Greater Valley Chamber Events Newswire

Connecticut Business Day 2020 3/4/2020 7:30 AM - 3/4/2020 12:00 Noon

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 12:27:20 GMT

Did you know Connecticut ranks 46th in the U.S. for cost of doing business?

High taxes and numerous workplace mandates make it hard for businesses to grow in this state, but we want you to know that you’re not in this fight alone.

Hundreds of business leaders, as well as our partner chambers of commerce from across the state, will converge on the state Capitol Wednesday, March 4 for Connecticut Business Day.

This is your opportunity to tell state lawmakers how legislation impacts your ability to create jobs and grow your company.

AGENDA

7:30 am | Check-in & Networking (Room 2D)

9 am | Welcome & Opening Remarks (Room 2C)

Joe Brennan, President & CEO, CBIA
Lynn Ward, President & CEO, Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce; President, Connecticut Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

9:15 am | Connect with Your Legislator (Room 2C)
Shannon King, Government Affairs Associate, CBIA

9:25 am | Commissioner's Panel (Room 2C)
Speakers to be announced

10:35 am | Breakout Sessions

Fairfield & Litchfield Counties
Hartford & Tolland Counties
New Haven & Middlesex Counties
New London & Windham Counties

11:20 am | Visit Your Legislators

Valley Business Network 3/4/2020 7:45 AM - 3/4/2020 9:15 AM

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 14:21:00 GMT

Valley Business Network is a category-exclusive networking group that meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. VBN members represent a variety of industries and professions. The group's objective is to be a forum for relationship building with the goal of helping members to grow their networks. Additionally, VBN helps members become more informed business people, by sharing their expertise and learning from educational presentations provided by members and guest speakers.

Visitors are welcome. For more information on this Business Referral Group contact the Chamber today.

Please note: Greater Valley Chamber membership is required. VBN membership is by application and acceptance of the Advisory Board. There is a separate yearly membership fee due upon acceptance.

(Meeting times/days may change due to special presentations, holidays, weather, etc. Snow Policy: If Shelton schools are cancelled, the meeting will be cancelled. If Shelton Schools are delayed, the meeting will be on; however, please use your discretion based on the conditions in your area.)

FUEL Develop: Strategies for Working in Collaborative Teams 3/4/2020 6:00 PM - 3/4/2020 8:00 PM

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 20:42:48 GMT

Join us for an upbeat, highly interactive workshop that will equip you with immediately usable skills to improve the collaboration of your team.

This is not a PowerPoint lecture but rather a series of fun drills, exercises, and role plays giving you the opportunity to practice the skills on real situations.

Here is the Agenda:

Creating the Magic of High-Performance Teams
Dominos Pizza’s Dilemma: What Do You Want to Be Known For?
98% Fail This Listening Drill
No “Supersoaking”: Generating Creative Innovations
Vote: What is Your Team’s Communication Score?
Did You Move the Gorilla?: Execution and Accountability
Think Sumo High Diver: The Win-Win Approach to Problem Solving
Plan Protection Insurance: Keeping Projects on Track
Are You an Eagle, Turtle, Chameleon or Salmon: It Takes All 4 to Make a Team

Our Facilitator: Steve Gardiner

Engaging, enthusiastic, designer and deliverer of highly interactive leadership and team development programs. A superb storyteller who makes time tested theories and techniques come alive and applicable to today’s organizational needs. A lifetime exposure to exceptional leaders and extensive partnerships with world class executive educators enables him to provide insights in:

Leadership development
Conflict resolution
Team performance improvement
Change management
Rapid coaching

Steve spent 17 years running leadership development in the forest products industry and 13 years in the same role in the pharmaceutical business.

Five years ago, he relaunched the 3^rd Generation of Gardiner Associates, the management development firm founded by his Grandfather and carried on by his Father.

6:00 pm - 6:30 pm Networking; 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Workshop
Light Refreshments & Drinks will be provided.

FUEL Events are open to anyone ages 21-40.

TIED Council 3/5/2020 8:00 AM - 3/5/2020 9:00 AM

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 14:42:54 GMT

The TIED Council (TIED is an acronym for Technology, Innovation, Education and Development) was developed to serve as resource of trusted advisors to increase all chamber members technology knowledge, helping them to understand how technology can enhance their business and to give Valley technology leaders a forum for collaboration and innovation and to bring awareness to local technology resource s providing support, answers, education, development, and information in the technology field(s) to our chamber members.

Compromised of individuals and companies within and without the technology industry including but not limited to; Cyber Security, Computer networking, Computer productivity, data usage, internet presence, social media, software training, and data analytics. The TIED Council coordinates ongoing informative seminars on technology issues affecting area businesses. The council meets on the first Thursday of each month at 8:00 AM (with exception of holidays when the meeting will be scheduled to a later date in the month). Membership in the Greater Valley Chamber is required for membership in the group; however, anyone is welcome to come to any meeting to learn more.

Economic & Investment Outlook 2020 3/6/2020 7:30 AM - 3/6/2020 9:30 AM

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 21:28:56 GMT

Online registration has closed for this event. Limited walk-in seating will be available.

