Voice of Business - Winter 2019

VOICE

OF

WINTER 2020 4

M a n y C h a m b e r s , O n e Vo i c e

13

Connecting Workers with Skills

6

R o c h e s t e r C h a m b e r To p 1 0 0

23

Business Expansion Services

Pictured left to right: Steve General Contractor President David Vasciannie Manning Squires Hennig CEO Matt Squires Avani Technology Solutions President Sameer Penakalapati

2

Welcome New Members!

COMPANY NAME

WEBSITE

ARM Procurement Advisors LLC

www.armpurchasing.com

Black Adder Beauty Bar www.blackadderbeautybar.com Center Information Services www.cisny.org Cintas www.cintas.com CMS Max Inc. www.cmsmax.com Corn Hill Navigation www.sampatch.org E3 Rochester www.e3rochester.org Gel Salon www.gelsalon.com Happy Earth Tea LLC www.happyearthtea.com High Falls Advisors, Inc. www.highfallsadvisors.com Integrity Intrigue Innovation Inc.

http://mspfirm.webs.com

Jrlon, Inc. www.jrlon.com Marathon Energy www.mecny.com March of Dimes www.marchofdimes.org Monroe Capital, Inc. www.monroecap.net need. salon + spa www.needsalonroc.com OptiCool Technologies www.opticooltechnologies.com Original Grain www.originalgrainsters.com People Minded www.people-minded.com Precision Advisory Services www.precisionadvisoryservices.com RenderHR, LLC www.renderhr.net RJLP Consulting LLC www.rjlpconsulting.com Ruby-Gordon www.rubygordon.com Security 101 www.security101.com/rochester Serve Me The Sky Digital

www.servemethesky.com

Service King Cleaning Inc www.servicekingcleaningny.com SPOT cowork www.SPOTcowork.com T-Mobile USA, Inc. www.t-mobile.com Transformation Solutions LLC www.transformationsolutions.net Xerox Business Solutions www.easternmpn.com

3

Recruiting, Retaining Talent Key Priorities for Rochester Chamber Bob Duffy President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce

W

orkforce development and talent strategy have emerged as

priorities over the past year for the Finger Lakes region’s economic future. In response to this, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has stepped up to start an exciting new chapter in the organization’s 132year history. Rochester Chamber, along with regional stakeholders, has ramped up its efforts in talent retention and recruitment.

Thanks to the generosity of Constellation Brands Executive Chair and Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Rob Sands, we recently hired a toplevel corporate recruiter with a long and successful history in the Rochester region.

Barb Egenhofer brings a wealth of talent and experience to this new role. She joins Rochester Chamber’s Adrian Hale to form an absolutely dynamic talent strategy team. As we begin this journey, Barb’s responsibilities include establishing relationships with local corporate recruiters, human resource executives, college placement officers, and other talent strategy leaders to help raise our region’s recruitment efforts to a new level. Adrian’s work focuses on new college graduates, those working to lift themselves from poverty, incumbent candidates, the formerly incarcerated, and others facing obstacles to employment. Adrian also works as a connector between higher education institutions and students seeking internships.

Rochester Chamber’s goal is to act as a convener between companies, job candidates, and workforce development resources in the region while making people aware of the great programs and initiatives available to them. It is not our intention to create a new talent strategy infrastructure, but rather to serve as the glue between existing services and stakeholders.

We aim to streamline relationships and become nimbler and more successful in the process while developing new, innovative approaches.

One of the challenges that we have is aligning the efforts of the many workforce development programs that are already in operation.

Working with partners like the Center for Governmental Research, we plan to identify the already established workforce development, training, and recruitment programs that will support our effort. Instead of creating new programs like we often see in Rochester, we want to maximize what is already being done and fill in any gaps where necessary. I want to allay any fears that this is an effort to take over or undermine any programs. This is an opportunity to publicize and enhance what is being done to ensure that programs are being connected to students, job seekers, and employers.

It is a rarity to find an employer today that has no challenges finding qualified, motivated workers. With our current low unemployment rates and an array of opportunities that exist for people of all ages today, we find that workers have many more choices for positions than they did in the past. However, in some areas like technology, our region does not have enough people trained with the necessary array of skills to fill open positions. We find that the workforce demands of one of our fastestgrowing sectors is the most challenging to serve. Work ethic also plays a role in finding the right employees for jobs. Employers want people who come to work on time willing to learn, get along with their co-workers, and do the job well.

