Employee Benefits

Legislative Updates: August 2021

Presented by: Frank Kerbein, Director, Center for Human Resources – The Business Council of New York State, Inc.
Tuesday, August 31st – 11am

Overview: The last year has brought about enormous change in all aspects, but particularly in employee leave laws.  We’ll look at all the new HR laws and regulations that apply to your company and talk compliance strategies. In addition, we will look at the regulations to come as well as the impact of Legalized Cannabis on your company.


Retirement Plans in a Post-pandemic World

Presented by: Lisa M. Petronio, CPFA, RICP® – Vice President, Retirement Plan Solutions, Walsh Duffield Companies, Inc.
Tuesday, August 24th – 11am

Overview: The pandemic has shined a light on the financial fragility of our workers.

  • What lessons can be learned from the pandemic?
  • How can we take action for a better future?
  • What are post-pandemic retirement plan trends?


Recreational Marijuana and Workplace Safety

Presented by: John Coniglio, PhD Managing Director – OSEA, Inc.
Tuesday, August 17th – 11am

Overview: With the legalization of recreational marijuana in New York State, there are new factors to consider to maintain a safe work environment.  Join us to discuss the impact of this change and steps you can take to ensure workplace safety for your whole team.


Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace

Presented by: Melinda DuBois, Executive Director, Mental Health Advocates of WNY
Thursday, July 29th – 11am

Overview: Slowly the conversation around mental health is becoming less stigmatized, but it is still a challenging topic to address in the workplace. In this presentation, Melinda DuBois will provide insight and tips on how to address and support employees’ mental health and wellbeing at the individual and organizational level.


COVID-19 Update for the WNY Business Community

Presented by: Gale Burstein, MD, MPH, FAAP – Commissioner of Health, Erie County Department of Health
Thursday, July 22nd – 11am

Overview: Within this presentation the ECDOH Commissioner of Health will discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and Erie County’s response. Dr. Burstein will share best practices and safety precautions to help businesses keep their clients, customers and employees safe as businesses continue to open and regulations change. In addition, she will discuss any recent developments within the community and address questions from webinar attendees.


Benefit Trends/State of the Marketplace

Presented by: Michael Conroy, Vice President, Group Benefits Director – Walsh Duffield Companies, Inc.
Thursday, July 15th – 11am

Overview: The pandemic has unquestionably reshaped the benefits industry over the past year, teaching us significant lessons along the way. But what does the future hold? In view of the uncertainty that still exists in the workforce, there are many employee benefit considerations for those in HR and leadership. In this presentation, Michael Conroy, VP and Group Benefits Director at Walsh Duffield, will review the most relevant benefit topics and trends for employers.


The Post-Election Healthcare Landscape


What’s next for healthcare policy in 2021 and beyond? Join us as we discuss the impact of COVID-19, the future of the ACA and what to watch under a Biden Administration.

Presented by: Roberta Rifkin, SVP Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at Independent Health.


Bounce Back with a Stronger Retirement Plan

We often talk about resiliency as a key component of your emotional wellbeing. During this webcast, we’ll apply that concept of resiliency to your organization’s retirement plan. Let’s think about how we can bounce back with a stronger retirement plan post-COVID.

Presented by: Lisa M. Petronio, CPFA, RICP®
Vice President, Retirement Plan Solutions – Walsh Duffield Companies, Inc.


NYS Enacts State-Wide Paid Sick Leave

On April 3, 2020, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law the 2021 New York State budget which includes a new statewide paid sick leave requirement. The new leave provisions will require New York employers of all sizes to provide a certain amount of paid or unpaid sick leave to be used for certain medical and employee safety-related reasons.

The paid sick leave requirements will take effect – and covered employees will be entitled to begin accruing leave time – on September 30, 2020, however, employees may be restricted from utilizing accrued sick leave until January 1, 2021. Please join us as we discusses the new law and the affect it will have on your company.

Presented by: Frank Kerbein – Director, Center for Human Resources – The Business Council of New York State


Buyer’s Guide to Human Capital Technology (HCM)

As we recover from COVID-19, now is a perfect time to review your current HR and Payroll technology solutions. It is an important item to consider if modifying the payroll/enrollment processes should be a part of the COVID-19 response plans. Each month brings news of changes to the HRIS/HCM vendor landscape. Whether it’s a merger, a takeover or the launch of a hot new startup, the market is moving faster than ever. Keeping up with vendors and their products is almost a full time occupation! Finding the right software solution for your organization can be overwhelming. It’s a complex decision with high stakes, and often, high price tags. With myriad options, complex business requirements, and an ever-changing technology market, where should you start? We have helped hundreds of clients choose the right HR and Payroll software that resulted in better management of personnel needs and elevated their overall experience. In this session we will provide some insight on the marketplace, tips on how to select the vendor that’s best for you, and how to execute that decision successfully.

Presented by: Ieena Aulakh – Technology Solutions Consultant – Assurance