insideCEO Bob Duffy Optimistic About 2016

Blood Pressure Collaborative Gains Recognition

NY Women’s Equality Act Effective Jan. 19

Public Policy Focuses on Community

2 3 97

Rob Sands Elected Rochester Chamber Chairman, Unveils New Logo

January/February 2016

This issue sponsored by:

Newsletter

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce members elected Constellation Brands

Chief Executive Officer Rob Sands chairman of the board for the 2016-2018 term. Along with Sands, members also elected Bank of America President John Pitton as vice chair and Nixon Peabody General Counsel Brian Flanagan second vice chair, secretary, and treasurer.

Sands said, “Rochester’s unique history and strong entrepreneurial spirit have long attracted families and businesses seeking economic prosperity and quality of life. As a local business leader, I know the value of Rochester’s talent, resources, and collaborative partnerships. As chairman, I look forward to working with leaders across our region to further our economic prosperity and make Rochester the standout choice for long-term growth and opportunity.”

Rochester Chamber President and CEO Bob Duffy said, “Rob’s leadership, which is recognized internationally, along with his business acumen, his attention to detail, and his relationships will bring great benefit to our organization and its membership. His main areas of focus are both on advocacy and to engage all of our chamber membership business leaders to work together toward common goals. Rob is quite aware that the collective influence that we have in our region often goes untapped.

He wants to ensure that we use these relationships for the success of our entire region. Rob Sands serving as our chairman of the board sends a powerful message of his commitment.”

Sands succeeds former Rochester Chamber chairman, Nazareth College President Daan Braveman. Braveman remains a board and executive committee member.

Duffy said, “Daan has been a great partner, a great friend, and a great leader assisting my transition into the CEO position last year. He deserves tremendous credit for his vision, his leadership, and his heart.”

Duffy and Sands also unveiled the new Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce logo and mission statement as the organization rebrands from Rochester Business Alliance. The logo, designed by Rochester Chamber member Dixon Schwabl, symbolizes both the urban and rural nature of the Rochester and Finger Lakes region. The vertical lines represent the Rochester skyline but also call to mind the horizontal rows of the region’s farmlands. The curved elements are the rolling hills of the Finger Lakes and the waterfalls that powered Rochester’s first businesses. The region’s abundant freshwater is represented by the rippling line of the river and streams and the placid line of the many lakes.

The mission statement, “Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce passionately serves, promotes, and advocates for its members in order to secure economic prosperity for our Finger

Lakes region” solidifies Rochester Chamber’s service to the entire nine-county Finger Lakes region.

Voice of Business

2 January/February 2016

From the CEO

Rob Sands, Chairman of the BoardConstellation Brands, Inc.

John Pitton, Vice ChairBank of America

Brian Flanagan, Second Vice Chair, Secretary, and TreasurerNixon Peabody LLP

2015-2016 Board Officers

RBA Senior StaffRobert J. DuffyPresident and CEO

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

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

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

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

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

Tammy StefaniDirector of accounting servicesTammy.Stefani@GreaterRochesterChamber.com

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

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

Bob Duffy

We at Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce enjoyed a very exciting

and fast-paced 2015 and look forward to even more great things to come in 2016. Along with changing our name to Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and adopting a new logo, we expect to launch our new website in the first quarter of this year and initiate many more changes aimed at helping our member businesses grow and prosper.

One significant change is the election of Constellation Brands CEO Rob Sands as the next Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce chairman of the board. As busy as Rob stays leading a top global beverage manufacturer, I already sense the passion that he has in moving our chamber forward.

Along with Rob taking the chairman position, I am also pleased that Bank of America President John Pitton has been elected vice chair while Nixon Peabody General Counsel Brian Flanagan will serve as second vice chair, secretary, and treasurer.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank Nazareth College President Daan Braveman for his extraordinary service as RBA/Rochester Chamber chairman for the past two years.

Looking back, it’s been a whirlwind since I started as Rochester Chamber CEO last year. I’ve said it before, but I want to once again thank Sandy Parker for her ten years of leading the organization before me. Even with our rebranding as Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Sandy’s legacy will always remain intact. Stepping into the position that Sandy held for a decade has been an extraordinary learning experience. Getting to know the Rochester Chamber staff, board members, and countless leaders of member companies that I have toured over the past 12 months has given me a solid foundation heading into year two. That foundation gives me the confidence to begin implementing the changes and adjustments that I believe will help better serve all of our members.

I attended the Northeast Institute of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an intensive one-week course for chamber executives, in July at Villanova University. I learned that

the chamber world is an exciting one that gives us great opportunity to grow our relationships and influence in this region. I also learned that chambers across the country face the same challenges of recruiting and retaining members and staying relevant in making an impact on their local businesses and communities. It reinforced that we at Rochester Chamber must constantly reinvent ourselves and stay responsive to our members’ needs. A long-term goal that I have set for Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is to become accredited by the U.S. Chamber, a feat that only a small percentage of chambers ever achieve.

