insideDuffy: Look first to local business

Meet RBA board member Ann Burr

Treating transgender employees lawfully

Focus on Workers’ Comp. costs2 3 97

RBA Leads Initiative to Create Statewide Business Network

July/August 2015

Newsletter

Voice of Business

This issue sponsored by:

Rochester Business Alliance hosted a meeting of chamber of commerce and

economic development leaders from across New York State to discuss creating an inter-regional business network.

RBA President and CEO Bob Duffy said, “What we’re talking about is ways that we can partner across regional boundaries to create more job opportunities for our members. In essence, we want to connect businesses here in Rochester and the Finger Lakes with opportunities in the Hudson Valley, New York City, Central New York, the North Country, Western New York, and Buffalo. We aren’t doing that now, so we’re looking for ways that we can become much more connected. One idea is to share web links to all of the chamber membership directories to start encouraging that if you can’t find something in your home region, then look to other regions in the state, but keep the money in New York.”

RBA board member, University of Rochester President, and Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Co-chair Joel Seligman said he’s hopeful about this new process.

Seligman said, “The reality is that we are engaged in competition, but as a regional council co-chair, I’m thinking about things quite differently than being president of a university. The notion that I spend a lot of my time thinking about nine counties and not just the University of Rochester expands your consciousness. To expand it beyond the nine counties is possible. My challenge, though,

I start with the practical incentive of I want what’s best for the Finger Lakes. Sometimes, though, what is best for the Finger Lakes will involve inter-regional collaboration. I would be very supportive of figuring out ways to do that.”

Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lou Santoni called inter-regional cooperation an interesting concept.

Santoni said, “When it comes to industry, everyone is always worried about someone taking business from them. However, there are definite possibilities here. What I see as the next step is to get all of the chamber representatives together and put together a solid plan. We have a feel for what we’d like to do. I even picked up a few things from the other chambers at this meeting.”

Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of

Commerce President and CEO Mark Eagan added, “The chambers can share best practices to really improve our organizations across New York, particularly upstate. But then I think our focus, specifically development, realizing that while each of us look at our

individual regions, there is real opportunity to have more than inter-regional collaboration. If something can’t work, if we can’t find vendors in our region, how do we make sure to keep the business in New York to help grow the state’s economy? I think we have the right players, it’s just putting the structure together to make it happen.”

Greater New York Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Jaffe said the meeting took a big step toward renewing New York’s status as the Empire State.

Jaffe said, “I like the idea of looking at certain industries and perhaps working with the legislature in Albany in getting incentives that

would help increase jobs here in New York for our children. That’s what it’s all about at the end of the day so we don’t lose our children to competing states. To keep them here at home and nearby is very important. So, I feel very optimistic.”

Other organizations involved in the meeting included the Western New York, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Southern Tier, and Capital Region Economic Development Councils, CenterState CEO, Business Council of Westchester, North Country Chamber of Commerce, and the Rockland Business Association.

2 July/August 2015

From the CEO

Daan Braveman, Chairman of the BoardNazareth College of Rochester

Dave Fiedler, TreasurerESL Federal Credit Union

2014-2015 Board Officers

RBA Senior StaffRobert J. DuffyPresident and CEO

Bill Anderson Sr. director, support services Bill.Anderson@RBAlliance.com

Barbara CutronaVice president of operationsBarb.Cutrona@RBAlliance.com

Colleen DiMartinoChief of StaffColleen.DiMartino@RBAlliance.com Kevin Donahue Director, membershipKevin.Donahue@RBAlliance.com

Kathy Richmond Sr. director, human resource servicesKathy.Richmond@RBAlliance.com

Nina Shelton Director, group health insuranceNina.Shelton@RBAlliance.com

Dan SmithSr. director, membership and communicationsDan.Smith@RBAlliance.com

Tammy StefaniDirector of accounting servicesTammy.Stefani@RBAlliance.com

Chris WiestVice president of public policy and advocacyChris.Wiest@RBAlliance.com

Voice of Business is the official newsletter of Rochester Business Alliance, published at 150 State St., Rochester, NY 14614. Articles printed are for information only and are

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Bob Duffy

Business, like charity, should begin at home. As the Greater Rochester chamber of

commerce, Rochester Business Alliance has a core responsibility to serve, protect, and promote businesses in the Finger Lakes region.

One of the priorities that I’ve established in my first half year as RBA president is to look for every opportunity to connect businesses in this region with each other. I encourage all Rochester chamber members to look to other members first when searching for vendors before reaching outside our region. I understand that businesses sometimes can’t find the right fit close to home. In those cases, we call on companies to explore other regions within New York State. This two-pronged approach can only help boost the economy of the Finger Lakes region, upstate, and all of New York. There are countless examples of close to home business-to-business relationships happening every day. That is one of the reasons why our economy remained somewhat stable during the recession that hit us in 2008.

As part of our effort to encourage the use of regional vendors, I visit several RBA member companies each week. At each visit, along with asking how RBA can better serve the member I also ask if there are other businesses in our region with which the company would like to establish a relationship. When the answer is “yes”, one of the first things I do is email or call the CEO of that company and try to make a connection. It’s not my place to get involved in negotiating a deal. Rather, I make the introduction and let the two parties go from there to work on growing a relationship.