Please join us for this annual program as John Traynor, Executive Vice President & Chief Investment Officer, People’s United Wealth Management and David Lehman, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development, provide an insightful look into our National, State & Regional economy.

Check-in, Breakfast & Networking 7:30 am – 8:00am
Program 8:00 am – 9:15 am

About our featured speakers:

John Traynor is Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer at People’s United Wealth Management John directs the overall investment process and has ultimate responsibility for the work of various investment committees. He also serves as the chief spokesman for the firm’s investment outlook through regular strategy briefings. He appears regularly on CNBC, Nightly Business Report and Fox Business Network, as well as being quoted in the NY Times and Wall Street Journal. John graduated from Villanova University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in finance.

David Lehman is the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and Governor’s Senior Economic Advisor. Commissioner Lehman’s business development priorities include helping build our urban centers into engines of growth; further capitalizing on the state’s top-flight colleges and universities; strengthening the state’s workforce pipelines; and marketing Connecticut as a place that is open for business. Prior to joining DECD, David worked in the financial services industry. Most recently he was Global Head of Real Estate Finance for the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs.

Women In Networking (WIN) Council 3/10/2020 8:00 AM - 3/10/2020 9:15 AM

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 14:10:15 GMT

The Women In Networking (WIN) Council was formed as a way to share hurdles unique to women in business by providing a warm, friendly atmosphere that is supportive, educational & dynamic. Members are a mix of female entrepreneurs, business owners, and key players in B2B services.

In addition, WIN developed an Entrepreneurial Grant Program for Women In Business in the six Valley communities served by the Greater Valley Chamber. The WIN members host "Headshots at SchmoozaPalooza" and "WINGO" as fundraisers to support this grant and their fund with the Valley Community Foundation. Since the Grant was created $49,950 has been distributed to 54 women-owned businesses in the #ValleyCT. They also have a named fund through the Valley Community Foundation.

They meet the 2^nd Tuesday of each month -- Coffee & Networking 8:00 am - 8:15 am; Meeting starts at 8:15 am. Those looking succeed, achieve & prosper through sharing individual knowledge, skills and resources are welcome.

Greater Valley Chamber Membership is required to belong to the group. Area women in business are welcome to attend one meeting as a guest prior to joining. For more information contact the Chamber today.

(Meeting times/days may change due to special presentations, holidays, weather, etc. Snow Policy: Should Shelton schools be delayed or cancelled due inclement weather, the meeting will be postponed to the 3rd Tuesday - January/February/March only.)

Click here to join or renew your WIN membership. As a reminder Greater Valley Chamber membership is required to be a member of the group.

Sound Tigers Annual Multi-Chamber After Hours 3/11/2020 5:30 PM - 3/11/2020 7:00 PM

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 18:33:46 GMT

Online Registration has closed. Walk-ins are welcome and will be able to get the $30 price until 7pm. Once the game begins (7:00 pm), you will have to simply purchase a ticket at the Box Office.

Join us along with members from multiple Chambers of Commerce around the region to welcome Spring at the Bridgeport Sound TIgers! This annual program draws over 100 area business people for a great evening of networking, food plus a great Hockey match-up!

Tickets are $30 and include food, a drink voucher, ticket to the game (vs Toranto Marlies)

Registration is now open.

Seeds to Leads Networking Group 3/11/2020 7:45 AM - 3/11/2020 9:15 AM

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 14:28:58 GMT

Seeds to Leads is a category exclusive networking group. Their group goals are to build trusting personal and professional relationships that lead to professional referrals and business success. S2L members hold one another accountable for the services they offer and the professional handling of their cross referrals so they all may continue to grow and prosper. Guest speakers visit to educate them on issues relevant to the times. They meet the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month.

Greater Valley Chamber Membership is required. Guests may attend a meeting prior to joining. There is a separate application and fee for the networking group. For more information on this Business Referral Group contact the Chamber today.

Webinar: Coronavirus - What Businesses Need to Know to Properly Prepare 3/16/2020 11:00 AM - 3/16/2020 12:00 Noon

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 13:39:57 GMT

As the Coronavirus, COVID-19, continues to impact the United States, taking appropriate measures has become a key priority for most. Particularly in the workforce, employees are looking for their employers to be proactive in staying on top of this ever-evolving crisis. It is critical that businesses act now to prepare for the possible further spread of the virus in the United States. This webinar will address the following topics:

The Current Landscape
Business Continuity Planning
Communication Strategies to Manage Employee Fear
Your Responsibilities as an Employer
Navigating the Multitude of Laws at Play
CDC Resources

When it comes to insurance, do you wonder if issues stemming from COVID-19 are covered? COVID-19 and other events emanating from external environments should encourage a thorough risk review at an enterprise level to evaluate the impact to an organization’s employees, physical assets, brand and balance sheet. The presentation will discuss how COVID-19 will impact business continuity insurance and also workers compensation policies.

Valley Business Network - REMOTE 3/18/2020 7:45 AM - 3/18/2020 9:15 AM

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 14:21:28 GMT

PLEASE NOTE: Until further notice the VBN will be meeting remotely. We will provide additional updates as soon as possible. Please contact Laura for details.