The mission statement that we have developed as part of our new strategic plan is, “Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce passionately serves, promotes, and advocates for its members in order to secure economic prosperity for our Finger Lakes region.” We do that through our strong advocacy efforts, business networking events and direct connection opportunities, human resource services, staffing and background checking services, health insurance, advertising, and professional development offerings. To fully succeed in the mission, we encourage all businesses to join our team to create the strong voice of business that we need to be locally, in Albany, and in Washington.

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce serves the nine-county Finger Lakes region. Our future economy and our future success depend upon teamwork among all of the counties. That will be one of our main priorities and focuses for 2016. We need all hands on deck going forward, so I ask for your support.

Those who sit on the sidelines should not complain about a lack of progress in some areas. If you are not a Rochester Chamber member, join us. If you are, become actively involved. Our region needs you.

3

New Member Profile: Once Again Nut Butter Collective, Inc.

Voice of Business

www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Rochester Chamber welcomed new member company Once Again Nut

Butter Collective, Inc. in November and had a moment to get acquainted with President and General Manager Bob Gelser to learn more about this business.

Tell us about your company: Once Again Nut Butter Inc. is an employee owned (E.S.O.P.) company incorporated in 1979. The company is located in the Village of Nunda (Livingston County), and currently employs 65 people. Our products are sold in the natural and organic products industry through distribution. Other customers include private label and industrial (ingredient) accounts. Our nut and seed butter products include peanut, almond, cashew, sunflower, and tahini. We also package honey products, purchasing from local beekeepers.

What prompted you to join the chamber? Our management staff had experience working with the Rochester Chamber in previous professions. That experience coupled with networking and training opportunities were the drivers in our decision to join the Rochester Chamber.

What business/economic challenges are you currently facing? Increased manufacturing costs including health care for employees are concerns. Fluctuation in cost of agricultural raw materials (nuts and seeds) caused by a combination of weather conditions and increased demand has been a challenge. Capital investment and supply chain (organic) management remains a focus to remain competitive and to meet government regulations.

What is your business outlook for 2016? After a series of years with double digit growth, our company is assuming a more modest single digit growth for 2016. Marketing strategies to increase our brand awareness and investigation of new products will be incorporated in the coming year. With more public attention given to health and nutrition, we believe our products are in line for future growth. www.onceagainnutbutter.com

Finger Lakes Region Receives $500M in Upstate Revitalization Competition

The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, led by co-

chairs and Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce board members Joel Seligman and Danny Wegman, took home one of three half billion dollar awards in the New York State Upstate Revitalization Initiative competition. The Southern Tier and Central New York won the other two URI awards.

The FLREDC plan, entitled “United for Success: Finger Lakes Forward,” outlines a strategy to grow jobs, increase regional wealth, attract private investment, and reduce poverty. It received Best Plan Awardee status, bringing with it $500 million in state investment over five years. In total, New York State dedicated more than $2 billion in economic development resources statewide through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative and Regional Economic Development Council competition.

Seligman and Wegman said, “We are proud

that Governor Cuomo and New York State have singled out the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council as a ‘Best

Plan Awardee’ and that we will receive half a billion dollars to move the region forward. This is recognition that Governor Cuomo believes in the Finger Lakes and is giving our region the attention it deserves. With this infusion of funding in our pockets, we are united for success and ready to move

our communities forward.”

The Finger Lakes Region’s URI plan consists of three industry clusters, or pillars, that will act as the core drivers of job and output growth: optics, photonics and imaging; agriculture and food production; and next generation manufacturing and technology.

The FLREDC plans to soon release its strategy for implementing its URI plan, including the process for project sponsors seeking to apply for funding. Click here to learn more.

Rochester’s health initiatives are moving the needle on high blood pressure control

rates and earning praise from national experts for reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

Over the past five years, hypertension control for adults in Monroe County has improved 13.7 percent — an increase of more than 8 percentage points, according to clinical data collected by the High Blood Pressure Collaborative, a community-wide health campaign spearheaded by Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency. The collaborative involves the region’s largest employers, hospitals, and health insurance companies.

Today, 71.3 percent of individuals 18 and older in Rochester diagnosed with hypertension have their blood pressure under control — compared to the national average of 52

percent as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

High Blood Pressure Collaborative Chair and Wegmans Food Markets Vice Chair and Secretary Paul Speranza said, “Collaboration is hard work and hard work every day. We owe a large debt of gratitude to our CEO group and our extraordinary group of dedicated experts and volunteers who have been meeting every Thursday morning for two hours, while doing significant work in between meetings, for the last 10 years. There is nothing like this anywhere else in America.”

Community experts point to a variety of initiatives that have contributed to the county’s high blood pressure success, including early work by the Greater Rochester Health Foundation, targeted incentives for clinicians through the hospital systems and refusal to sell cigarettes by businesses.