I recently spoke at the New York State School Boards Association’s annual meeting in Rochester. The more than 1,800 attendees represented school boards from districts across the state. The theme of my message was to encourage New York State education leaders to incorporate age-appropriate work skills courses and training into curricula in both primary and secondary schools. This exposure can help young people leave high school with the critical “soft skills” necessary to succeed in the working world. I believe that this can be easily accomplished with teamwork by education leaders and school districts.

Another opportunity is for school districts and businesses to establish stronger relationships.

While we do see the occasional success story, our region does not have an overarching strategy to connect all of our school districts and businesses in need of talent. One of the purposes of education is to prepare people for employment. Our companies are hungry for employees to help them grow and prosper while also lifting up themselves and their families. We now have a perfect storm of opportunity to connect the dots in this area. Another part of our talent strategy effort involves recruiting workers from outside the Rochester and Finger Lakes region. Many Rochester Chamber member companies report that outside recruitment has helped them find candidates for difficult-to-fill positions. We want to bolster those efforts to bring in the talent that our companies need. This could include high-level executive talent, technology leaders, engineers, and other areas of expertise. We have a great selling point. Greater Rochester is a beautiful and affordable region boasting fantastic amenities and an incredibly high quality of life compared to anywhere else in our nation. Our constant challenge is getting people here and erasing the old rust belt perception that some may have but today is totally untrue.

To spread that word to a wider audience, our regional partners are working on ways to more effectively market our region. While there have been many attempts in the past that have yielded mixed results, the teamwork and talent that has come together for this effort brings a great sense of excitement for the future. This effort, however, goes beyond a marketing campaign. We are all in sales. We can all sell our region and our community. I urge everyone to make a concerted effort to reinforce the positives. We all have choices and we live here for a reason. We love living, working, and playing here. Let’s use that to convince others to take a chance on great career opportunities with our fabulous companies here. If you’re interested in participating in Rochester Chamber’s talent strategy efforts, email Chamber@GreaterRochesterChamber.com.

4

Many Chambers, One Strong Voice

By Marc Cohen Chief of Staff Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce

R

ecognizing the need for a strong, streamlined, and collective voice, Rochester Chamber is excited about the newly formed “Advocacy Coalition of Rochester Area Chambers.�

This collaborative alliance met for the first time in August and discussed legislative priorities, partnership opportunities, and joint advocacy days. The Finger Lakes region is wonderfully diverse and, as such, calls for a nuanced approach to effective advocacy. This new body fulfills that need and will be instrumental in amplifying the voices of our thousands of collective members.

In September we had an even larger turnout and decided to establish a more formal mission statement to keep us focused and on track. We also discussed hot topics in the news like education, Lake Ontario flooding, the striking workers bill, and broadband access.

The October meeting again brought new faces to the table along with several additional items of interest. We spent a great deal of time talking about the New York Health Act as it is expected to be a significant issue in the upcoming session.

As currently presented, the legislation would prove harmful for businesses of all sizes. Rochester Chamber CEO Bob Duffy testified before the joint Assembly and Senate Health Committee hearing in Rochester to articulate concerns expressed by chamber members and the larger business community.

Determining a list of priorities for the upcoming legislative session is critically important to ensuring the voice of Finger Lakes region business is heard loud and clear. In that spirit, the Advocacy Coalition sent out a survey to each of our respective memberships to poll which issues have the greatest impact. The survey asked employers and employees about issues ranging from early childhood development and education reform to taxes and New York State mandates.

Protecting businesses against harmful legislative overreach and suffocating policies will continue to be a chief priority of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and the Advocacy Coalition of Rochester Area Chambers. So too will growing our collaborative relationships with partner organizations like Unshackle Upstate, NFIB, the Business Council of New York State, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Working together in an effort to keep New York appealing to the future workforce is crucial, and Rochester Chamber is proud to lead the way in ensuring that we have policies in place which foster that mission.

If you have questions or input for this new coalition, contact me at Marc.Cohen@GreaterRochesterChamber.com or (585) 256-4627.

