The Dish - February 2019

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Hello Members, We hope everyone is staying safe and warm despite the weather these last few weeks! We wanted to take this opportunity to announce that our Social Media & Marketing Manager, Taylor Salvato, has left the NHL- RA after two and a half years with us and moved to Boston to pursue another role. We hope you will all join us in wishing Taylor well! However, this position was not vacant long as we have hired Pamela Baker to fill Taylor’s role. Pamela will be starting with us in a few weeks and we are very excit- ed for her to join our team! The NHLRA’s Centennial Celebration took place on Monday, February 4th at the Copper Door Salem. We had over 120 participants and a portion of all pro- ceeds went to Great New Hampshire Restaurant’s FeedNH and The Education Foundation. This was a great event to kick off the NHLRA’s Celebration of 100 Years! As always, if there are any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to directly via e-mail or phone (603) 228-9585. Alexa Soucy [email protected] 3

Event details including pricing, location, and registration can be found on nhlra.com. “Minds are like parachutes, they only function when open.” - Thomas Dewar 4

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By: The New Hampshire Travel Council The 2019 Governor’s Conference on Tourism celebrates and explores innovative ideas in marketing, technology and tourism for business and organizations of all sizes. Join us to creatively think, problem solve and network. Register now and take advantage of our Early Bird discount! Savings available through March 1st. Sessions with regional and national speakers on marketing, technology and tourism related topics including:  NH Travel & Tourism Update, Vicki Cimino, Director of NH Division of Travel & Tourism  Keynote Presentation: 7 Human Behavior Hacks that Increase Engagement and Response, Nancy Harhut, Chief Marketing Officer, HBT Marketing  Crafting the Customer Journey: Guiding Guests to Your Destination, Harry Gold, Founder & CEO, Overdrive Inter- active  How to Embrace Online Reviews, Genna Gold, Senior Manager of Global Business Outreach, Yelp Inc.  Social Media in Real Time, Bob Cargill, Cargill Creative  Save Money, Target Smart: Get the Most from Your Google Ads Budget, Marcia Morgan, Contract Marketing Conference Highlights:  Top of the Hop Reception at Dartmouth College Hopkins Center for the Arts  NH Tourism Awards Luncheon  Monday night reception hosted by the League of NH Craftsmen Hanover Fine Arts Gallery Become an Exhibitor and make new connections in the Exhibition Hall, open throughout the conference. Or support the Conference with a donation to the Silent Auction. Conference Location: The conference takes place at the Hanover Inn Dartmouth, a historic boutique hotel over- looking the scenic Dartmouth College Green. Discount accommodations are available at the Hanover Inn, through March 19th. Call 800-443-7024. For more info on the Hanover region, including dining and lodging options: Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn More: http://www.nhtravelcouncil.com/2019-conference Questions? Contact: [email protected] 9

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By: Nelson A. Barber, PhD This strategy allows individuals to enhance their knowledge and demonstrate their understanding of the Lakes Regions Community College recently announced business without infringing on their day-to-day work re- the launch of a dynamic Hotel and Restaurant Opera- sponsibilities. Using a co-op/apprenticeship model, class tions degree and certificate program to meet the schedules are coordinated around the opportunities for growing workforce needs in the region and across the students to apply the knowledge obtained in the class- state of New Hampshire. According to employers in the room as employees of our industry partners. Thus, in this state of New Hampshire and the region, there is a real model, learning occurs in the classroom and in the work- shortage of quality employees to fill open positions. place with each setting enhancing the other resulting in more experienced and skilled professionals. Enrolled stu- This program will begin Fall 2019 and combines the dents gain both theoretical and practical experience all best of their two existing program offerings and was while earning a good wage. the result of in-depth consultation with leading hospi- tality and tourism industry leaders and employers in To learn more about the Hotel and Restaurant Operations New Hampshire and the region. degree and certification program and how to jump start your future, contact Professor Patrick Hall, at LRCC is a great place to obtain the experience you need [email protected] . to advance your career in the hospitality industry. EARN while you LEARN, through hands-on experience, classroom expertise, and one-on-one career mentoring. We offer students real- life opportunities, essential for successful careers resulting in more experienced and skilled professionals. LRCC’S degree and certifications will provide the same opportunities of any major university program at a frac- tion of the cost, with credits easily transferable as- sisting individuals in advancing their career or continu- ing education plans. Articulation credits with our col- lege for high schools participating in the ProStart curric- ulum also provide 3 courses worth of college credit (9 credits) for free if they attend LRCC. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to improve your current standing, you can draw attention to yourself (and your résumé) by earning an associates degree or certification in hotel and restaurant opera- tions. Our program is strategically designed to be flexi- ble and targeted toward individuals currently em- ployed, recent high school graduates, and veterans wanting to enhance their career opportunities through career development. 11