Blood Pressure Collaborative Gains Recognition

4 January/February 2016

Voice of Business

Rochester Chamber welcomes its new membersAPFS Rochester Inc. .................................www.teamapfs.comAssociated Brands, Inc. .............................www.associatedbrands.comBurgos Income Tax, inc. ............................www.burgostax.com Casco Security Systems ...........................www.cascosystems.com Claims Recovery Financial Services, LLC ...www.crfservices.com Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown www.rochesterdowntown.hgi.comHunter-Ross, LLC ......................................www.hunterross.com Hurlbut Care Communities ....................www.hurlbutcare.com iCircle Services, Inc. ..................................www.icirclecny.orgISM-R ...........................................................www.napmr.org IV4 Inc. .........................................................www.IV4.comLaser Integration MMI Logistics .............................................www.mmi-logistics.com

Morgan Management LLC ........www.morgancommunities.comOnce Again Nut Butter Collective, Inc. ..www.onceagainnutbutter.comParamax Corporation ...................www.paramaxcorp.comPark Strategies LLC ..................................www.parkstrategies.comPeople Inc. ...................................................www.people-inc.org Places Mobile, Inc. ......................................www.placesmobile.comThe Bortnick Agency, Inc. The Project Solvers of America, Inc. ......www.theprojectsolvers.comTruForm Manufacturing Corp. ................www.truformmfg.netUber Technologies Inc. ..............................www.uber.comUGI Energy Services .................................www.UGIes.com

*Company listed in blue denotes our Partner Member*

NYS Senate Majority Leader Flanagan Talks Minimum Wage

At a meeting with Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce members,

New York State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan urged employers opposed to an across-the-board $15 minimum wage proposed by Governor Cuomo to speak out publicly and to their elected representatives.

Senators Rich Funke, Patrick Gallivan, Mike Nozzolio, Rob Ortt, Joe Robach, and Cathy Young brought Flanagan to Rochester to talk about the minimum wage and other issues facing employers including the Scaffold Law, agriculture, and the upstate/downstate divide.

After the meeting, which was dominated by the minimum wage discussion, Flanagan said, “I have grave concerns listening to the folks in this room about the efficacy of increasing the minimum wage without having a full-blown discussion. We have a legislative process. The assembly and senate need to be involved. It’s fabulous to be able to listen to people who actually are creating jobs talk

about the potential negative effect of a two-thirds increase in the minimum wage.”

Bob Hurlbut, president and CEO of Rochester Chamber member Hurlbut Care Communities, said a $15 minimum wage may force him to close some of his company’s nursing homes. Hurlbut said, “I think that the care is going to be affected. We haven’t gotten an increase in nine years. Try and live with that. It cost me $2 million on the minimum wage increases that I’ve already paid for in the last two years. I don’t have any more money left. I can’t cut any more expenses. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I’m not going to be able to take care of my residents. Bottom line, they will be back in hospitals. Health care will shut down as we know it today.”

Rochester Chamber board member and First Niagara Financial Group Market Executive Suzanne Nasipak-Chapman said her takeaway from the meeting is that the legislators who attended do care. Nasipak-Chapman

said, “They see the whole issue. We are all dedicated to serving our communities and making it a world where everyone can succeed. We need to figure out how to do it in a coordinated fashion so that we can be successful.”

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has voiced its opposition to a $15 minimum wage as part of the Minimum Wage Reality Check coalition. Reality Check supporters say such an increase will put many struggling small businesses, family farms, and not-for-profit service providers out of business. Others will have to reduce the number of people they employ, reduce employees’ hours and put a freeze on plans to add staff or expand operations. The costs of products and services will rise dramatically. Also because of mandated budget growth, local governments will be forced to raise taxes, reduce services, or both. Learn more at www.MinimumWageRealityCheck.com.

5www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Connecting BusinessRochester Chamber offers a variety of events each month. For more photos, visit our Facebook page.

Rochester Chamber hosted the

Monroe#1 BOCES Creative Teen

Leadership Conference, which

encourages problem solving skills.

Rochester Chamber CEO Bob Duffy

returned to RIT E. Philip Saunders

College of Business to discuss

leadership.

Rochester Area Business Ethics

Foundation presented an honorary

ETHIE Award to outgoing chair

Twyla Cummings.

Rochester Chamber staff visited

Livingston and Wyoming

Counties, including member SUNY

Geneseo.

Our last Showcase Tour was at member

GW Lisk, manufacturer of tin ware and

supplier of solenoids.

Genesee County was the last stop for

the Rochester Chamber nine county

tour, including a visit to member

Chapin.

Never a dull day at the office when

rock legend Eddie Money visits!

Rochester Chamber joined Rebuild NY

Now to rally local and state officials for

transportation infrastructure funding.

Rochester Chamber celebrated the grand

opening of member Five Star Bank’s

CityGate branch.

SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher

met with Rochester Chamber members

to discuss Stand with SUNY.