5

Seneca Falls Wins $10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative

S

eneca Falls received $10 million in funding as the Finger Lakes region winner of the fourth round of New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative. As in the first three rounds of the DRI, one municipality from each of the state’s 10 regional economic development regions is selected as a $10 million winner, marking another overall state goal to target $100 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods where the next generation of New Yorkers will want to live, work and raise a family.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said, “With this funding Seneca Falls will be able to share its rich history with more people through infrastructure and commercial developments that will encourage economic growth. Through DRI, local governments are able to actualize changes they wish to see in their communities with creative solutions to make long-lasting, positive impacts on their economies and their cities.”

Located along the Cayuga-Seneca Canal and Van Cleef Lake, Seneca Falls has a remarkable heritage and a promising future. As the birthplace of women’s rights, the town is home to the National Women’s Hall of Fame, the Women’s Rights National Park, and a variety of retail shops, professional offices, parks, and recreational activities.

Evidence of renewed vitality abounds in the downtown district, with recent efforts expanding recreational opportunities in or near downtown, preserving historic and cultural assets, and growing the local food and beverage scene, educational offerings, and retail options. With the DRI award, Seneca Falls will take the next steps towards realizing its vision for a mixed-use downtown primed for commerce, tourism,education, the arts, and full-time living supported by up-to-date infrastructure and a thriving year-round economy.

Seneca County Board of Supervisors Chairman Robert Shipley said, “Today we celebrate the opportunity to build on the rich heritage of Seneca Falls thanks to the governor’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Seneca Falls will capitalize on this investment to further expand opportunities for residents and visitors to live, work and play in our historic downtown. This new funding will help spark development in the entire Finger Lakes region.”

Seneca Falls will now begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize its downtown with up to $300,000 in planning funds from the $10 million DRI grant. A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders, and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan for downtown Seneca Falls will examine local assets and opportunities and identify economic development, transportation, housing, and community projects that align with the community’s vision for downtown revitalization and that are poised for implementation. The downtown Seneca Falls Strategic Investment Plan will guide the investment of DRI grant funds in revitalization projects that will advance the community’s vision for its downtown and that can leverage and expand upon the state’s $10 million investment.

Seneca Falls now joins Geneva, Batavia, and Penn Yan, which were the Finger Lakes region’s winners in the first three DRI rounds.

6

Manning Squires Hennig L e a d s R o c h e s t e r C h a m b e r To p 1 0 0

M

anning Squires Hennig, a general contractor based

in Batavia, Genesee County, took the number one

spot on the 33rd annual Rochester Chamber Top 100 list of fastest-growing, privately held businesses in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region. Construction firm Steve General Contractor, Inc. and IT and software development company Avani Technology Solutions, an Indotronix Avani Group company, rounded out the top three. Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce accounting partner KPMG determines Rochester Chamber Top 100 rankings based upon dollar and percentage revenue growth over a three-year period, which allows companies large and small to compete on a level playing field.

Rochester Chamber President and CEO Bob Duffy said, “The Rochester Chamber Top 100 program serves as the perfect illustration that Rochester has indeed moved from a company town of a few major employers to a town of companies so diversified across the board. It is wonderful to see wellestablished companies competing with startups for a coveted spot on the list. The 2019 Rochester Chamber Top 100 companies employed close to 67,000 people and reported total revenue of nearly $14 billion in the most recent fiscal year. That money comes right back to our community’s economy.”

To be eligible for the Rochester Chamber Top 100, businesses must be independent, privately held, headquartered in the nine-county Finger Lakes region, and have revenue of at least $1 million in each of the three most recent fiscal years. The program recognizes Rochester’s reputation as a region of innovation spurred by a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

Manning Squires Hennig CEO Matt Squires said, “We are thrilled to be recognized as Rochester’s fastest-growing privately held company. We have an incredible team, both in the field and in

the office, and we’ve done an unbelievable amount of work over the past few years while vastly improving our processes, renovating our offices, and improving our safety record. A huge kudos and thank you to everyone at MSH that has helped us get to where we are!”

Steve General Contractor President David Vasciannie said, “Because we’re 47 years old, I attribute our success to patience and perfecting our craft. We are family owned and a third of our staff is family. My office staff is small but very powerful and qualified and we are able to get the work done. One of the reasons we were able to score so high this year is the major projects that are going on in Rochester. We were fortunate enough to bid and win all five of the interior packages at the Rochester Airport.”

Avani Technology Solutions President Sameer Penakalapati said, “We are honored and delighted to be recognized once again

by Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. We attribute this achievement to utilizing new technology platforms to serve our customers and employees better and faster than ever before.

