White, AIM Photonics Corporate Outreach Executive.

The U.S. Department of Defense designated Rochester as headquarters for the American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics, which seeks to advance integrated photonic circuit manufacturing technology. The AIM Photonics Leadership Council expects Rochester to play a critical role in the assembly, testing, and packaging of integrated photonics, which allows manufacturers to put thousands of components such as lasers, detectors, and optical interconnects on a single chip. White, a former Kodak executive, commented during his remarks that the technology has the potential to change the world. White said, “In the not too distant future, the technology What’s your networking style? Click on Upcoming Events at the top of our website for series details!

will be leveraged to produce products which require less power, generate less heat, occupy a smaller footprint, weigh less, and operate faster than products using conventional electronic circuits.” Treiber said that AIM Photonics soon plans to issue a call for proposals for interested organizations to get involved.

General Electric is already on board as a Tier 1 AIM Photonics member. Tier 1 members pay an annual membership fee of at least $1 million over a five year commitment. Tsakalakos said, “The AIM Photonics institute is going to really enable us to take photonics research to the next level and allow us to drive that ultimately into new products for GE.” Corning is an AIM Photonics Tier 2 member, which pays at least $500,000 a year over a three year commitment. Vaughn said, “We sell optical fiber, so we are interested in moving the photon once it gets off the chip. We also

have other technologies that we believe can make photonic circuits more effective. At the interface between the integrated circuit and the optical fiber, some really interesting physics occurs. We would like to be involved in solving those problems.” The federal government made a $110 million commitment to create AIM Photonics and base it in Rochester. New York State invested another $250 million while the private sector has chipped in $100 million with an eye toward the institute’s success. Duffy, however, urges patience in the process. Duffy said, “We cannot expect five thousand jobs to immediately drop from the sky. Job creation should ramp up in the 2017 to 2018 time frame. The AIM Photonics team is working very thoughtfully and methodically. This approach is required to ensure that we put forth the best opportunity for Rochester to shine. Aside from our legacy and history in the science, this really presents a new beginning for our region. A large-scale packaging manufacturer presents a great opportunity for Rochester to become a model for the sustainability that the AIM Photonics team is working to create. This type of facility could attract work from other companies around the world and provide opportunities for local vendors and suppliers that feed into the process.” To learn more about AIM Photonics and its levels of membership, visit www.AIMPhotonics. com.

inside Meet Board Member Faheem Masood

2016 State Budget Overview

Final DOL Fiduciary Rule

Rochester Top 100 Nominations Open

2015-2016 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

Colleen DiMartino Chief of Staff

Colleen.DiMartino@GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Kevin Donahue Director, membership

Kevin.Donahue@GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Susan George Director, Events and Affiliate Relations Susan.George@GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Burt Parks Director of Staffing Burt.Parks@RBAstaffing.com

Kathy Richmond Sr. director, human resource services

Kathy.Richmond@GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Nina Shelton Director, group health insurance

Nina.Shelton@GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Dan Smith Sr. director, membership and communications

Dan.Smith@GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Tammy Stefani Director of accounting services

Tammy.Stefani@GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Chris Wiest Vice president of public policy and advocacy Chris.Wiest@GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Voice of Business is the official newsletter of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, published at 150 State St., Rochester, NY 14614. Articles printed are for information only and are not intended to render legal advice.

May/June 2016

From the CEO

his year’s New York State budget includes positive items like middle class income tax breaks and major infrastructure investments for upstate. It also includes paid leave legislation and a minimum wage increase that have businesses deeply concerned about their impact. It is important to note that where budget negotiations started on these topics and where they ended are in a much different place. Instead of upstate joining downstate with a mandated $15 an hour minimum wage phased in over five years, the upstate phasein to $12.50 an hour is at a slower pace with additional increases tied to future economic circumstances. That happened because of an acknowledgement by the governor and legislature of the differences between upstate and downstate. We have to recognize that through the budget negotiation process, a coalition of business organizations worked tirelessly as a team to point out the negative impact a $15 an hour minimum wage would have on upstate. Our state elected leaders listened and took action. Now that our elected officials have acknowledged the stark differences between upstate and downstate and wove that into legislation, we now have an opportunity to push this opening even wider by including that vision into items like worker’s compensation, the scaffold law, and other regulations that inhibit business. If Albany follows the same upstate/downstate game plan as it did with minimum wage, it can be a great addition to positive things already happening upstate. The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council awards, the Upstate Revitalization Initiative investment, and the designation of Rochester as the AIM Photonics hub can only benefit from long-term policy decisions developed with an eye on upstate and specifically the nine-county Finger Lakes region served by Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. We urge our elected officials to seize this opportunity and keep driving these changes. If we look at any legislative initiatives geographically, they may have minimal impact on the largest population center of New York City, but they could have a dramatic impact upstate. We need to rethink policy and other decisions based geographically in New York State because one size does not fit all. The political power base of this state, as we have heard time and again, is New York City and

Long Island. We recognize that. They have more population and therefore more representatives in Albany. However, we can achieve much more equity and much more cohesion in New York State if we start looking at policies along geographical lines.

