September/October 2017 Newsletter

Voice of Business

Newsletter

September/October 2017

Bob Duffy Named Finger Lakes Regional Council Co-chair

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he Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council (FLREDC) announced that Governor Andrew Cuomo appointed Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Duffy as co-chair of the council. Duffy replaces Wegmans Food Markets Chairman Danny Wegman, who stepped down after serving six years as FLREDC co-chair. Duffy joins Monroe Community College President Anne Kress as co-leaders of the council.

Duffy said, “I am honored and grateful to Governor Cuomo for this appointment to serve as co-chair of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council. I look forward to working with Anne Kress, and all of the team members who have done a fantastic job since the governor convened these councils in 2011. I would also like to thank Danny Wegman for his incredible commitment to the council and to our community. We are all better off for his having worked on our behalf. We have important work ahead of us now as we move the Finger Lakes forward, ensuring economic prosperity for the region.”

The FLREDC works to grow the economy

This issue sponsored by:

economic leader.

Wegman said, “It was an honor to serve as a co-chair for the FLREDC for the last six years. Governor Cuomo developed a great program for economic development and it has attracted many dedicated people working to make the Finger Lakes better. We have made headway on a number of projects including helping people in poverty through workforce development, rejuvenating the Eastman Business Park, building a more robust Ag and Food ecosystem, and laying a foundation for the Finger Lakes to be a major factor in the digital revolution. We believe the future is bright for our region and we will continue to help Anne Kress and Bob Duffy wherever we can to make that future a reality.”

in the nine county Finger Lakes region which includes Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties. While serving as New York Lieutenant Governor, Duffy served as statewide chairman of the regional councils, which aim to rebuild the economy and position New York as an innovative, global

The announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. New York State has invested more than $3.4 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing.

inside The importance of workforce development

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New member profile: Leonard’s Express

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Martin named Hispanic Business Person of the Year

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Farewell to summer interns

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2016-2017 Board Officers Rob Sands, Chairman of the Board Constellation Brands, Inc. John Pitton,Vice Chair Bank of America Brian Flanagan, Second Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer Nixon Peabody LLP

Senior Staff

Robert J. Duffy President and CEO

Bill Anderson Sr. Director, Membership, Sales, and Events Bill.Anderson@GreaterRochesterChamber.com Colleen DiMartino Chief of Staff/Manager of Administrative Services Colleen.DiMartino@GreaterRochesterChamber. com Kevin Donahue Director, Membership Kevin.Donahue@GreaterRochesterChamber.com Susan George Director, Events and Affiliate Relations Susan.George@GreaterRochesterChamber.com Burt Parks Sr. Director, Business Services Burt.Parks@RBAstaffing.com Kathy Richmond Sr. Director, Human Resource Services Kathy.Richmond@GreaterRochesterChamber. com Nina Shelton Director, Group Health Insurance Nina.Shelton@GreaterRochesterChamber.com Dan Smith Sr. Director, Communications Dan.Smith@GreaterRochesterChamber.com Tammy Stefani Chief Financial Officer Tammy.Stefani@GreaterRochesterChamber.com Chris Wiest Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy Chris.Wiest@GreaterRochesterChamber.com Kristin Graves, Newsletter Editor Voice of Business is the official newsletter of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, published at 150 State St., Rochester, NY 14614.

Articles printed are for information only and are not intended to render legal advice.

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September/October 2017

From the CEO

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have mentioned many times in this column and in presentations I give that one of the chief complaints I hear from Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce members is that in order for them to stay and grow here, they need to have an available and qualified workforce to fill open positions.

There is not a lack of jobs in the Finger Lakes region. There is a lack of workers ready to take on those jobs.

Something that really puzzles me is the amount of money that our community has spent on workforce development over many years and many different areas, yet we still hear an outcry from employers that they can’t find qualified workers for open jobs. With so many open jobs, we still see concentrated poverty, not only in the city of Rochester, but also in all nine counties that make up the Finger Lakes region served by Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. We have a perfect storm of opportunity here but somehow we are not making the proper connections. This does not mean that someone or some organization is doing something wrong or there is a failure, it means that we must innovate to find ways to make a difference.

There are so many silos and entities that operate with the best of intentions. We need to keep working to break down those silos and work as a team throughout the region to create and match a qualified workforce with employer demand.

I recently sat on a panel at a manufacturing forum hosted by Congressman Tom Reed.

A member of the audience who had an education and manufacturing background told us that we have to think about preparing people to work as early as the fourth grade.

