Sept./Oct. 2016 Newsletter by Greater Rochester Chamber

Voice of Business September/October 2016

Rochester Chamber Named ACCE Innovation Award Winner

he Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives named the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Health Care Initiative and Blood Pressure Collaborative a winner of its 2016 Regional Innovation Award. The award recognizes organizations committed to building strong and vibrant communities through groundbreaking collaboration and program development. The Mason City (IA) Chamber of Commerce was named a cowinner, while the Nashville (TN) Chamber of Commerce and Chattanooga (TN) Chamber of Commerce were finalists. Led by ACCE’s Education Attainment Division in 2016, the award program targeted initiatives that boost economic competitiveness by investing in health and wellness. Finalists are organizations that build sustainable efforts that support the health of children, the health of the workplace, and the health of the broader community. The Rochester Chamber Health Care Initiative promotes worksite wellness, a regional health information exchange, and implementation of Lean Six Sigma practices in area hospitals. The chamber is also a partner in the Regional Blood Pressure Collaborative, which created the nation’s first community high blood pressure registry.

This issue sponsored by:

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Duffy said, “Rochester Chamber thanks ACCE for this honor. Special thanks go to the leadership of Wegmans which helped us launch the Health Care Initiative as a regional collaboration between employers, health systems, and insurers, and the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency, which is our partner in creating the Blood Pressure Collaborative. It’s a validation of our region’s three core strengths of corporate leadership, health care, and volunteerism.”

Wegmans Health and Wellness Director Becky Lyons said, “The strength of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Health Care Initiative is in its collaborative spirit and active business engagement. This national award recognizes the many contributions of initiative partners to make our community a healthier place to work and live. Wegmans is pleased to be part of this effort.”

Trilby de Jung said, “Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency has partnered with Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce for the past seven years to build a program to help improve blood pressure control rates in our community. Through the efforts of many, our region has achieved a blood pressure control rate more than 36 percent higher than the national average. This award recognizes Rochester’s innovative approach.” ACCE President Mick Fleming said, “To help their communities address challenges and seize opportunities, chambers of commerce must convene diverse stakeholders, develop new strategies, and work across boundaries. The winners of the 2016 Regional Innovation Award exemplify the kind of civic entrepreneurship and stewardship all regions need to thrive.” A panel of judges comprised of past award recipients and volunteers evaluated entries and selected this year’s finalists. Rochester Chamber accepted the 2016 Regional Innovation Award at ACCE’s Annual Convention in Savannah, Georgia. To learn more about the Rochester Chamber Health Care Initiative and High Blood Pressure Collaborative, click here.

Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency CEO

inside Executives, Kurt Busch Race for Charity

Goldilocks Seminar Examines Workplace Confidence

Federal, State Labor Law Changes Coming

Workplace Impact of Legalizing Medical Marijuana

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, 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 Controller

Tammy.Stefani@GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Chris Wiest Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy Chris.Wiest@GreaterRochesterChamber.com

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

September/October 2016

From the CEO

reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce received a near record number of entries for this year’s 30th annual Rochester Chamber Top 100 Awards. This tells me that despite challenges faced by companies in today’s economy, many businesses are overcoming and thriving. For three decades now, the Rochester Chamber Top 100 Awards, started under the leadership of former chamber CEO Tom Mooney and carried on by Sandy Parker under the Rochester Business Alliance banner, have celebrated the Finger Lakes region’s fastest-growing, privately owned companies. To be eligible for the Rochester Chamber Top 100, businesses must be privately held, headquartered in the nine-county Rochester region, and have earned at least one million dollars in revenue in each of the three most recent fiscal years. The Rochester Chamber Top 100 is computed by accounting partner KPMG LLP based on revenue growth, taking into account both dollar and percentage growth. The Rochester Chamber Top 100 Awards program gives companies of all sizes from across the region a chance to highlight themselves and a chance for Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce to publicly celebrate their achievements. Every Rochester Chamber Top 100 Awards event I have attended going back to my days as mayor has impressed me with the energy and passion in the room. I also have learned so much from listening to the stories of how many companies have made their way from startups to the Rochester Chamber Top 100 list. In my current role as Rochester Chamber CEO, every time I visit a Top 100 company I walk away with a deeper knowledge of how our region’s economy works and full of pride about the tremendous talent and expertise we have here. Rochester often sees the glass as half empty as opposed to half full. I believe the Rochester Chamber Top 100 Awards program is just one of so many different signs of success in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region. Now that we have reached 30 years of the Top 100, it really is time for a special celebration to look back on those decades of success and look forward to decades more. Rochester is often described as being the best-kept secret in New York State. However,