Our team members volunteered at the

Open Door Mission to cook breakfast

for those less fortunate.

Our staff wishes you a happy and

prosperous 2016!

6 January/February 2016

Voice of Business

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is made up of employers

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

Associated New York State Food Processors nyfoodprocessors.org Greater Rochester Quality Council • Jan. 20 - Performance Excellence Forum • Feb. 17 - Performance Excellence Forum www.grqc.org Small Business Council of Rochester • Jan. 27 - Holiday Networking Event www.rochestersbc.com Rochester Hispanic Business Association • Jan. 19 - Lunch Series with Abraham Hernandez • Feb. 16 - Lunch Series with Alex Castro www.rochesterhba.org The Women’s Council • Jan. 21 - ATHENA Awards Luncheon www.RBAWomenscouncil.org

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

Upcoming Affiliate Events

Women’s Council Names 2016 ATHENA Awards Finalists

Supporting its mission to recognize and empower professional women, the

Women’s Council, a Chamber affiliate, announced the finalists chosen for the 30th annual ATHENA Award and its second annual ATHENA Young Professional Award.

A pre-selection committee chose the ATHENA Award finalists based on their significant professional achievements, community service endeavors, and leadership in the advancement of other professional women. Broadstone Real Estate President and CEO Amy Tait received the 2015 ATHENA Award. The 2016 ATHENA Award finalists are:

• Melissa Brown, Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Marketing, CDS Monarch

• Katrina Busch, President, Roberts Communications

• Dorothy Coleman, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Excellus/Lifetime Healthcare Co.

• Rachel DeGuzman, President and Chief Executive Officer, 21st Century Arts

• Deborah Hughes, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

• Susan Latoski, Executive Director, Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley

• Dr. Lesli Myers, Superintendent of Schools, Brockport Central School District

• Marilynn Patterson Grant, Owner/Consultant, M.P. Grant, LLC

• Kathleen Pringle, Chief Executive Officer, Kathleen Pringle Group, Inc.

• Elaine Spaull, Executive Director, Center for Youth

• Patricia Uttaro, Director, Rochester Public Library and the Monroe County Library System

• Lori Van Dusen, Chief Executive Officer, LVW Advisors

The ATHENA Young Professional Award recognizes emerging leaders in the 30 to 45 year old range who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession. Recipients also provide valuable service by contributing time and energy

to improve the quality of life of others in the community while serving as a role model for young women both personally and professionally. Business development professional Claudia Burcke received the inaugural ATHENA Young Professional Award.

The 2016 ATHENA Young Professional Award finalists are:

• Traci Adolph, President, Tra-Lin Corporation DBA Samson Fuel & Trucking

• Lauren Gallina, Marketing Director, Gallina Development

• Alyssa Belasco, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, The Highlands at Pittsford

• Sufiya Kwaja, Relationship Manager, Bank of America

• Jessica Lord, Recruitment Coordinator, Volunteers of America Western New York

• Lindsay Morrow-Lilly, Vice President, Corporate Communications and Shareholder Relations Manager, Canandaigua National Bank & Trust

• Katelin Pellett, Vice President of Programs, Ad Council of Rochester

• Leah Tarantino, Associate Attorney, Underberg & Kessler, LLP

• Erin Tolefree, Vice President of Sales, Baldwin Richardson Foods

• Melanie Wolk, Attorney (Partner), Trevett Cristo Salzer & Andolina P.C.

A committee of renowned business professionals will select the recipients of both awards. The Women’s Council presents the 30th annual ATHENA Award and the second annual ATHENA Young Professional Award at a luncheon January 21 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. The 2016 ATHENA Awards are presented by title sponsor First Niagara Bank. For ticket and sponsorship information, contact Events and Affiliate Relations Director Susan George at (585) 256-4612.

7www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Public Policy

By Chris Wiest Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy

2016 Public Policy Agenda to Focus on Business Environment

Using member feedback from the

recent Public Policy and Advocacy survey, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has developed its legislative and policy agenda for 2016. Our priorities will continue to focus on creating a more business-friendly environment for employers and supporting initiatives that improve our community as a whole. Below is a summary of several key areas of focus based on survey results:

New York State Mandates and Taxes Affecting Business: Mandate and tax relief topped the list of member concerns on this year’s survey. Rochester Chamber will work to support broad-based tax reform, reduce outdated and complex business taxes and regulations, oppose excessive wage mandates, and support business-backed tort reform legislation.

Economic Development: Growing private sector jobs is key to the region’s economic future. We will continue to work with local, state and federal leaders to support regional efforts including the $600 million American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Photonics (AIM) project. Rochester Chamber remains committed in supporting the priorities and projects of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council (FLREDC), including Optics and Photonics and Imaging, Agriculture and Food Production, Next-Generation Manufacturing and Technology. Signature projects such as North American Breweries’ plan to create a Genesee Eco-Brewery District will invest millions of dollars into our economy. We applaud the FLREDC’s successful Upstate Revitalization Initiative plan submission and look forward to working with community leaders on its full implementation.