He said that exposing children at a younger age to a variety of careers that perhaps parents and guidance counselors are not thinking about could spark interest and lead to a very well-paying career with high demand down the road. These opportunities run from construction to skilled manufacturing to machining and much more. Our manufacturing floors now are not the manual labor workplaces of 30 plus years ago. Technology and robotics have increased productivity, but need skilled, trained workers as operators.

Many of our schoolchildren would find interest in this technology if they only knew about it at a young enough age. Every time I tour

a company, I come away fascinated and encouraged by the high level of technology and expertise in our region. Giving children a chance to see this first-hand can make a difference.

On that note, another Bob Duffy part of Rochester Chamber’s workforce development efforts is making connections with the education community here to get students more deeply involved in co-op, internship, and experiential learning programs, not only in high school, but also at the elementary and middle school levels.

We are not looking to completely overhaul a challenged education system here, but we do see the need to make some changes that help move the needle in a positive direction.

Beyond this, we have to go back to the adage of teaching our children how to work. I have heard from employers several times in just the past couple months that they desperately need workers with the soft skills to show up on time every day ready to work and they can help teach them the rest about a specific job.

A “crash course” in soft skills for someone in their late teens or 20s cannot have the impact that teaching these skills from early childhood can have.

We should not have people living in poverty or leaving the area when we have all of these jobs and opportunities here that are either going unnoticed or unaddressed. I’m tired of hearing that people are fleeing New York when in all honesty we are not doing a very good job of keeping them here. Let’s focus on our varied assets here when addressing our needs now and in the future. It comes down to creating new lines of communication and a much more collaborative atmosphere across the region between schools, employers, government, and workforce development entities. We cannot all work in our individual silos and expect results.

Voice of Business Rochester Chamber CLIMB Debuts at Wegmans Organic Farm

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reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce CLIMB held the first event of its 20172018 inaugural season with a trip to the Wegmans Organic Farm in Canandaigua.

CLIMB stands for Chamber Leadership Initiative: Mentoring for Business, a ten-month experiential program designed to connect young professionals with business leaders across multiple sectors of the Finger Lakes economy. Thirty-one participants representing 28 Rochester-area companies are part of the inaugural cohort.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Executive Program Manager of Health Care and Network Management Shaquana Divers said, “Some of the takeaways from our visit to Wegmans Organic Farm were thinking long-term, focusing on relationships with the people that you serve, and when you think that you’re doing a good job, change. Innovate to go even further to serve people. I think many businesses and individuals can apply these strategies to achieve success.”

Some of the activities that filled the day-long session at Wegmans Organic Farm included a presentation on Wegmans’ corporate mission and leadership from VP of Organizational Management Anne Meath, a “Gentle Yoga” session with Stency Wegman, a tour of the farm with a panel discussion featuring farm

New Member Profile: Leonard’s Express

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ochester Chamber welcomed new member company Leonard’s Express in July and had a moment to get acquainted with CEO Ken Johnson to learn more about this business.

leaders, and an introduction to evolutionary leadership from Rochester Chamber member The XLR8 Team.

“It was certainly an eye-opening experience,” said Canandaigua National Bank & Trust New Media Coordinator Ashley DiDia. “I think an underlying theme that we are going to see in the CLIMB program is a sense of community and the building of long-term relationships.

That’s really how our whole community is going to continue to grow. It’s a strategic advantage that we have right here as young professionals to help grow and sustain this community.”

Tell us about your company: The former owners of KJ Transportation formed Leonard’s Express in 2001. It was initially a freight brokerage connecting small to mid-size carriers with freight to move. Over time, company owned trucks were added along with warehousing and third party logistics management. Including its Farmington headquarters, Leonard’s Express operates out of 21 offices throughout the United States. Current employment is over 500.

CLIMB gives participants an inside look at local success stories directly from top executives and their teams through nine signature events.

Community and political leaders will also weigh in on crucial issues facing the Finger Lakes region.

The next event in September focuses on the “Finger Lakes Forward” industries of Optics, Photonics, and Imaging as well as Finger Lakes wine with visits to GS Plastic Optics and Three Brothers Wineries.

At the conclusion of CLIMB’s first cohort in May 2018, participants employed by Rochester Chamber member companies will be invited to serve a one-year term on the chamber’s Future Leaders Advisory Council. Learn more at http://bit.ly/CLIMB2017.

We have a perfect event series sponsorship to suit you!

Click here for details

What prompted you to join?