that is a double-edged sword. It means that we understate ourselves and avoid thumping our chests when it comes to our successes, but there comes a time when we have to. Now is one of those times. We are the hub for Bob Duffy AIM Photonics, we won a half billion dollar Upstate Revitalization Initiative award, so this is the perfect time to hold up and celebrate our Rochester Chamber Top 100 companies as the success stories that they are. Each epitomizes the hard work and perseverance of the owners, executives, and employees who make them successful. They also deserve special recognition for overcoming the challenges imposed by a state that is not well-known for its business climate. When the Rochester Chamber Top 100 originated 30 years ago, Kodak was at its pinnacle with nearly 60,000 local workers. We were known as a company town. That has changed. While Kodak is a public company and not eligible for the Top 100 program, it spawned much of the talent that is now in charge of and working at Top 100 companies. Even though Kodak’s employment numbers are nowhere near what they once were, the company is forging a new path under the leadership of Jeff Clarke and is owed a huge debt of gratitude from our community for the legacy it has provided. That Kodak talent, former and current, has helped the Rochester and Finger Lakes economy remain steady and avoid the peaks and valleys caused by events such as the recession of 2008. The Rochester Chamber Top 100 companies are a testament to that economic stability. Each year, every one of our Rochester Chamber Top 100 companies has a compelling story to tell. Some of those stories include CEOs who risk their life savings, mortgage their homes, and put themselves in great financial peril to achieve their dreams and visions. When they walk up to the stage at the Rochester Chamber Top 100 Awards, it’s a celebration of attaining that dream. Last year’s number one company, Mirror Show Management, is a classic example. The woman-owned company has achieved great success. Thanks to Mirror Show Management’s (Continued on p. 3)

Voice of Business Business Executives, Kurt Busch Race for Charity NASCAR star Kurt Busch raced go-karts against a group of Rochester business executives as part of a Chamber Impact charity event at Rochester Chamber member Pole Position Raceway. Busch said, “It’s always fun to be able to branch what we do on track to the general public. A go-kart track is the easiest way to get everybody involved. On the corporate side, you get to see the value of what it brings to our fans. Really, there are so many different layers, but the corporate side of it is the backbone of NASCAR.” As part of the lead up to the NASCAR Cheez-It 355 at The Glen, Rochester Chamber member Watkins Glen International put up ten thousand dollars for the top three race finishers, not including Busch, to donate to a charity of their choice. Watkins Glen International President Michael Printup said, “The whole crux of racing is the sponsorship and business relationships we have. Not only regionally in New York, but also especially here in Rochester it is such a huge neighbor for us to market in.” Time Warner Cable Business Class Government Relations Director Mark Meyerhofer took the checkered flag and seven thousand dollars for United Way of Greater Rochester.

From the CEO (cont.) placement on the Top 100, this community has had the opportunity to meet CEO Donna Schultz at Rochester Chamber functions and hear the story of building her tradeshow company from the ground up starting in 1993 and now managing nearly 1,000 shows a year for some of the biggest companies in the world. Since her appearance at last year’s Top 100, Donna has become a great representative of not only her company, but also the Rochester business community. It’s a fine example of how the Rochester Chamber Top 100 can now give other companies a chance to weigh in and tell their stories. Nominations for this year’s Rochester

New Member Profile:

ShoreTel

Meyerhofer said, “What I really liked about this being a chamber board member was it was all about the community. It’s all about the charity at the end of the day whether it’s United Way of Greater Rochester or other charitable organizations in the area.”

ochester Chamber welcomed new member company ShoreTel in July and had a moment to get acquainted with Michael Cannova, Director of Advanced Customer Care and Rochester Site Leader to learn more about this business.

Xerox U.S. Large Enterprise Operations Vice President Mike Zimmer took second and two thousand dollars for Monroe Community College Foundation.

Tell us about your company. ShoreTel, Inc. is a provider of unified communications (UC) products, cloud services, and IP phone systems powering today’s always-on workforce. Its flexible communications solutions for contact centers and cloud, onsite, and hybrid UC environments eliminate complexity, reduce cost and improve productivity. ShoreTel is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, and has regional offices and partners worldwide. In September we will be celebrating 20 years as a company. There are around 140 employees based in Rochester and around 1,000 nationwide.

Zimmer said, “The role of the chamber is to support economic development and small, mid-size, and large businesses. I think the chamber’s role in events like this is phenomenal.” Roberts Wesleyan College President Deana Porterfield held on for third place and one thousand dollars for the Hillside Family of Agencies. Porterfield said, “The work that they do for the young people of this community, to transform their lives, to make a difference for their future is inspiring.” Other executive racers included CGI Communications CEO Bob Bartosiewicz, Rochester Chamber CEO Bob Duffy, Gallina Development President Andy Gallina, The Pike Company Chairman Tom Judson, TruForm Manufacturing President Tyrone Reaves, and Eastman Kodak CTO Terry Taber. See page photos on page 6, click here for Facebook photo album.

Chamber Top 100 Awards are closed, but the celebration, our biggest event of the year, lies ahead. A special thanks goes to this year’s presenting sponsor, ESL Federal Credit Union and all of the other sponsors that make the event possible. Let’s fill the convention center November 3 to celebrate 100 strong companies for all that they do to keep our economy growing and creating jobs. For more information on the dinner, a precelebration vendor showcase, and sponsorship opportunities, visit the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce website at http:// bit.ly/22HpQGs or contact Susan George at Susan.George@GreaterRochesterChamber. com or (585) 256-4612.