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By: DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown nonprofit functions, local and regional business and trade organization events, weddings and proms, and political Following a multimillion-dollar revitalization project, events, including functions for candidates in New Hamp- Manchester’s iconic venue for business travelers, pres- shire’s First-in-the-Nation Presidential Primary. idential candidates, weddings, conventions and busi- ness events opened this past October as the Double- The Current Kitchen & Bar, which serves breakfast, lunch Tree by Hilton Manchester Downtown. Along with ren- and dinner and seats 121 guests, was named to reflect its ovated guest rooms, a reconfigured lobby and a Hilton emphasis on contemporary, “current” cuisine, while also Honors Executive Lounge, the DoubleTree by Hilton paying tribute to the Merrimack River’s role in shaping Manchester Downtown features an entirely reinvent- Manchester’s industrial past. Menu highlights include Ma- ed dining destination – The Current Kitchen & Bar. The ple Farms Pork Belly, served with a maple syrup and bour- new restaurant boasts a casual dining experience with bon sauce and brussels sprouts slaw; New Hampshire Sea- upscale creative dishes, including an array of small food Paella, made with mussels, crab, shrimp, clams, roast- plates, local craft beer and signature cocktails, all with ed corn, cauliflower socarrat, thyme and a tomato broth; an emphasis on local products. and a selection of charcuterie and cheese board options. The revitalization project also entailed expansion of The new restaurant also celebrates both the classic cocktail, the business center, renovated meeting spaces and a as well as libation innovations, such as a Draught Cocktail new market featuring beverages and snacks. The Well. The cocktail menu includes A Cool Breeze on Elm, 65,000-square-foot, 248-room hotel and conference which is made with Ron Centenario 9-year Rum, pineapple center, located in the heart of downtown Manchester, juice and angostura bitters, and A Bottle From the Orchard, opened in 1983. which is made with Redemption Bourbon, Laird’s Applejack Brandy, New Hampshire Cider and Thyme Simple Syrup. “DoubleTree by Hilton prides itself on paying attention to details, large and small, that make a positive impact For more information, visit and impression on our guests, all starting with our sig- www.manchesterdowntown.doubletreebyhilton.com or nature, warm DoubleTree Cookie at check-in. Our revi- call (603) 625-1000. talized hotel features across-the-board modernizations and enhancements, along with a fresh and delicious new restaurant concept,” said Kim Roy, general man- ager, DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown. “We are excited to begin our next chapter in the Queen City and our DoubleTree by Hilton team mem- bers are looking forward to continuing our longstand- ing tradition of community commitment and involve- ment.” DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown is con- tinuing to host countless events each year in its ball- room and meeting spaces. Hotel events include 14

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By: Amie Pariseau, NHLRA SkillsUSA New Hampshire is looking for judges for their Culinary and Restaurant Services competition. SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers, high school, and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry representatives, working together to ensure America has a skilled work force. The Culinary Arts and Restaurant Services competition will be held on Thursday, March 21st (snow date of Friday, March 22nd). The event will be hosted at Nashua North High School from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. The Culinary Arts competition will encompass both hot and cold food preparation and presentation. Contestants will demonstrate their knowledge and skills through the production of a four-course menu in a full day competition. The contestants will be rated on their organization, knife skills, cooking techniques, creative presentation, sanitation food safety techniques, and above all, the quality and flavor of their prepared items. The high school competitors will work from one menu with standardized recipes. The college/postsecondary students will work from a market basket format and write their own menu and recipes the night before the competition. In the Restaurant Services competitions, contestants are tested on skills required in the “front of the house” of a fine restaurant. The focus is on guest service and guest relations in the dining room including: table set up; greeting guests; reservations procedures; presentation of menus; description of food, drinks, soups, and specials of the day; taking or- ders; serving each course and clearing the table after each course; and preparation and presentation of the check and closing remarks. Contestants are judged on personal appearance, tableside manner, professionalism, ease with guests, courtesy, general knowledge, and technical and verbal skills. If you’re interested in being a part of the SkillsUSA New Hampshire, please contact Amie at [email protected] or 603-228-9585. 16