Bob Duffy

If a 500 employee business closes in midtown Manhattan, it would be like a tree falling in a forest. If a 500 employee business closes in most upstate communities, it would be like a tree falling on your house. There is a very clear difference. There have been suggestions that New York split into two states. I disagree with that. However, by acknowledging the geographical and economic differences between upstate and downstate communities, our state leaders can bridge this divide by being much more sensitive to the needs of upstate without trying to have a “one size fits all” outlook. We should have legislation geared toward upstate and downstate. We should have policy geared toward upstate and downstate. The communities most at risk of losing businesses and jobs are in upstate New York. We have to be treated differently. Albany cannot treat the entire state the same. New York City is doing fine economically. Long Island and Westchester County are doing fine. Other areas upstate, especially west of Albany, are struggling. The farther you travel away from Manhattan and Long Island in New York State, the more challenging the economic circumstances are. Again, upstate must be treated differently. With this year’s state budget, we have broken new ground to do that. Government often focuses on past precedent when looking at future legislation. I believe that this budget, even with some negatives for business, carries the hidden gem of a very positive precedent for upstate that could have a major impact in years to come if our elected officials keep on the path of viewing and treating upstate and downstate differently. The door for this is now cracked. Let’s throw it wide open.

Voice of Business Run. Hide. Fight. Active Shooter Response Event Recap

ore than 360 people attended a Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Rochester TRENDS active shooter education event co-hosted by Rochester Chamber and Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York. The program featured speakers from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Rochester Police Department, New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. U.S. Attorney William Hochul offered welcome and closing remarks. The common message from all of the law enforcement agencies on the panel was if you were ever to find yourself in the middle of an active shooter event, your survival may depend on whether or not you have a plan. That plan could be as simple as the strategy of “Run. Hide. Fight.” Monroe County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Commander, Sgt. Brian Moore, said, “If you can, run. If you have the time, distance, and shielding, run away. Get away from the situation. If it’s not safe to do so, then try to find a place to hide. An active shooter typically is trying to do as much damage in a short period of time before the police get there and interrupt them. If you find a good hiding place, that is also an option if you can’t run away. And then obviously, if your back is against the wall, if you’re pushed in a corner, fight, especially if there’s a group of people. Ten people against one, sometimes it doesn’t matter what that person is armed with. They just become overwhelmed. If you get put in that corner, that’s what we would expect people to do.” FBI Supervisory Special Agent Jim Jancewicz said the vast majority, 70 percent, of active

New Member Profile:

Salena’s Mexican Restaurant

ochester Chamber welcomed new member Salena’s Mexican Restaurant in March and had a moment to get acquainted with Aaron Metras, vice president and owner to learn more about this business. Tell us about your company: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant has served Rochester’s favorite Mexican and Mexican inspired cuisine since 1998. We pride ourselves on using fresh ingredients and recipes made from scratch. Salena’s is committed to enhancing our community and practicing sustainability whenever possible

shooter incidents happen in places of commerce; places where we work, shop, and play. Rochester Chamber CEO Bob Duffy said, “This is a very important topic for Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. If you look at these tragic situations around our country where active shooters walk in, be it a movie theater, place of employment, other public areas, and begin taking lives, it creates chaos. It creates a whole host of tragedies. What we want to do is get our local experts together to talk about some things that you should be doing in the event a situation like this should occur. We hope it never occurs, but one of the best paths forward for us is to provide information and follow up with training for individual organizations so everyone has in their mind a plan if, God forbid, something like this should happen.” Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York urge businesses to be proactive in creating an active shooter response plan. To explore options for your organization, contact your local law enforcement agency. Resources are also available at www.dhses. ny.gov/sptc, www.CityofRochester.gov, or by contacting Monroe County Emergency Preparedness administrator Fred Rion at frion@MonroeCounty.gov.