What prompted you to join the chamber? Being members will allow us to increase our visibility throughout Rochester, create networking opportunities, and provide us access to multiple services to enhance our workforce. What business or economic challenges are you currently facing? ShoreTel is a growing global company in the competitive technology space, and we face the challenge of hiring top talent to join our team. We would like to grow our presence in Rochester. In order to do that are faced with the challenge of getting awareness of ShoreTel out to the community. What is your business outlook? ShoreTel is focused on delivering the best in business communication solutions to our customers. Many companies are moving these systems to the cloud and we can provide them a reliable, cost-effective option. We also have onsite and hybrid solutions, giving customers the flexibility to choose what best meets their needs. www.shoretel.com

www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Voice of Business Goldilocks Effect Seminar Examines Workplace Confidence

reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce hosted a biz.Exchange Professional Development Series event entitled “Igniting Women in Leadership: The Goldilocks Effect.” Presenter Jennifer Green-Wilson of The Leadership Institute shared insight on how the “Goldilocks Effect” may be a real barrier faced by women in leadership and emerging as leaders. Women in formal and informal leadership roles often spend time wondering if their “porridge”, or demeanor, is “too hot” or “too cold”. GreenWilson gave the 200 people in the audience advice on how to lead “just right.” Green-Wilson said, “A lot of times, women in leadership roles spend a lot of time figuring out if they’re too aggressive or too quiet. We all individually have a lot of work to do

so that we can discover our true, authentic leadership style. Once we find our passions and our strengths, we become really confident. Then, when women support each other, we can really be effective as leaders.” The session aimed at starting a dynamic conversation to strengthen a collective ability in women to support each other as they forge their leadership styles. Green Wilson said, “The most important thing for effective leadership is developing emotional intelligence. It starts with self-awareness, which is understanding how we respond and react to different situations and how others respond to how we interact with them. Then, we have a choice on how we manage and adapt when we interact with other people so

we can be more effective.” East House Corporation Administrative Assistant Arnita Thomas-McMillon said she couldn’t wait to share what she learned with other women in her office. Thomas-McMillon said, “Emotion is a big deal, women being too emotional and just understanding that there are some things that we are emotional about. However, emotion can be good. I also learned how to be more collaborative and rethink and address how I deal with things. The collaborative relationships are important but part of it is how I think about me first.” At the end of the session, Green-Wilson encouraged participants to create an action plan for personal leadership development.

Rochester Chamber Members Get Behind-the-Scenes Airport Tour

reater Rochester International Airport hosted a Rochester Chamber SPOTlight tour to give members a look at the many operations inside and outside the terminals. Stops along the way included the airfield maintenance facility, the New York State Police helicopter hangar, the airport fire crash and rescue station, and the New York Army National Guard flight facility.

Director of Aviation Michael Giardina said, “I think the chamber is very important in helping us understand the community’s needs. We want the business community’s input so we can understand what the needs are for the business community. Then, we can further advocate for them on service.” Greater Rochester International airport

serves seven air providers that offer nearly 28,000 seats per week to 19 destinations non-stop. In all, Giardina said the majority, 55 percent, of Rochester Airport travelers fly for business. Giardina said, “That’s why we’re taking a comprehensive look around the field. It’s really about feedback. We are really looking for the chamber’s feedback. Some of that feedback has to do with economic development opportunities. Giardina said, “When businesses look to a community to grow, they’re looking at transportation hubs. We think we have a fabulous transportation hub. Air is the safest and fastest way to get there. It’s an important

resource for the business community. If I were opening a business or thinking about coming to Rochester I would want to know the resources available to me.” And in Rochester, that means competition up and down the Thruway. Giardina said, “We have a great airport and by using the airport that’s how you keep the airport. We have neighbors to the east and west only 60 and 90 miles away. This is a great resource.” For more Rochester Chamber SPOTlight tours and events, visit our website. Watch the video youtube.com/c/ GreaterRochesterChamberofCommerce

Rochester Chamber welcomes its new members Acura of Rochester ..................................www.drivegarber.com Classy Cookie & Deli ...............................www.classycookie.com Cook Communications LLC ..................www.cook-communications.com Family Service Communities ..................www.fsr.org Galaxy West Studios ................................. Hand-Scan ...................................................www.handscanned.com Lakeview Eye Care ....................................www.lakevieweyecare.com Mary Cariola Children’s Center ............www.marycariola.org MRM Wealth Management, LLC ..........www.mrmwealthmanagement.com Off Duty Blue Incorporated ....................www.offdutyblue.com

September/October 2016

OyaGen, Inc. ...............................................www.oyageninc.com Private Label Foods of Rochester Inc. ..www.privatelabelfoods.com Rifz Textiles Inc. ..........................................www.rifz.com Seneca Financial Advisors, LLC ..............www.senecafinancialadvisors.com ShoreTel.......................................................www.shoretel.com Summit Lubricants Inc. ............................www.quakerchem.com Syracuse University’s University College ...http://parttime.syr.edu Town & Country Travel Inc ....................www.towncountrytravel.com Tully Rinckey PLLC ....................................www.tullylegal.com Wayne ARC ..................................................www.waynearc.org

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 Rochester-China Business Exchange, a spinoff of the 2016 SelectUSA Investment Summit, met June 17 with Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.