There have also been a few cases recently where Rochester-area companies have cut contracts with other local companies and RBA members. I’ve made appeals to their leadership teams to revisit those contracts before sending their business outside the region or the state. I do this to protect RBA members from having to reduce employment because of a lost contract. Granted, this strategy is not always successful, but even one job saved is progress.

One of the things that I have seen often in my short time at RBA is a lack of familiarity between businesses in this region. Finding local opportunities for supply chains or services is as close as the Rochester Business

Alliance member directory. Anyone can find a searchable by keyword directory at www.RochesterBusinessAlliance.com. RBA members can also request a copy of our printed directory by giving us a call. Look first to a Rochester Business Alliance member, then other businesses in this region. As the regional chamber of commerce, we need to start connecting companies to foster relationships that will benefit everyone.

As lieutenant governor, I had the pleasure of traveling around New York, forging many relationships along the way. I now want to take advantage of those relationships for the benefit of RBA members and also to connect our regions. As you read on page one, we are now in the process of looking at the next tangible steps that we can take. I will report more about that in a future Voice of Business column. When this cross-regional network is up and running it is sure to strengthen the upstate economy, keep jobs in this region, and help businesses grow and prosper. This is one of the primary goals and principles of Rochester Business Alliance, the regional chamber of commerce, moving forward.

While going outside the region and the state may save a couple dollars upon occasion, it certainly impacts families and jobs here. We have to be parochial and territorial if we are going to be as successful as we want to be. One of the ways that we can create much more influence in Albany and Washington is by creating much more success with these relationships that will lead to economic revitalization. My experience, especially in state government, is that success gets elected officials’ attention. If we can’t get certain regulations and laws changed fast enough, let’s work around that and create success by doing other things extremely well and focusing on our strengths. If we do that through regional and cross-regional partnerships, we are going to grow this economy and get the attention of those who we need to make the changes that can help business even more.

3www.RochesterBusinessAlliance.com

New Member Profile: Finger Lakes Technologies Group, Inc.

Voice of Business

RBA welcomed new member company Finger Lakes Technologies Group, Inc. in June and had a moment to get acquainted with President & CEO Paul Griswold to learn more about this business.

Tell us about your company: Finger Lakes Technologies Group Inc. (FLTG) is a 5th generation family-owned company providing communications products and services to business and residential customers in New York State. FLTG began in 1995 as a dial-up Internet Service Provider. In 2000, we became a Cisco Certified Partner, giving FLTG the capability to provide the Cisco product line to our customers. In 2006, we started building a fiber network to provide high speed internet access to business customers across the state. Since then, we have built more than 2,000 miles of fiber connecting over 30 communities in New York and Pennsylvania. FLTG can offer business customers voice, Internet, cloud and Cisco products making us their one-stop shop for communication needs for their business.

What prompted you to join RBA? FLTG belongs to numerous chamber and networking organizations around New York State. We recognize the value in belonging to these organizations and felt that as we expand into Rochester, RBA would be a great fit for us. RBA has a rich history in Rochester and we are excited to be a part of it.

What business/economic challenges are you currently facing? The biggest business challenge for us is finding the talent we need to run our business. We need certified engineers that have specific degrees and understand the telecommunications industry.

What is your business outlook? FLTG has seen significant growth in the last few years and we expect the same into 2016. As business customers have a demand for more cloud services and higher bandwidth needs, they will look to companies like FLTG who can provide all the services under one umbrella.

RBA Staff Participates in Rappelling Event to Raise Funds

Meet RBA Board Member Ann Burr

Rochester Business Alliance board of directors member Ann Burr serves as

Frontier Communications of Rochester Chairman and Frontier’s national Senior Vice President of Customer Experience. Ann recently shared some insight on her role as a chamber of commerce board member.

VoB: What is your history with Rochester Business Alliance? Burr: I first served on the board in Rochester in the mid-1990s as vice chair. I was with Time Warner Cable at the time having been recently transferred to Rochester from San Diego. I was a big supporter of the Chamber in San Diego and served as chairman of the Greater San Diego Chamber board of directors. In 1999, I moved to Stamford to work in the Time Warner corporate office as EVP under the chairman overseeing telephony. I ultimately returned to Rochester and rejoined the RBA board representing Frontier.

VoB: What’s your vision for the organization with a new strategic plan underway? Burr: Bob Duffy is doing a great job for us. He was always a solid supporter of business interests as Rochester mayor and as Lieutanant governor and helpful to me along the way as we introduced new products or services at Frontier. The strategic plan development Bob is working on with the

board is critical to charting a clear path forward. The return to the chamber of commerce name and brand will certainly link us to the larger chamber organization nationally and align us with our neighboring local chambers which are vital to our future.

VoB: How does Frontier benefit from RBA membership? Burr: Frontier benefits from business networking opportunities and public policy and advocacy support. We often have the opportunity to have small roundtable discussions in Rochester with our elected officials which is invaluable for us as we discuss issues that are important to Frontier.

