Table of Contents

CONN-OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health………………………………………………………………………..4

Workplace Safety, Guidelines and Public Education

Department of Economic & Community Development…………………………………………………………....5

Financial Incentives

Employer Outreach Contacts

Department of Labor………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...7

Financial Incentives

Business & Employment Services Contacts

Recruitment Assistance

Public Education & Labor Information

Workplace Guidelines

Layoff Aversion & Support

Department of Rehabilitation Services……………………………………………………………………………………12

Financial Incentives

Recruitment Assistance

Business Engagement Contacts

Workforce Development Boards…………………………………………………………………………………………….14

Business Services Representatives

Connecticut Employment & Training Commission..………………………………………………………………..15

Business Engagement Committee Members

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CONN-OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health

Workplace Safety, Guidance and Public Education

Connecticut Occupational Safety and Health Act (CONN-OSHA)

A no-cost service provided to public and private employers who request a consultation concerning OSHA regulations and standards.

Contact Information (860) 263-6900 www.CONNOSHA.com

Public Education Events

CONN-OSHA Breakfast Roundtable Discussion Group

Held on the third Thursday of every month, the meetings cover subjects ranging from evacuation plans and fire extinguishers to air quality and ergonomics. The no-cost workshops discuss safety and health issues in a supportive and informal environment.

Contact information John Able (860) 263-6902 John.Able@ct.gov

CONN-OSHA Training Events

An online calendar offering a variety of no-cost employer training events ranging from proper record keeping to work zone safety. Pre-registration is required for these events. Listings of upcoming trainings can be found at www.ctdol.state.ct.us/osha/calendar.htm.

Contact information Catherine Zinsser (860) 263-6942 Catherine.Zinsser@ct.gov

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Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD)

Financial Incentives for Employers

Small Business Express Program (EXP)

Any small business operating in Connecticut, registered to conduct business for no less than 12 months, is in good standing with all state agencies and has less than 100 employees are eligible to apply. This financial incentive provides loans and grants to small businesses to prompt job creation and growth. This program has three different fund types, revolving loan fund, job creation loan fund and matching grant fund. The revolving loan fund amounts from $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000; job creation loan fund amounts from $10,000 to a maximum of $300,000; matching grant fund amounts from $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000. Up to 4% interest and maximum 10-year term.

Contact Information Michelle Peters Sheila Hummel (860) 270-8052 (860) 270-8105

Michelle.Peters@ct.gov Sheila.Hummel@ct.gov

Job Expansion Tax Credit (JET)

Tax credits of $500 per month for each new full-time job created. If the new employee is receiving vocational rehabilitative services from the Bureau of Rehabilitative Services, unemployment benefits or a veteran, the tax credit is increased to $900 per month.

Contact Information Lindy Gold (860) 270-8073 Lindylee.Gold@ct.gov

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Department of Economic & Community Development

Employer Outreach Services

DECD Ambassadors are business representatives providing guidance and assistance on business and technical assistance programs, tax incentives and competitive financing programs that can positively impact the bottom line and provide long-term competitiveness for Connecticut businesses.

Regional DECD Ambassadors

Fairfield

Cowlis Andrews Tricia Paesani

(860) 270-8125 (860) 270-8215

Cowlis.Andrews@ct.gov Patricia.Paesani@ct.gov

Hartford/Tolland

Patricia Gillanders Robert Rigney

(860) 270-8119 (860) 270-8110

Patricia.Gillander@ct.gov Robert.Rigney@ct.gov

Litchfield Sheila Hummel (860) 270-8105

Sheila.Hummel@ct.gov

Middlesex Susan Decina

(860) 270-8163 Susan.Decina@ct.gov

New Haven Lindy Gold

(860) 270-8073 Lindylee.Gold@ct.gov

New London/Windham Tricia Paesani

(860) 270-8215 Patricia.Paesani@ct.gov

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Department of Labor (DOL)

Financial Incentives – Apprenticeship Programs

American Apprenticeship Initiative (AAI)

An initiative that supports apprenticeship opportunities in high-growth occupations and industries such as: Healthcare, Business Services, Information Technology and Advanced Manufacturing. Training scholarships are dedicated to tuition and training expenses up to $3,500 for each apprentice.

Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF) – for Apprenticeship

In partnership with the Department of Economic and Community Development, this fund provides support to manufacturing companies to train registered apprenticeship workers to meet skill demands. Wage subsidies, tuition reimbursements and credentialing costs are available up to $9,500 per apprentice.

Construction and Manufacturing Apprentice Tax Credit

This tax credit, extending to non-union businesses, provides a corporation tax credit for hiring construction trade and manufacturing apprentices. These credits can be used for hiring and registering apprentices up to $7,500 per apprentice.

Contact Information

General Information Statewide Manufacturing Manufacturing Innovation Fund

Telephone: (860) 263-6085 Fax: (860) 263-6088

DOL.Apprenticeship@ct.gov

Keri Lamontagne (860) 263-6129

Keri.Lamontagne@ct.gov

Eleanor Lennon (860) 263-6089

Eleanor.Lennon@ct.gov

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Department of Labor

Financial Incentives – Business and Employment Services

Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF) – Incumbent Worker

In partnership with the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Manufacturing Innovation Fund Incumbent Worker Training program is a fund-matching program that helps manufacturing companies provide training for their workforce. It offers up to up to $100,000 maximum, per employer and calendar year, equal to the approved amount.

State Incumbent Worker Training (IWT)

Training grants to help companies grow and maintain competitiveness by investing in training of their existing workforce. Businesses are reimbursed for 50% of the training plan.

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)

Available to individuals whose employment is adversely affected by foreign competition, the Trade Adjustment Assistance program offers benefits including: retraining, income support, job search and relocation allowances. Additionally, wage subsidies are available for individuals 50 years of age and older who return to lower paying work.

Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal tax credit available to employer for hiring individuals from certain target groups who have faced significant barriers to employment. Businesses can receive up to $9,600 in tax credits per qualified individual.

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Department of Labor

Regional Business & Employment Services Contacts Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF)

Incumbent Worker

Bernice Zampano (860) 263-6732

Bernice.Zampano@ct.gov

State Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) Contact your Regional Business Service Rep.

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Contact your local American Job Center

Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Donatus Ojide (860) 263-6797

Donatus.Ojide@ct.gov

Business Service Representatives help companies develop successful workforce solutions by assisting with recruitment, retention, training and professional development in the workplace. The goal is to provide a one-stop approach for a variety of business needs, ranging from employment incentives and tax credits to customized training and labor market information.

Regional Business Service Representatives

Southwest Region Bridgeport, Derby, Stamford, Norwalk

Lori-lynn Chatlos (203) 455-2601

Loriynn.Chatlos@ct.gov

Dolores Ryan (203) 455-2602

Dolores.Ryan@ct.gov

South Central Region New Haven, Meriden, Middletown

Janice Albert (203) 859-3417

Janice.Albert@ct.gov

Abby Leslie Gayle (203) 859-3414

Abbyleslie.Gayle@ct.gov

North Central Region Hartford, New Britain, Bristol, Enfield

Donna Smith (860) 256-3869

Donna.Smith@ct.gov

Garth Swaby (860) 256-3871

Garth.Swaby@ct.gov

Eastern Region New London, Norwich, Willimantic,

Danielson

Mark Fillmore Danielson

(860) 412-7021 Mark.Fillmore@ct.gov

Kathleen Cosgrove New London

(860) 439-7600 Kathleen.Cosgrove@ct.gov

Northwest Region Waterbury, Danbury, Torrington

Michelle Caffe (203) 437-3308

Michelle.Caffe@ct.gov

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Department of Labor

Recruitment Assistance for Employers

American Job Centers, a partnership of organizations, provide a no-cost service for on-site employer recruitments and assistance.