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By: The Conway Daily Sun strategic planning, business plans, event planning, fund- raising and membership drives for non-profits and other The New Hampshire Travel Council, an independent organ- activities to help his clients’ businesses be successful. ization that protects the interest of the travel and tourism Walker is also an adjunct professor at New England Col- industry, has welcomed three new board members: Rebec- lege in Henniker and NHTI in Concord, where he teaches ca Metcalf of the Mount Washington Cog Railway, Tracy several courses related to business, marketing and hospi- Hutchins of the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce and tality. Joseph Walker III, owner of Joe Walker Consulting Services. Metcalf has 15 years of experience in New England’s tour- Metcalf serves on many arts, tourism and marketing ism industry. As current marketing director of the Mount boards as well as volunteering for local organizations. Washington Cog Railway, in Rebecca works to bring tour- Her goal is to work alongside other marketing profession- ism to the area through partnerships with other New als to maintain sustainable development of tourism in Hampshire entities. New Hampshire for future generations to enjoy. She has worked on various projects such as the Cog Rail- Hutchins is the president of the Hanover Area Chamber way Museum, the Emmy award-winning film documentary, of Commerce. Previously, she served as president of the “Climbing To The Clouds” and helps organizes annual Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce in Amherst and events such as the “Railway to The Moon” Steampunk Fes- has been executive director of both the Milford and Wil- tival, an event voted ‘Best of NH Fun and Adventure’ by NH ton Main Street programs. She lives in Orange, where Magazine in 2017. she serves on the Orange Conservation Commission. Metcalf serves on many arts, tourism and marketing When not working, she is an avid reader, home improve- boards as well as volunteering for local organizations. Her ment DIYer, and loves to hike, bike, kayak and snowshoe. goal is to work alongside other marketing professionals to Walker is very active in the travel and tourism industry. maintain sustainable development of tourism in New He currently owns his own consulting company, Joe Hampshire for future generations to enjoy. Walker Marketing Services in Hillsboro, helping business- es with strategic planning, business plans, event plan- Hutchins is the president of the Hanover Area Chamber of ning, fundraising and membership drives for non-profits Commerce. Previously, she served as president of the Sou- and other activities to help his clients’ businesses be suc- hegan Valley Chamber of Commerce in Amherst and has cessful. Walker is also an adjunct professor at New Eng- been executive director of both the Milford and Wilton land College in Henniker and NHTI in Concord, where he Main Street programs. She lives in Orange, where she teaches several courses related to business, marketing serves on the Orange Conservation Commission. When not and hospitality. working, she is an avid reader, home improvement DIYer, and loves to hike, bike, kayak and snowshoe. Walker is very active in the travel and tourism industry. He He is currently an active member of Granite State Am- currently owns his own consulting company, Joe Walker bassadors and serves on the board of directors as well as Marketing Services in Hillsboro, helping businesses with Monadnock Travel Council, where he just finished his 18

term as president and is on the board of directors as well. The N.H. Travel Council has been around for 45 years and annually hosts the Governor’s Conference on Tourism. The 2019 Conference “Innovations Around The Green,” takes place April 22-24 in Hanover. For more information about the NH Travel Council and the Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism, go to nhtravelcouncil.com. Founded in 1974, the New Hampshire Travel Council is an independent organization of tourism professionals — large and small business owners, nonprofits, lodging and destination marketing organizations — working towards a shared goal: to protect the interests of the travel and tourism industry. Members represent a unified voice for the industry — advocating for government policies and programs, educating and learning at industry events such as the Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism and communicating to raise awareness and appreciation for the second largest industry in New Hampshire: travel and tourism. To learn more about the Travel Council or to be- come a member, go to nhtravelcouncil.com. You can find the full article here. The New Hampshire Travel Council PO Box 3935, Concord NH, 03302 [email protected] 19