VoB: What’s a fun fact about you that might surprise people? Burr: I really do love Rochester more than San Diego having been here now for almost 20 years. Rochester was a very welcoming city and still is today with a tremendous business culture and wonderful friendships. It’s all about the people and the success we can create together.

When RBA’s Public Policy & Advocacy Coordinator Shannon Ealy was

selected to participate in the 6th Annual Seneca Waterways Council “21 Stories for Scouts” event, she eagerly accepted the challenge.

On May 15, Ealy, along with more than 60 other rappellers, suited up in a safety harness, received safety training, headed up to the roof and went over the edge and down 21 stories of the First Federal Plaza building.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime, totally exhilarating experience. I recommend it to anyone who gets the chance,” said Ealy.

Company contributions and online donations this year netted $35,386, which supports urban scouting programs including more than 40 after school programs for nearly 662

youth in the Rochester City School District. Money raised also benefits another 700 youth in traditional scouting programs including summer camp scholarships.

“Since our first year hosting this fundraiser, we’ve raised more than $209,000 to give low-income at-risk youth, predominantly in urban neighborhoods, the opportunities to have life changing experiences through scouting programs where they develop confidence, character, and the leadership skills to be successful in life,” said Stephen Hoitt, Seneca Waterways Council Boy Scouts Executive and CEO.

For more information on the event, visit www.21StoriesForScouts.org.

4 July/August 2015

Voice of Business

Rochester Business Alliance welcomes its new membersAmerican Diabetes Association .............www.diabetes.orgBLC Nevada, Inc. .......................................www.bashawlife.mynsp.comBuilders Exchange .....................................www.robex.com Clarisoft Technologies ..............................www.clarisoft.com Columbia Care NY, LLC .........................www.col-care.com CommuniCare Partners, LLC ..............www.communicarepartners.comCostco Wholesale ...................................www.costco.comDemocrat and Chronicle ....www.democratandchronicle.com Dumbwaiter Design .................................www.dwaiter.comEagleDream Health, Inc. ..........................www.EagleDreamHealth.com Empire Fitness Energy Reduction Concepts, LLC ........www.ercrochester.comFinger Lakes Technologies Group, Inc. ..www.fltg.com

James A. Bonafini Consultants, Inc. .......www.bonafiniconsultants.com Keuka College ................................www.keuka.eduLPA Software Solutions LLC ........www.lpasystems.comMP-OE LLC ...............................................www.MP-OE-LLC.comParadigm of NY, LLC Project Management Institute of Rochester ......www.pmirochester.org S&T Bank ............................................................www.stbank.comThe Outdoor Group ......................................www.togllc.comThe Refinement Studio .........................www.TheRefinementStudio.comVickers Warnick ...............................................www.vickers-warnick.com

*Company listed in blue denotes our Partner Member*

IT services company Synergy Global Solutions hosted Rochester Business

Alliance Coffee with Our CEO featuring Synergy President Jim Stefano and RBA CEO Bob Duffy. Stefano shared some background about the 44 year old employee owned company that provides managed services, diversified technology systems, and consulting. He also shared a message with RBA members.

Stefano said, “The business community has to support the entire community not just in terms of what businesses need but also the broader need of helping people get an education which is the foundation of good jobs in a growing community.”

Stefano also talked about the RBA services that Synergy uses including training, human resource services, and background and

Synergy and RBA Leaders Share Thoughts Over Coffeereference checking.

Stefano said, “Many of our engineers work in school districts, hospitals, and banks so we need the best background checks we can possibly get to assure our

customers that our people are not just highly qualified engineers, but

also have very strong ethical backgrounds. We have been very pleased with RBA background checking services for many years.”

Bob Duffy shared insight on several topics, including RBA’s plan to return to being called a chamber of commerce, RBA’s One Job initiative, and the organization’s plan to create inter-regional business networking opportunities (see page 1).

Duffy said, “Long Island to New York City to Buffalo to the North Country to the Southern Tier. I still stay in touch with them. One thing we’ve never really done is work on these cross-regional relationships trying to create business opportunities. It will be an immense process with many different businesses but we are going to start somewhere.”

For more Coffee with Our CEO and other networking events, visit the calendar at www.RochesterBusinessAlliance.com

As part of the new initiative to foster inter-regional business networking and

cooperation, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership has extended an opportunity for Rochester Business Alliance members to become part of Buffalo’s SolarCity supply chain. When SolarCity, at the Riverbend Commerce Park, becomes fully operational it will employ 1,500 and produce up to 10,000 solar panels a day.

The company is now looking for suppliers to meet its needs as it works to ramp up

SolarCity Seeks RBA Member Suppliersproduction. Those needs include gases, chemicals, aluminum, copper, extrusion, stamping, anodizing, solar glass, backsheet, junction boxes, tapes, pastes, labels, logistics, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, compressed dry air, professional services, and more.

Companies interested in being considered can fill out SolarCity’s Supplier Intake Form (http://bit.ly/1IecWcR). Providers will be asked to give relevant information about their business, as well as the services or products

they provide. Those meeting the supply chain needs of SolarCity may then be contacted by the company. Rochester Business Alliance and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership make no guarantee that companies, people, or organizations completing the form will be ultimately contacted by SolarCity, or have their services or products procured by SolarCity. Those with questions may contact Buffalo Niagara Partnership Economic Development Associate Brendan Anderson at banderson@thepartnership.org.