What prompted you to join the chamber? Salena’s joined the chamber because we wanted to ensure we are taking advantage of all the Rochester region has to offer. We have heard of the great work the chamber does and wanted the opportunity to surround ourselves with people who understand the business needs of our region. What business/economic challenges are you currently facing? The restaurant industry is highly competitive and food prices have risen consistently over the past several years, which has caused us to consistently look for more efficient and creative methods of operation. There has also been an increase in new restaurants in the area which has meant more competition for customers as well as for good staff. What is your business outlook for 2016? We are optimistic for 2016. We feel that we have been proactive in addressing coming challenges and are well-positioned for the coming year. We are constantly refining and improving our approach to customer service and quality will separate us from the competition.

www.salenas.com www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Voice of Business Meet Rochester Chamber Board Member Faheem Masood

aheem Masood became president and CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Partner member ESL Federal Credit Union in March following the retirement of his predecessor, Dave Fiedler. Masood also took Fiedler’s former spot on the Rochester Chamber board of directors and executive committee. Masood, a 25 year veteran of ESL, shared some thoughts with the Voice of Business newsletter as he began his journey as a Rochester Chamber board member. Masood: I am excited to have this opportunity to participate. To collaborate with other businesses, as a way to ensure our community remains strong and vital, is essential to all of our well-being. I am pleased to be a part of that effort. VOB: What advice did Dave Fiedler give you about serving on the Rochester Chamber board? Masood: Dave saw this as an opportunity for me to become an advocate for both the local business community and chamber members themselves. In a sense, I would serve as a conduit – informing the community about the services and benefits the Chamber offers, and encouraging businesses to support each other, and to work together on the behalf of

the Greater Rochester area. VOB: As a board member, what is your message to Rochester Chamber members? Masood: As we know, poverty is one of the major issues facing our community right now. If we are to thrive as a community, it’s imperative that we address this issue in an integrated and cohesive manner. I would encourage chamber members to learn about, and participate in the Rochester Monroe County Anti-Poverty Initiative, so that we can achieve our objective in making Rochester a prosperous community for all. VOB: What are your thoughts on rebranding as Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce from RBA and the new website? Masood: This was a smart thing for the Chamber to do. It’s just a more direct way of communicating our purpose to the Rochester community. The website is a great tool - it’s modern, vibrant, and has a wealth of wellorganized information. I encourage people to use it. VOB: How does ESL Federal credit Union benefit from Rochester Chamber Membership? Masood: There are a number of benefits. I’ll mention networking and other events as an

example. They’re a big plus offering opportunities to engage with business leaders and enhancing one’s knowledge of different topics. VOB: Share a fun fact about yourself. Masood: I took up running about 12 years ago and, while I’ve participated in a number of 5K “races”, a few years ago I ran a half marathon, finishing in just under two hours. Haven’t been inspired since to do another!

Mark Your Calendar... 5/19 biz. Exchange: Millennial Social Hour and PR101

5/24 Chamber Business

Rounds: Not-For-Profit

5/26 Policy Matters: Meet Your Legislators

6/14 Speed Networking 6/23 Chamber Business Rounds: Service

Rochester Chamber welcomes its new members Achieve Brand Integrity.............................www.brandintegrity.com Advantage Medical Billing Solutions, LLC ...www.AdvantageMedicalBillingSolutions.com American Cancer Society ........................www.cancer.org Annese & Associates, Inc. ........................ www.annese.com Appraise New York, Inc./The Robinson-Curcio Agency, Inc. ...www.appraiserochester.com Baliva Concrete Products Inc. ................www.balivaconcrete.com Bristol Harbour Resort Management LLC ...www.bristolharbour.com Canadian Consulate General in New York ...www.buffalo.gc.ca Comfort Windows ...www.comfortwindows.com/locations/rochester Dave & Buster’s .........................................www.daveandbusters.com DHD Ventures ............................................www.dhdventures.com Dryer Vent Wizard of Rochester............www.rochesterdryervent.com ESOP Plus: Schatz Brown Glassman LLP ...www.esopplus.com ETHANY Corp..........................................www.ethany.com Fairport Computers ................................www.fairportcomputer.com Global Exterminating..............www.globalexterminatingrochester.com Goforth Electric, Inc. ................................www.goforthelectric.com Grade A Flooring .....................................www.gradeacarpeting.com Grassroots Contract Interiors .............www.gcirochester.com GreyCastle Security .......................................www.greycastlesecurity.com Hamilton Stern Construction ...........www.hamiltonstern.com

May/June 2016

JACOMB ..........................................................www.jacomb.net Lisa’s Liquor Barn ...........................................www.lisasliquorbarn.com Massage Envy of Rochester .........................www.massageenvy.com Medline Industries, Inc...................................www.medline.com OneGroup .......................................................www.bhlinsurance.com Paul Speranza Advisors Resolute Commercial Capital, LLC ...www.ResoluteCommercialCapital.com Rochester Pedal Tours ..................................www.rochesterpedaltours.com Salena’s Mexican Restaurant/Nox Cocktail/R.Y.C.E. ...www.salenas.com Sedgwick Business Interiors ........................www.sedgwickbusiness.com SiGNa Chemistry ..........................................www.signachem.com Stephen Marikos Agency ...https://agents.allstate.com/stephen-marikos-rochester-ny.html TAG Solutions ................................................www.tagsolutions.com TEKsystems ....................................................www.teksystems.com The Olney Place .............................................www.theolneyplace.com The Red Barn Fine Apparel ......................... www.redbarnfineapparel.com Urban League of Rochester .........................www.ulr.org Visual Horizons Inc. DBA StoreSmart .......www.StoreSmart.com VNA Homecare Options, LLC ....................www.477home.org Watkins Glen International ..........................www.TheGlen.com *Company listed in blue denotes our Partner Member*

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.