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By: Kelli LaValley, The Inn On Golden Pond We are so excited to have trail access right from The Inn On Golden Pond with miles of well groomed trails! We have parking for trailers and once you unload your sleds you can ride from here during your stay (when Little Squam freezes over). Our trail access is located right across the street from the Inn, which goes down our driveway and is a short ride on Squam Lake Road to Little Squam Lake. From there you can access trail # P204 which goes to Ashland, Cor- ridor 8 North or South, west to Baker River, east to Meredith, north to Sandwich Notch and beyond! After a long day of riding, you can cozy up by our fireplace and relax with your favorite beverage. To go lunches and home cooked meals available by request. We also have one dog friendly room available which must be reserved by phone. Call to reserve at (603) 968-7269, www.innongoldenpond.com Kelli & Darren LaValley, Innkeepers 21

By: Diane Symonds, NHLRA Sub-contractors perform various services for our Members. Your electrician, entertainers, plumber, installation spe- cialists… If they have no workers’ compensation insurance coverage; would your business be liable if they are injured while on your property? The best way to prevent this liability is to require they are properly insured prior to perform- ing services on your property. It is important to note that if your sub-contractor has general liability or medical insur- ance, they are still not covered for any injury on your premises (construed as the workplace). Be certain to advise them of your safety requirements and notify employees of their presence and work to be performed while on your property. The NH Department of Labor laws and rules note that the hiring business is the general contractor on record if the sub- contractor does not have their own workers’ compensation coverage. Any person except for real estate professionals “who performs services for pay for an employer, is presumed to be an employee”. “This presumption may be rebutted if they meet all the criteria listed in this chapter”. (Refer to NHDOL statute: RSA 281-A: 2 VI (a) & (b) for the entire list). The following are a few ways to reduce your exposure:  Request proof (in writing – certificate of insurance is best) of workers’ compensation coverage from all independ- ent contractors;  Clearly outline your agreement in writing for services. Use either a contract type of document, which includes esti- mated costs and time involved, along with a specific statement that they do not perform services for your business exclusively;  Make certain it is understood that they provide services which are “outside” the scope of your business opera- tions; therefore not considered employment;  Do not ever require them “punch in” into your payroll system;  Terminate your agreement if they do not meet your needs; Report any incident related to an injury, near miss, or complaint of a condition that occurs on your property promptly to your insurance agent, broker, or insurance company. Call Diane Symonds at (603) 228-9585 with any questions. 22

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By: John Koziol, Union Leader Correspondent Thanks to a heavy-lift crane and 68 bolts, the largest vehicle ever built by the Cog Railway in its 150-year history – more than 56 feet long and weighing 20,000 pounds — was placed on the track Monday and prepared for imminent duty. Costing “a couple hundred” thousand dollars, the open-floored, retractable-sided, all-weather rail-laying car will allow crews to work 24/7, regardless of the season or conditions outside, to re-rail the Cog from top to bottom as part of a $1 million upgrade, said Cog owner Wayne Presby. The car’s body was built by Cog workers in the sprawling workshop at Presby Steel in Berlin, which before being bought by Wayne Presby’s brother, David, had operated as Issacson Structural Steel. A flatbed tractor-trailer ferried the car the 42 miles from Berlin to the Cog’s maintenance shed, which is about a half-mile below the base station. A crane from Cote Crane & Rigging of Auburn, Maine, was waiting at the maintenance shed. In relatively short order, the crane had picked up the car and set it onto its trucks (the railroad wheel assemblies). The crane operator then lifted roof segments, which also had been made in Berlin, onto it and Cog employees used the 68 bolts to secure the roof to the car. The car measures 56 feet, 6 inches long, is about 16 feet tall and 9 feet, 8 inches wide. The Cog is known for designing and building its own passenger cars and biodiesel locomotives. It’s the only railroad of its kind that builds its own equipment, and none has anything like the re-railing car, said Presby. It’s by far the biggest piece of equipment the Cog has built, he said. Presby said Cote Crane & Rigging is “exceptional at what they do.” Last spring, the company rebuilt the Cog’s bridge over the Ammonoosuc River that had been “wiped out” by a storm on Oct. 29, 2017. The weather cooperated when the bridge was installed in March 2018 and again on Monday with the placement of the re-railing car, said Presby, pointing to the bright sunshine and calm winds. On Saturday, the Mount Washington Obser- vatory recorded a top wind gust of 148 miles per hour, said Presby. He added that the last thing that anyone wanted on Monday – given that the space the crane had available to pick up, turn and place the re-railing car onto the track just outside the maintenance shed was at a premium – was wind. In ad- dition to the re-railing project that Presby said could take from one to two years to finish, the Cog in 2019 is also putting a new biodiesel locomotive it built into service. You can find the full article here. 25