5www.RochesterBusinessAlliance.com

Connecting BusinessRochester Business Alliance 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.

These early birds made connections

in three-minute networking

sessions at Speed Networking.

Proud Barilla employees stand by

their company’s product at the RBA

Showcase at Costco CityGate.

RBA hosted two special Workers’

Comp. series, drawing more than 70

guests for each presentation.

RBA Vice President of Public Policy

Chris Wiest supported member Lyft at

a rally.

RBA Staffing hosted a job fair with

several local employers, drawing area

applicants in to apply.

RBA teamed up with Visit Rochester

to host a networking event at the Jazz

Festival, conveniently located by the

City of Rochester stage.

Guests were invited to tour our

remodeled office at the Open House

networking event.

One of our favorite fundraisers for

United Way is our annual indoor

golf tournament.

RBA members visited Partner Member

Klein Steel for a Showcase Tour on

May 6.

RBA and 20 local chambers of

commerce hosted the All Chambers

Mega Mixer.

Our Networking with State Legislators

at the Genesee Brew House drew a

great crowd of guests and local state

representatives.

RBA’s own Shannon Ealy went over

the edge for the 21 Stories for Scouts

fundraiser.

6 July/August 2015

Voice of Business

Rochester Business Alliance is made up of employers big and small, in just

about every industry imaginable. While our programs and events are designed for all, we recognize that there are times when employers and employees want to be among a smaller group that shares their specific business issues. Here are some of our affiliates’ upcoming events:

Associated New York State Food Processors nyfoodprocessors.org Greater Rochester Quality Council • July 28 - Seeing is Believing: A Guide to Data-Driven Story Telling www.grqc.org Small Business Council of Rochester • July 16 - Networking Night at the Ballpark • August 12 - Boot Camp: When Hiring, Remember the Number 3 www.rochestersbc.com Rochester Hispanic Business Association • July 21 - Lunch Series with Carlos Carballada and Ebony Miller • September 22 - RHBA Annual Gala www.rochesterhba.org The Women’s Council www.grwc.com Through our affiliate groups, you can meet business people who share your interests and challenges.

Upcoming Affiliate Events

2015 Young Women of Distinction Recipients

The Women’s Council, a Rochester Business Alliance affiliate, announced the recipients

of its 16th annual Young Women of Distinction Awards. The winners represent four categories of schools:

• Gena Driscoll-Brantley - School of the Arts - CITY

• Erica Kramarz - Perry Central School - REGIONAL

• Emily Paszko - Allendale Columbia School - MONROE COUNTY EAST

• Katheryn Flynn - Churchville Chili Central School - MONROE COUNTY WEST

The four recipients, selected from a group of 20 finalists, received a $2,000 scholarship and an opportunity for a paid internship at an area company. All 20 finalists receive the opportunity to participate in a young women’s leadership course.

• The other finalists included:• Charitie Rose Hill, Rochester Early

College • Branwyn Wilkinson, World of Inquiry• Morgan Good, Pavilion Central• Sara Sapienza, Palmyra-Macedon• Jordyn Smith, L.A. Webber, Lyndonville• Margaret Beiter, Fairport• Erika DeAngelis, Pittsford Sutherland• Emma Garcia, Penfield

• Mia Haller, Victor• Kathryn Pendelberry, Penfield• Caroline Marie Rutan, Penfield• Julia Waterstreet, Our Lady of Mercy• Kathryn Yorko, Penfield• Demara Curtis, Churchville-Chili• Amanda Penepent, Churchville-Chili• Monica Tadros, Greece Arcadia

Women’s Council President Lorisa LaRocca said, “This year’s class of Young Women of Distinction finalists, as in years past, represent an elite group of young women and the individual and collective accolades of our four recipients cannot be overstated. All of these young women provide such hope for the future of our community, both locally and globally, and the Women’s Council looks forward to recognizing and empowering these future leaders as they begin their professional journey.”

Modeled after the ATHENA Award, the Young Women of Distinction program is designed to recognize high school seniors who have displayed outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and involvement in the nine-county Rochester region. 2015 ATHENA Award recipient, Broadstone Real Estate President and CEO Amy Tait, delivered the keynote address at the awards ceremony.

Three Questions with RBA Group Health Insurance Director Nina Shelton

Group Health Insurance Director Nina Shelton has

worked in the Rochester Business Alliance insurance department nearly 30 years, dating back to the Greater Rochester Metro Chamber of Commerce. The chamber merged with the Industrial Management Council in 2003 to form RBA. The Voice of Business newsletter recently asked Nina about her experience.

VoB: What is a typical day at work for you? Nina: I process insurance applications and make changes for new and existing insurance members. When members have issues or questions, I also address them and iron out any problems they may have with their policies.

Helping members understand the benefits of their policies and doing invoicing and bill reconciliation are also big parts of the job.

