Derby Public Schools hiring substitute positions in food service

 

DiMartino seeks volunteers to get involved with Derby community

DERBY - Mayor Joseph DiMartino is asking all Derby residents for their help in finding or recommending capable and committed volunteers to help make Derby a better place for all its citizens and guests.

 

There are many ways to help our community and one way is to join a City Board or Commission.

Please use this link to sign up or to recommend a friend, neighbor, or family member to get involved with our community. - https://www.derbyct.gov/volunteer-opportunities

 

Also, the City has some important job openings.  Perhaps you might know a qualified candidate to fill a staff position. Here is a link to apply - https://www.derbyct.gov/jobs

This is a press release from Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo.

Rochelle, The WorkPlace to partner for virtual employment forum

State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia, Derby, is partnering with The WorkPlace President and CEO, Joe Carbone, and Vice President of Business Engagement, Mike Morgan, for a Virtual Forum on Employment Resources at 3 p.m. Monday, March 28 via Zoom. 

People can register for the virtual event by visiting https://bit.ly/3CNL7sN.

During the event, attendees will learn about the WorkPlace's innovative Platform to Employment program, which helps unemployed individuals build their skills and connects them to employment opportunities. The program has helped over 80 percent of participants secure employment.

 

"The WorkPlace offers a variety of programs to help people advance their skills and overcome barriers to securing a good-paying job," Rochelle said. “I am pleased to host this virtual discussion with Joe Carbone and Mike Morgan to highlight the Platform to Employment program and how it can help people who are experiencing long-term unemployment get back to work."

 

The program helps prepare long-term unemployed individuals for career opportunities by addressing the skill loss and social and emotional challenges resulting from being out of the workforce.

 

The Platform to Employment program matches participants with openings at local companies on a trial basis and The WorkPlace funds their salaries. During this period, participating workers can demonstrate their ability to perform the job while the employer evaluates their work.

 

The Platform to Employment program is offered in Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Norwich, and Waterbury.

 

The WorkPlace serves Southwestern Connecticut and offers a variety of job training and employment support programs for young adults, older workers, veterans, and more.

Residents are encouraged to email their questions in advance to Audrey.Rossignol@cga.ct.gov. For immediate assistance, residents can call  Rochelle's office at 860-240-8585 or email her at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

 

Derby Public Library to host online session to learn Excel

DERBY - Derby Public Library will host an online Microsoft Excel session at 1 p.m. May 19.

Whether you are new to Excel, looking to fulfill a job skill requirement, or need a refresher, these first parts of our online session build upon each other to learn Microsoft Excel I & II (May 19 and 20; four hours total).

Career Resources staff provide guidance for creating professional documents such as spreadsheets and more.

Free. Registration is required here https://bit.ly/32S5hjX before 4:30 p.m. May 18 to receive the Zoom link and password.

This is shared from Derby Public Library's Facebook page.

 

2 dates left for virtual job assistance hosted by Derby Public Library

 

DERBY - Derby Public Library will host two more online Ansonia/Derby American Job Search Center and Career Resources individual training sessions.

Dennis Ahearn, Career Coach Instructor, offers Linkedin, Resume Writing, PowerPoint, Word and Excel sessions. Individuals can register online at http://careerresources.org/virtual-sessions/ or email at Ahearn@CareerResources.org.

The dates are Aug. 20 and 21 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The training sessions are free.

This information is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Griffin Health in Derby hiring COVID-19 testing workers for nursing facilities in CT

Griffin Hospital, an award winning and independent community-based hospital, is looking to hire COVID-19 Collection Specialists to join a novel effort to contain and understand the spread of COVID-19 in skilled nursing facilities. 

This individual will be traveling with a collection team to perform testing on residents of Connecticut nursing facilities.

· 40 hours per week, contract position, expected to last 13 weeks
· Travel accommodations provided to facilities across the state
· Comprehensive, patient-centered, paid orientation & on-the-job-training provided
· All recommended PPE provided
· Typical Hours: 5:30 am to 2 pm
· Graduates of CNA/PCT/Medical Assistant/Allied Health, Health Sciences & Public Health Majors encouraged to apply

Apply now to make a difference in the current public health crisis. Become a Griffin caregiver today! 

www.indeedjobs.com/griffin-hospital

*Applicant must consent to pre-employment background check, drug screen and physical examination
AA/EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled

*This is shared from the Griffin Hospital Facebook page.