The three-minute rotations during Speed Networking are brief, but can establish a lasting business connection.

The Chamber Business Rounds: Service session featured executives from Team APFS Wealth Management, Dixon Schwabl, Harris Beach, and Charter Communications.

Airport Director Michael Giardino led the SPOTlight Tour of Greater Rochester International Airport including the Army National Guard Flight Center.

Customer service and company culture were among the topics discussed at the Chamber Business Rounds: Construction panel discussion.

Guests mingled and exchanged business cards at the Chamber NetWORKS After 5 event while exploring The Reserve Clubhouse amenities.

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

The Chamber Business Rounds: Finance sector session featured First Niagara Risk Management, KPMG LLP, JP Morgan Chase Bank, and The Bonadio Group Rochester Office.

A recent class of the Young Adults Manufacturing Training Employment Program (YAMTEP) met with local employers at a job fair hosted by RBA Staffing.

Recent Member Company Visits

Oak Orchard Community Health Center, Inc.

O-AT-KA Milk Products Cooperative, Inc.

The Salvation Army of Greater Rochester

The Legends at Whitney

Lakeside Quality Building Products

Tully Rinckey PLLC

www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Voice of Business Upcoming Affiliate Events

Mercedes Vazquez Simmons Named Hispanic Business Person of the Year

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 • Oct. 13 - Annual Dinner Meeting nyfoodprocessors.org Greater Rochester Quality Council • Sept. 29 - Day of Quality • Oct. 6 & 7 - Day of Quality Celebration and Results www.grqc.org Small Business Council of Rochester • Sept. 14 - Boot Camp Series • Sept. 22 - Renee Tschetter Scholarship Golf Scramble • Oct. 4 - SBC Business Person of the Year Gala Luncheon • Oct. 12 - Boot Camp Series www.rochestersbc.com Rochester Hispanic Business Association • Sept. 20 - Annual Gala Award Luncheon • Oct. 18 - RHBA Lunch Series www.rochesterhba.org The Women’s Council • Oct. 2 - Fashion Week Boutique Crawl www.ROCWomenscouncil.org

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

September/October 2016

he Rochester Hispanic Business Association, a Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce affiliate, named Mercedes Vazquez Simmons its 2016 Hispanic Business Person of the Year. Vazquez Simmons is founder and president of Pretty Girl Promotions, a full-service boxing and mixed martial arts promotion company based in Rochester. RHBA Chair Vilma Burgos Torres said, “I am thrilled that we are honoring Mercedes. She has broken another glass ceiling, becoming the first Latina to gain national recognition as a boxing promoter for both male and female athletes in a once male-dominated industry.” Vazquez Simmons, the first Latina licensed boxing promoter in New York State, was named the 2014 Woman of the Year by the Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame. Born to Puerto Rican parents, her love for the sport stemmed from the strong boxing culture of Puerto Rico. She began her career in boxing management working with Spanish-speaking fighters for Rock Solid Management in New York City. In 2012,Vazquez Simmons left her role with Rock Solid and started Pretty Girl

Promotions. She has worked with champions including Lee Murtagh, Hector Camacho, Hector Camacho, Jr., Patrick Hyland, Melissa Hernandez , and up and coming fighters Lavisas Williams and Rosalinda Rodriguez. Pretty Girl Promotions hires local resources and services with estimated economic benefits exceeding $100,000 per year. The company also provides employment opportunities to the formerly incarcerated, veterans, and retired athletes. Mercedes Vazquez Simmons has a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and a Master of Business Administration degree. The Rochester Hispanic Business Association honors Vazquez Simmons with its 27th annual Hispanic Business Person of the Year award at a gala luncheon September 20 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Visit www.RochesterHBA.org for more information on the gala and the Rochester Hispanic Business Association.

Chamber Impact: Charity Race with Kurt Busch

Public Policy Voice Your Choice on Election Day 2016 By Chris Wiest Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy

here will be a number of crucial election decisions facing NY voters this year. All NYS Assembly and Senate seats are on the ballot and control of the NY Senate is in question. Republicans currently hold a razor thin “majority” and upstate races will once again play a key role in determining who leads the senate. Monroe County voters will also be electing a County Clerk in what may be one of the more hotly contested local races. Promoting active involvement in government is an ongoing priority of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, as we engage advocates of all ages in efforts to keep New York “open for business”. This past year was

a challenging one for employers, as new minimum wage and paid family leave mandates increased burdens on employers while calls for relief from high workers’ compensation costs went unanswered. It is important that candidates hear and understand employer concerns on issues such as these. Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, through its political action committee, will be endorsing candidates in state legislative races this fall. Our 11-member Committee for a Strong Economy conducts an endorsement process each year to identify candidates dedicated to the economic well-being of our community and supportive of our member interests. To be considered for endorsement, a candidate must complete a detailed questionnaire and

participate in our interview process in early October. The candidates are interviewed by the committee and other Rochester Chamber members to determine which candidate, if any, deserves endorsement. Endorsements are officially announced at an annual Endorsement Night in October and posted on our website prior to the election to assist employers and employees with voting decisions. Encourage your employees to register to vote and participate in this year’s elections and consider joining us in this year’s candidate interviews. Please visit www. elections.ny.gov for more information. If you have any questions or would like to participate in the Chamber’s candidate interview process, please contact me or Shannon Ealy at (585)256-4658.