VoB: What is your message to RBA members? Nina: They should use the insurance benefits provided by RBA membership. If they are an organization with 50 or fewer

employees, chances are they can receive the same benefits they are getting elsewhere right here at RBA.

VoB: What do you like to do outside work? Nina: I love to travel, listen to jazz, spend time with my family, and to my husband’s dislike, shop!

7www.RochesterBusinessAlliance.com

Public Policy

By Chris Wiest Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy

Workers’ Compensation Reform Remains a Priority

Unshackle Upstate Update

Each year Rochester Business Alliance

surveys members on the issues that impact their organizations the most. Consistently, high workers’compensation costs is ranked as one of their top concerns.

Why is workers’ compensation reform so essential? Simply put, New York’s average workers’ compensation claim is the second highest in the nation. Cost-saving reforms from 2007 legislation that have not yet been fully implemented, in combination with higher weekly benefits and other assessments have accelerated the growth of workers’ compensation expenses. In an increasingly competitive environment, employers cannot afford to continue to pay such high costs.

Rochester Business Alliance’s Workers’ Compensation Committee focuses its efforts on ways to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of our state’s workers compensation system. The committee recently developed and hosted two information sessions in June to educate members on the mechanics of the system, cost drivers, and RBA advocacy efforts. With over 130 combined attendees at these sessions, employer concerns and the need for action have never been more evident. Look for more similar events in the future.

In addition to defending against an assortment of annual WC “cost-adder” bills, Scheduled Loss of Use (SLU) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) are key areas of focus for RBA’s advocacy agenda. SLU awards- which often total hundreds of thousands of dollars per claim-are being made according to guidelines that were last considered in 1996. Levels of impairment and payments don’t reflect dramatic advancements in surgery and other treatments, meaning that a 25% loss to an arm can cost double what it cost in 2007, more than $61,000. Many knee surgeries conducted in the ‘90s that were done as “open” procedures are now done almost exclusively arthroscopically. Arthroscopy is

less invasive, takes less time to heal and often leads to better functional outcomes. Yet, SLU awards continue to be based largely on “old medicine” and fail to take into account these types of advances. Extension of the PPO opt-out time from 30 to 90 days would lead to quicker authorization of testing and treatment, and a reduction in the number of lost and restricted work days. Such an approach would help return employees to work sooner and reduce employer WC costs.

The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) is currently examining the system to improve claims management. The ongoing Business Process Re-engineering project is intended to improve business

processes, upgrade technology, and model industry best practices to drive system improvement for employers and injured workers. Recently, RBA Workers’ Compensation Committee hosted WCB leadership and provided feedback on the BPR initiative as well as the need for SLU and PPO reforms. We look forward to continuing this dialogue.

Reforming New York’s costly workers compensation system has been and will continue to be a key legislative priority of Rochester Business Alliance and its Unshackle Upstate partners. To learn more, email me or call (585) 256-4626.

New York State recently empaneled a “wage board” through the Department

of Labor to analyze and recommend changes to the minimum wage for fast food workers. Upstate businesses are worried that another minimum wage increase - on top of the one that is currently being phased in – will reduce the employment levels of young and unskilled workers, lead to layoffs and closures, while also forcing employers to pass their increased labor costs onto customers.

Rather than circumventing the legislative process by imposing wage mandates on specific industries through wage review boards, Unshackle Upstate believes better options exist. The first and best option would be for the state to reduce taxes and

regulations. A second option is for the state to provide additional support for workforce development efforts. Many businesses have middle-skills jobs available, but are not able to find workers who have the skills needed to perform those jobs. The state can help these employers while also helping low-skill employees improve their jobs skills.

Unshackle Upstate has submitted formal testimony to the wage board in opposition to another mandated minimum wage hike in New York. You can read our testimony at: http://bit.ly/UUWageBoardTestimony

The New York State legislative session drew to a close this month with few surprises.

Several items of particular interest downstate included the extension of NYC rent control for another four years, and mayoral control of NYC schools for one. The governor and legislative leaders agreed on a $1.3 billion property tax rebate program for upstate and suburban homeowners based on income

End of Session Updatelevels, as well as a $250 million mandate relief program for private schools. Of significant interest to employers and all state residents was the extension of the property tax cap. While RBA and Unshackle Upstate lobbied for a permanent extension of this program, the agreed upon five year extension provides greater certainty and continued relief to all NY property tax payers.

8 July/August 2015

Human Resources

If you haven’t yet signed up for third quarter surveys but would like to, please contact Jennifer Suppé at (585) 256-4608 or Jennifer.Suppe@RBAlliance.com.

Survey Spotlight

Questionnaires Deadline Release Survey Sent Date Date (week of) (week of) (week of)

2015 National Executive Compensation Survey Released

Summer Benchmarking Surveys in Progress

The results of the 2015 National Executive Compensation Survey were released

at the end of May. This survey contains compensation and benefits/perks data for 47 top level positions. Coordinated by the Management Association, 2,025 organizations participated through 20 co-sponsors across the country. The co-sponsors are members of the Employer Associations of America (EAA). For the Rochester area, 76 Corporate and Partner members of RBA participated in the survey.