By: Kate Fleming, Duprey Companies A $4.1 Million renovation at the Concord Comfort Inn ends with a complete energy efficient upgrade including solar panels, LED lighting and new windows and siding. Concord, NH- The Comfort Inn (Choice Hotels) at 71 Hall Street in Concord, NH has just completed a $4.1M renovation. The hotel underwent a full energy audit and has replaced and improved overall energy efficiency of the hotel, in addi- tion to a complete interior renovation with an updated design. Some of the energy efficient upgrades include new siding, all new windows, solar panels, LED lights throughout the en- tire hotel, recycling and waste reduction and a saltwater pool. Aesthetic changes include a new lobby and breakfast area, upgrade of design and features in all hotel rooms, and the conversion of a chlorine pool and hot tub to saltwater. Joyce McCabe, General Manager of Comfort Inn says, “We are so proud of these upgrades and changes in the hotel. We make sure all the guests are aware of our efforts to be a green hotel and the response has been only positive. We are thrilled to be part of the Room to be Green program through Choice Hotels.” This effort is part of the Room To Be Green program with Choice Hotels, which promotes environmentally friendly prac- tices throughout all their hotels. The Concord Comfort Inn received Level 3 status, which means they've achieved the highest ranking for their efforts in going green. Level 3 hotels commit significant resources to truly invest in a better world for their employees, guests and community. About Duprey Hospitality The Comfort Inn is managed by Duprey Hospitality, a Concord, New Hampshire-owned and operated, full-service Hotel Management company with management contracts for Marriott, Choice Hotels and Hilton brands. Duprey Hospitality Currently manages 4 hotel properties as well as an independent, 16,000sf conference & events center. About Choice Hotels Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisors in the world. With more than 6,900 hotels, representing more than 560,000 rooms in over 40 countries and territories as of September 30, 2018, the Choice® family of hotel brands provide business and leisure travelers with a range of high- quality lodging options from limited service to full-service hotels in the upscale, midscale, extended-stay and economy segments. The award-winning Choice Privileges® loyalty program offers members benefits ranging from everyday re- wards to exceptional experiences. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com. Kate Fleming, Communications and Marketing Director Duprey Companies [email protected] , 603-333-2131. 26