Health Care Costs: We will continue to work to control the rising costs of health care in our region. Members of the Rochester Chamber Health Care Initiative meet weekly on initiatives designed to generate affordable, quality health care – with the ultimate goal of making Rochester the healthiest community

in America. Work will continue on the High Blood Pressure Collaborative, a partnership between Rochester Chamber and the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency, that aims to improve management of this costly chronic condition. Between 2010 and January of 2015, the proportion of hypertensive adult patients achieving blood pressure control has increased to over 71% percent, one of the highest rates in the nation. Higher blood pressure control rates leads to reduced risk for heart attacks and strokes, improving quality of life and reducing health system costs.

On the legislative front, Rochester Chamber will continue to oppose state and federal health care mandates that increase costs for employers.

Workers’ Compensation: New York State is currently ranked #4 in the nation for high workers’ compensation costs. The system needs continued overhaul to modernize guidelines and stem rising costs. The Rochester Chamber Workers’ Compensation Committee meets regularly to work on reforms to reduce costs and improve system efficiency. We oppose rollbacks of cost saving measures and continue to defend against costly, new legislation. Our member education sessions last year were well-attended, and we will continue our outreach to help businesses better understand and navigate this challenging area.

Education/Workforce: Rochester Chamber remains committed to helping improve student achievement in our region, specifically in the Rochester City School District where student performance suffers most. We will continue our participation in ROC the Future, an alliance of more than 50 leading Rochester-area institutions and partners dedicated to ensuring that children receive the opportunities necessary to be successful in school and life. Rochester Chamber will also support increased opportunities for Career and Technical Education, as well as FLREDC Workforce Development Committee Initiatives and the Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative.

Transportation/Infrastructure: Rochester Chamber recognizes that a solid infrastructure and transportation system is crucial to the

economic success of our region. Rochester Chamber supports the City of Rochester and Monroe County Arts & Tourism Growth proposal, increased upstate investment in road and bridge repair, and strengthening federal highway trust fund commitments.

State Races: The Committee for a Strong Economy, our political action committee, will make endorsements in regional state Senate and Assembly races in the fall. Stay tuned for more information on how you can participate in the interview and endorsement process.

Constituent Support: We are always there to assist members on company-specific matters involving local, state and federal government. This may include legislative, regulatory and funding issues. If there is an issue impacting your business, we are happy to write letters of support or opposition and to help connect you with legislators and key decision-makers. This year, we will host our new “Policy Matters” series, which allows members to connect directly with community and state leaders.

As always, we will continue to serve as a voice for the employer community-actively responding to legislative and policy concerns that develop over the course of the year, and look forward to your input.

For more information on the 2016 advocacy agenda, and how you can help, please feel free to contact me at (585) 256-4626.

We have an exciting events lineup for 2016!

Visit our website’s events calendar for more details!

8 January/February 2016

Human Resources

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

Survey Spotlight

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

Build Your HR Network: Register for 2016 HR Forums

Rochester-Area Surveys Starting Soon

Rochester Chamber is now accepting registrations for the 2016 Benefits

Forum and 2016 HR Professional Forum. If you missed the opportunity to join either of these forums in 2015, here is your chance to connect with your peers.

Each year, the Rochester Chamber HR forums give members an opportunity to connect with peers who understand the challenges HR professionals face every day. The HR forums help keep you up-to-date on state and federal labor laws and help build on the experience you already have through active participation and interaction with peers. All forum participants are expected to maintain the confidentiality of discussions at the meetings so forum members can be free to have open discussions. Participant qualifications are reviewed to ensure the level of expertise is commensurate with the group. Below is a summary of the two forums starting in the January and February:

Benefits Forum: Provides senior level benefits professionals with the opportunity to benchmark and network with peers on benefit trends and issues including benefits practices and strategic planning. Meetings begin in February.

HR Professional Forum: Presents mid-level human resource professionals the opportunity to benchmark and network with peers while sharing HR knowledge through roundtable discussions and presentations from guest speakers. Meetings begin in January.

The registration deadline for the HR Professional Forum was December 10 but we are still accepting registrations. The Benefits Forum registration deadline is January 14, 2016. Space is limited and will be offered on a first-come, first served basis. To learn more about these forums, including meeting dates, or to download a registration form, please visit our website and click on the forum of choice. If you have any questions, please email Jennifer Suppé or call her at (585) 256-4608.

Rochester Chamber’s first quarter 2016 benchmarking surveys begin in January.

Only Corporate and Partner members are eligible to participate and those who participate receive complimentary results when released.