The Finance edition of Chamber Business Rounds featured leaders from ESL Federal Credit Union, Five Star Bank, KeyBank, and M&T Bank

The YEA! Roundtable brought together leaders of the Rochester Chamber 2015 Top 100 businesses and student CEOs of YEA!

Rochester Chamber and UNICON met with state legislators to express concerns about regional Department of Transportation equality.

Nearly 300 people joined Rochester Chamber at Legacy Tower Wintergarden to celebrate the launch of the new website.

We welcomed RocCity Coalition members at a recent monthly meeting hosted in our office, along with a guest appearance by Rochester Chamber CEO Bob Duffy.

A Rochester Chamber delegation traveled to Albany for Small Business Lobby Day to meet with NYS Senate and Assembly members.

The IT Chamber Business Rounds session featured Avani Technology Solutions, Entre Computer Services, Logical Operations, and Synergy Global Solutions.

Early risers gathered for another edition of Speed Networking at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Rochester.

The Manufacturing editon of Chamber Business Rounds featured Hammer Packaging, Jasco Heat Treating, Pactiv LLC, and TruForm Manufacturing.

Recent Member Company Visits

The Gunlocke Company

M Design Vehicles Ltd.

Bonduelle USA, Inc.

Samson Fuel

Butler/Till Media Services

www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Voice of Business Upcoming Affiliate Events

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 www.grqc.org Small Business Council of Rochester • May 11 - Boot Camp: Redefining Performance Management • May 26 - Networking at the Ballpark • June 8 - Boot Camp: 5 Things You Should Know About Your Retirement Plan www.rochestersbc.com Rochester Hispanic Business Association • May 5 - Spring Networking • May 17 - Monthly Lunch Series • June 21 - Monthly Lunch Series www.rochesterhba.org The Women’s Council • May 25 - Your Womanifesto: Leverage It www.ROCWomenscouncil.org

Through our affiliate groups, you can meet business people who share your interests and challenges.

May/June 2016

2016 Young Women of Distinction Recipients

he Women’s Council, a Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce affiliate, announced the recipients of its 17th annual Young Women of Distinction Awards. The scholarship program supports the Women’s Council’s mission of empowering and recognizing women at every stage of their professional careers, and its belief that young women with promise today will become tomorrow’s leaders. The recipients represent four categories of schools: • Aleah Adams – School of the Arts CITY • Rebecca Nungesser – Penfield High School - MONROE COUNTY EAST • Bailey Reed – Honeoye Falls-Lima High School - REGIONAL • Jenny Yau – Churchville-Chili Senior High School - MONROE COUNTY WEST The four recipients, selected from a group of 20 finalists, received a $2,000 scholarship and an opportunity for a paid internship at an area company. All 20 finalists receive the opportunity to participate in a young women’s leadership course. The other finalists included: • Yafresi Belliard, East High School • Jessica Biller, Webster Schroeder High School • Leah Cooney, Webster Thomas High School • Natalie Costanza, Penfield High School • Anna Fish, Fairport High School • Caroline Fjermedal, Our Lady of Mercy High School • Michelle Garrett, Churchville-Chili High School • Jenna Kay, Penfield High School • Bridgette Merriman, Penfield High School • Katherine Ramsey, Webster Schroeder High School • Alicia Reuscher, Geneva High School • Kayla Rizzo, Rochester Early College High School • Elizabeth Vinton, Brighton High School • Leanne Walker, Churchville-Chili High School • Ohanna Wang, Penfield High School • Adrianna Wellin, Churchville-Chili High School

Modeled after the ATHENA Award, the Young Women of Distinction program is designed to recognize high school seniors who have displayed outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and involvement in the ninecounty Rochester region. 2016 ATHENA Award recipient, Center for Youth Executive Director Elaine Spaull, and 2016 ATHENA Young Professional Award recipient, Trevett Cristo Salzer & Andolina legal partner Melanie Wolk delivered keynote remarks at the awards ceremony. For more information on the Women’s Council and the Young Women of Distinction program, visit www.RocWomensCouncil.org.