Employment workshops slated at American Job Center in Derby

DERBY - Training and employment workshops to assist residents will be offered in January by the Connecticut Department of Labor at the American Job Center, 101 Elizabeth St.

Advance registration is encouraged due to space limitations. 

To register for these no-cost workshops, please go to CTHires.com or call 203-455-2700.

Linked In – Part 1: Jan. 17 from 9 a.m.-noon.
You must have a valid email address for this hands-on class. Learn how to set up a professional networking profile on LinkedIn that will enable you to build your network and connect/share information about job opportunities.

Fundamentals of Résumé Writing: Jan. 24 from 9 a.m.-noon.
Learn how to write a focused résumé needed to secure a job interview and employment offers. Topics include thinking like an employer, strategies for developing individual sections, relevant vs. irrelevant information, formatting and cover letters.

Interviewing Strategies and Techniques January 31 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This interactive session will focus on preparation, methods and follow-up to provide jobseekers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively compete with other candidates. The session includes simulated interview questions and the responses of participants will be critiqued.

House passes Rochelle's bill on expansion of manufacturing programs

This is shared from state Rep. Kara Rochelle's Facebook page:

"Legislative Update: HB5833 (my bill to expand Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Programs into more high schools) has unanimously passed the House! We are one step closer to creating more opportunities for students and adults to access the training needed to compete for the 12,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs currently open in our state. 
"Thank you to all my colleagues who have shown support and collaborated on this bill. On to the Senate!"

Kelly welcomes specialty chemical company, jobs to Shelton

SHELTON - State Sen. Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, this week met with representatives of LANXESS in his Stratford office. 
LANXESS is a national specialty chemical company with nearly 20,000 employees located in 25 countries.

State Sen. Kelly

LANXESS is moving its Middlefield operation to 2 Armstrong Road.

“LANXESS' move to Shelton will bring economic growth and job opportunities to the community. In addition to the 133 jobs it will bring to Shelton, local businesses that will serve the company and its employees will see a tremendous economic benefit,” Kelly said. “LANXESS' decision to come to Shelton will signal to other companies that the city is a prime location for job development and growth.”

LANXESS' move to Shelton brings a $3 million capital investment in the city, $30.6 million in economic impact through employee pay, and about $360,000 in local property taxes. 
The company will retain its laboratory in Naugatuck, which employs 65 people.

“LANXESS is expected to bring a total of $34 million in economic impact to the community to the entire community,” Kelly said. “I believe this is an impact that will benefit the lives of all Valley residents and families.”

Kelly represents the 21st District, which includes Monroe, Seymour, Stratford, and Shelton.

This is a press release from the Connecticut Republicans office.   

HomeGoods slates Oct. 5 grand opening in Ansonia

ANSONIA - HomeGoods, a global leader in discount home furnishings and decor, will make its debut inside the existing Marshall’s store downtown next month.

Renovations to the Marshalls and HomeGoods combo store, at 405 Main St. in the Big Y shopping plaza, are nearing completion, according to a company press release. A grand opening celebration will be held at 8 a.m. Oct. 5.

 Company officials said the remodel will feature a common entrance with “two distinct store environments on either side of the building allowing customers the added convenience of shopping both stores.” 
With the addition of HomeGoods, company officials said they expect to fill 15 additional full and part- time positions. 

This is a corporate press release. 

Newsletter features food trucks rolling into Shelton, jobs for Ansonia

Dear readers,

Our latest Valley Voice newsletter features Food Trucks in the Valley to benefit Spooner House in Shelton, and a manufacturer's plan to relocate to Ansonia.

Thanks for reading,

Patti and Ralph 

Centers in Ansonia, Derby offer free job search help

Gentile applauds House passage of workforce development bill

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, Derby, applauds the House passage of a bill she co-sponsored that supports workforce development initiatives in the state.