There are three different surveys starting in January. The local Annual Wage and Salary Surveys begin the week of January 11, 2016 and provide Rochester-area wage and salary data. The four local surveys include Nonexempt, Professional/Managerial, Manufacturing, and Health & Human Services. The National Executive Compensation Survey begins the week of January 4, 2016 and covers compensation and perquisites for 47 key executive positions. The Turnover and Absenteeism Survey starts the week of January 18 and gathers data on turnover statistics and absenteeism rates for calendar year 2015. Questionnaires for all surveys will be emailed to those members who requested to participate in the timeframes specified above.

Sign-up for all first quarter surveys began in early December 2015 via an e-mail invitation which was sent to the main HR contacts at Corporate and Partner member companies. If you are a Corporate or Partner member and you haven’t had a chance to sign up yet, click here to go to the online signup page. Members can sign up online until the survey

launches, and after that, must contact Kathy or Jennifer to sign up. If you have any questions about benchmarking surveys, please contact Kathy Richmond at (585) 256-4618, or Jennifer Suppé at (585) 256-4608. To discuss upgrading your membership so that you can participate in these valuable benchmarking surveys, please contact Kevin Donahue at (585) 256-4651.

HR Services Staff Kathy Richmond Sr. director, Human Resource Services (585) 256-4618 Kathy.Richmond@GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Jennifer Suppé, MSHRD, PHR HR Services Specialist (585) 256-4608 Jennifer.Suppe@GreaterRochesterChamber.com

9www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Legal Briefing

Andrew Burns and Jill Schultz Davidson Fink LLP

The New York Women’s Equality Act

When it comes to hiring the right person, take a step

in the right direction with RBA StaffingCriminal Records CheckSex Offender Registries

Social Security Number CheckDMV Check

Current/Past Employment VerificationReferences Check

Academic VerificationAnd more!

Let RBA Staffing help you make better decisions to hire better employees.

(585) 256-4647

www.RBAstaffing.com

New York State Governor

Andrew Cuomo recently signed into law various bills that will provide greater protection for women in the workplace as part of the New York Women’s Equality Act. The new law becomes effective January 19, 2016 and provides the following new employment-related provisions:

Pay Equality Section 194 of the New York Labor Law currently provides that men and women must receive equal pay for equal work unless the employer can show that the differential is based on: (a) a seniority system; (b) a merit system; (c) a system that measures earnings by quantity or quality of production; (d) or any factor other than sex.

The new law amends section 194 of the Labor Law and makes it more difficult for employers to defend claims.

The employer can no longer rely on “any factor other than sex” to justify a difference in pay between a female and male employee doing the same job. Rather, the employer must show any pay difference is due to “a bona fide factor” other than sex that is both “job-related” and “consistent with business necessity.” The new law cites education, training, and experience as bona fide factors that may warrant different rates of pay under certain circumstances. Thus, it will be harder for employers to defend pay disparities, especially those based on subjective factors.

In addition, even where an employer can show bona fide reasons for a particular wage differential, an employee will be able to overcome this by showing: (a) the employer uses a particular employment practice that causes a disparate impact based on sex; (b) an alternative employment practice exists that would serve the same business purpose without a pay differential; and (c) the employer has refused to adopt this alternative practice.

The new law prohibits pay differentials even if two employees whose pay rates are being compared work in different physical locations, provided the locations are in the same geographic region.

Employers can no longer prohibit employees from sharing wage information with other employees, although employers can place reasonable limitations on the time and location of any such discussion.

The new law increases the amount of liquidated damages allowed for willful violations to 300% of the wages found to be due.

Familial Status The new law amends section 296 of the New York State Human Rights Law to prohibit discrimination based on “familial status” in addition to the current prohibition against discrimination based on marital status. Familial status protection applies to any person who is pregnant, has a child, or is in the process of securing legal custody of any individual under the age of eighteen. Employers cannot inquire into or consider parental status when making employment decisions relating to hiring, promoting, firing, or subjecting to different terms and conditions of employment.

Employees of Small Businesses The new law amends section 292 of the New York State Human Rights Law and protects all workers from sexual harassment regardless of the size of the workplace. It is not clear whether the new law will apply to claims of sex discrimination, as opposed to sexual harassment. The four-employee minimum continues to apply to other claims of discrimination and harassment.

Attorneys’ Fees The new law amends section 297 of the New York State Human Rights Law and provides for the recovery of reasonable attorneys’ fees in employment cases when the employee succeeds in proving sex discrimination. It also allows a prevailing employer to recover attorneys’ fees if it demonstrates that the

employee’s action was frivolous.

Pregnancy Discrimination The new law amends section 296 of the New York State Human Rights Law and requires employers to perform a reasonable accommodation analysis for employees with pregnancy-related conditions and to provide a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations are likely to include bathroom and water breaks, time off for doctors’ appointments, and leaves of absences for periods of disability. Employers can require employees to provide medical information regarding the pregnancy-related condition and the need for reasonable accommodation. Employers are not required to agree to requests for accommodations that impose an undue hardship.