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By: MMG Insurance When the power goes out unexpectedly, it can be frus- considering limits that loss of business income doesn’t just trating, dangerous, and a drain on your business. No mean your profits, continuing expenses should also be tak- electricity means no computers, no lights, no way to en into account. process transactions and likely, closing up shop for the Extra Expense is the other piece of coverage provided by duration of the outage. Fortunately, being prepared and the Utility Service – Time Element endorsement. Consider protected with the right coverage can make a big differ- the snowstorm example again. Maybe you’re able to rent ence. generators and re-open quickly, avoiding or minimizing your income loss. The cost to rent the generators might qualify The Utility Service – Time Element endorsement, often as extra expense under the endorsement. referred to as “off-premises power failure” provides loss So whether it’s a storm, a fire, a car accident that takes out of business income or extra expense in this type of case. a telephone pole, or a frozen water main break down the street – make sure your business won’t be left in the dark Consider this scenario: A winter storm moves through, when the unexpected happens. Utility Service – Time Ele- knocking out power to your business. The storm does ment coverage has no waiting period and no deductible, no direct damage to your business, but without electric- which means you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your ity, you can’t open the doors so there’s a loss of income. piece of the world is protected. Under your standard business owner policy, there’s no coverage for that loss of income during the outage, but MMG Insurance | mmgins.com | Facebook with the Utility Service – Time Element endorsement, Twitter | Linkedin coverage kicks in right away. The endorsement does 1-800-343-0533 require that the utility service interruption be caused by a covered cause of loss, albeit to the utility company’s property—not the insured’s. So a fire, windstorm, or lightning strike would qualify, but a flood would not, for example. Although often the first one that comes to mind, electri- cal power outages are not the only utility interruption that might cause your business to close. Communica- tions and water supply are also usually necessary to keep the doors open, so you have the option of choos- ing one, two or all three of these coverages under the Utility Service – Time Element endorsement. Additionally, you are able to select the limit of coverage for the endorsement. It’s important to remember when 28

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By: Clark Mortenson Insurance Request that dating employees be discreet and main- tain a sense of professionalism in the workplace. Make Office romances present serious risks in the workplace, caus- clear that the relationship must not interfere with the ing many organizations to implement no-dating policies as a employees’ duties and responsibilities. way of curbing conflicts before they arise. While this may reduce the risk of a nasty break-up scene in the lunch room, In addition to intra-office romance, there are also pri- there are also arguments suggesting that these policies vio- vacy concerns with regard to off-duty behavior and the late the privacy rights of the employees. employer’s right to interfere. Employers must exercise caution when trying to regulate their employees’ ac- With more singles than ever in the workforce putting in long tions outside of work when it comes to relationships, hours, relationships are bound to be an issue. However, dan- marital status and lifestyle choices. Simply because the gers present themselves when coworkers engage in relation- employer thinks something is immoral or indecent ships. The most compelling of those is the risk of a sexual does not mean that the employee is not allowed to harassment claim by one party or another. These claims are engage in that conduct while not on company time. especially prevalent when the relationship includes a subor- dinate and someone in a managerial position. If the relation- Furthermore, it may be illegal to discriminate and ter- ship ends, the line between a good partnership and harass- minate someone’s employment based on certain pref- ment may become thin as there are many emotions and pos- erences or behaviors. Particularly if these choices do sibly irrational behaviors on the part of one or both parties in not impact the employee’s work performance; they a breakup. are legally none of the employer’s concern. To tackle this issue, employers may elect to devise a dating Although drafting a policy regarding intra-office dating policy for their employees. Consider the following sugges- is a wise decision, regulating employee conduct out- tions when enacting your policy: side of work can be risky. In fact, the further removed the conduct is from work, the less likely that regula-  Establish the guidelines on paper in an employee hand- tions and policies would be permitted in a court of law. book or memo distributed throughout the company. Beyond that, these regulations infringe both on the employee’s right to privacy as well as anti-  Specify your preference for dating: not tolerated at all, discrimination laws. You should consider having legal not tolerated among subordinates and managers, or do not counsel review any such policy you draft before imple- have a preference. menting it in your workplace.  If your company will allow subordinates and managers to date, consider asking them to sign a contract outlining that the relationship is consensual.  Ask employees to be professional during the relationship and if the relationship ends.  Ask that other employees refrain from gossip as a way of Serving the state of New Hampshire respecting the daters’ privacy and maintaining a professional clarkmortenson.com l 877-325-2121 environment. 31