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile

“In order to improve the effectiveness of our workforce development, we have to evaluate our economy and study the ways in which we can strengthen our labor force,” Gentile said. 

“Connecticut needs to focus on creating job opportunities through education and training and this bill will work to provide the necessary services that will help Connecticut be competitive and prosperous.”

Senate Bill #5590 will: 

• Allow the commissioner to establish a working group to review business support services in the state. The working group would review the services offered by such agencies and consider ways to better coordinate such services that will benefit businesses in the state. 
• Require the labor commissioner to develop and implement a universal intake form that each person entering any American Job Center or regional workforce development board facility must complete.
• Create the Connecticut Early College Opportunity program (CT-ECO), which is defined as collaboration between a school district's high schools, a local community college, and a company or business entity where a student may earn an industry-recognized, two-year post-secondary degree in addition to a high school diploma.

The bill now heads to the governor's desk to be signed into law.     

This is a press release from Gentile's office.

Gentile comments on proposed state budget

By Linda M. Gentile

State Representative

104th District

On Wednesday, the governor delivered his annual budget address, proposing significant changes to balance the state’s bi-annual budget. 

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile

It is important to note that the governor’s budget proposal is only a starting point to the process of creating a responsible, balanced budget. 

This proposal has some good ideas, such as increased funding to education and special education, but I also fully acknowledge that there are some areas that need vast improvement and I will work diligently to make sure those areas are addressed. 

I want to emphasize that each proposed change will be carefully assessed for its potential impact on taxpayers and the delivery of services to residents. 

I will make sure that we keep all of the things that hard working families value in mind with this budget.  

Things like, making Connecticut more affordable for seniors, keeping our young people in the state after they graduate, aligning our education system with jobs and employer’s needs, and promoting job growth and encouraging economic development.

Since this is only the beginning, I look forward to working collaboratively with my colleagues across the aisle to craft a budget that protects and preserves all of the important programs, services and issues that we all value. 

I will continue working to ensure that Ansonia and Derby receive the necessary funding needed to properly function and educate and protect our children, schools, and families. As you already know, my priority has always been, and will always be, fighting for the needs of my constituents and protecting hard working families of Connecticut. 

Certainly, there are many hard choices and decisions we, as legislators, will need to make in the coming months to balance the state’s bi-annual budget. 

As we address our challenges, I will continue to work to make Ansonia and Derby a better place to live, work, and raise a family. It is extremely important to me that this budget does the right thing to strengthen our economy and reflect the priority of the people of Connecticut.

As always, I welcome any thoughts, questions, or suggestions concerning the State budget process.

This is an op-ed piece submitted by Gentile, a Democrat. She represents parts of Ansonia and Derby.

Gentile participates in forum focusing on jobs in medical field

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia, Derby, Friday participated in an information forum at the Commission on Economic Competitiveness focused on developing a cluster of jobs in the medical and personal health field.

“I believe that one of the most important things that I can do as a legislator and policymaker is look for opportunities and ways to create jobs and improve our economy. That is why I attended and participated in this forum focusing on the creation of jobs in the medical field,” Gentile said.

The meeting discussed establishing and maintaining an Asset Inventory across the state to identify Connecticut organizations and companies working in bioscience, biopharma, biotech, genomics, clinomics, epigenomes, pharmacogenomics, and related fields.

By identifying these organizations, the state can promote business development through competitions that will incentivize firms or individuals located anywhere in the world to come into Connecticut. Furthermore, the state will be able to retain talent and invite and recruit experts in the fields of precision medicine and personalized health work in CT to build a critical mass of talent.

The economic impact of building a cluster and critical mass around precision medicine will have strong and positive effects cross the state.

The Commission on Economic Competitiveness works to analyze the implications of state tax policy on state business and industry and to develop policies that promote economic growth.

This is a press release from the state House Democrats' office.

Gentile co-introduces bills supporting economic development

HARTFORD - State Rep. M. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia/Derby, along with Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz and House Majority Leader Matt Ritter co-introduced a package of 10 bills focused on encouraging job growth and economic development. 
The bills were filed Friday by Aresimowicz and Ritter.