We find that being a part of organizations, like Rochester Chamber, helps us network with potential customers and employees.

Additionally the educational component is a valuable resource for knowledge, especially keeping up with the everchanging regulations that businesses face today. We are also supportive of the advocacy efforts that Rochester Chamber is involved in.

What business challenges are you facing?

The biggest challenge our company and industry faces is finding qualified drivers and diesel technicians. Although the pay and benefits for both of these occupations can be very good, we are finding that the younger generations are not attracted to them. As an industry and a company, we need to change that perception.

What is your business outlook?

We expect the next year to be a time of economic growth for our industry.

New regulations and challenges in finding qualified drivers will squeeze capacity in our industry increasing the business opportunities. We are also seeing increasing demands for our warehousing and logistic clients indicating that they are seeing a growth in business demands.

We feel that Leonard’s Express is well positioned to take advantage of these opportunities.

www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

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Voice of Business Paychex Announces $58.4M Expansion in Monroe County

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reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Partner member Paychex announced plans to move its operations from leased facilities throughout Monroe County to one centralized location in a new multibuilding campus in the town of Henrietta.

As part of the $58.4 million project, the company will acquire five parcels of property and renovate more than 300,000 square feet of existing space at the site. The project, which is currently underway, is expected to be completed in July of 2018.

Paychex President and CEO and Rochester Chamber board and executive committee member Marty Mucci said, “Paychex is growing, and this project reflects that growth.

As we continue to invest in our technologyenabled service and expand our human capital management product offerings, we

will look to hire, train, and retain the talent to support our growth. We›ll be adding over 600 people over the next five years- primarily in the areas of technology, product development, and sales - and the economic impact to the Rochester community is meaningful. We are grateful for the investment New York State is making in ensuring that Paychex grows in our hometown.”

To encourage Paychex to invest $58.4 million and proceed with this expansion, Empire State Development has offered up to $11.5 million through the Excelsior Jobs Program in exchange for job commitments, and a Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Grant of up to $2.5 million has been committed to the project.

At an event marking the announcement, New

York Governor Andrew Cuomo said, “This project will help ensure Paychex remains a major economic driver for Monroe County and the surrounding communities and provides quality jobs for hard-working New Yorkers throughout the region. By supporting the company’s expansion and growth in the Finger Lakes, we will help create hundreds of job opportunities and continue moving the region forward.”

Founded in 1971, Paychex, Inc. has nearly 14,000 employees, including approximately 4,400 in Monroe County, who serve more than 600,000 small-to medium-sized businesses across more than 100 locations nationwide. The company is a leading provider of human capital management solutions for payroll, HR, retirement, and insurance services.

U.S. Chamber: Small Business Economic Outlook Brightens

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he third quarter U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index found that small business owners have an optimistic outlook, but challenges still remain.

Highlights of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index include: • Companies’ financial health is strong. Almost two-thirds (61%) of all small businesses report being in good financial health. More than half of small businesses with more than 20 employees report that they are in very good health.

• Economic outlook is brightening. Many small businesses are optimistic about the

overall trajectory of the economy, which corresponds with a surging stock market, higher second quarter GDP, and declining unemployment rates. However, plans to increase hiring or reinvestment in their businesses dropped slightly from the second quarter.

• Time spent on regulatory compliance is increasing for a quarter of small businesses. Nearly one in four small businesses report spending more time on licensing, compliance, and regulations over the last six months.

• Lack of qualified workers could be impacting hiring. An inability to find appropriately

skilled or trained workers appears to be impacting small businesses’ plans to increase staff over the coming year.

• Almost 60% of small businesses are concerned about cybersecurity. In addition, small businesses with 20–99 employees are more likely to be “concerned” (62%)—with one in five (18%) feeling “very concerned”— than companies with fewer than 20 employees.

Click here to see the full third quarter U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index results.

Rochester Chamber welcomes its new members Applied Energy Solutions......................... www.appliedenergysol.com At Home...................................................... www.athome.com Business Vitality LLC..................................www.bizvitality.com Camp Bow Wow Rochester.....................campbowwow.com/rochester Champions YOUniversity..........................www.championsyouniversity.com CloudCheckr...............................................www.cloudcheckr.com Connors Enterprises & Consulting, LLC...www.connorsenterprises.com Epilepsy-Pralid, Inc......................................www.epiny.org Everyone Matters, Inc................................

Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack..........www.FingerLakesGaming.com G-FORCE Collaborations........................www.g-forceusa.com HHI Staffing Services, Inc..........................