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By: Christopher T. Vrountas, Esq. and Allison C. Ayer, Esq., Vrountas, Ayer & Chandler, P.C. All signs point to the conclusion that paid time off will be a Insurance companies. In other words, employees would reality. Massachusetts has already enacted a statutory have access to purchase “coverage” to cover missed wag- scheme for it, and the New Hampshire legislature is ready es if they have to take time off to care for a seriously ill to do the same. Even President Trump advocated for paid family member or to recover themselves for a serious ill- leave in his recent State of the Union address. Business ness. The cost for such coverage would be based on a risk needs to prepare for the change. pool created by the combined state workforces of New Hampshire and Vermont, the goal being to create a large To that end, let’s first cover current law. For over 25 years, risk pool resulting in reasonable and stable pricing for employers have been required to comply with the Family such “coverage.” Under the Governors’ plan, paid leave and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”). The FMLA is a Federal law would be offered to the states’ public employees, with which requires larger employers (over 50 employees), to the costs covered by the states, and private employers offer up to twelve (12) weeks of time off for the birth or would be able to opt in to purchase coverage for their adoption of a child, one’s own serious health condition, to own employees interested in paying premiums for paid care for a seriously ill spouse, child or other immediate leave “insurance.” family member, or for a qualifying exigency resulting from an employee’s spouse, son, daughter, or parent serving in The New Hampshire Senate has also introduced a bill the military. Importantly, the leave provided by the FMLA (called the Granite Caregiving Act of 2019), offering a is unpaid. different plan for paid family leave. Like the Governors’ plan, Senate Bill 1 establishes family and medical leave Recently, there has been a trend in many states toward insurance through which eligible employees could receive offering employees paid time off to care for a newborn or a pay while taking leave from work to care for oneself or a sick family member or to recover oneself from a serious family member. According to Senate Bill 1, the family and health problem. The following covers what has been hap- medical insurance would be funded by a 0.5% payroll tax pening locally. on all employers. Employers also have the option of offering a self-insured plan if it provides equivalent bene- In New Hampshire, there are two competing proposals to fits to the tax funded plans. Employees working for state provide paid family medical leave. Governor Sununu and or private employers would be entitled to twelve (12) Vermont Governor Phil Scott have proposed a joint plan to weeks paid time off to care for sick family members or offer paid family medical leave for employees working in themselves. Eligible employees would be paid a portion New Hampshire and Vermont. The Governors’ plan would of their wages during the leave, not less than $125 per allow for up to six (6) weeks of paid leave for the birth or week and not more than 85% of the average weekly wage adoption of a child, to care for a child or a spouse with an in New Hampshire. Senate Bill 1 also requires employers illness, or an employee’s own serious health condition. Pay with 15 or more employees to return to an equivalent during leave would come from insurance-like coverage position an employee who takes family medical leave. offered by and purchased from private The full text of the bill can be found here. 34

Meanwhile, Massachusetts has already passed legislation vary, many states, including New Hampshire and Massa- creating a new paid family and medical leave program for chusetts, appear increasingly inclined to offer paid family employees working in the Commonwealth. Massachu- medical leave to employees. The recent passing or pro- setts’s program is funded by premiums paid by employees, posal of state legislation to provide some program for employers, and the self-employed and is administered by employees to be paid while out of work to care for them- the Commonwealth (Department of Family and Medical selves or their families reflects that, in the near future, Leave) in a manner similar to the unemployment program. the unpaid leave rights of the FMLA may be extended to Under Massachusetts’s plan, “covered individuals” (active provide actual paid time off to employees. Employers employees, those recently terminated, and certain inde- pendent contractors) are entitled to paid benefits when are therefore well-advised to monitor the changing legal they take leave from work to care for oneself or a family landscape of paid family and medical leave, and periodi- member. Self-employed individuals also can opt in to ob- cally check with legal counsel to ensure that they comply- tain coverage. The duration of available paid leave of ab- ing with all relevant leave laws in the state(s) in which sence varies depending on the reason for the leave. Indi- they operate. viduals may take a maximum of twelve (12) weeks of family leave for the birth or adoption of a child, active duty, or to care for a sick relative. An employee may be granted up to 20 weeks of medical leave (i.e. leave for an individual’s own illness), 26 weeks to care for a family member, and 26 Chris Vrountas weeks, in the aggregate, of family and medical leave. The [email protected] weekly benefit amount is calculated as a percentage of em- ployee earnings, up to a maximum of $850 per week. The 603-935-9789 substantive leave benefits do not take effect until some- time in 2021, although tax collection to fund the paid leave begins July 1, 2019. Massachusetts has published FAQs concerning family and medical leave benefits. On January 23, 2019, Massachusetts also issued draft regulations to help the public understand the new program. Those inter- ested in learning more about the draft regulations also can attend public listening sessions offered by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, a schedule of which can be found here. Other New England states similarly appear to be moving toward offering paid family medical leave. Rhode Island, Connecticut and Maine each have passed or have proposed their own plans for offering paid family and medical leave. In his State of the Union address on February 5, 2019, Pres- ident Trump also announced that he had included in his proposed budget a plan to provide six (6) weeks of paid leave time for the birth or adoption of a child. As with oth- er states who offer paid leave, Trump’s national plan would be administered similar to unemployment programs. In sum, paid family medical leave is a fast-developing area of the law. While the precise format or substantive rights 35