The legislative package has widespread support among the House Majority caucus and is expected to also garner bipartisan backing as the proposals are developed further by the joint House-Senate committees.   

Gentile will co-introduce the following bills:

HB05583- AN ACT EXPANDING INVESTMENT ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE ANGEL INVESTOR TAX CREDIT PROGRAM 

HB05584- AN ACT CONCERNING THE CREATION OF A SMALL BUSINESS HOTLINE 

HB05585- AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL SYSTEM AS AN INDEPENDENT AGENCY

HB05586- AN ACT MAKING CONNECTICUT MORE AFFORDABLE FOR COLLEGE GRADUATES

HB05587- AN ACT CONCERNING A TAX EXEMPTION FOR SENIORS' SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

HB05588- AN ACT IMPOSING A CAP ON GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND ALLOCATIONS

HB05589- AN ACT CONCERNING CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM

HB05590- AN ACT CREATING A TASK FORCE TO IMPROVE THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM IN THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT

HB05591- AN ACT CONCERNING PAY EQUITY IN THE WORKFORCE

HB05592- AN ACT CONCERNING INCENTIVES FOR MUNICIPAL REVITALIZATION PROJECTS

This is a press release from Gentile's office.

Newsletter features Downtown Now workshop in Derby, McDonald's rebuild, more

Dear readers,

We just finished putting together the latest Valley Voice newsletter, and you can check it out by clicking here: http://media.wix.com/ugd/329bf6_67d515900db24212836367f98f911a3a.pdf 


Thanks for reading!

~ Patti and Ralph

Newsletter features Downtown Now workshop in Derby, McDonald's rebuild, more

Dear readers,

We just finished putting together the latest Valley Voice newsletter, and you can check it out by clicking here: http://media.wix.com/ugd/329bf6_67d515900db24212836367f98f911a3a.pdf 


Thanks for reading!

~ Patti and Ralph

Gentile, Conroy hail 'historic' deal with Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford

Helicopter manufacturer to stay in state at least 16 years

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile (D-Ansonia, Derby) and state Rep. Theresa Conroy (D-Beacon Falls, Derby, Seymour) are very pleased to announce the General Assembly has approved a deal that Sikorsky Aircraft, which has made its home in Stratford since 1929, will remain here until at least 2032. 

"This deal is historic,” said Gentile. “It ensures a long-term presence and a long-term commitment to hiring. The agreement is good for the present and for generations to come. It gives me great comfort to think that maybe someday in the future one of my grandchildren may be working at Sikorsky and earning a good living."

“There is a ripple effect with this deal,” Conroy said. “There are the jobs down in Stratford as well as jobs at small manufacturers and suppliers around the state – and right here in Seymour - that depend on Sikorsky.”

The helicopter giant will be eligible for financial incentives in exchange for building nearly 200 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters, in Connecticut. 
The deal will:

• Build nearly 200 CH-53K King Stallion Helicopters – the largest maritime helicopter in the world - in Connecticut for the United States Navy until at least June 2032 
• Keep the Sikorsky headquarters in the state and maintain its Stratford site as a primary production facility for its government based helicopter business
• Retain and grow its full time employment in Connecticut to more than 8,000 by the end of year 14
• Nearly double its spending of $350 million per year with local Connecticut suppliers throughout the state
• Increase its capital spending for machinery and equipment by 22 percent
• Drive an estimated $69.2 billion between 2016 and 2032 into the Connecticut economy
• Allow Sikorsky to spend an estimated $21.1 billion on wages and benefits between 2016 and 2032
• Support approximately 24,601 jobs directly and indirectly
• Invest an estimated $744.8 million in contractor employment
• Inject an estimated $384.4 million in direct and indirect average annual tax revenue into the Connecticut economy, totaling $6.54 billion from 2016 and 2032

The incentives, worth up to $220 million, include exemption from sales and use taxes and annual grants during the term of the deal. 