Breakout categories in the survey include:• Sales Volume (9 categories sectioned by

manufacturing, non-manufacturing and all combined)

• Employment Size (8 categories)• Industry (by major NAICS category)

• Regions (6 categories for manufacturing and non-manufacturing)

• Geographic Area (major cities where co-sponsors are located including Rochester)

The individual position reports include base pay as well as information on bonuses/variable pay, total cash compensation, and number of executives who own more than 5% stock in the company.

In addition to cash compensation for each position, this report summarizes data for a variety of benefits and perquisites for two different categories of breakouts: manufacturing vs non-manufacturing and public vs. private. A unique feature of this survey is the reporting of information on stock ownership by executives, especially for

In June, Corporate and Partner members were sent an email invitation to participate in a variety of benchmarking surveys taking place throughout the summer. Members that participate automatically receive complimentary results when released, as a benefit of membership. Below is a summary of upcoming surveys:

Health Benefits Survey – This comprehensive benchmarking survey collects Rochester-area data on many health insurance topics including: average health plan premiums, domestic partner and part-time benefits, as

privately held organizations.

Also, the supplemental information section of the survey provides a wealth of data on short and long term bonuses/variable pay as well as information on executive salary increases, and board of director pay.

RBA member participants were sent an email at the end on May containing a complimentary copy of the results. Corporate and Partner members that didn’t participate as well as other member tiers and future members can purchase the results on the RBA website. Please contact Kathy Richmond at (585) 256-4618 or Jennifer Suppé at (585) 256-4608 if you have any questions, or to request a resend of the complimentary results (participants only) .

well as questions on retiree benefits, high-deductible health plans, self-insured, and dental plans. This survey was sent to HR contacts at all Corporate and Partner member companies the week of July 6.

Pay Trends Survey – This annual survey reports pay adjustments (merit, cost of living, etc.) received as a percent of pay in firms giving increases. It will be sent the week of July 13 to those members that signed up to participate.

Holiday Closing Survey – This annual survey reports anticipated 2016 holiday observances

by member companies. It will be sent the week of August 3 to those members that signed up.

There is still time to sign up for and participate in all of these surveys. Contact Jennifer Suppé at (585) 256-4608. As a reminder, only Corporate and Partner members are eligible to participate in RBA benchmarking surveys. To discuss options for upgrading membership, or joining RBA so that your company may participate in various benchmarking surveys, please contact Kevin Donahue in membership at (585) 256-4651.

Registration for the Sr. HR Executive Forums for Small and Large Companies as well as the Employee Relations Forum begins at the end of August. HR professionals: watch your email in August for an invitation to join these valuable HR forums!

9www.RochesterBusinessAlliance.com

Legal Briefing

Paul Keneally and Alina Nadir, Underberg & Kessler LLP

Steps to Ensure a Transgender Employee is Treated Lawfully in the Workplace

Federal and state employment laws protect transgender people from discrimination

and harassment in the workplace. Many employers may not know what to do if an employee tells his/her employer that he/she is transgender and will start dressing and identifying as a different gender in the workplace. It is important to take some proactive steps to make sure the employee is treated lawfully during any transition, and does not face discrimination or harassment due to any change or to his/her transgender status generally. It is also important to prepare and train the employee’s co-workers for the situation.

Certain topics should be discussed with the employee to ensure he/she is not discriminated against or harassed at work, and to understand how the change will be handled. Specifically, talk to the employee about the following:

• Discuss the employee’s transition process with him/her generally, so that the employer knows what to expect. The employer should not demand specific medical information, but should have a basic awareness of what changes may occur and when, in order to plan for how to respond to those changes or any questions.

• Find out if the employee will be undergoing a name change. If so, employment documents should be changed to that name when the employee so chooses. Also make sure that the employee has an opportunity to change any photo identifications required to reflect the identified gender.

• Talk to the employee about his/her preference on how and when co-workers should be informed, and what information co-workers should receive. The employee may want to minimize the number of people aware of the transition or may

want to be more open about the process. While not strictly obligated to follow the employee’s requested schedule, it is advisable whenever feasible.

• The employee should be able to use the restroom of the gender with which he/she identifies. If the employee prefers a gender-neutral option, this should be provided if not an undue burden financially, but the employee should not be required to use a gender-neutral restroom unless that is the policy for all employees.

• Discuss how the employee’s customers or clients should be informed, if that is advisable, or how their questions should be answered.

• Discuss expectations with the employee regarding potential conflicts and difficult conversations.

• Designate either a supervisor or a human resources professional (and a back-up) to be the employee’s primary resource for any problems, concerns or complaints of harassment or discrimination.

Certain actions should be taken within the company as well to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.

• Review current employment policies to make sure that gender identity is included as a protected category in the equal employment, non-discrimination and non-harassment policies.

• Make sure the employment policies clearly indicate that the employer welcomes all employees.

• Include transgender topics in regular (at least annually) employee training on discrimination and harassment.

• At a minimum, conduct training on transgender topics for the employee’s primary supervisors. Determine if any other management employees should be included in the training.

• Ensure there is no dress code that applies certain rules to one gender but not to the other.

• Consider a joint meeting with HR, the employee’s primary resource, the employee and his/her supervisors to discuss questions or concerns.

