The Connecticut Department of Labor has been awarded grant funds from the U.S. Department of Labor to administer an Early Warning Demonstration Program.  The project targets manufacturing companies in Connecticut experiencing critical workforce training needs that, without this assistance, might be forced to layoff workers.

Through this program, workers whose skillsets are lacking receive hard skills training.  This results in new or increased skills, and subsequently job retention and enhanced upward mobility.  Skilled workers allow businesses to potentially expand their market base, diversify, and remain competitive in our increasingly global marketplace.

This Labor Department project is being administered in partnership with our local Workforce Investment Boards.  In our area, interested employers can contact Business Services Consultants Sal Galasso (sal.galasso@ct.gov or (203) 437-3274) or Joseph Bannon (joseph.bannon@ct.gov or (203) 574-6971 ext. 427) at the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board.  Also, we encourage you to review the “Early Warning Demonstration Program: Layoff Aversion through Incumbent Worker Training” application.

For information on recent job listings and career fairs, check out http://www1.ctdol.state.ct.us/jcc/ctworks.asp and http://www.ctjobfairs.com.

Tomorrow we’re kicking off our Corporate and Individual Wellness Challenge – “Tighten Your Belt.”  We’re encouraging individuals and companies to help create a healthier region.  The challenge includes points for weight loss, number of steps taken, number of hours exercised, and attendees can gain extra points by attending “Tighten Your Belt” educational programs and more.

In addition to a healthy 2011, participants will be eligible to win fabulous prizes, including

Gold Medal: $1,000 toward a new wardrobe

Silver Medal: $500 toward a new wardrobe

Bronze Medal: $250 toward a new wardrobe

The team with the highest score at the end of the competition will win the Corporate Wellness Award, which includes $2,500 toward exercise equipment for the office/breakroom, a featured story in the Republican-American Fall, 2011 HealthMatters supplement, and more!

Here are some staggering statistics on health and wellness in the U.S. from the American Heart Assocation, a “Tighten Your Belt” partner:

Nearly four in ten American adults believe they have ideal heart health (39%). Less than one in ten believes they have poor heart health (5%).
The majority of adults have visited a doctor or healthcare professional within the past year (80%).
70% of Americans report being told to make lifestyle changes by a doctor or other healthcare professional.
One third report being told each to exercise more (35%) and that they are overweight (33%).
One in five adults report currently being a smoker (19%).
Fewer than two in ten American adults (15%) achieve AHA’s recommended levels of moderate aerobic exercise, which is 150+ total minutes per week.
For more than four of ten adults, eating 9 servings of fruits and veggies (44%) or eating fish at least 2 times per week (45%) is a rare activity.

You can tighten your belt this year!  Take the first step by visiting the American Heart Association‘s “Life’s Simple 7” website and taking the simple assessment to find out what small changes you can make that will have a BIG impact on your health.

Then register to participate in the Waterbury Regional Chamber Health Care Council’s “Tighten Your Belt” challenge.  Call (203) 757-0701 for more information.

Casa Dijanna OFB - 2/17/2011

Over 130 people attended last Thursday’s Out For Business event at Casa Dijanna in Watertown.  While everyone was impressed with the size of the crowd, some people may have been intimidated to have to walk into the crowd and start conversations with people they had never met.  In those situations, it is easy to assume that you are the only person who doesn’t know someone else in the room.  We often see people who have strategically invited their co-workers or colleagues just so they have someone to talk to.  That’s a great start, but it can be a trap if you spend the whole night just talking to the person who came with you.  Networking events are about getting to know new potential business partners and starting the relationship development process.

Our next Out For Business is Thursday, March 3 at Naugatuck Valley Community College.  To help you get ready to make the most of this networking opportunity, here are some networking tips courtesy of Dale Carnegie of Western CT.

Tip #1. Network Genuinely: When attempting to build trust, credibility and business relationships, you need to present yourself in a genuine light.  If you attend networking events or situations with the intention to sell, you will come off as self-serving and fail to connect with other attendees.

Tip #2. Define Your Goals: Do not arbitrarily select a networking event.  Before you go anywhere, take a moment to figure out what you are hoping to accomplish through networking.  Different networking events have different focuses, like education or database growth.  Knowing what aligns with your goals is the key to getting the most out of networking.

Tip #3. Visit Multiple Groups: Like when buying a car, settling on the first networking group you stumble across is usually unwise.  Visit several groups to get a feel for each group’s unique flavor and to see what they can offer you and you can offer them.  Once you find a networking group that works for you, give it your full attention.

Tip #4. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Successful networking hinges upon your ability to ask the people you interact with a series of open-ended questions, as opposed to simple yes/no questions.  If you rely solely on yes/no questions, your networking efforts will fail to encourage any sort of meaningful dialogue.  Furthermore, an open-ended question conveys more sincere interest in someone.