Public Policy Public Policy Corner - 2016 State Budget Overview By Chris Wiest Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy

overnor Cuomo and legislative leaders finalized negotiations on the 2016-17 New York State budget in the late hours of Thursday, March 31 and both houses completed voting on budget bills by April 1, the start of the fiscal year. The new state budget totals approximately $154 billion, and holds spending growth to below 2% for the 6th consecutive year. Several provisions represent major challenges to the employer community, especially proposals to increase the state’s minimum wage and enact paid family leave. Below are brief summaries of some key areas of the final budget of particular interest to employers. Minimum Wage: Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, along with its Unshackle Upstate partners and the Minimum Wage Reality Check Coalition, advocated against a “one-size-fitsall” statewide approach to increasing the minimum wage. Such an approach would not have taken into account regional differences in median wages and cost of living and the negative consequences of a $15 minimum wage upstate. The final schedule mandates a $12.50/hour minimum wage upstate by 2020, with a “safety valve” that requires an economic impact study before additional increases can occur. New York City will reach $15 an hour by December 31, 2017, with nearby counties phasing it in by 2021. Paid Family Leave: Under this new program, employees will be entitled to twelve weeks paid leave to bond with a newborn or adopted child, to care for a seriously-ill family member, or as a result of another qualifying exigency under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Beginning in 2018, employees will be entitled to eight weeks of paid leave at 50% of their average weekly wage, capped at 50% of the state’s weekly wage. The benefit period will rise to 10 weeks in 2019, and to 12 by 2021. Employees will receive 55% of their average weekly wage in

2019, 60% in 2020, and 67%, capped at 67% of the state’s weekly wage, by 2021. Employees must be employed by the covered employer for six months to be eligible for the benefit, vs. the original four week proposal. The program is to be paid for by employee deductions. Personal Income Tax (PIT): The state will lower Personal Income Tax rates for those earning between $40,000 and $300,000 annually, beginning in 2018. According to Governor Cuomo, these new lower tax rates will save middle class New Yorkers nearly $6.6 billion in the first four years, and $4.2 billion annually by 2025. As the new rates phase in, they will be the state’s lowest middle class tax rates in more than 70 years. Small employers that pay business taxes through their personal income tax could see some savings from this change. Infrastructure: Rochester Chamber advocated strongly for the fair allocation of transportation dollars between upstate and downstate regions of the state, hosting press events and releasing memos in partnership with UNiCON and Rebuild NY Now. The new budget includes a $27.1 billion transportation capital plan for Upstate New York, representing true parity between regions. The new budget also allocates $438 million this year in statewide funding for the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) and an additional $400 million over four years as part of the new Pave NY program. These two programs will provide funding for the repair of highways, bridges and roads operated by local governments. Policy Pulse Survey: Workers’ Compensation Noticeably absent from the 2016-2017 New York State Budget was any significant mandate or regulatory relief for employers, especially in the area of Workers’ Compensation. Rochester Chamber members continue to cite high workers’ compensation costs as one of their chief business concerns. As we approach the ten year anniversary of the 2007 reforms, Rochester Chamber will seek member input to assist in our ongoing advocacy efforts.

Compensation Employer Survey. We greatly value your feedback. During the balance of the legislative session, we will continue to push for legislation that promotes regulatory relief to employers, such as Workers’ Compensation, and oppose new mandates that increase costs. Please contact me or Shannon Ealy if you have any questions on any of the issues discussed above or want to learn how you and your organization can get more involved in chamber advocacy efforts.

Policy Matters: Meet and Greet with Your State Legislators Join us May 26 for a networking reception with the Rochester and Finger Lakes area’s New York State Senate and Assembly members at the Genesee Brew House. 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. Enjoy refreshments and snacks provided by the Brew House, and learn more about Genesee Brewery’s upcoming expansion and eco-renovation from their executive team. Advance registration is required for this free members-only event, as space is limited. http://bit.ly/MtAndGt

Thank you to our sponsors: AT&T, Delta Air Lines, RG&E, and Time Warner Cable.

Stay tuned to our weekly News & Events emails for the release of a Workers’ www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Human Resources Final DOL Fiduciary Rule - Considerations for Plan Sponsors

n April 8, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published in the Federal Register its long-awaited—and highly controversial—final rule to address conflicts of interest in retirement advice by applying the so-called fiduciary standard to those who provide investment advice to sponsors and participants in 401(k)-type workplace retirement plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). The rule had been made public two days earlier. While aimed at financial advisors who provide retirement

plan services, the final rule will impact compliance obligations and costs for plan sponsors as well, regulatory experts say. The DOL adopted a phased implementation approach to the final rule, with a transition period from an April 1, 2017 applicability date to Jan. 1, 2018, when additional conditions apply and all new systems and procedures must be in place. Among the key points that HR plan managers should keep in mind:

2016 Employer’s Guide to NYS Labor Laws Released

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 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, click here to download an order form. Rochester Chamber members 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.