Practical Advice To comply with the new law, an employer should: (a) review its pay practices and pay structure; (b) update its employee handbook to reflect the new requirements; (c) update other applicable human resources policies and procedures; and (d) create or update its standards and policies for providing accommodations to pregnant employees.

10 January/February 2016

Voice of Business

Rochester Chamber Welcomes New Board Members

Rochester Chamber Supports Rebuild NY Now

Following elections at the end of 2015, Greater Rochester Chamber of

Commerce welcomes new board members Eric Bieber, Rochester Regional Health System; Vilma Burgos-Torres, Rochester Hispanic Business Council representative; Ken Glazer, Buckingham Properties; William Goodrich, LeChase Construction; Paul Kaiser, Sr., Genesee Regional Bank; Michael Kane, Democrat and Chronicle Media Group; Wende Knapp, Women’s Council representative; Faheem Masood, ESL Federal Credit Union; Mark Meyerhofer, Time Warner Cable; Deana Porterfield, Roberts Wesleyan College; Gerard Rooney, St. John Fisher College; Gregory Soehner, Council of Agency Executives representative; and Michael Zimmer, Xerox Corporation.

Rochester Chamber also thanks the following departing board members for their service: Donald Bain, St. John Fisher College; Paul Deering, Time Warner Cable; Dave Fiedler, ESL Federal Credit Union, and Wayne LeChase, LeChase Construction.

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has thrown its support

behind Rebuild NY Now, a broad-based coalition seeking to raise public awareness about issues impacting New York State’s infrastructure. Rochester Chamber Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy Chris Wiest appeared at an event at the Monroe County Office Building where Rebuild NY Now launched a comprehensive statewide campaign to call upon Governor Cuomo and the state legislature to include funding parity between capital plans of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the New York State Department of Transportation in the 2016-17 state budget.

Wiest said, “Sound transportation infrastructure is the lifeblood of commerce. Employers rely upon safe and well-maintained roads and bridges to deliver goods and services to their customers and

for their employees to travel safely to and from work. Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to support the Rebuild NY Now campaign to call for an increase in investment in upstate transportation infrastructure to improve road safety, boost the economy, and create jobs.”

Rebuild NY Now President and CEO Mike Elmendorf said, “A coalition unprecedented in its breadth and diversity has come together around this issue. Everyone from labor to chambers of commerce and elected officials from across Western New York have come because our crumbling roads and bridges are in serious need of attention and, more importantly, are in serious need of a multibillion dollar capital commitment from the state. Renewing a commitment to the historic parity agreement between roads and bridges and transit will not only create jobs and save New Yorkers money – but it will

ensure the safety and well-being of Rochester families who every day ride on roads and bridges that are in a state of disrepair.”

New York State Senator Joe Robach, Transportation Committee Chairman, said, “We support the historic MTA funding deal, but we cannot leave the rest of the state behind and driving on unsafe roads and bridges. An all-encompassing capital plan that restores parity between mass transit and our roads and bridges will provide safer roads and bridges for residents and will put thousands of skilled laborers to work and provide them with good paying jobs for our state’s economy.”

Visit www.RebuildNYnow.org for more information on the “Parity” campaign. Watch a YouTube video at http://bit.ly/1SzHb0o.

A Brief Rochester Chamber History

Railroad and canal problems, banking concerns, trade with Canada, a growing

city, and a host of other issues prompted 20 Rochester business leaders to gather in November 1887 to discuss forming a board of trade. In December, the group approved the Rochester Chamber of Commerce constitution and the rest is history:

1891: A group of insurgents, among them Eastman Kodak founder George Eastman, defeat the Chamber’s official slate of officers and plans to reform the city charter.

1904: Chamber membership opens to suburban businesses.

1915: George Eastman offers $500,000 for a new Rochester Chamber of Commerce building on St. Paul Street.

1941: The Chamber and the Industrial Management Council begin applying Rochester’s manufacturing skills to war production programs.

1960: President Donald A. Gaudion declares that business leaders have a responsibility to support “art, culture, and political purpose.”

1975: A new name, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, reflects an increasing attention to regional development.

1987: The Chamber holds its inaugural Rochester Top 100 program.

1989: A name change to the Greater Rochester Metro Chamber of Commerce solidifies the Chamber’s regional reach.

2003: The Greater Rochester Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Industrial Management Council merge to form Rochester Business Alliance.

2006: RBA convenes the Rochester Community Coalition, a precursor to the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council.

2006: RBA and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership announce the formation of Unshackle Upstate.

2016: RBA returns to its roots by rebranding as the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. This move clarifies its position as the Chamber of Commerce serving the nine-county Finger Lakes region.

11www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Voice of Business

Jan. 22 - Annual Employment Law Update Time: 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. Feb. 5 - The Importance of the Business Report Card Time: 8-9 a.m.

Feb. 19 - TBD Time: 8-9 a.m.