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By: The Red Arrow Diner The Red Arrow Diner has been a focal point in south- Located in Northfield, New Hampshire, Spaulding Youth Cen- ern New Hampshire since its Manchester opening in ter is a leading provider of services for children and youth with 1922, when it began serving patrons its famous neurological, emotional, behavioral, learning and/or develop- coffee and hearty, home-cooked dishes. Since then, mental challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorder and the diner has been actively involved in the communi- those who have experienced significant trauma, abuse or ne- ty and regularly supports and sponsors local non- glect. profit organizations and groups that work to make New Hampshire a better place. Red Arrow Diner continues to donate five cents for every cup of coffee sold to New Hampshire Food Bank, another im- During the last two months of 2018, Red Arrow Diner pactful local organization that works diligently to feed people promoted a social media campaign called the Six- in need. The diner encourages its patrons to stop in at one of Week Winning Streak. During this campaign, the din- their four locations in Manchester, Milford, Londonderry and er asked its Facebook followers for their support to Concord, purchase a cup of their famous coffee and sip it with reach 30,000 'likes' on their original Manchester Fa- the knowledge that a portion of every cup sold will be donat- cebook page. Each week, the diner rewarded a group ed to Spaulding Youth Center and New Hampshire Food Bank of followers with a gift certificate for simply com- to support their important programs and services. menting on their promotional posts. While the cam- paign began as a fun way to interact with followers, While the Red Arrow Diner did not end up reaching their goal it became much more when Red Arrow Diner decid- of 30,000 Facebook likes (they have just a few more to go at ed to put a philanthropic twist on it. press time!), they followed through with the promise to sup- port a New Hampshire nonprofit organization that truly makes As part of the promotion, Red Arrow Diner asked its a positive difference in the lives of the children and families followers to nominate a local nonprofit organization they serve. What’s not to ‘like’ about that? they felt deserved a donation at the culmination of their promotion on New Year’s Eve. After all, the hol- 814 Elm Street, Suite 102 idays are a time to reflect on what is truly important, and the community is one of those things for Red Manchester, NH 03101 Arrow Diner. Dozens of followers nominated incredi- ble charities supporting women, children, the elderly, (877) 973-4637 animals and education. After careful consideration, Red Arrow Diner selected Spaulding Youth Center to www.redarrowdiner.com receive a donation of five cents for every cup of coffee sold in 2019. 40

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January 2019—February 2019 401 Tavern Adair Country Inn and Atlantic Grill Cabot Inn & Suites Restaurant Candia Springs Cercle National Club CGI Business Insurance Cookie’s Chuck Wagon Adventure Park Delaney’s Hole in the Flying Goose Brew Pub Gellfam MGMT Corp Holy Grail Restaurant & Pub Wall & Grille LaBelle Winery Lemon Grass Mainsail Motel & Cottages Margaritas Management Restaurant Group Mill Falls at the Lake The New Woodshed Old Ferry Landing Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub Rockywold-Deephaven Scorpions Bar & Grill Summit Supply Vrountas. Ayer & Chandler, P.C. Water Street Cafe How to Pay your Dues - Pay online by logging into your account at nhlra.com - Call the NHLRA office at 603-228-9585 - Mail a check to 16 Centre Street, Concord, NH 03301 43

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