Our sustained success is largely due to staying focused on growing the business while expanding our core competencies.

Rochester was and is poised to be a region of unparalleled growth as we move forward in our industry.”

The construction industry led the way with 26 companies landing on this year’s Rochester Chamber Top 100 list.

Following construction, the list features 19 service companies, 18 technology firms, 16 manufacturing businesses, 11 wholesale and distribution companies, six retail businesses, and four financial services companies.

7

8

9

2019 Rochester Chamber Top 100 List 1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Manning Squires Hennig Co., Inc. Steve General Contractor., Inc. Avani Technology Solutions, an Indotronix Avani Group Company DiPasquale Construction Inc. Christa Construction LLC Hamilton Stern Construction, LLC LaBella Associates NYMAT Machine Tool Corp. cheribundi, Inc. CloudCheckr MediSked, LLC Turner Underground

Installations Inc AeroSafe Global Career Start Nichols Construction Team Cambridge Street Asset Management LLC (Manager for Royal Oak Realty Trust) TalentBridge Lantek Companies OptiPro Systems, LLC Conifer Realty, LLC EagleDream Technologies Greenlight Networks Keller Williams Realty Greater Rochester Workplace Interiors FM Office Express, Inc.

26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

47 48 49 50

Oaks Construction RP Fedder Corporation Leonard’s Express, Inc O’Connell Electric Company All-American Home Care Klein Steel Service, Inc. Surmotech LLC Regional Distributors, Inc. ENALAS LLC Tri Tower Telecom Corporation LeChase Construction Services, LLC Northern Air Systems, Inc. The DDS Companies AEY Enterprises Inc CloudSmartz Waste Harmonics T&T Materials, Inc TES Staffing C.P. Kelly and Associates, LLC RocNet Supply, Inc. MRB Group Engineering, Architecture & Surveying, D.P.C. (formerly MRB Group, PC) Optimax Systems, Inc. Colonial Fire Protection Systems, Inc. Precision Grinding & Manufacturing Corp.

SimuTech Group, Inc.

51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72

73 74 75

Liberty Pumps, Inc. H&C Tool Supply Corp.

Gorbel, Inc. 3G Packaging, Inc. Poseidon Systems, LLC RDG+Partners CPAs, PLLC CPL iV4 LSI Solutions, Inc. Home Power Systems LLC Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning Frontier Glass Inc. Brite Nu-Look Collision, Inc. GP Flooring Solutions Tiny Fish Printing R.M. Landscape Inc. SEI Design Group Ardent Learning, Inc. YPC Media AppliedLogix, LLC Tiffany Transportation Services Ltd./DBA Tuf Trucks & Fine Cars Han-Tek, Inc. VP Supply Corp Broadstone

76 Capstone IT 77 Bristol ID Technologies 78 Rochester Clinical Research 79 Moser Services Group, LLC: DBA: EV Charge Solutions 80 Tele Data Com Inc. 81 Black Button Distilling 82 Admar Supply Co., Inc. 83 Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. 84 VarData, LLC 85 Allied Financial Partners 86 eHealth Technologies 87 On The Mark Utility Locating Services, Inc. 88 AP Plumbing 89 Mason Digital LLC 90 Abrasive-Tool Corp 91 ADI, LLC 92 Dorschel Automotive Group 93 The Duke Company 94 The Bonadio Group 95 Mech Tech HVAC, Inc. 96 Marshall Exteriors 97 SCJ Associates, Inc. 98 HBT Architects, LLP 99 Butler/Till Media Services, Inc. 100 Crosby-Brownlie, Inc.

10

When we party, we mean business.

SAVE THE DATE

NOVEMBER 5, 2020

For sponsorship opportunities, or to be part of this event, contact: Susan.George@GreaterRochesterChamber.com (585) 256-4612

11

HRServices Rochester Chamber 2020 Holiday Closing Survey Highlights

Grow Your HR Network: Register Now for the 2020 HR Forums

This is the time of year when the Rochester Chamber HR Helpline receives calls from members asking which holidays other Rochester-area employers are observing in the coming year. To meet this need, Rochester Chamber conducts the annual Holiday Closing Survey on behalf of its members. A few highlights from the Rochester Chamber 2020 Holiday Closing Survey follow.

Rochester Chamber is now accepting registrations for the 2020 Benefits Forum and 2020 HR Professional Forum. If you missed the opportunity to join either of these forums in 2019, here is the chance to connect with peers and build your HR network.