• The employee’s co-workers should be informed about the gender transition to the extent feasible under all of the circumstances, with due consideration of the employee’s wishes. This notice, if given, should cover the behavior the employer expects from the co-workers, as well as an update on company policy, including non-harassment and non-discrimination policies. It is recommended that the employee not be present at such a meeting so that co-workers will feel comfortable asking questions.

• Keep up with personnel paperwork if the employee decides to legally change his/her name and/or gender in the future.

• Immediately begin changing your pronoun use for the employee and require other employees to do the same.

Employment law issues, like those relating to transgender employees, should be handled in consultation with competent employment law counsel.

Partner2Partner Event Strathallan Rooftop

5-7 p.m. August 6

Partner Members are invited to take in the 360 degree view of the city and its surroundings while enjoying drinks and snacks and networking with some of Rochester Business Alliance’s highest-level member organization leaders and

employees.

Register online at www.RochesterBusinessAlliance.com

10 July/August 2015

In the Workplace

By Chip Dawson

Saving Three and a Half Million Lives One Life at a Time

Rochester Business Alliance Staff PromotionsRochester Business Alliance President

and CEO Bob Duffy announced the promotion of five RBA staff members. Duffy made the staff appointments in his first six months as leader of the chamber of commerce covering the nine-county Finger Lakes region.

The promotions include:

Colleen DiMartino to Chief of Staff from Manager, Public Policy and Advocacy. In her new role, Colleen serves as project manager for CEO-directed initiatives, coordinates implementation of the RBA strategic plan, and provides CEO support including research and representation. Colleen has worked at RBA since 2008, has a BA from the University of Rochester, and previously served as a paralegal at Ward Greenberg Heller & Reidy and Eastman Kodak Company.

Shannon Ealy to Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator from Employment

and Academic Verification Representative. In her new role, Shannon is responsible for project management, government relations assistance, and policy research. She began at RBA in 2014 and has a Bachelor’s degree in advertising from Syracuse University.

Susan George to Director, Events and Affiliate Relations from Manager, Corporate Events and Affiliate Relations. In her new role, Susan oversees the strategic direction of RBA events and affiliate relations. Susan has served at RBA and its predecessor, the Greater Rochester Metro Chamber of Commerce since 2001. She previously worked as a public relations officer for Aztek Productions and VIP floor manager for the Leela Kempinski chain of hotels.

Kathy Richmond to Sr. Director, Human Resource Services from Director, Human Resource Services. Kathy is responsible for the department that provides human resource services to RBA members and also

has oversight of the internal HR function, including training and development efforts for RBA employees. A graduate of St. John Fisher College with a Bachelor’s degree in management, minor in economics, and concentration in Human Resources, Kathy has worked in the HR field for more than 20 years, with 16 at RBA and its predecessor, the Industrial Management Council.

Dan Smith to Sr. Director, Membership and Communications from Communications Director. In his new role, Dan oversees activities and staff related to RBA membership, events, communications, and affiliate relations. Dan started at RBA in 2013 after an 18 year career as a television news anchor and reporter at Rochester’s Time Warner Cable 24-hour news channel and a year as Public Affairs Manager at the Oneida Indian Nation and Turning Stone Resort Casino. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a B-52 bomber tail gunner and has a BS in communications from The College at Brockport.

In the May/June Voice of Business, I listed

“Safety’s Staggering Statistics” as motivation for the development of an effective safety process. We know only too well that OSHA standards, safety laws, and “common sense” rules don’t cut it. If they did, we wouldn’t have three and a half million workers dying annually around the world from illnesses and accidents at work.

Amazingly, academic research—often funded and sponsored by committed employer organizations—is now pointing us to the tools and techniques that really make a difference. Forget the safety slogan of the day or unyielding discipline or celebrations for xxx days without a lost time injury and a host of other “try this” or try that” ideas to “fix the problem.” They don’t work! And, they are expensive distrations.

What we know now is that you must create a climate where your workforce can make you safe. Bottom line: “It’s all about your people!” In fact, SAFEmap International queried 80,000 respondents and found the statement “our company cares about us” was the only one that correlated with superior safety performance. If a significant percentage of your people grumble about how they are treated, you’ll never have superior safety results.

Researchers at the Institute for Work and Health in Toronto have developed and validated a simple tool to assess an orginazation’s safety culture. In just eight statements scored by the percentage of time each item is found to be in practice, they are able to determine the strength of the safety culture in any organization. Here are the statements:

1. Formal safety audits at regular intervals are a normal part of our business.

2. Everyone at this organization values ongoing safety improvement in this organization.

3. This organization considers safety at least as important as production and quality in the way work is done.

4. Workers and supervisors have the information they need to work safely.

5. Employees are always involved in decisions affecting their health and safety.

6. Those in charge of safety have the authority to make the changes they have identified as necessary.

7. Those who act safely receive positive recognition.

8. Everyone has the tools and/or equipment they need to complete their work safely.

Pretty simple! Your employees are involved, given the opportunity to use their initiative and made to feel their contributions are important.

There is much more work being done in this area. Leading indicators, predictive tools and culture change ideas abound. Contact me at chipdawson@aol.com if you need more information.