Rochester Chamber to Host Workers’ Compensation Conference

s one of the top ranking areas of concern for members, Workers’ Compensation system reform and cost relief remains a key area of focus for Rochester Chamber Public Policy and Advocacy. On Thursday, October 20 the Rochester Chamber Workers’ Compensation Committee will host a half-day conference at RIT Inn and Conference Center to share information on reform efforts, understanding how the Workers’ Compensation system works and best practices. This event will feature NYS Workers’

Unshackle Upstate Update By Greg Biryla, Executive Director

s the summer season winds down, election season heats up. And while the Presidential race will continue to grab headlines, it’s important for the upstate business community to focus on the upcoming legislative races. As we’ve done in previous election cycles, Unshackle Upstate will release our Legislative Scorecards in early September. These Scorecards, which evaluate legislative

Compensation Board Executive Director Mary Beth Woods (tentative) to discuss recent developments at the state level. Chris Wiest, Rochester Chamber VP of Public Policy and Advocacy, will provide an overview of recent NYS Workers’ Compensation Employer Survey results, followed by a panel discussion.

significant concern” to their business, leading to the development of new safety programs (60%), re-examination of employee benefits (51%), fewer new employee hirings (34%), and increased product/service prices (27%), among others. Additional survey feedback will be shared at the conference.

Recently, Rochester Chamber completed an Employer Workers’ Compensation survey in partnership with several other upstate chambers and business groups, which led to over 200 responses from a diverse group of employers. 84% of respondents reported that Workers’ Compensation costs were “a

The conference will feature education sessions on best practices, an opportunity to “Ask the Experts” as well as a brush-up on Workers’ Comp Essentials, all led by WC Committee members. Stay tuned for more information on how to register for this event.

votes and sponsorships over the past two years, have proven very popular with upstate taxpayers. We go to great lengths to develop these Scorecards and we’re excited to share them with you.

in our endorsement process. You deserve to know which candidates are committed to improving our communities and strengthening our economy. These announcements will be made over the course of the next couple months.

In addition to the release of our Legislative Scorecards, we’ve begun the process of sending questionnaires to legislative challengers. These questionnaires will give us a sense of which candidates will fight for jobs, broad-based tax relief, and a competitive business climate.

Sitting on the sideline is not an option this election. If we don’t get engaged, we will likely see new, burdensome mandates and higher taxes coming out of Albany. We simply can’t afford that. We must get organized and energized in November and beyond.

These two items play an important role www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Human Resources Prepare now for Federal, State Labor Law Changes Effective in December

Revised Labor Law Posters

here are several important federal and state labor law changes that go into effect later this year that employers need to prepare for to ensure compliance by the effective date. The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) final rule contains changes to the exempt salary threshold and the highly compensated employee threshold which are both effective December 1, 2016. The final rule focuses primarily on updating the salary and compensation levels needed for executive, administrative and professional workers to be exempt. Specifically, the final rule: 1. Sets the standard salary level at $913 per week; $47,476 annually 2. Sets the total annual compensation requirement for highly compensated employees (HCE) at $134,004; and 3. Provides for automatic adjustments to salary and compensation levels every three years

salary basis test to allow employers to use nondiscretionary bonuses and incentive payments (including commissions) to satisfy up to 10 percent of the new standard salary level. For full details on the final rule, fact sheets, FAQs and other helpful information, visit the final rule page here. From a state perspective, the NYS minimum wage is scheduled to increase again December 31, 2016, and will increase each year thereafter until it reaches $15.00 per hour. Below is a chart of scheduled increases and dates for Greater New York State, which excludes New York City, Long Island, and Westchester as they have higher rates than the rest of NYS. Starting 2021, the annual increases needed to reach the $15 minimum wage (and $10 tipped wage) will be published by the Commissioner of Labor on or before October 1. For more information, visit the NYS Department of Labor minimum wage website.

Additionally, the final rule amends the General Minimum Wage Rate Schedule Location 12/31/16 12/31/17 12/31/18 12/31/19 Greater New York State $9.70 $10.40 $11.10 $11.80

12/31/20 $12.50

2021 TBD

2016-17 HR Forum Registration in Progress

egistration is now in progress for two popular human resource networking forums. The Senior HR Executive Forums meet monthly, providing invaluable opportunities for networking and discussion of critical HR issues. This year’s past topics included workplace violence/active shooter, employee communications, and developing managers/ leaders. These forums are organized by employee size of the participating companies, and are open to the senior HR executive or top HR professional of Rochester Chamber member companies at the Corporate and Partner levels. • •

Small Company Forum is for those businesses with fewer than 250 employees. Large Company Forum is for those with 250 or more employees. September/October 2016