• On average, employers offer 8.4 paid holidays per year.

• Full-time employees are eligible for holidays immediately upon hire (83 percent of respondents).

• Independence Day 2020 - 97 percent of respondents will observe the holiday on Friday, July 3.

• Thanksgiving 2020: 100 percent of respondents will observe the holiday on Nov. 26, and 77 percent will also give Friday off.

• Christmas 2020: 100 percent will be closed on Friday, Dec. 25, while 50 percent also plan to close for a full day on Thursday, Dec. 24.

The above highlights are only a small portion of the data provided in the survey. Participants automatically receive the free results when published. Corporate and Partner members unable to participate can request a free copy of this and most other research reports conducted by Rochester Chamber as a benefit of membership. Please contact Kathy Richmond at (585) 256-4618 or Jennifer Suppé at (585) 256-4608 for more information.

Rochester-Area Wage Surveys Starting Soon Rochester Chamber’s first quarter 2020 benchmarking surveys begin in January (see timing below). Only Corporate and Partner members are eligible to participate and those who participate receive complimentary results when released.

• National Executive Compensation Survey - week of January 6, 2020 • Annual Wage and Salary Surveys - week of January 13, 2020 • Turnover and Absenteeism Survey - week of January 20, 2020 Participation instructions for all surveys will be emailed to members who requested to participate.

Sign-up for all first quarter surveys will begin the week of December 2 via an e-mail invitation which will be sent to HR contacts at Corporate and Partner member companies. Members are welcome to sign up early for one or more of these surveys. Click here to go to the online signup page. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Richmond at (585) 256-4618, or contact Jennifer Suppé at (585) 256-4608.

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 build on the experience you already have through best practice discussions and interaction with peers. Participant qualifications are reviewed to ensure the level of expertise is commensurate with the group.

Below is a brief summary of the two forums starting in early 2020.

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 2020.

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 2020.

The registration deadline for the HR Professional Forum is December 6, 2019. The Benefits Forum registration deadline is January 3, 2020. Space is limited. To learn more about these forums, including meeting dates, or to register, click here to download the registration form. If you have any questions, please email Jennifer Suppé or call her at (585) 256-4608.

12

34th Annual

ATHENA

Thursday, June 13, 2019 Internationalp.m.

Awards 5:00-8:30 Finalists Arbor at the Port

G

reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and its Women’s Council affiliate announced finalists chosen for the ATHENA International Award, the ATHENA Young Professional Award, and the ATHENA Organizational Award. Rochester Chamber and the Women’s Council plan to present the internationally recognized awards, which honor and empower women in business, at the 34th annual ATHENA International Awards dinner January 23, 2020.

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

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

2020 ATHENA Award Finalists:

2020 ATHENA Young Professional Award Finalists:

Marlene Bessette • President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Family Center Stephanie Caffera • Partner, Nixon Peabody LLP Nancy Catarisano • Managing Partner, Insero & Co. CPAs LLP Dr. Donna Brink Fox • Senior Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs; Eisenhart Professor of Music Education, Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester Kelly Gagan • Vice President, Institutional Advancement, Nazareth College Dr. A. Gidget Hopf • Chief Executive Officer, Goodwill of the Finger Lakes and The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired Dr. Heidi Macpherson • President, The College at Brockport, State University of New York Julie Marsiglio • Director of Major Gifts, United Way of Greater Rochester Colleen Matteson • Rochester Market President and Senior Vice President, Bank of America Dr. Arlette Miller Smith • Associate Professor, English, and Director, African American Studies, St. John Fisher College Dr. Deana L. Porterfield • President, Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary Sujatha Ramanujan • Managing Director, Luminate, NextCorps, Inc. Kelly Reed • President and Chief Executive Officer, Huther Doyle Memorial Institute, Inc. Arline Santiago • Senior Vice President, General Counsel, ESL Federal Credit Union Sharon Stiller • Managing Partner of the Abrams Fensterman Rochester Office and Director of the Employment Law Practice, Abrams Fensterman