11www.RochesterBusinessAlliance.com

Staffing and TrainingFeel Confident Presenting to Any Size Group

Bright Futures Job and Career Fair Draws 500 Area Grads

July 17 - Understanding Employer ACA Reporting Requirements

Aug. 21 - Background Check Compliance Update

Time: 8-9 a.m. Location: Rochester Business Alliance 150 State St., Rochester, NY 14614Open to: Members only (no cost) To register, email Michele Hefferon at Michele.Hefferon@RBAlliance.com

Friday Business Briefings

By Michelle Ames

Does public speaking make you break out in a cold sweat? Does the thought of

giving a presentation make you want to call in sick?

It doesn’t have to be that way.

Jerry Seinfeld jokes that more people are afraid of public speaking than dying, saying “more people would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy.” If this describes you, there are tips, tools, and tricks to help you gain confidence and build a presentation that will have them signing up, joining in, and persuaded to your point of view.

From small sales presentations to large lectures, there are formats that can help

you build a presentation that is cohesive, persuasive, timely, and even entertaining.

There are many things to consider when planning a presentation, including topic, time allotted, audience, time of day, location, and more. Learning how to leverage each of these can help make your presentation even better. Understanding the tools available to you (PowerPoint, printouts, etc.) and how to use them effectively can take a good presentation and make it an amazing presentation.

The August 5 Presentation Skills class at Rochester Business Alliance will help you bring your A-Game to any presentation you have to give, whether to a small group of business associates or a large auditorium. In this class you will learn about your audience, how to assemble your presentation, how to quell your

nerves, some tips and tricks for using PowerPoint, and many more ways to help you give the best presentation possible.

If you are ready to present with confidence, then the Presentation Skills class is for you!

Instructor Michelle Frechette Ames is a 2002 graduate of the William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Rochester and owner of Marketed by Michelle. Ms. Ames has extensive business writing and communication experience, years of teaching, and a desire to help others communicate more effectively.

RBA Staffing participated in the Rochester City School District’s Bright Futures Job and Career Fair at the Blue Cross Arena. Nearly 500 graduating seniors attended the career fair to find summer jobs or more from the 50 area businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies that recruited there.

RBA Staffing Placement Specialist Kristen Dupree said, “Most of these students are looking for some kind of entry-level work. We are going to bring in for an interview everyone who submitted a resume with us. It’s a great opportunity for them to practice their interview skills and experience the hiring process.”

Charlotte High School senior Romengeno Hardaway browsed the tables to find a summer job while he waits to enter the U.S. Marine Corps. Hardaway said, “I would like to find a job where I can start learning a trade. My grandfather owns a construction company. He builds houses, does electrical work. He’s a jack of all trades. I want to learn those trades because I want to own his company someday.”

The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Work Group on Education and Workforce Development sponsored the Bright Futures Job and Career

Fair. Monroe Community College President Anne Kress, Hillside Work-Scholarship President Augustin Melendez, and Wegmans Vice Chairman Paul Speranza co-chair the group.

Rochester City School District Superintendent Bolgen Vargas, Ed. D. said, “Many of our graduates enter the workforce right after high school, and we are grateful to the work group for linking them to a wide range of prospective employers in one place at an ideal time. Thanks to this effort, I am hopeful that many of these students will walk straight into a job that leads them to a bright future in our community.”

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks and Rochester Business Alliance President and CEO Bob Duffy also shared advice with students headed into the workforce.

7 Create a Killer New Hire Orientation Program 7 Customer Service 8 Getting Organized: The GO System

Seminars

July

RBA Member

Company Visits

9 Firestorm Crisis Coach: Creating an Intelligence Network 9 CyberSAFE – Securing Assets for the End User

5 Presentation Skills

August7 Project Management

MS Office Word MS Office Excel MS Office Access MS Office Project MS Sharepoint Foundation Apple iPad for Business Use Salesforce.com

May and June Software Training topics - check Events Calendar for courses, dates, and times

Register at www.RochesterBusinessAlliance.com Seminars are held at Rochester Business Alliance, 150 State St.

Software Training Register at www.RochesterBusinessAlliance.com Software courses are held off-site. Check location when registering.

Register at www.RochesterBusinessAlliance.com

This issue sponsored by:

10 Firestorm Crisis Coach: Your Intelligence Network 11 Creating an Engaging Customer Experience 15 Finance For The Non-Financial Professional 15 HR Management Series Basic – Recruiting/Retention 15 HR Management Series Basic – Human Resource Development 16 From HR Metrics Reporting to Impactful Analytics 17 Emotional Intelligence 21 Leading the Safety Process

September22 OSHA Recordkeeping 22 Chemical Hazard Communication with GHS 23 Accident Investigation Fundamentals 23 Safety Committee Operations 24 Emergency Management and Business Continuity 29 HR Management Series Basic – Employee & Labor Management Relations 29 HR Management Series Basic – Benefits Administration 30 Employment Law Basics

Palmer Food Services

Sweeteners Plus, Inc.

CooperVision, Inc.

Pactiv Corp.

Lollypop Farm