Jewish Senior Life....................................... www.JewishSeniorLife.org Julia K Caters...............................................www.juliakcaters.com KarmaBox.....................................................www.mykarmabox.com Katz Sapper & Miller...................................www.ksmcpa.com Keller Williams Realty Greater Rochester...www.KWRoc.com

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September/October 2017

Leonard’s Express, Inc....................................www.leonardsexpress.com LINQ..................................................................www.linqserv.com Mastro Graphic Arts, Inc................................www.mastrographics.com Mobilize Rescue Systems...............................www.mobilizerescue.com ModMyMods.....................................................www.modmymods.com Rochester Health Center.......................www.RochesterHealthCenter.com SciTech Consulting LLC..................................www.scitechconsultingllc.com Stefan Sydor Optics, Inc................................. www.sydor.com Stifel......................................................www.stifel.com The Digital Hyve.............................................. www.digitalhyve.com Tucker Printers....................................www.tuckerprinters.com UnitedHealthcare.........................................www.uhcmedicaresolutions.com Yeti To Work......................................................www.yetitowork.com YWCA of Rochester & Monroe County...www.ywcarochester.org *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.

On our tour of Lollypop Farm, members got an exclusive look at how the agency cares for homeless animals each year.

Rochester Chamber staff celebrated the “We #ROC� brag book, RBA Staffing ranking #1 in the RBJ Reader Ranking Poll, and United Way 100% staff participation.

Avanti Entrepreneur Group Founder David Mammano shared ideas on marketing outreach, sales, workplace culture, productivity, and foundation principles.

A panel of cybersecurity experts including Reg Harnish, F. Paul Greene, Bill Stackpole, and Chris Harrington addressed business concerns at a recent seminar.

Members got an exclusive look inside the new MCC Downtown Campus before it opened its doors to students.

Rochester Chamber discussed ESOP plans with executives from Synergy ITS and Butler/Till.

Rochester Chamber CEO Bob Duffy delivered remarks to RIT graduate students, encouraging community involvement.

Rochester Chamber staff members enjoyed an afternoon at a Rochester Red Wings game.

Rochester Chamber, RocCity Coalition, and The Community Place of Greater Rochester, Inc. hosted an event with Rochester City Council and Rochester City School Board candidates.

Recent Member Company Visits

First American Equipment Finance Member Visit

Rochester Rehabilitation Member Visit

Qualitrol Member Visit

www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

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Voice of Business Upcoming Affiliate Events

Eugenio Marlin Named 2017 Hispanic Business Person of the Year

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reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is made up of employers big and small, in just about every industry imaginable. While our programs and events are designed for all, we recognize that there are times when employers and employees want to be among a smaller group that shares their specific business issues. Here are some of our affiliates’ upcoming events: Associated New York State Food Processors • Sept. 26: Annual Dinner nyfoodprocessors.org Greater Rochester Quality Council • Sept. 21: Performance Excellence Healthcare Forum • Oct. 5: Day of Quality • Oct. 20: Day of Quality Celebration www.grqc.org Small Business Council of Rochester • Sept. 13: SBC Boot Camp - Increase Sales, Boost Customer Retention, and Improve Profit margins • Sept. 28: Renee Tchetter Scholarship, Golf Scramble, and Fall Networking Dinner • Oct. 11: Boot Camp - Aligning People, Process, and Strategy to Achieve Your Business Goals • Oct. 24: Busines Person of the Year Gala www.rochestersbc.com Rochester Hispanic Business Association • Sept. 26: Annual Luncheon and HBPOY Award • Oct. 17: Monthly Business Lunch www.rochesterhba.org The Women’s Council • Sept. 13: Women’s Council Headshot Event • Oct. 5: Fashion Week Boutique Crawl www.ROCWomenscouncil.org

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September/October 2017

he Rochester Hispanic Business Association (RHBA), a Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce affiliate, named Eugenio Marlin its 2017 Hispanic Business Person of the Year. Marlin serves as executive vice president of Ibero-American Development Corporation, an entity that specializes in developing affordable housing and other structures for community use.

Rochester Hispanic Business Association Chairwoman Vilma Burgos Torres said, “Whatever he does, Eugenio is tireless and a great role model for the younger generation.”

Marlin previously served as vice president for development and communications at Ibero.

He also operated Marlin Communications Group as a sole proprietor as well as writing and editing several Spanish language publications. Marlin is the first Dominican to be honored as RHBA Hispanic Business

Person of the Year. Prior honorees trace their roots to Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Spain.