2016 Local Benchmarking Pay Data Now Available

he Rochester Chamber 2016 Annual Wage and Salary Surveys were released at the end April, reporting local wage data on over 300 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 full results, a $245 value per survey. If your organization participated in one or more of these surveys, but need a resend of the email

May/June 2016

with the complimentary results, please contact Kathy Richmond at (585) 256-4618. If your organization did not have the opportunity to participate, are currently a Corporate or Partner member in good standing, and would like to order one or more surveys, please click here to download an order form. Future members - please contact Kathy Richmond at (585) 256-4618 or Jennifer Suppé at (585) 256-4608 for more information.

Upcoming HR Seminars Save the Date! Effective Use of Wage Surveys – June 15 Creating and Updating Pay Structures – June 29

• The employer and any board, management or staff committee involved in decisionmaking for the plan are already fiduciaries, obligating them to adhere to participants’ best interests when selecting and monitoring plan investments and service providers—and subjecting them to potential liability if they do not. • Certain financial advisors, including broker-dealers, insurance agents and mutual-fund firm representatives, generally have not been subject to liability under the fiduciary standard. • Under the new rule, nearly all the types of advisors that a plan would rely on to provide investment advice to plan sponsors and plan participants will now be held to the fiduciary standard. It is recommended that plan sponsors ask their financial services advisors whether they are a fiduciary to the plan and document the question and the response. Under the new rule, the failure to ask could be deemed a fiduciary breach by the plan which could have significant ramifications. Unless the plan sponsor is large enough to have an ERISA specialist in-house, experts recommend retaining an ERISA attorney or consultant to carefully vet any new contracts. The plan sponsor must then monitor the vendor to ensure that it complies with requirements under the fiduciary standard. The US Department of Labor website has a variety of resources including a link to the final rule, FAQs, fact sheets, a chart comparing the proposed rule to the final rule, and more. Source: SHRM online

Survey Spotlight

Legal Briefing New York Passes Landmark Legislation Raising Minimum Wage and Mandating Family Paid Leave Michael Hausknecht and Kimberly Harding Nixon Peabody LLP

n April 4, 2016, Governor Cuomo signed into law a bill calling for a gradual increase in New York’s minimum wage, as well as up to 12 weeks of paid family leave. The bill not only requires more than double the federallymandated minimum wage, but it makes New York workers the beneficiaries of the nation’s longest and most comprehensive paid family leave program. The passage of this landmark legislation, which applies to all employers regardless of size, is certain to create additional costs and challenges for New York businesses. Minimum Wage Increases The bill provides for a gradual increase in the minimum wage over the next several years, which will depend on the area of the state where the employee works. For workers in all counties north of Westchester County, the minimum wage will increase from $9.00 per hour to $9.70 at the end of 2016, and will reach $12.50 per hour by the end of 2020. Although other areas of the state will see the minimum wage reach $15 per hour as early as 2018, the minimum wage in our area will not rise to $15 per hour until a study is conducted by the state and a new indexed schedule is set. The minimum wage for tipped food service workers likewise will increase. Tipped food service employees will be required to be paid the higher of the current tipped minimum wage or two-thirds of the state minimum

wage, and to receive a tip credit equal to the difference between tipped and regular minimum. For example, when the state’s minimum wage eventually increases to $15 per hour, tipped food service workers will be required to be paid at least $10 per hour in wages, and to receive a tip credit of at least $5 per hour. Paid Family Leave Beginning in 2018, all full- and part-time employees who have worked for their employer for six months will be eligible to take paid family leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition; to bond with a child during the first twelve months after the child’s birth or the child has been placed for adoption or foster care with the employee; or to relieve family pressures when a spouse or family member is called to active military service. The state’s definition of a “serious health condition” mostly tracks the definition in the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”). Like the minimum wage rate, paid family leave will be implemented in phases. Beginning January 1, 2018, workers will be eligible for up to eight weeks of leave, paid at 50% of their average weekly pay, up to a maximum of 50% of the statewide average weekly wage (i.e., approximately $630). By the time the mandate is fully implemented in 2021, workers will be eligible for up to twelve weeks of leave, paid at 67% of the employee’s average weekly pay, up to a maximum of 67% of the statewide average weekly wage.

Will your company make the list? 2016 Rochester Top 100 Nominations are due June 24 Click here for details

Because the paid family leave program will be funded through a payroll deduction on employees of approximately $1 per week, Governor Cuomo asserts the mandate will cost businesses “nothing.” However, the bill provides job protection for those who take family leave, even if they work for employers with fewer than 50 employees that are not currently subject to the federal FMLA. In addition, the leave provisions are not identical to those set forth in the federal FMLA and the extent to, and manner in, which the state law will be applied may not be the same as the federal law. Employers accordingly will face challenges in implementing policies to comply with the law, as well as in accommodating employee leaves. They will incur costs in recruiting, hiring, training and paying replacement employees. Many organizations with limited resources, including many small businesses, also will struggle to maintain productivity and service levels, particularly when employees take intermittent leave. In short, this legislation is likely to cost businesses in terms of lower profits, higher prices of goods and services, and lower net pay to employees.