Julie Camardo • Chief Executive Officer and Owner, Zweigle’s, Inc. Kesha Carter • Chief Diversity Officer, Coordinated Care Services, Inc. (CCSI) Lauren Deutsch, Esq. • Executive Director, Worker Justice Center of New York, Inc. Dr. Mona Gandhi • Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher College Kimberly Harding • Partner-Elect, Nixon Peabody LLP Kristina Johnston • Vice President and Finance Lead, Digital Enablement Project, Constellation Brands Sarah Knight • Founder and Director, Roc Girl Gang Amanda Mari • Director, Strategic Relations, Broadstone Real Estate, Inc. Amy Martin • Senior Director, Communications, Constellation Brands Jennifer Sahrle • Senior Director, Operations, Trillium Health Diana Solt • Lead, Strategy Development, L3Harris Technologies Dr. Alexis Vogt • Endowed Chair and Associate Professor of Optics, Monroe Community College

The ATHENA Organizational Award goes to a woman-owned or woman-led business or organization that creates a culture encouraging women employees to achieve their full leadership potential and supports leadership development opportunities for women and girls in the community.

Music, food, networking & fun

2020 ATHENA Organizational Award Finalists Butler/Till Media Services, Inc.

Helen & Gertrude Tickets • $45 @ bit.ly/ReGen2019 Robert F. Hyland & Sons, LLC

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester, NY United Way of Greater Rochester

For more information on the ATHENA Awards, contact Rochester Chamber Events Director Susan George at Susan.George@GreaterRochesterChamber.com or (585) 256-4612. To purchase tickets or explore sponsorship opportunities for the January 23, 2020 ATHENA Awards dinner, visit http://bit.ly/2020ATHENAAwards.

13

Connecting Workers with Critical Skills

By Burt Parks Sr. Director, Business Services Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce

I

recently had the honor of attending the American Staffing Association’s Staffing World 2019 conference and expo in Las Vegas. This premiere event attracted staffing professionals from across the nation. Through experiencing the presentations and panels, it became quite clear that every part of our country is dealing with a talent shortage. It was also apparent that this shortage is getting worse. As baby boomers retire en masse, younger workers are not properly prepared or willing to take their place in the workforce.

A recent survey shows executives think American workers aren’t as skilled as they need to be. Because of this, 45% feel that their organizations are missing out on growth opportunities and 30% feel their profits are being hurt.

It is not the highly skilled positions that employers are having a difficult time filling, it is the blue-collar technical and trades positions.

We have a talent shortage and a skills gap crisis. However, we do not have a shortage of people available to be trained and developed. There are great pools of untapped workers. These include the formerly incarcerated, people of disability, older workers, women, and veterans. The work ahead of us is to connect the talent pool with the skills needed today and in the future.

As businesspeople, we need to totally throw out what we have thought about hiring. Even the way we evaluate a resume needs to change. We need to focus on the person by providing education opportunities and training.

The best place to train a person is on the floor of a business by those who are doing the job.

Business needs to lead the way in taking chances in hiring, training, and development now and especially down the road.

14

Timely information on today’s hottest topics A relaxed, casual atmosphere at fun + exciting venues DEC. 19 • Holiday Party

JAN. 9 • New York’s Electronic Data Security (SHIELD) Act TBD • CannaBusiness 2020 - A Legislative Perspective - An Update

Addressing key areas of business concern with state, local + federal influencers DEC. 10 • 2019 Wrap-Up and 2020 Look Ahead

Signature Events

An open, interactive discussion with top executives

Empowering young professionals + community action

FEB. 6 • Accelerate Your Journey – Improving Business with Analytics and Artificial Intelligence

JAN. 30 • Give + Grow ROC: How To Make A Difference on Non-Profit Boards

JAN. 23, 2020 • ATHENA International Awards Dinner Celebration Recognizing women who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession.

Providing resources to foster growth and expansion

Connecting your organization to the business expertise needed for sustainability, growth and success.

JAN. TBD

Topical expertise to help you keep your edge

SEPT. 17, 2020 • ROC Tech Conference A full day event exploring the changing landscape of technology. Hit the refresh button and start transforming how you do business!

JAN. 29 • Agility: The New Competitive Divide

Informed analysis and management of essential legal issues More Details To Follow

Make a difference!

More Details To Follow

For registration and sponsorship information, email Susan.George@GreaterRochesterChamber.com

NOV. 5, 2020 • Rochester Chamber Top 100 Awards Dinner Celebration Celebrating the fastest-growing privately owned companies in the Greater Rochester region.