In turn, Sikorsky and Lockheed will keep its HQ and primary manufacturing in the state, retain and expand its full-time staff, increase capital spending and give top priority to its Connecticut-based suppliers.

This deal was approved in a Special Session today by the General Assembly.

This is a press release from Connecticut House Democrats.

Crisco votes to keep Sikorsky Aircraft jobs in Connecticut

HARTFORD - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, cast a historic vote in the state Senate today to retain and grow approximately 8,000 jobs at Sikorsky Aircraft until 2032, keep the Sikorsky headquarters here in Connecticut, and substantially increase Sikorsky’s spending with its network of 302  in-state suppliers - nine of which are located in Crisco’s District.

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr.

The agreement with Sikorsky will infuse an estimated $69 billion into Connecticut’s economy, generate $384 million per year in annual tax revenue, generate $21 billion in employee wages and benefits, and directly and indirectly support 24,600 jobs.

This agreement presents an opportunity to strengthen one of three critical components of Connecticut’s defense industry sector and to shore-up the state’s standing as a leader in fields of aerospace technology and manufacturing.  
The increased spending by Lockheed Martin in Connecticut’s supply chain alone will exceed the totality of the state’s full incentive package.

“Sikorsky’s front door is literally 10 miles from my home, and I know a lot of people in my district – Ansonia, Bethany, Hamden, Naugatuck – who either work at Sikorsky or who work at one of its many subcontractors in the region,” Crisco said. 
“This is a great deal for Connecticut; we’re getting back nearly a billion dollars in economic impact for a pretty modest state investment of grants and sales tax exemptions. And we’re doing this while beating competing offers from South Carolina and Florida and other states. That shows Connecticut’s economy is on the upswing, and the legislature is working hard to keep it moving.”

Today’s agreement with Sikorsky comes on the heels of recent announcements by Pratt & Whitney and Electric Boat that they plan on hiring several thousand employees in the next several years and expanding operations in Connecticut, thereby reinforcing Connecticut’s standing as a leader in fields of aerospace technology and manufacturing.

Under the terms of the new agreement, Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin will:

• Keep the Sikorsky headquarters in the state and maintain Connecticut as a primary production facility for its government-based helicopter business.
• Retain and grow its full time employment in Connecticut from a minimum of 6,500 employees in 2019 to just over 8,000 by 2032.
• Increase its spending with Connecticut subcontractors from $300 million per year beginning in 2019 to $470 million per year beginning in 2030.
• Increase its capital spending for machinery and equipment by 22 percent.

In exchange, Connecticut will provide financial incentives totaling up to $220 million over the term of the agreement:

• Sikorsky will earn grants of up to $8.57 million on an annual basis over the term of the agreement by meeting certain benchmarks, such as retaining at least the minimum level of each category; growing jobs; payroll spending; utilizing in-state suppliers; and deploying capital for machinery, equipment, and other long term investments
• Sales and use taxes will be exempted up to $5.7 million per year over the term of the agreement
• If Lockheed Martin exceeds the target level employment by 100 to 550 jobs in any given year of the agreement, it will be eligible for a performance incentive grant of up to $1.9 million, for a total of up to $20 million

Under terms of the new agreement between Sikorsky and the state - an agreement which is still pending U.S. Navy and labor union approval - Sikorsky will build nearly 200 CH-53K King Stallion helicopters in Connecticut for the United States Navy until at least 2032.

The King Stallion is approximately the size of two passenger buses; it is capable of lifting 36,000 pounds and can carry a fully loaded Humvee and a platoon of 48 Marines. 
During the construction and testing of four King Stallion prototypes at Sikorsky’s West Palm Beach, Fla. facility, Connecticut subcontractors provided more $161.4 million worth of product design, development, and parts.

Sikorsky presently has 7,855 employees at its facilities in Stratford, Bridgeport, Shelton, and North Haven. 
Those employment figures will decline slightly, then grow, over the next several years as Sikorsky transitions its work in Connecticut from building the Blackhawk helicopter for the U.S. Army to the new, larger King Stallion helicopter for the U.S. Navy.


This is a press release from Crisco's office.