American Job Center Locations Full Service American Job Center Locations

* Bridgeport 2 Lafayette Square GPS – 350 Fairfield Avenue

(203) 455-2700

* Hamden 37 Marne Street (203) 859-3200 Danielson 95 Westcott Road (860) 412-7000 * Hartford 3580 Main Street (860) 256-3700 * New London Shaw’s Cove Six (860) 439-7400 * Waterbury 249 Thomaston Avenue (203) 437-3380

Affiliate American Job Center Locations Ansonia 4 Fourth Street (203) 397-6647 Danbury 4 Liberty Street (203) 730-0451 Derby 101 Elizabeth Street (203) 734-3443 Enfield 786 Enfield Street (860) 745-8097 Manchester 839 Main Street (860) 643-2222 Meriden 87 West Main Street – 2nd Floor (203) 238-3688 Middletown 272 South Main Street (860) 347-7691 New Britain 270 Lafayette Street (860) 899-3500 New Haven 560 Ella T. Grasso Blvd (203) 624-1493 Norwich 113 Salem Tpke. N Bldg – Suite 200 (860) 859-5777 Stamford 141 Franklin Street – 2nd Floor (203) 353-1702 Torrington 59 Field Street (860) 496-3500 Willimantic 1320 Main Street – Tyler Square (860) 450-7603 TDD-TYY (860) 263-6074

*Denotes Veterans’ Representatives location (although appointments can be made for other offices)

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Department of Labor

Career Fairs

Low-cost regional career fairs, held during the spring and fall that may yield high-profile recruitment opportunities and qualified job seekers.

Contact Information (860) 263-6577 www.CTJobFairs.com

CTHires

A free on-line employment network to recruit potential new-hires, post new career opportunities or review resumes of prospective candidates.

Contact Information (860) 263-6040 www.CTHires.com Office of Veterans’ Workforce Development

Staff located at the regional American Job Centers help veterans with their employment and training needs, employment rights and ensure that veterans are afforded “priority of service” under federal law.

Contact Information (860) 263-6514 www.CTVetJobs.com

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Department of Labor

Public Education and Labor Information

Department of Labor Speakers’ Bureau

A diverse group of agency experts who are prepared to speak on a wide range of topics relating to employment law compliance, worker health and safety, labor market information, workforce development, unemployment insurance and other issues in the Department’s jurisdiction.

Contact Information (860) 263-6670 www.ctdol.state.ct.us/speakers

Labor Market Information (LMI)

Collected through the Department of Labor’s Office of Research, the data includes information about the economy, workforce, careers, wage information and job growth. This information is geared to assist employers in making informed business decisions.

Contact Information (860) 263-6275 www.ctdol.state.ct.us/lmi

Workplace Guidance

Wage & Workplace Standards

The division administers a wide range of laws and provides public education and assistance to employers with the goal of protecting and promoting the interests of workers and employers. Among these laws are minimum wage, overtime, wage payment, prevailing wage and employment of minors.

Contact Information (860) 263-6790 www.ctdol.state.ct.us/wgwkstnd/index

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Department of Labor

Layoff Aversion & Support

Rapid Response/Early Intervention

Prior to workforce reductions, the team, and its partners, conduct “early intervention” sessions where employees learn about unemployment benefits, job search assistance, health insurance options, training opportunities, and support services. Helps ease the impact of layoffs and ensures that affected workers are offered employment-related benefits and services.

Contact Information (860) 263-6580 DOL.RapidResponse@ct.gov Shared Work Program

Shared Work is designed to save jobs and retain skilled workers by temporarily reducing employee hours and supplementing their lost wages with the help of partial unemployment benefits. Under the program guidelines, when a company’s climate improves, employees resume their regular hours and employers are able to ramp up quickly with a full team of employees in place.