Visitors are welcome. For more information on this Business Referral Group contact the Chamber today.

Please note: Greater Valley Chamber membership is required. VBN membership is by application and acceptance of the Advisory Board. There is a separate yearly membership fee due upon acceptance.

Cancelled: Healthcare Council Monthly Meeting 3/20/2020 8:15 AM - 3/20/2020 9:30 AM

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 14:38:10 GMT

Out of an abundance of caution and due to facility and other restrictions put in place by many of the Healthcare Council member businesses, this month's meeting is being cancelled.

If you are planning to attend as a guest, please contact the Chamber to confirm the location and to help us with our planning.

Comprised of individuals and companies in the Healthcare Industry including medical, insurance and care services, the Healthcare Council is a committee of the Greater Valley Chamber with a purpose to educate members, the business community, consumers, and government representatives on ways to reduce employee absenteeism costs, increase worker productivity and reduce overall healthcare costs.

Anyone interested in learning more about the monthly topic is welcome to attend our meetings held the third Friday each month starting at 8:15 am.

Membership in the Greater Valley Chamber is required to become a member of the group. Additional fee applies.

For more information on the Healthcare Council contact the Chamber today.

(Meeting times/days may change due to special presentations, holidays, weather, etc. Snow Policy: If school in the town/city where the meeting is being held is cancelled, the meeting will be cancelled. If schools are delayed, the meeting will be on; however, please use your discretion based on the conditions in your area.

Please note -- The location for this event is currently listed as the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce. If the registration exceeds room capacity we will be moving to another location.That information will be posted here on this event listing and on the Chamber's Facebook event listing.)

Postponed: Workplace Sexual Harassment Prevention Training 3/24/2020 8:00 AM - 3/24/2020 10:15 AM

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 17:22:38 GMT

PLEASE NOTE: This program is being postponed to a date in June -- we will provide another update as soon as possible.

Meet your Connecticut workplace training requirements now! Effective October 2019 Connecticut passed new legislation expanding the sexual harassment prevention training requirements for Connecticut employers. The Time’s Up Act requires all Connecticut employers with three or more employees to provide 2 hours of sexual harassment awareness and prevention training and education to all employees. Employers with fewer than three employees must still provide two-hour training for any supervisors. Employers only have until October 1, 2020, to train employees hired prior to October 1, 2019, and must train any employee hired after that date within 6 months of hire.

This two-hour seminar, taught by Paula N. Anthony, an attorney in the Labor and Employment Department of Berchem Moses, PC, meets the new Connecticut training requirements and is appropriate for any Connecticut employee.

In order to satisfy state sexual harassment prevention training requirements, attendees must arrive on time and attend the full two-hour session. All attendees who attend the full two hours will receive a certificate of completion.

Seeds to Leads Networking Group - REMOTE 3/25/2020 7:45 AM - 3/25/2020 9:15 AM

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 14:29:17 GMT

PLEASE NOTE: Until further notice Seeds to Leads will be meeting remotely. We will provide additional updates as soon as possible. Please contact Laura for details.

Chamber Coffee Break on Zoom 3/26/2020 10:30 AM - 3/26/2020 11:30 AM

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 16:30:29 GMT

You are invited to join us for the kick-off of this new weekly program that will feature an brief opportunity to learn followed by time to connect virtually with other Valley area businesses. Can't join us for the whole hour, that's ok. Register today and sign-in when you can. (Limited registrations available.)

This week's topic: From Stress to Calm: 5 Steps to Regain and Maintain Control

Given our new reality, it’s helpful to have easy tools and strategies to handle stress. Monica Leggett will share her 5-step process that can change the way you approach stressful situations, and you might just walk away with a new way to approach life.

Monica Leggett, PCC, is the current President of the International Coaching Federation, CT Chapter. Her business, New Steps Life Coaching, is based in Shelton and she works with individuals, couples, and teams as a goal accelerator and conversation whisperer.

CANCELLED: Coffee Chat: Informal, Informational Conversation about Your Chamber 3/27/2020 8:30 AM - 3/27/2020 9:45 AM

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 16:29:11 GMT

Please note: This event is being cancelled in following with the Governor's recommendations on "social distancing." We will be announcing a new date soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Laura.

The Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce is the voice of our business community and the premiere business membership organization in the region. Each year, your Chamber helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses, professionals lead their organizations, and community leaders expand their reach in support of a vibrant business environment and a thriving local economy that benefits everyone.

This event offers new, existing and potential members an opportunity to make connections as we provide an overview of the various tools available to your organization through Chamber membership.

As a Chamber member, you have access to a host of events and programs that will help you grow your business. Your Chamber membership provides you with cost-saving resources, valuable networking opportunities and a chance to develop your business skills.

In addition, learn how we promote and serve the Greater Valley business community and your individual business through policy work, advocacy and partnerships.

Please join the staff and Ambassadors of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce for this FREE Event.

Your membership is an important investment in the future of our community and your business.