Tip #5. Understand Your Business: In order to maximize your networking efforts, you must have a clear understanding of what makes your business unique.  These differences, coupled with a concrete understanding of what your competitors offer, are the factors that will most interest the people with whom you network.

Tip #6. Follow-up With People: After successfully connecting with someone who might benefit from your business’ products and/or services, you need to follow-up with them through drip marketing campaigns.  But don’t just call them and ask, “So, are you ready to do some business together?”  Building trust, credibility and brand recognition takes time.  By taking this approach, you will not only put more prospects in the sales funnel but also help nurture your future sales.

Visit www.waterburychamber.com for more information on upcoming networking events, including the April 19 Business Expo, our biggest networking event of the year!

- Since 1990, Connecticut has lost 45 percent of its manufacturers, which totals 138,400 jobs lost.

- Connecticut currently has 4,500 manufacturing companies, many of which choose to stay here because it would be expensive and a hassle to move, and they fear losing their local clients.

- Though our state’s current manufacturers may not be interested in relocating, those companies from outside the state that are considering expansion or relocation are not likely to choose Connecticut due to its unfriendly business environment.

Example: “When Shelton packaging manufacturer Inline Plastics Corp. was choosing a location for its 2011 expansion, the company found a Georgia facility would be 50 percent cheaper in energy costs, 13 percent cheaper in labor costs and 40 percent cheaper in building costs than Connecticut, said Inline President Tom Orkisz.” (Hartford Business Journal, February 7, 2011, page 11)

- There is a significant shortage of skilled workers for available manufacturing jobs in Connecticut.

Though this report can be disheartening, the Waterbury Regional Chamber celebrated an exciting opportunity for our region’s manufacturers.  The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT) opened a satellite office here at our Chamber offices and held a press conference for 30 government officials, media representatives, manufacturers, and Chamber members.  State Senators Joan Hartley and Rob Kane and Representative Jeff Berger were in attendance, as well as a representative from Congressman Chris Murphy‘s office.

Representative Berger announced that $620,000 in state funding will be provided to CCAT to further their mission of supporting our region’s manufacturers and developing workforce training opportunities for Connecticut youth.

Elliott Ginsberg, CCAT’s President and CEO, outlined a number of methods CCAT will use to assist greater Waterbury’s manufacturers.  By having a presence in Waterbury, CCAT will share its talent and human capital.  It will also build upon its already strong relationship with Kaynor Tech and further develop its Young Manufacturers program, training and enhancing our future workforce.

Elliott also emphasized that CCAT will help to open a dialogue between local manufacturers, encouraging resource sharing and a supply chain model here.

Finally, Elliott pointed out that while many believe manufacturing is dead, there are a number of opportunities for a manufacturing renaissance and a collective effort to cultivate that in Connecticut is necessary.

For more information about CCAT and what our Chamber is doing for regional economic development, contact Jeff Rouleau at jrouleau@waterburychamber.com or (203) 757-0701 ext. 319.

We also strive to open dialogue between businesspeople and government leaders.  A prime opportunity is coming up in March and we invite everyone in the business community to join us.  On Wednesday, March 9, we will be leaving from Waterbury on a bus that we call the “Common Sense Caravan” and heading to Hartford to participate in CBIA‘s Connecticut Business Day 2011.

Connecticut Business Day will include presentations by business and government leaders as well as breakout sessions focusing on the state budget, labor issues, energy and environmental policy, and small business initiatives.

When you ride with us, you’ll also have the opportunity to share lunch and productive conversation with our state senators and representatives.  All have been invited to join us.

Let’s bring common sense back to Hartford!  With a new administration in Hartford, we have a prime opportunity to impact our state government.

Contact Jeff Rouleau at (203) 757-0701 or jrouleau@waterburychamber.com to get onboard the Common Sense Caravan.

Check us out on Facebook and learn more about what we’re doing to support greater Waterbury’s businesses.

Discussion focused on Connecticut’s budget crisis, and every legislator offered their input about what should be done to address our state’s financial woes.  All seemed to agree that serious spending cuts need to be made to address wasteful government spending.

Here are highlights from the morning’s discussion:

Senator Rob Kane reported that the Appropriations Committee had not met yet and suggested that until Governor Malloy’s budget address on February 16, the legislature would not be able to do much work on the issue.

Representative Craig Miner felt that so far the Governor has made statements relatively supportive of the business community and seemed hopeful about the state’s new leadership.

Representative Sean Williams emphasized that the legislature has not made the kind of tough spending cut decisions necessary to truly address this financial crisis.  He also pointed out that the legislature should work on cuts before it tries to justify increasing taxes, as Connecticut is ranked as one of the worst places in the country to do business.  This sentiment was echoed by many legislators throughout the morning.