A nonrefundable annual registration fee of $185 is required and covers all eight meetings for the series, which runs from October 2016 through May 2017. Questions on this forum can be directed to Kathy Richmond at (585) 256-4618 or email her.

he NYS Minimum Wage poster will change again effective December 31, 2016 as the next round of schedule increases begins. In addition, there are two revised labor law posters required effective August 1, 2016: • Fair Labor Standards Act poster • Employee Polygraph Protection Act poster For those employers that prefer laminated allin-one posters, we offer members discounted labor law and other posters through GovDocs. Rochester Chamber members receive a 10% discount on anything purchased on their site, though they often run other deals on free shipping. Click here for the order from (or check out prices). You must enter promotion code GNRBA to your shopping cart to apply the 10% discount. Eligible Rochester Chamber members that would like more information on any of these topics can contact the HR Helpline staff for assistance: Kathy Richmond, sr. director, HR Services at (585) 256-4618 or Jennifer Suppé, Sr. HR Services specialist, MSHRD, PHR, SHRM-CP at (585) 256-4608.

Survey Spotlight

The Employee Relations Forum will take a break for 2016-17 as we review current forum offerings and consider alternatives. Questions can be directed to Jennifer Suppé at (585) 2564608 or email her. For more information including dates, or to register for one of these forums, click here to open a flyer and registration form. The deadline to register is September 8, 2016. Early registration is recommended as space is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contact Jennifer Suppé at (585) 256-4608 to request a resend of complimentary results for surveys you’ve participated in (Corporate and Partner members only) or to request participation instructions for the Policies & Benefits Survey.

Legal Briefing Is One Toke Over the Line? The Impact on the Workplace of Legalizing Medical Marijuana Sharon P. Stiller Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Formato, Ferrara & Wolf, LLP

elevision personality Montel Williams, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, was detained at a Germany airport in July after inadvertently leaving prescription marijuana powder in his luggage. This incident underscores that although New York has legalized medical marijuana for some illnesses, carrying or using it may nonetheless have repercussions. Effective January 2016, New York’s Compassionate Care Act (“CCA”) grants qualified permission for some New York State workers to use non-smokable medical marijuana for serious conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s Disease, epilepsy and other named diseases. This article explores some of the issues related to employment when workers carry or use medical marijuana. Because there are few cases so far in New York, cases in jurisdictions that have similarly legalized medical marijuana are instructive. Section 3362 of the CCA describes the lawful medical use of marijuana. A certified patient in New York may not be discriminated against or disciplined solely for the certified medical use or manufacture of marijuana. As a result, employers may be required to provide a reasonable accommodation to certified patients and may not discipline employees for their legal use of medical marijuana. These protections do not bar enforcement of a policy prohibiting an employee from performing employment duties while impaired by a controlled substance. However, the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), does not protect New York medical marijuana patients. Possession or use of marijuana violates the federal Controlled Substances Act, even if it is medically prescribed pursuant to state law. In addition, the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998 requires federal contractors

and recipients of federal grants to establish drug-free workplace policies in order to access federal monies, and proscribes the use and possession of marijuana, even if used for an approved medical purpose. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) also maintains comprehensive drug testing regulations, covering over seven million workers with safety-sensitive responsibilities. Under DOT rules, use of medical marijuana will be considered a positive drug test result. To the extent that New York’s CCA conflicts with these or other federal laws, employers and employees are bound by federal law. New York’s law does not authorize or immunize employers for violations of federal law. In one of the first cases looking at the issue under federal law, an assisted living facility did not violate the ADA by firing a worker following a medical examination when she tested positive for marijuana use. The court held that there was no ADA claim, since marijuana is still an illegal drug under federal law.

While New York has a lawful activities statute that protects against discrimination for using medical marijuana, it is possible that the result would be the same in New York, at least if: 1) the employer had a zero tolerance policy and 2) the use of even medical marijuana continues to be illegal under federal law. In view of these cases, employers may wish to enact policies prohibiting employees from performing their job while impaired by a controlled substance. For those employers who require post-offer, pre-employment or random drug testing, it is important to remember that the mere fact that an employee tests positive for marijuana does not mean that the employee is impaired by a controlled substance. While private nonunionized employers can readily develop those policies, private unionized employers looking to change their policies in relation to testing or in relation to medical marijuana use will be obliged to bargain over the policy modification.

Similarly, the Colorado Supreme Court held in June 2015 that a worker could be fired for failing a drug test where the company had a zero tolerance policy. The plaintiff, a state-certified medical marijuana patient, was fired by Dish Network after he failed a random drug screen. The plaintiff filed suit under Colorado’s lawful activities statute because Colorado, unlike New York, does not protect patients against employment discrimination. The lawful activities statute generally prohibits employers from terminating employees for lawful activities undertaken outside of working hours. The court held that there was no exception under the policy for medicinal use of drugs, and pointed out that the use, even of medical marijuana, was illegal under federal law.