When it comes to hiring the right person, take a step in the right direction with RBA Staffing Criminal Records Check Sex Offender Registries Social Security Number Check DMV Check Current/Past Employment Verification References Check Academic Verification And more! Let RBA Staffing help you make better decisions to hire better employees. (585) 256-4647 www.RBAstaffing.com

www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Voice of Business Call for Entries: 30th Annual Rochester Chamber Top 100

reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and KPMG LLP have issued a call for entries and sponsors for the 30th annual 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 Rochester Chamber website. The deadline for entries is June 24.

Both Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce members and non-members are eligible to participate in the Rochester Chamber Top 100 program. Rochester Chamber and KPMG also invite companies to sponsor the Rochester Chamber Top 100 general reception and awards luncheon scheduled for November 2 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Past luncheons 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 Susan.George@ GreaterRochesterChamber.com or (585) 256-4612.

Mirror Show Management landed at the number one spot on the 2015 Rochester Chamber Top 100 list. Click here to see the complete 2015 list. Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce passionately serves, promotes, and advocates for its members in order to secure economic prosperity for our Finger Lakes region.

Speranza Recognized for Rochester Chamber Contributions Upon Retirement

egmans Vice Chairman and Secretary Paul Speranza presided as chairman over his final Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Health Care Planning Team meeting March 31. Speranza retired from Wegmans April 1 after a 40 year career with the company. Along with his work on the Rochester Chamber board of directors and executive committee, Speranza has served as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce vice chairman and chairman of the board. He also had roles in the Business Council and Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council. At the health care planning team meeting, the group presented Speranza with a plaque emblazoned with his signature quote, “Collaboration is hard work – and hard work every day.” Speranza said, “Collaboration is the key to get good things done in this community. We need to work together as much as we can.”

May/June 2016

Rochester Chamber President and CEO Bob Duffy said, “Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce congratulates Paul Speranza on his retirement and thanks him for his contributions to our community over a distinguished career. As a longtime member of Rochester Chamber’s board of directors, Paul played a critical role as chairman of our health care committee, which helped create the Community High Blood Pressure Collaborative. Under Paul’s leadership, our region saw impressive results in bringing blood pressure under control and moving toward the goal of making Rochester the healthiest community in America. Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce wishes Paul all the best in what we expect to be an active retirement.”

For more details, click here.

In retirement, Speranza said he plans to serve the community in any way that he can while spending more time with family. For more details, click here.

Voice of Business Downtown Career Fair Draws 600 Job Seekers

ore than 600 job seekers had an opportunity to visit 70 employers all under the Blue Cross Arena roof at April’s Downtown Career Fair hosted by the Rochester Americans, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, NewsRadio WHAM 1180, and iHeart Radio. Rochester Americans Vice President of Business Operations Rob Kopacz said, “The Downtown Career Fair was a success thanks in large part to the work of Bob Duffy and his team at Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. These events were intended to connect job seekers with local businesses that are currently hiring as part of the Rochester Americans’ ongoing efforts to be good corporate citizens. Our partnership with Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has allowed for continued growth in the numbers

of both businesses and job seekers at our Downtown Career Fairs and is something we look forward to building upon in the future.” Job seeker Alicia Daniels of Rochester went to the career fair looking for positions in production, light assembly, or clerical work. Daniels said, “The advantage of going to this type of career fair is that you can go to everyone and kill five or ten birds at one time. Applying or leaving your resume this way is better than trying to go door to door visiting each employer. Maybe I’ll get a call, maybe I won’t, but this way, I feel I have a shot.” Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Duffy said, “I have

visited dozens of Rochester Chamber member companies across our Finger Lakes region and talked with leaders of dozens more. A common theme that I have heard is that there is not a lack of available jobs, but a lack of qualified candidates to fill them. The Downtown Career Fair is an excellent onestop shop for employers and job seekers to make mutually beneficial matches. I am pleased that Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is a part of this excellent event that helps foster economic prosperity for all in our region.” Click here to learn more about how RBA Staffing, a Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce division, can help connect employers and job seekers, or contact RBA Staffing Director Burt Parks at Burt.Parks@ RBAStaffing. com or (585) 256-4639.

Dear 45: A U.S. Chamber Letter to the Next President on Opportunity

onroe Community College President and Rochester Chamber board member Dr. Anne Kress contributed to a letter on behalf of Opportunity Nation for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Dear 45” campaign. Dear 45 is a series of letters from employers, executives, and entrepreneurs to the next president of the United States outlining the steps they want to see to foster business growth and create jobs. The letter written by Opportunity Nation Leadership Council Members Kress, Des Moines Area Community College Chair Robert Denson, and Miami Dade College President Dr. Eduardo Padrón is entitled “Equal Access to Opportunity is Needed to Keep the American Dream Alive.” Below is an excerpt.