15

Rochester Chamber Affiliates Associated New York State Food Processors https://nyfoodprocessors.org/

Small Business Council of Rochester https://www.rochestersbc.com/

Greater Rochester Quality Council http://www.grqc.org/

Women’s Council https://rocwomenscouncil.org/

Rochester Hispanic Business Association https://rochesterhba.org/

R o c h e s t e r C h a m b e r Wo r k f o r c e Tr a i n i n g & Development Offerings Successful Supervision

Leadership for Managers

Human Resource Management

Feb 4, 6, 11, 13, 18 July 14, 16, 21, 23, 28 Oct 27, 29, Nov 4, 10, 12

Feb 7, 14, 21, 28, Mar 6 May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26 Sept 18, 25, Oct 2, 9, 16

May 20, June 3, 17

Rochester Chamber Member Holiday Party Step into the most festive atmosphere of the year when Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual holiday party hosted in partnership with Hyatt Regency Rochester Thursday, December 19. This event, complimentary for Rochester Chamber members and their employees, is perfect as an after-work holiday happy hour with your teammates. Enjoy the sounds of the season with live music, holiday-inspired food, and beverages available.

We hope to see you and your team December 19.

The more, the merrier!

In Partnership with:

L o c a t i o n : H y a t t R e g e n c y Ro c h e s t e r 125 East Main Street R o c h e s t e r, N Y 1 4 6 0 4 Date: December 19 Time: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Cost: Complimentary to all Rochester Chamber members and guests

16

Rochester Chamber, SUNY Empire State College Forge New Partnership

G

reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Duffy and SUNY Empire State College President Jim Malatras signed an agreement to help employees of member organizations earn business degrees through targeted partnerships. Employees can earn their degrees 100 percent online, in person at SUNY Empire’s Rochester campus or other locations, or a blend of both to build a schedule that works around their busy lives.

Malatras said, “This is an incredible opportunity for countless hardworking people in the Rochester area to earn a business degree on their terms while saving money and time. Empire excels at awarding credit for work and life experience to put a college degree within reach, as well as empowering students to succeed around their busy schedules. I’d like to thank President and CEO Robert Duffy and his staff, as well as the faculty and staff at SUNY Empire, for making this partnership happen.”

Duffy said, “This new partnership with SUNY Empire State College aligns perfectly with Rochester Chamber’s renewed focus on workforce development and talent strategy. Giving our members and their employees more access to educational opportunities can only serve to improve the potential of the Rochester and Finger Lakes economy. We hope that this is the first of many partnerships with our region’s excellent colleges and universities to help workers enhance their skills and connect with employers.”

Congressman Joe Morelle said, “This exciting new partnership is a perfect example of how cross-sector collaboration can help create opportunity and strengthen our business community.

It marks yet another step forward in our efforts to bolster workforce development initiatives and ensure students have the tools and resources they need to succeed in today’s economic environment. I am grateful to SUNY Empire State College and the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce for their dedication to supporting working families and helping to grow our local economy.”

As part of the agreement, SUNY Empire will also continue to work with Rochester Chamber to identify opportunities to customize and expand curriculum to help meet the needs of Rochester-area businesses. For more information, email Sue Epstein, SUNY Empire State College Associate Professor and Undergraduate Studies Mentor at Sue.Esptein@esc.edu.

17

Presenting Sponsor:

Partners:

ATHENA Organizational Award Sponsor:

VIP & General Reception Sponsor:

Premier Sponsors:

Constellation Brands Selby Marketing, LLC

Corporate Sponsors:

ESL Federal Credit Union Goodbody & Associates, Merrill Lynch L3Harris Technologies, Communication Systems Nazareth College Roberts Wesleyan College The College at Brockport, SUNY

Connect to Success.

Learn how at GreaterRochesterChamber.com

18

Your PEACE OF MIND is OUR BUSINESS Proud to be your local Background Screening company with national reach, local service, and 25 plus years’ experience.

• Reduce business risk • Go beyond the typical criminal search • Smooth out the hiring process • Ensure top quality talent

Start the conversation today and learn how RBA Staffing can help your business succeed.

Ferah Roman Director of Business Services • RBA Staffing (585) 256-4611 • Ferah.Roman@rbastaffing.com

100k reports a year RBA Staffing processes 100,000 background check reports annually for more than 500 clients. Let RBA Staffing help you hire the most qualified and talented candidates possible.