www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Voice of Business Exporters - Online Certificates of Origin Offered by Rochester Chamber

certificate of origin (CO) is an international trade document attesting that goods in an export shipment are wholly obtained, produced, manufactured, or processed in a particular country. These documents also constitute a declaration by the exporter.Virtually every country in the world considers the origin of imported goods when determining what duty will be assessed on the goods or, in some cases, whether the goods may be legally imported at all. To help exporters ensure their shipments are compliant, chambers of commerce, like Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, play a major role in the issuance and attestation of COs, which is vital in facilitating international trade. Even with all the requirements around COs, fraud has been an ongoing issue for many countries, leading to shipping delays and in some cases, lawsuits carrying significant fines and penalties for those found to have fraudulent documents. As more countries

move to eliminate CO fraud, businesses need to be more vigilant and ensure that they are using authorized agents, such as chambers, for these important documents. Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has offered COs to exporters and freight forwarders for many years. Beginning in 2016, to simplify the process for business and to help ensure compliance, Rochester Chamber now offers online COs through an affiliation with the American World Trade Chamber of Commerce. Completing your COs online through Rochester Chamber helps eliminate the likelihood of errors and reduces the cost. Also, key information is stored, allowing for repeat certificates to be created without the need for repetitive form filling. Exporters and freight forwarders must register to access the CO program through a dedicated Rochester Chamber web portal. Once the registration form is received, login credentials will be provided by TradeCert/ Rochester Chamber. Documents will bear the seal of AWTCC, which is registered with

customs authorities worldwide. The benefits of online certificates of origin include: • All AWTCC certification staff are accredited by the International Chamber of Commerce World Chambers Federation • Same day processing • Ensures all steps have been completed in compliance with rules, regulations, and international industry best practices • Ensures transactions are secure • Reduces shipment delays due to incomplete documentation • Online certification saves on couriers, travel, postage, and parking fees • Engineered to prevent common errors with repetitive applications - perfect for high volume users • All applications are stored online with audit trail, fully searchable database and attachments For more information or to register, click here to visit the certificate of origin page on our website. Contact Michele Hefferon with any questions.

Geneva Awarded $10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative

ew York State selected the City of Geneva, Ontario County, as the winner of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative for the Finger Lakes region. The Downtown Revitalization Initiative marks a comprehensive plan to transform local neighborhoods into vibrant communities where the next generation of New Yorkers will want to live and work. Downtown Geneva was selected as part of a competitive process by the state’s Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council and will receive $10 million in state funding to revitalize the local neighborhood and generate new opportunities for longterm growth and prosperity. The award will include up to $300,000 in planning funds for private sector experts to work with a local planning committee to draft a Strategic Investment Plan that will identify specific economic development, transportation, and housing and community projects. The grant is part of a $100 million effort to improve the urban vitality of city centers across the state.

September/October 2016

Plans will be completed by early 2017. Governor Andrew Cuomo said, “Over the past six years, our Regional Councils have played an integral role in generating economic opportunity in communities across the state. The Downtown Revitalization Initiative will build on that momentum by investing in local assets to attract jobs, private investment, and transform downtown areas into vibrant, diverse, and economically active hubs. This investment will bolster Geneva’s growing job market and business district and continue the city’s economic renaissance for years to come.”

Over the last decade, Geneva has emerged as a major employment center, boasting over 200 firms and nearly 1,500 jobs in the central business district alone. Geneva’s historic walkable downtown is poised to become a vibrant retail, dining, cultural and entertainment destination for the burgeoning workforce and for students at the three local colleges. Under the DRI, the city will focus on the rehabilitation of key buildings; diversification of housing and retail options; access to healthy food; and building entrepreneurship in the downtown area.

RSVP by Tuesday, October 25 CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Voice of Business ROC the Future Aligns Community Resources By Jessica Lewis The Children’s Agenda

esearch shows that 3rd grade reading achievement is a critical indicator of future educational success. It also shows that 85% of brain development occurs in the first five years of life, which is a critical period for the development of a productive and healthy adult. In our community, students enrolled in the Rochester City School District face a mix of factors that inhibit their likelihood of success. Rochester is fifth in childhood poverty in the nation and we know that educational outcomes for children are harder to achieve for children living in concentrated poverty. Additionally, 91% of Rochester City School District students attend a chronically underperforming school. ROC the Future is a community-wide cradle to career collaborative designed to improve academic achievement for Rochester’s children, by promoting alignment and focus of community resources. The ROC the Future alliance includes more than 60 leading area institutions and community partners that focus on increasing children’s readiness for kindergarten, improving school attendance, and supporting expanded opportunities for learning. By working together on these goals, ROC the Future can collectively support learning for students and improve educational outcomes. In addition to a key leadership table, this work is led by six Collaborative Action Networks (CANs), that develop action plans to improve outcomes for all children, as measured by more than 40 indicators we track (Actrochester.org). The Perinatal CAN addresses the need for effective, developmentally supportive parenting and safe and stable housing for mothers and infants. Our School Readiness CAN develops action plans to conduct developmental screenings for three-year-olds to support their readiness for school. The Attendance CAN is focused on improving the attendance of chronically absent K-3 students, which is a key indicator of future academic failure. The Expanding Learning Opportunities CAN focuses on supporting out-of-school time providers

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to better assess social-emotional learning, student engagement, health and wellness, life and career skills, and other critical areas that impact success in school and in life. The Rochester College Access Network CAN seeks to increase the number of students going to college by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and also supports local college visits for 10th graders.