Dear 45, One of the most critical issues you will tackle as the 45th president of the United States is providing equal access to opportunity for Americans. Opportunity Nation and our 300 coalition members

believe that helping all Americans achieve their full potential by providing the conditions they need to be successful is the most powerful way to increase economic mobility, close the opportunity gap, and create a more resilient, vibrant and competitive country.

Friday HR Briefings May 5 - Busting Succession Planning Myths

Today, the American Dream is at risk and seemingly out of reach for far too many Americans. For millions an opportunity gap begins at birth, and instead of narrowing over time the divide widens. Stagnating wages, double-digit youth unemployment, a skills gap and rising income inequality threaten the core tenet of our country: No matter your background, if you work hard and persevere, you should have a fair shot at improving your lot in life.We recognize that people’s talents, dreams and goals vary. And, in a free society, some inequality may be unavoidable. But your zip code should not condemn you to an increasingly inescapable economic fate. Inequality without a very good chance for upward mobility is inefficient and unjust -- and it ignores the very real needs of our businesses for skilled employees in well-paying jobs.

Click here to read the full letter and others in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Dear 45 series.

May 20 - Predictive Interviewing for More Successful Hires June 3 - Best Practices for Drug and Alcohol Testing June 17 - New York Paid Family Leave Benefits Time: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Location: Rochester Chamber 150 State St., Rochester, NY 14614 Open to: Members only (no cost) To register, email Michele.Hefferon@ GreaterRochesterChamber.com

www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Seminars and Software Training Seminars Held at Rochester Chamber Register at www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

May 6-June 3 Leadership for Managers May 17-June 9 Successful Supervision

Training Held at Logical Operations Register at www.newhorizonsatlo.com/rochester-business-alliance

May 02 MS Office Excel 2010 - Part 2 May 03 Executive Presentation Skills May 04 OSHA Recordkeeping May 06 MS Office PowerPoint 2013 - Part 1 May 09 Effective Presentations May 09 CompTIA Security+Certification May 09 Crystal Reports XI - Level 1 ILT/OLL May 11 MS Office Excel 2010 - Part 3 May 11 Performance Reviews and Coaching May 12 Business Communications Electronic and Printed May 12 MS Outlook 2013 - Part 1 May 12 Crystal Reports XI - Level 2 ILT/ OLL May 13 MS Outlook 2013 - Part 2 May 16 CyberSAFE ILT/OLL May 17 MS Office Excel 2013 - Part 1 May 17 MS Office Word 2013 - Part 1 May 18 MS Office Word 2013 - Part 2 May 19 Coaching and Counseling Employees May 19 MS Office Word 2013 - Part 3 May 20 & 27 Creating a Culture of Accountability May 20 Effective Porject Management Skills May 20 MS Office Excel 2013 - Part 3 May 23 MS Office Excel 2010 Pivot Tables May 23 CompTIA Network+Certification May 24 Zoho CRM: Critical User Skills May 26 MS Office Excel 2013 - Part 1 May 27 MS Office Excel 2013 - Part 2 May 31 Installing and Configuring Windows 7 Client May 31 MS Office Excel 2016 - Part 1 May 31 MS SharePoint Foundation 2010 Level 1 June 01 Managing Emotions in the Workplace June 01 MS Office Excel 2016 - Part 2

June 02 Finance for Non-Financial Professionals June 02 MS Office Excel 2016 - Part 3 June 02 MS SharePoint Foundation 2010 Level 2 June 02 MS Office Access 2010 - Part 2 June 06 MS Word 2010 - Part 3 June 08 MS SharePoint Foundation 2013: Site User June 09 MS SharePoint Foundation 2013: Site Owner June 10 MS SharePoint Foundation 2013: Site Administrator June 13 MS Office Excel 2013 - Part 1 June 13 MS Office Project 2013 - Part 1 June 14 MS Excel 2013 - Part 1 June 14 MS Office Project 2013 - Part 2 June 15 Advanced Finance for Non-Financial Professionals June 16 SQL Querying - Level 1 Fundamentals of Querying June 16 CyberSAFE ILT/OLL June 17 SQL Querying - Level 2 Advanced Querying June 20 MS Office Access 2013 - Part 1 June 20 MS Office Excel 2010 - Part 1 June 20 Supporting and Troubleshooting Windows 10 June 21 MS Office Excel 2010 - Part 2 June 22 MS Office Project 2010 - Level 1 June 23 MS Office Project 2010 - Level 2 June 24 MS Office Excel 2010 - Part 3 June 27 MS Office Word 2013 - Part 1 June 27 Cisco Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 v2.0 (ICNDI) June 28 MS Office Word 2013 - Part 2 June 29 MS Office Word 2013 - Part 3

NetWORKS After 5:

Member Appreciation Party