19

getting to know rochester chamber’s

Engrish Culver

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce receptionist Engrish Culver started on the job in July. From “Murder, She Wrote” to quotable quotes, the Voice of Business magazine took a few moments to get to know Engrish.

VOB: Tell us about the career journey that brought you to Rochester Chamber.

Engrish: About ten years ago, I was employed through Rochester Chamber division RBA Staffing at a private school. I have had a long relationship with RBA Staffing, which led me to work in health care for seven years. I was set to start a different position in health care, but RBA Staffing told me about the Rochester Chamber receptionist position, and it seemed like a better fit.

VOB: What are some of your day-to-day duties?

VOB: What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

Engrish: I greet people as the first point of contact when they visit Rochester Chamber and RBA Staffing. I assist RBA Staffing applicants with their applications and resumes. I’m also involved with every division across Rochester Chamber providing support and administrative assistance.

VOB: One of your fun facts on the Rochester Chamber website’s staff directory says you’re an avid quote collector. How did you get into that?

Engrish: I have collected quotes for more than 15 years. I have books and journals.

I see quotes everywhere I go in my travels. Sometimes, you see a really good quote that resonates with you and has something to do with what’s going on in your life. I love a good quote, so when I see one, I jot it down into one of my journals.

Engrish: I am an avid Jessica Fletcher fan.

I binge watch the television show “Murder, She Wrote.” Jessica Fletcher is a character played by actress Angela Lansbury. I don’t want to show my age, but I am a big “Murder, She Wrote” fan along with the TV show “Matlock.”

VOB: Do you have a favorite quote that you would like to share?

Engrish: “The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence.” – Author Roy T. Bennett

Engrish Culver Receptionist (585) 256-4631 • Engrish.Culver@GreaterRochesterChamber.com

20

Dunne Digital Hyve Goodwin Ribbon Cutting Ribbon Cutting

Schottland Family Branch YMCA Ribbon Cutting

Edward Jones Ribbon Cutting

Tiny Fish Printing Ribbon Cutting

21

Original Grain Ribbon Cutting

need. salon + spa Ribbon Cutting

Top 100 VIP Reception

ROC Tech Conference

22

The Committee for a Strong Economy PAC Interviews Black Adder Beauty Bar Ribbon Cutting

Explore Rochester Under the Dome

Lincoln Hill Farms Visit

Pet$aver Healthy Pet Superstore Visit

Huther Doyle Ribbon Cutting

23

Rochester Chamber Offers Business Expansion Assistance

By Claudia Burcke Business Expansion Manager Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce

G

reater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is heavily invested in the success and overall health of businesses in our community, especially when it comes to the growth and prosperity of our members. By proactively connecting one-on-one with our members, we can learn, understand, and respond to your individual business needs. If you’re considering any of the following, please contact us and we can help identify the types of information, resources, and programs that can help grow your organization: • Are you in the process of recruiting or hiring?

Are these newly created positions?

• Are you training your entry or mid-level employees?

• Is business expansion within the region part of your strategic plan?

• Are you planning to purchase any major equipment in the next four to 12 months?

• Are you considering other opportunities for growth?

Rochester Chamber’s business expansion efforts focus on organizations that already contribute to the region’s economic health. We use a concierge-style, customer-centered approach to provide member companies with a single point of contact for business needs, and an entry point to a variety of resources regionally and throughout the state.

Serving as a confidential connector, we work one-on-one with our members to help identify funding opportunities, make connections for potential incentives, and assist in finding the information necessary for innovators and entrepreneurs.

We can even help provide connections to national and international markets. Economic development incentives may apply to companies that are: • Purchasing land, buildings, machinery, and equipment • Constructing/renovating buildings for business operations (including lease-hold improvements) • Constructing or improving infrastructure required for a new location/general expansion • Training new employees or your existing workforce Incentives may come as tax exemptions, tax credits, power-related grants and loans, and others.

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce business expansion services are available to all members at no additional cost. Rochester Chamber members, and prospective members, with questions relating to business expansion are welcome to contact me at Claudia.Burcke@GreaterRochesterChamber.com or (585) 256-4652.

- Pure NYS Maple Syrup & Honey - Adopt-a-Maple at the farm - Sugarmaker’s Igloo Brunch - Pancake Food Truck (booking 2020) Located in Victor!

Check out KettleRidgeFarm.com for more details.

Contact Chris@KettleRidgeFarm.com or 585-217-7108