9/7 Investing in Rochester:

Early Childhood Education is Economic Development

9/13 Chamber Member SPOTlight Tour: Gorbel

Our newest workgroup is the Parent Engagement CAN (PECAN), whose focus is on increasing opportunities for parents and families to authentically engage in learning and supporting their children, from cradle to career. By its very nature, this work group will work with all the other CANs, and support alignment between them. Last year, ROC the Future accomplished several goals including reducing chronic absence by 10.7%, helping to secure funding for comprehensive, integrated developmental screenings for 3-year-olds (GROW Rochester), expanded evidence-based book distribution, increased summer learning opportunities by 25%, and increased filings of college financial aid forms. For more on ROC the Future visit www.rocthefuture.org.

9/15 Chamber Business Rounds: Information Technology 9/20 Hispanic Business Association Awards 9/28 Chamber NetWORKS After 5 at Airport Hangar 10/4 Small Business Council Awards 10/13 Chamber Business Rounds: Manufacturing 10/20 Speed Networking Register at GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Friday HR Briefings September 16 - Implementing a Compliant Wellness Program September 23 - ACA Changes - Important Next Steps for Employers October 7 - Conducting Internal Investigations October 21 - Creating an Integrated Absence Management Program

From Bob and the rest of the team at Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, we appreciate your continued support!

www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

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

Sept. 14-Oct. 12 HR Mgmt Series - Full Series Sept. 14 HR Mgmt Series: Recruiting/ Retention Sept. 14 HR Mgmt Series: Development Sept. 28 HR Mgmt Series: Benefits Administration

biz. Exchange: Igniting Women in Leadership: Breaking through the Goldilocks Effect

Sept. 30-Oct. 28 Leadership for Managers Oct. 12 HR Mgmt Series: Compensation Plan Design Oct. 21 HR Mgmt Series: Legal Update Oct. 15-29 Successful Supervision

Training Held at Logical Operations Register at www.newhorizonsatlo.com/greater-rochester-chamber-of-commerce

Sept. 01+ MS SharePoint Foundation 2010 Level 2 Sept. 06 MS Office Excel 2010 - Part 1 Sept. 07 MS Office Excel 2010 - Part 2 Sept. 09 MS Office Outlook 2010 - Part 1 Sept. 09 MS Office Outlook 2013 - Part 1 Sept. 12+ 0697-2 Deploying and Managing Windows 10 Using Enterprise Services Sept. 14 From HR Metrics Reporting to Impactful Analytics Sept. 15 MS Office Excel 2013 - Part 1 Sept. 16 MS Office Excel 2013 - Part 2 Sept. 19 Adobe Photoshop CC: Part 1 Sept. 19+ CompTIA Network+ Certification Sept. 20 Word 2010 - Part 1 Sept. 20 Employment Law Basics Sept. 20 Escape Your Email Overload Workshop Sept. 21 MS Office Project 2016 - Part 1 Sept. 22 SQL Querying - Level 1 Fundamentals of Querying Sept. 23 SQL Querying - Level 2 Advanced Querying Sept. 26 20417 Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012 Oct. 03+ MS Office Access 2010 - Part 1 Oct. 03+ MS Office Access 2013 - Part 1 Oct. 04+ NCTA Cloud Technologies Oct. 05 MS Office Word 2016 - Part 1 Oct. 06 MS Office Access 2010 - Part 2 Oct. 06 MS Office Access 2013 - Part 2 Oct. 06 MS Office Word 2016 - Part 2 Oct. 07 MS Office Project 2016 - Part 2

Oct. 10 MS Office Excel 2013 - Part 1 Oct. 10+ 20410 Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 Oct. 11 MS Excel 2013 - Part 2 Oct. 12 MS Excel 2013 Programming with VBA Oct. 12 MS Excel 2010 Programming with VBA Oct. 13 MS Office Project 2010 - Level 1 Oct. 14 MS Office Excel 2013 - Part 3 Oct. 17 MS SharePoint Foundation 2013: Site User Oct. 17+ 50255 Managing Windows Environments with Group Policy Oct. 18 MS Office Excel 2016 - Part 2 Oct. 18 MS Office PowerPoint 2013 - Part 1 Oct. 18 CyberSAFE (Securing Assets for the End User) Oct. 19 PowerPoint 2010 - Part 2 Oct. 19 PowerPoint 2013 - Part 2 Oct. 20 Getting Organized: the GO System Oct. 20 MS Office Outlook 2013 - Part 1 Oct. 21 MS Office Outlook 2013 - Part 2 Oct. 24 SharePoint Foundation 2013: Site Owner Oct. 25 MS Office Excel 2016 - Part 1 Oct. 26 Strategic Thinking Oct. 27 MS Office Excel 2016 - Part 2 Oct. 28 MS Office Excel 2016 - Part 3 Oct. 31 SharePoint Foundation 2013: Site Administrator Oct. 31+ 20697-1 Installing and Configuring Windows 10

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