Marlin said, “I am honored to be named Hispanic Business Person of the Year, acknowledging that this distinction equally belongs to those who in the past and in the present have collaborated in the work that we do.”

The Rochester Hispanic Business Association honors Marlin as the 28th annual Hispanic Business Person of the Year at a gala luncheon September 26 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.RochesterHBA.org.

Call for ATHENA Awards Nominations

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reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and its Women’s Council affiliate have issued a call for nominations for the 2018 ATHENA Awards. A new addition to the program is the ATHENA Organizational Award. Rochester Chamber and the Women’s Council plan to present the awards, which recognize and empower women in business, at the 32nd annual ATHENA Awards dinner January 25, 2018.

The ATHENA Award is given annually to a professional female leader who has demonstrated significant achievements in business, community service, and the professional advancement of women.

The ATHENA Young Professional Award recognizes emerging female leaders in the 30 to 45 year old range who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession and serve as a role model for young women both personally and professionally.

The ATHENA Organizational Award goes to a woman-owned or woman-led business or

organization that creates a culture encouraging women employees to achieve their full leadership potential and supports leadership development opportunities for women and girls in the community.

Nocon & Associates Private Wealth Advisor Nannette Nocon received the 31st annual ATHENA Award. Melisza Campos, Dale Carnegie vice president of operations and instruction master trainer, took home the third annual ATHENA Young Professional Award.

To nominate a distinguished woman business leader for the ATHENA Award, an outstanding emerging professional woman for the ATHENA Young Professional Award, or a woman-owned or woman-led organization for the ATHENA Organizational Award, visit http://bit.ly/ATHENAnoms. Only online submissions will be accepted. The nomination deadline is September 29.

For additional information, contact Nina Shelton at (585) 265-4644.

Public Policy Upcoming Policy and Legislative Events

By Chris Wiest Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy

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s summer comes to a close and the political winds begin to stir ahead of fall elections and legislative sessions, Rochester Chamber has a number of upcoming events to keep you informed and engaged on the policy front.

Policy Matters: US Chamber Federal Update. On September 12, Rochester Chamber hosts its next Policy Matters event from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency. The session topic will be a federal update delivered by Ron Eidshaug,VP of Congressional and Public Affairs, from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Eidshaug oversees a team of 15 Capitol Hill lobbyists and focuses much of his work on regulatory reform. He understands issues impacting New York employers having served as a policy analyst in Governor Pataki’s office of regulatory reform. Eidshaug will share an inside perspective on what is happening (and not happening) in Washington on areas of importance to employers including the prospects for health care as well as tax and regulatory reform. Cocktails and refreshments will be provided. Click here to register.

Candidate Interviews and Endorsements. The Committee for a Strong Economy, Rochester Chamber’s political action committee, will be interviewing candidates this fall for Mayor, Rochester City Council, and Monroe County Legislature races.

The 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. If you would like to participate in Rochester Chamber’s candidate interview process, please contact Shannon Ealy at (585) 256-4658 or Shannon.ealy@greaterrochesterchamber.com .

If you have questions on any of the above, please feel free to contact me at (585) 256-4626 or Chris.Wiest@ GreaterRochesterChamber.com .

Tax Reform Under History’s Light As a preview to our September 12 Policy Matters event, take a look at this excerpt from an article by U.S. Chamber of Commerce Sr.VP J.D. Foster that originally ran on the U.S. Chamber’s “Above the Fold”:

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ax reform’s chances are better in this Congress than at any time in the past 30 years. Thus, comparisons come naturally to the events leading up to the 1986 Tax Reform Act (TRA86). These comparisons are useful for the similarities and the differences, both of which provide insights as to how to assure success today.

One important similarity is TRA86 brought to conclusion a long and detailed debate about tax policy. Our current efforts also rest on a lengthy debate recently brought to the fore. An important difference, however, is TRA86 was enacted as a widely accepted “should do,” whereas tax reform in 2017 is much more of a “must do.”

TRA86 was the product of an extended period of consensus building and analysis. For those new to the debate, today’s strong momentum for comprehensive, pro-growth tax reform may seem to have arisen out of thin air, but, in fact, this debate has ebbed and flowed almost without pause since 1986.

In the 1990s, as the Flat Tax gained greater acceptance, tax reform topped the national agenda with Steve Forbes leading the charge. But this effort soon deflated along with Forbes’ 1996 presidential campaign.