Location: Rochester Chamber 150 State St., Rochester, NY 14614 Open to: Members only (no cost) To register, email Michele.Hefferon@GreaterRochesterChamber.com

Friday Business BriefingsSurvey Finds More Businesses Offering High-Deductible Plans

The 2015 Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Health Benefits Survey found

an increase in the number of responding employers that offer high deductible health care plans. Among respondents to the survey, 86 percent said that this year they offered one or more high-deductible health insurance plans, up from 76 percent in 2014.

The annual Rochester Chamber Health Benefits Survey also found that employers pay a significant share of their employees’ health insurance premiums. Respondents reported contributing an average of 71 percent of single-person plans, 63 percent of two-person, 66 percent of family plans without spousal coverage, and 61 percent of family premiums. For 2015, only 14 percent paid the full cost of single coverage for at

least one plan, down from 17 percent a year ago.

Employer health insurance premium contributions as a percentage of payroll averaged 9.4 percent, up from 8.9 percent last year. Responding employers said they expect their 2016 health insurance premiums to rise by an average of 13.1 percent. Asked about covering the increase, 13 percent of respondents said they plan to absorb the majority, 18 percent plan to split the increase with employees 50/50, and 11 percent plan to pass on either a majority or all of the cost.

The Health Benefits Survey included responses from 209 member organizations representing approximately 76,100 full-time employees. Read the full news release here.

Rochester Chamber and its RBA Staffing division teamed up with Amerks Hockey, Democrat and Chronicle, and CareerBuilder to host a Downtown Career Fair November 20.

Feb. 5 Leadership for Managers

Seminars and Software Training

Seminars Held at Rochester Chamber

Business After Hours

Holiday Jam

NetworkingFeb. 18 Successful Supervision

Register at www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com

This issue sponsored by:

Jan. 4 MS Excel 2007/2010 - Part 1 Jan. 5-7, 11-12 CyberSec First Responder: Threat Detection and Response Jan. 5 MS Excel 2007/2010 - Part 2 Jan. 8 Excel 2013: Data Analysis with Power Pivot Jan. 12 Excel 2013: Dashboards Jan. 13 Troubleshooting and Supporting Windows 7 in the Enterprise Jan. 14 MS Access 2013 - Part 2 Jan. 15 CyberSAFE (Securing Assets for the End User) Jan. 19 MS Excel 2016 - Part 1 Jan. 19 MS Outlook 2010 - Part 1 Jan. 21 MS Excel 2013 - Part 3 Jan. 22 CyberSAFE (Securing Assets for the End User) Jan. 25 Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 Jan. 25 Google Drive and Productivity Jan. 25 MS PowerPoint 2010 - Part 1 Jan. 26 MS PowerPoint 2010 - Part 2 Jan. 27 MS SharePoint Foundation 2013: Site User Jan. 28 MS SharePoint Foundation 2013: Site Owner Jan. 29 Drive Strategy Execution Through Effective Goal Setting Jan. 29 MS SharePoint Foundation 2013: Site Administrator Feb. 1-5 Managing Windows Environments with Group Policy Feb. 2 Coaching and Counseling Employees Feb. 3 MS Excel 2013 - Part 1 Feb. 4 MS Excel 2013 - Part 2 Feb. 5 MS Excel 2013 - Part 3 Feb. 8-12 CompTIA Security+ Certification Feb. 8, 20 Creating a Culture of Accountability Feb. 8 MS PowerPoint 2013 - Part 2 Feb. 9 MS PowerPoint 2013 - Part 2 Feb. 9 Emotional Intelligence Feb. 10 Business Communications Electronic and Printed Feb. 10 Crystal Reports 2011/2013: Part 1 Feb. 11 MS Outlook 2013 - Part 1

Training Held at Logical Operations

Feb. 12 Getting Organized: The GO System Feb. 12 MS Outlook 2013 - Part 2 Feb. 15-19 CyberSec First Responder: Threat Detection and Response Feb. 15 Effective Presentations Feb. 15 MS Access 2013 - Part 1 Feb. 16 MS Word 2013 Feb. 17 Crystal Reports 2011/2013 - Part 2 Feb. 17 MS Word 2013 - Part 2 Feb. 18 MS Word 2013 - Part 3 Feb. 19 Effective Project Management Skills Feb. 19 Employment Law Basics Feb. 22-26 CompTIA Network+ Certification Feb. 22 Excel 2010 - Mastering Pivot Tables Feb. 22 Excel 2010 - Charts and Graphs Feb. 22 Zoho CRM: Critical User Skills Feb. 24 Create a New Hire Orientation Program Feb. 25 MS Excel 2013 - Part 1 Feb. 25 MS Excel 2016 - Part 1 Feb. 26 MS Excel 2013 - Part 2 Feb. 29 MS Excel 2007/2010 - Part 1 Feb. 29 MS SharePoint Foundation 2010 - Level 1

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From Bob and the rest of the team at Greater Rochester

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