Representative John Piscopo serves on the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee which interviews those appointed by Governor Malloy for leadership positions.  He also serves on Appropriations and was in agreement that cutting government spending should be a top priority.

When Representatives Williams and Piscopo were asked what specifically could be eliminated, they used the example of the many government agencies created solely to be watchdogs for other agencies.  They also suggested giving towns and cities the ability to control their own contracts.

Senator Joan Hartley, who serves on Public Safety, Insurance & Real Estate, Appropriations, and more, recommended a complete structural change for the state government.

Representative Tony D’Amelio stated that jobs should be the number one priority and was optimistic  about Connecticut’s new leadership.

Representative Jeff Berger addressed a few key economic development topics, including Brownfield development, aggressive support for culture and tourism, and reinvesting in the manufacturing community.

Representative Selim Noujaim is a long-time member of the Commerce and Higher Education Committees.  He, too, discussed the importance of job creation and eliminating wasteful spending.

Senator Joe Markley is a ranking member on the Human Services Committee and stated that the delivery of human services is critical.  There needs to be a balance between cutting waste and preserving necessary services for Connecticut residents, he said.  He stated that the best thing the government can do is to create a pro-business environment.

Representative Arthur O’Neill has been appointed to serve as Deputy Republican Leader-at-Large in the House Republican Leadership Team.  He, too, felt that spending cuts would be important this session.

Representative Rosa Rebimbas offered an optimistic perspective, encouraging attendees to stay positive and hold their leaders accountable.  A ranking member on the Law Committee, she shared that bills are changing and need to take business needs into consideration.

Representative Rob Sampson is a freshman Representative and will be serving on the Appropriations, Judiciary, and Insurance & Real Estate Committees.

Representative Len Greene, Jr. is serving on the Energy Committee and will seek to make things easier for businesses this session.  He said he will support stabilizing the market and changing the things that drive people away from Connecticut.

For video footage of the morning’s discussion, visit the CT House Republican’s YouTube Channel.

Also, we have posted the 2011 Legislative Agenda on our website.  Created by our Public Policy Committee, this document outlines our legislative priorities and has been shared with the region’s delegation.  Call Jeff Rouleau at (203) 757-0701 ext. 319 to get involved.

This Saturday, January 8, the city of Waterbury will celebrate one of the most exciting events in recent memory: the City Hall Gala. Rich with history, the City Hall building has been restored to its original glory and elegance. The Gala reception will mark the achievements of the City of Waterbury, the Waterbury Development Corporation, and the Waterbury City Hall Rededication Committee, all of which have played integral roles in honoring the beauty of architect Cass Gilbert’s design and breathing new life into downtown Waterbury.

 
First dedicated in 1915, City Hall is one of five Waterbury buildings Gilbert designed. His otherworks of art include the Woolworth building in Manhattan and the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C. Over time, City Hall fell into disrepair, suffering serious water damage andvandalism. In 2007, the City adopted a much-needed $35.9 million plan to restore this historic landmark. Now, three years later, the project is complete and every citizen of Waterbury is invited to take part in the celebrations.

 
City Hall was opened to the public on December 18 for guided tours led by Mattatuck Museum docents. They were extremely popular and filled up quickly. If you were unable to get a spot,you didn’t miss your chance. More will be scheduled on Saturdays this winter and spring. The tours are free but advanced registration is required. Visit www.waterburycityhall.com or call the Mattatuck Museum at (203) 753-0381 ext. 10.

Attend the Gala reception this Saturday, January 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. You will enjoy live entertainment by the Valley Chordsman Barbershop Singers and the John Mobilio Jazz Trio, aswell as cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and great company. Tickets are $125 per person or $200 percouple, and all proceeds will support a garden conservancy fund at the Connecticut CommunityFoundation to maintain the beautiful City Hall statues and gardens.

 
Plan now to make a night of it downtown. After a festive evening celebrating in City Hall, end the night with dinner at one of many great downtown restaurants. Some areeven offering discounts to Gala attendees. You will find a list of these restaurants at www.waterburycityhall.com. All downtown parking is free on Saturdays and everything is within walking distance, weather permitting.

 
We congratulate Mayor Jarjura and the Waterbury Development Corporation on a job very well done. City Hall’s beauty and grandeur are undeniable, and its restoration is a positive development for Waterbury of which everyone can be proud.

 
We also thank the Waterbury City Hall Rededication Committee, which includes Chairwoman Cathy Smith, Philip Benevento, Terry Calderone, Carolyn Cicchetti, Bob DeZinno, Ingrid Manning, Andrew Martelli, Kathleen McNamara, Sydney Voghel-Ochs, Spencer Parrish, Ede Reynolds, Carl Rosa, Cynthia Roznoy, and Kevin Taylor. They have evidenced their passion for and dedication to City Hall and to Waterbury. We look forward to celebrating with them on January 8.

