On July 19, 2017 the New York State Worker’s Compensation Board approved the final regulations for New York’s Paid Family Leave Benefits Law. The law take effect on January 1, 2018. The program will be phased in over a four year period from 2018 to 2021. There are two major components to the law. The law, through existing Disability Benefits Law provides broad paid family leave benefits. Secondly, eligible employees have a right to a leave of absence and guaranteed reinstatement.

An employer that has one or more employees employed in New York on each of at least 30 days in any calendar year is subject to this law. Employees who work 20 or more hours per week will be eligible after 26 consecutive weeks of employment, and they will be guaranteed the right to return to their job and continue their health insurance. Part-time employees are eligible for benefits if employed by a covered employer for 175 days.

Employers are required to obtain Paid Family Leave (PFL) coverage, however the cost of the coverages is intended to be fully funded through employee payroll deductions. The maximum weekly employee contribution for coverage will be .126% of an employee’s weekly wage, up to the statewide average weekly wage. As of July 1, 2017 employers could have started making deduction from employee’s pay. In terms of the PFL premiums there are several things employers should consider, including: will the PFL premiums be billed quarterly or annually, will the premium be billed in arrears or in advance and when will the first premium be due? Employers should also be considering when their payroll systems will be able to implement the employee deduction and when will an effective employee communication plan be in place to explain the payroll deduction and the PFL program in general?

Many of our member insurance brokers, lawyers and accountants can help provide guidance to you regarding PFL. We strongly encourage employers, human resource professionals, and employees to all become familiar with the new policies around Paid Family Leave in New York State. The state has a website set up for information at www.ny.gov/programs/new-york-state-paid-family-leave, or you can call the Paid Family Leave toll-free helpline Monday-Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm at 1-844-337-6303.

Comedy and All Things Lucy on Tap This Week

Lots of laughs will be on tap in the coming week as the annual Lucy Comedy Festival comes to Chautauqua County August 3-6. Tickets are still available for shows by some of the biggest names in comedy: Kevin James, Jim Gaffigan, Robert Klein, Lisa Lampanelli, and many more. The Festival will also include Lucy Tribute shows, Hometown Tours, Late Night Comedy, Story Pirates, and exhibitions featuring artifacts and memorabilia from both George Carlin and Desi Arnaz.

Each year the first weekend in August, Jamestown plays host to the world of comedy in celebration of Lucille Ball’s birthday. This year, Chautauqua Institution has joined the celebration and will feature a week of programming on Comedy and the Human Condition, exploring political satire, insight into comedy writing, and discussions about what makes something funny. Morning lectures during the week will feature comedians such as Lewis Black and David Steinberg, as well as a discussion of the science of laughter and more.

For more information about the festival visit their website at www.lucycomedyfest.com or the Chautauqua Institution site at chq.org.

Play Where the Pros Play –

Chamber Golf Tournament Is at The Peek

Local golfers can play where the pros play and enjoy a great day of golf and networking with lots of local business people. The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to once again present our annual Golf Tournament on the PGA sanctioned Upper Course at Peek’n Peak – home of the Web.com tour LECOM Health Challenge. Enjoy a tremendous day of golf and camaraderie, plus great prize packages and food!

The Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament is Thursday, August 10 and is sponsored by: DFT Communications, Bush Industries, Community Bank, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency, Dahlstrom Roll Form, Jamestown Mattress Company, Koester Associates, Lake Shore Savings Bank, Lawley Insurance, Lynn Development Group, National Fuel Gas, National Grid, Nestle Purina PetCare, and the Shults Auto Group.

To register or learn more call the Chamber at 366-6200 or 484-1101 or visit www.chautauquachamber.org/events.

Hanover Community Chamber Yard Sales Are Aug.5

The Hanover Community Chamber of Commerce is again sponsoring the Silver Creek Village Wide Yard Sales. 2017 marks the 25th year of this great event, which will be held Saturday, August 5 for any resident in the 14136 zip code area. Regular sales will run from 9am to 5pm. Reduced prices will be offered during the “Bunches of Bargains” and will take place from 3:01pm to 5pm, with participating homes designated on the yard sale maps. Terrific bargains wait the discriminating shopper at numerous sales in and outside the Village. The Chamber strongly encourages shoppers to purchase the maps to locate these many, many sales. Yard sale maps will be available for a nominal fee on Saturday, August 5, starting at 9am sharp at the park gazebo or 29 Oak Street to assist shoppers in finding the participating homes. With every map purchase, you will be entered to win $25.00 Chamber gift certificates and receive discount coupons for local business members. The lucky winners will be drawn at 5pm the day of the sale. For more information, contact Sue Briggs, Destinations Plus at 934-9522 or 934-7334.

Jamestown Cruise-In Is Aug. 18

The Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce and Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is proud to host Jamestown Cruise-In August 18. This spectacular event draws thousands of people to downtown Jamestown, where classic autos will line Third Street from 5-10pm. The event, sponsored by the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, Landmark Chevrolet, Northwest Arena, and Media One Group, will also feature live music from The In Crowd. There will be a variety of vendors present. This event has fun for all ages and will include a hula hoop and bubble gum contest, along with a variety of prizes.