Contact Information (860) 263-6660 www.SharedWorkCT.com Email: DOL.SharedWork@ct.gov

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Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)

The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services’ (BRS) Employment Division effectively responds to the employment needs of consumers and businesses in Connecticut. The Employment Division provides quality services to employers that include: pre-screened applicants, on-the-job training/internships, risk-free trial period (working interviews), tax credit programs and information on becoming an employment network.

Financial Incentives for Employers

Ticket to Work

The Ticket to Work program provides people with disabilities, ages 18 through 64, new choices about which agencies can help them get ready to go to work and find a job. Employers can receive a partial refund for the first year of wages for each new employee with a disability.

Contact Information Mark Henry (860) 424-4859 Mark.Henry@ct.gov

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Department of Rehabilitation Services

Recruitment Assistance

Connect-Ability

BRS Employment Consultants are designed to connect employers with qualified job seekers. Strategically located across the state, these consultants are available to assist with any questions, provide technical assistance and facilitate any follow-up services that may be needed.

Regional BRS Employment Consultants

New Britain/Hartford/Enfield Zahra Jolly

(860) 538-0491 or (860) 612-3581 Zahra.Jolly@ct.gov

New Haven Sanjiv Chaturvedi (203) 974-3004

Sanjiv.Chaturvedi@ct.gov

Norwich/Danielson/ New London

Megan Provost (860) 881-8746 or (860) 859-5730

Megan.Provost@ct.gov

Bridgeport Carly Duffy

(203) 449-4615 or (203) 551-5512 Carly.Duffy@ct.gov

Danbury/Stamford Lauren McAulay (203) 207-8990

Lauren.McAulay@ct.gov

Waterbury/Torrington Susan Burton

(203) 578-4566 Susan.Burton@ct.gov

Middletown/New Haven Ronald Thomas (860) 740-1085

Ronald.Thomas@ct.gov

Bureau of Education & Services for the Blind(BESB)

Jonathan Richmond (860) 602-4031

Jonathan.Richmond@ct.gov

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Workforce Development Boards

Workforce Development Board Business Services Representatives are located in the American Job Centers and offer a core set of services, such as on the job training, tax credits, on-line training for employees, electronic classified advertising and employer recruitments.

Regional Business Service Representatives Eastern CT Workforce Investment

Board

Tracy Tremblay (860) 859-5767

ttremblay@chamberect.com

Linda Riquier (860) 455-1555

Lriquier@qvcc.commnet.edu

Tim Murney (860) 235-7346

murneyt@ewib.org

Capital Workforce Partners

North Central

Dan Garewski (860) 899-3453

dgarewski@capitalworkforce.org

Northwest Regional

Workforce Investment

Board

Ray Sullivan (203) 574-6971 ext. 446

Raymond.Sullivan@nrwib.org

Workforce Alliance

South Central

Chris Reardon (203) 867-4030 ext. 226

creardon@workforcealliance.biz

The Workplace Southwest

Paula Breeden (203) 610-8546

pbreeden@workplace.org

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Connecticut Employment & Training Commission (CETC)

Business Engagement Committee

Member Company/Organization

Stuart E. Rosenberg Co-Chair

Johnson Memorial Hospital

JoAnn Ryan Co-Chair

Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce

Tracey Ariel Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education

John Beauregard Eastern Connecticut Workforce Development Board

Mike Bibalo General Dynamics/Electric Boat

Christopher Bruhl Business Council of Fairfield County

Andrea Comer Connecticut Business and Industry Association

Chris DiPentima Pegasus Manufacturing

Elliot Ginsberg Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology

Howard Jenkins General Dynamics/Electric Boat

Bart Kollen Department of Economic and Community Development

Lawrence McHugh Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce

Julio Mendoza Spanish American Merchants Association

Richard Mullins Central Connecticut State University Institute of Technology & Business Development

Norma Ortega Travelers Insurance Company

Albert Schneider International Business Machines Corporation

Terri Wilson Biomedical Engineering Alliance & Consortium

Susan Winkler Connecticut Insurance and Financial Services Cluster