Lynn Ward, President & CEO

No doubt you may have been making a list of New Year’s resolutions as we prepare to ring in 2011.  For many, this is a time of self-reflection.  Perhaps this is the year you will stop smoking for good, exercise faithfully or change your eating habits so you can avoid ‘dieting’.  Or maybe this is the year you will go back to school or take that big trip you have been dreaming about for so long.

This time of year is also a prime opportunity to consider where your business or career is now and how you envision your future.   Here are some suggestions for business-related New Year’s resolutions offered through our Waterbury Regional Chamber:

Educate yourself. We offer seminars on topics affecting your business throughout the year and give you direct access to the experts.  Our Small Business Council develops fall and spring series with input from members in order to provide the information you need to strengthen your business.  Learn about social media, employee relations, finances, marketing, and more.  Additionally, the Health Care Council develops fall and spring programming to help improve your health and your business’s well-being.

Meet new people. Through “Out For Businesses”, Speed Networking events, various awards ceremonies geared toward all industries, and more, we open the door to business opportunities for you.  No doubt you could generate business at one of our programs.

Participate in government. Public policy advocacy is of utmost importance as we enter the new legislative session on January 5.  Our local, state, and federal officials need to hear about your needs and priorities directly from you, the business owner.  This session’s hot topics will include taxes, healthcare, energy, and transportation.  Through our Public Policy Committee’s efforts and events like our upcoming Legislative Breakfast and mayoral luncheons, we stimulate the much-needed dialogue between business and government.  Learn about the issues with us this year and strengthen the business community’s voice in Hartford.

Spend local.  Local businesses are the heart and soul of our community.  By choosing to spend money locally, you are funneling money directly back into this region while helping to create jobs and stimulate the local economy.  We will continue our SpendLocal.net initiative and reward you for supporting our region’s locally-owned businesses.  Register your receipts at SpendLocal.net and win!

Celebrate your successes. Every month, our members publish their news items, updates, and achievements in our electronic newsletter, emailed to 1,400 business representatives.  We are proud to offer this and other free marketing opportunities for our 900 member businesses.  Increase your visibility by sharing your good news with us.

Get involved. Chamber membership is a wise investment in your business.  Make the decision to join the Who’s Who in the greater Waterbury region this year.  We welcome the opportunity to serve our region’s businesses and help them follow through on their New Year’s resolutions.

On behalf of the Waterbury Regional Chamber Board of Directors and staff, I wish you a happy, healthy holiday season.  We look forward to seeing you in 2011!

Courtney Ligi, Special Events Director

As a Waterbury Regional Chamber employee, I have seen many LGW graduates come out of our office.  I have always been interested in what their team project was going to focus on and whether or not it would become a reality.

Well now it is my turn to focus on my own team project and whether it can or will become a reality for the city of Waterbury.  I couldn’t be more excited to participate and proud to follow the amazing group of men and women who have gone through this program over the past 25 years.

It is now December and getting colder and as Economic Development Day comes around tomorrow, I am very excited to see what we are going to learn.  I heard a tour of the newly restored City Hall may be in the works.  I learned on History Day that this is only one of the five Cass Gilbert buildings in our wonderful downtown.  My passion and awareness for downtown has grown immensely since becoming a part of this program and hope for its revitalization one day has grown within me.  Back in the early 1900’s Waterbury was truly a city of new dreams, new hopes, and new ways to prosper, raise a family, and enjoy life.  We are slowly entering a new phase where development is beginning, young adults are moving downtown, and business is coming to stay.

So, as you can probably tell, I have the awareness, passion, and determination to help others learn about Waterbury.  That’s why I joined the team that is working to retain and attract young professionals downtown.  Whether they work, play, or live here, young blood is needed and wanted.  Our focus includes internships with local businesses, a young professionals group, or mentoring up-and-coming college graduates.  As we do more and more research, new ideas keep coming and we want to make sure that what we choose to do becomes a reality.  If you have any ideas, thoughts, or would like to help with research please let me know at cligi@waterburychamber.com. The more participation the better.

For now, the future is bright and I look forward to learning more and creating something grand just like Waterbury.

Often, the stances of local Chambers and the national organization align.  This is not always the case, however.  Although many local Chambers, including ours, are members of the U.S. Chamber, we act independently, often developing legislative agendas with the help of committees of member volunteers.  Our active Public Policy Committee, for example, works to update our Legislative and Municipal Agendas every year and we are grateful for their advice and counsel.

Check out this article to learn more about the similarities and differences between your local Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber.  Our Chamber’s public policy efforts are detailed on our website.