Tax reform again gained traction briefly after the 2004 election with the

release of the superb report of the presidential commission led by former Democratic Senator John Breaux and former Republican Senator Connie Mack. However, this effort, too, led to naught, a victim of competing priorities and a lack of consensus.

Tax reform today Even as years of inaction passed, pressure to reform the federal income tax code rose steadily from all sides. In part, this pressure arose because the U.S. economy was changing rapidly, and the tax code became an ever-worse fit for a modern economy.

In part, the pressure arose because even as America stood pat, America’s major trading partners did not. They were cutting business tax rates steadily and almost all were moving toward a territorial tax system to allow their businesses to compete more effectively in a global business climate of increasing intensity.

American companies are managing to compete successfully today but with ever greater difficulty under the federal tax system. Failure to reform the tax system would not result overnight in significant decline in Americans’ long-run economic prospects. But it would most assuredly do so over the next few years as both financial and human capital is driven overseas.

Tax reform is one task Congress and the president simply have to get right if America is to prosper. Click here to read the full U.S. Chamber of Commerce article. www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

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Human Resources Prepare Now for State 2017-18 Sr. HR Executive Forum Registration Minimum Wage and in Progress he Senior HR Executive Forums meet monthly, providing invaluable opportunities for Salary Threshold T networking and discussion of critical HR issues. These forums are organized by employee Changes size of the participating companies, and are open to the senior HR executive or top HR

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mployers are reminded that the next NYS minimum wage increase is scheduled for December 31, 2017, and will continue to increase each year thereafter until it reaches $15.00 per hour. Below is a chart of dates for remaining scheduled increases 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.

Greater New York State

12/31/17 12/31/18 12/31/19 12/31/20 2021

Minimum Wage

Salary Threshold

$10.40 $11.10 $11.80 $12.50 TBD

$780 $832 $885 $937.50 TBD

In addition to the minimum wage increases, the salary threshold for the executive and administrative exemptions under state labor law (the NYS salary threshold does not apply to the professional exemption) will also increase December 31, 2017. Employers in upstate New York must comply with an increase from $727.50 per week to $780 per week effective December 31, 2017. The chart above also lists the statewide salary threshold requirements through 2021.

Rochester Chamber Corporate, Partner and Business Builder members that would like more information on how to prepare for these changes 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.

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September/October 2017

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.

A list of topics covered in both groups this past year included strategic initiatives, Great Place to Work process, employee engagement, recognition, and social media use in recruiting.

A nonrefundable annual registration fee of $185 is required and covers all eight meetings for the series, which runs from October 2017 through May 2018. Questions on this forum can be directed to Kathy Richmond at (585) 256-4618 or email her.

For more information including meeting dates, or to register for one of these forums, click here to view a flyer and registration form. The deadline to register is September 12, 2017. Early registration is recommended as space is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Revised Labor Law Posters

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he NYS Minimum Wage poster will change again effective December 31, 2017 as the next round of scheduled increases begins.

Employers will be required to post the new poster starting December 31, 2017. NYS typically releases the new poster within a week or so of the effective date of the change and it can be found on the minimum wage website above.

For those employers that prefer laminated all-in-one posters, Rochester Chamber offers 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 deals on free shipping. To order or check out prices, go to http:// www.laborlawposter.com/. You must enter promotion code GN-RBA to your shopping cart to apply the 10% discount.

Please keep in mind, GovDocs gets access to the poster when employers do, and it takes a few weeks to update all the all-in-one posters with the new information. So if you order an all-in-one before the end of January, we recommend asking GovDocs if it will contain

the new poster or not. Employers can print and tape the new NYS poster over the old one so you are in compliance while you wait for your new poster.

Rochester Chamber Corporate, Partner and Business Builder members 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

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).

Voice of Business Seminar Focuses on Leadership Style

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he July Rochester Chamber biz.Exchange Professional Development Series presentation “Igniting Women in Leadership” drew nearly 200 to the Strong Auditorium. Presenter Dr. Jennifer Green-Wilson of the Leadership Institute told those gathered that developing a leadership style is hard work.

Green-Wilson said, “We are all very different and how we interact with each other is very different. So, the work actually starts from inside out. The first person that we lead is ourselves. We tend to think leadership is about leading others, and eventually we get there, but the main message is we have to start from inside and we have to develop that self-awareness in terms of how our style tends to be and how we want our style to be.”

Green-Wilson shared several leadership tips including developing assertive communication skills, increasing emotional intelligence, and leading through conflict.

“We need to reframe conflict and look at it as the good news about conflict,” Green-Wilson said. “If we’re really having those more difficult situations, that means we’re getting everybody’s different viewpoint on the table. The challenge is, sometimes if we get into the phenomenon of groupthink, if we don’t hear from everyone sitting around the table; we don’t really have the best decision. We’re all different. We sit at the table and we’re going to think differently. We’re going to look at things differently and we’re going to speak differently. How do we get all of those views out? How do we work through those views? How do we allow all of those different views to all have some role in making the decision? Then, continuing to work through that tension, we actually end up making a much better decision.”

Another tip Green-Wilson shared is keeping up your energy as a leader.

Green-Wilson said, “We need to come in with excitement every day. That’s a conscious choice. So, Monday morning when we show up, or Tuesday and it’s raining and gray, we have to bring that excited, passionate energy to our workplace because really excited leadership is very contagious. That will have an impact on our relationships with others.”

Rochester Museum and Science Center Online Marketing Specialist Hannah Barry walked out of the presentation with ideas to take back to her office.

Barry said, “I think my biggest takeaway is being aware of your own leadership style and how you work with other people. Because, really, with yourself is where you can start the change. It’s what you have control over. We all work differently and that’s actually an asset. So, identifying that and using it to our advantage is very important.”

For more Rochester Chamber events, visit www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

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Voice of Business Summer Internships Provide Business Experience, Mentorship

G

reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce welcomed three interns for the summer. While they all come from different backgrounds, they have the common goal of learning on their way to bright futures.

Yareliza Guerrero-Pilalo comes to Rochester Chamber through the Hillside Work Scholarship Connection internship program.

A junior Criminal Justice major at The College at Brockport,Yareliza is just the fourth person in her family to graduate from high school and the first to attend college.

as dedicated as them.”

Even though Faville does not plan on a career in business, she came to Rochester Chamber for the summer to experience a professional atmosphere and make connections that may help later on. She’s especially impressed with the region’s women business leaders as a Young Women of Distinction award recipient.

Rochester Chamber summer internship to gain exposure in communicating with people who have many different views and backgrounds on how they want to make positive change in our community and beyond.

She hopes this exposure helps in her desired career as a pediatrician.

Guerrero-Pilalo said, “I only dream of one day being able to travel and provide proper care for children in different countries, whose parents are not able to afford it at times. I want to be able to help those families out and care for those children the same way my parents cared and provided for me. Going on Amy Faville earned her Rochester to my third year of college has made Chamber internship as one of four me realize I also have an interest Women’s Council 2017 Young in criminal justice and becoming an Women of Distinction honorees. immigration lawyer, so I switched my The Avon High School Class of biology major to a minor. Although it is 2017 valedictorian, Amy plans to (Left to right) Pictured above are 2017 Rochester Chamber summer a huge change both paths speak to me. interns Paige Jackson, Yareliza Guerrero-Pilalo, and Amy Faville. Growing up hearing stories about how attend the University at Buffalo as part of the Honors College and as my parents wanted to pursue careers a Presidential Scholar to major in Biomedical Faville said, “The Young Women of Distinction in the medical field but never got to, it makes Engineering. program has already given me many new me want to achieve my goal of becoming a friends within my fellow finalists and has pediatrician even more. In a way, not only will Paige Jackson also received her Rochester opened my eyes to just how many amazing and I be accomplishing my goals but theirs as well.

Chamber internship as part of the strong professional women and young women Becoming an immigration lawyer would also Hillside Work Scholarship Connection. are out there. It is an inspiring program that make them proud. This hits very close to The 2016 Wilson Magnet High School has definitely reminded me that women can home. Growing up with close family members graduate is working on her degree in be just as successful as men in the professional with documentation issues has really made Business Administration with a minor in workplace. As a recipient of the scholarship, me interested in this career path. As I am at a Communications at Monroe Community it has eased the burden of college expenses crossroads, for now I will be fulfilling classes College. Jackson accepted the Rochester for me as well as providing me with a valuable needed to get into medical school with my Chamber internship to learn more about the internship and for that I am extremely grateful. biology minor while completing my criminal business world.

I have no doubt my connection to the Young justice major.”

Women of Distinction program will continue Jackson said, “Here, I would be able to not to impact my life in positive ways and open To learn more about the Hillside Work only be a part of a bigger cause, but I would doors in the years to come.”

Scholarship Connection, click here. For also be face to face with individuals that can more on the Young Women of Distinction guide me to the right places to be successful. Guerrero-Pilalo said she accepted the scholarship program, click here.

Orientation was the icing on the cake. As I met with everyone and learned who they were, what they did at the chamber and the “We #ROC” brag book is available in tasks I would have throughout the summer, digital format at my excitement moved to eagerness because I knew I was in the right place. I’m getting to know those who desire to make change in Rochester Chamber encourages individuals this city and I have the chance to pick their or organizations interested in print brains and give feedback that I already see editions to pick them up at 150 State Street, making an impact. I want to achieve lasting Rochester, NY. Email ahead at relationships through networking and make Chamber@GreaterRochesterChamber.com an impact on the people I meet while asking questions and making it clear that I am just

bit.ly/WeROCbook

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September/October 2017

Voice of Business

Rochester Chamber’s RBA Staffing division took the number one spot on the 2017 Rochester Business Journal and The Daily Record Reader Rankings for Best Staffing Agency. RBA Staffing Sr. Director of Business Services Burt Parks and Director of Business Services Ferah Roman accepted the plaque on behalf of the RBA Staffing team that RBJ and The Daily Record readers ranked the best in the region in an online survey. Publisher Suzanne Fischer-Huettner said, “This isn’t just a popularity contest for businesses. Readers of the Rochester Business Journal and The Daily Record are educated, affluent decision-makers. They’re on top of the latest developments in business and law.”

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!

(585) 256-4647 www.RBAstaffing.com

Friday HR Briefings Sept. 8 - Effectively Coaching and Counseling

Employees Sept. 22 - Emergency Management and

Business Continutiy Planning Sept. 29 - Mobilize Now Community

Response Training *8:00-10:00 a.m.

Oct. 6 - TBA Oct. 20 - The Importance of Employee

Training and Development 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 www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

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

September 13 HR Management Series: Recruiting/Retention (8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)

This session reviews legal interviewing, screening questions, behavior interviewing, and an in-class interviewing exercise.

September 13 HR Management Series: Human Resource Development (12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

This session reviews new hire orientation, generational differences in the workplace, succession planning, performance evaluations, and employee engagement.

September 27 HR Management Series: Employee & Labor Management Relations (8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)

This session reviews employee complaint investigations, strategies for working with unions, harassment in the workplace, employee discipline, violence in the workplace.

September 27 HR Management Series: Benefits Administration (12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

This session reviews ERISA,Workers’ Compensation, FMLA, Medicare reform, update to Affordable Care Act, benefits costing exercise, and update to 2016 benefits limitations.

October 4 Preparing for NYS Increases to the Minimum Wage & Salary Threshold (8:00 - 10:30 a.m.)

The next round of scheduled NYS minimum wage increases will be effective on December 31, 2017. This triggers an increase to the NYS weekly salary threshold used to determine eligibility for exempt status. Both of these pose numerous challenges to employers. Join us as Betty Richardson, president of Rewarding Solutions LLC, reviews the changes and discusses what employers should be doing now to ensure compliance by December.

October 11 HR Management Series: Compensation Plan Design (8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)

This session reviews FLSA, salary ranges, broad bands, job ranking/slotting, point factor analysis, and a job description rating exercise.

October 11 HR Management Series: Legal Update (12:30 - 4:00 p.m.)

This session reviews recent law and mandated changes and their impact as well as challenges of implementation.

October 11 Leadership for Managers (8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

Learn to create an environment of trust where people do better work by building a higher trust. Integrate generational differences into leadership mindset.

Improve interpersonal skills and build emotional intelligence.

October 19 NYS Paid Family Leave: Tools Employers Need to Prepare (8:00 - 10:30 a.m.)

Effective January 1, 2018, private employers with employees in New York State will be mandated to provide Paid Family Leave benefits to eligible employees.

Join us as Luke Wright, labor and employment attorney at Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, discusses how employers will actually implement the new PFL law.

October 31 Successful Supervison (8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

Successful supervision is a function of role clarity, the achievement of goals, the development of people, decision-making skill, successful delegation, effective communication, and the selection and retention of talent.

Upcoming Events

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

September 12 Policy Matters: U.S. Chamber Federal Update September 14 Chamber member SPOTlight Tour: Hammer Packaging September 19 We #ROC YP Trivia Night September 21 Speed Networking at RPM Raceway October 3 Chamber Business Rounds: Higher Education October 19 Rochester TRENDS: Leading High-Performing Teams

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