PERMA

Canceled - Buffalo Regional Meeting - Industrial Machine Safety
2017-03-24 08:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | The Westin Buffalo, 250 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Please note this Regional Meeting has been canceled.
Geared toward members who use machines and power tools in the course of their workday, the machine guarding session will help attendees:
-Understand how to safeguard machines to meet OSHA, PESH and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards
-Determine the best types of safeguards for various applications
-Learn what OSHA and PESH look for during inspections
-Incorporate ergonomics into safeguarding methods.
The session will be led by Doug Miller, founder of Occupational Safety Consultants, and author of PERMA’s quarterly regulatory update. Doug is an OSHA regional education instructor and pas president of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), and has been working extensively with PERMA members for three years.
Breakfast will be served.
Contact Kristen to register!

Fall Educational Conference 2016 - Leading the Pack
2016-11-02 18:30 - 2016-11-04 11:00 | Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center, 801 University Avenue, Syracuse, NY, 13210, United States
Register Online Now Conference Brochure Download Registration Form

This year’s conference is divided into two educational tracks: one for public works and one for clerks, though attendance is not limited to these categories. All are welcome to attend!
Registration information must be received by October 20, 2016.
Please contact Kristen if you have any questions.
THURSDAY KEYNOTE SPEAKER
MICHAEL MELNIK – The Energized Approach for Achieving a Safe, Healthy, & Productive Workplace
Michael Melnik is an occupational therapist that has delivered his unique, high-energy message to half-amillion
people in over 20 years. Michael believes that those in a position of responsibility for safety are often faced with the monumental task of “implementing change,” “getting people on board,” and “energizing the workplace.” All of these tasks can be daunting, time-consuming and energy-draining unless they are done in a way that actually generates energy from everyone involved.
The Energized Approach was created to generate and capture the energy needed for program or initiative success. Imagine a work environment where employees purposefully try to get caught doing something safely rather than hiding an unsafe behavior. Or when an employee has a positive response when invited to a safety meeting, instead of “Is it mandatory?”
In this session, Michael will introduce the 10 essential energy sources and demonstrate how energy can be harnessed
through the use of The Energized Approach.
Accommodation Information
Please contact the Sheraton Syracuse at 315-475-3000 or 800-395-2105 and make your reservations under the PERMA room block by October 2. After this date, rooms are subject to availability. You must reserve under the PERMA block to obtain the group rate of $100 per night.
Attendance to the conference is FREE. All room charges are payable to the Sheraton Syracuse. If you are taxexempt,
be prepared to provide documentation. Contact the Sheraton Syracuse at 315-475-3000 to make reservations.
Register Online Now Conference Brochure Download Registration Form

Agenda

WEDNESDAY, 11/2
6:30-7:30 pm – Early Arrival/Commuter Registration and Cocktail Reception
THURSDAY, 11/3
9:00 am – Conference Registration
9:00-10:00 am – Breakfast Buffet
10:00 am-12:00 pm – Session I
12:00-1:00 pm – Lunch Buffet
1:00-2:15 pm – Keynote Speaker
2:15-2:45 pm – Break
2:45-4:45 pm – Session II
FRIDAY, 11/4
8:00-9:00 am – Breakfast Buffet
9:00-11:00am – Session III
DPW TRACK

SESSIONS I & II
4-Hour Flagging Certification Training
Presented by William McKenzie, TSC Training
Academy
OSHA and PESH require that all employees with flagging
responsibilities be trained before they begin flagging
operations. And NYS Department of Transportation
regulations require certification for all employees involved
in flagging operations. So this course, designed for anyone
involved in road construction or maintenance in New York,
will train all attendees in safe flagging techniques. Special
attention will be paid to:

Federal and NYS polices, procedures and standards
work zone safety principles
an overview of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
recognition and prevention of hazardous conditions
proper signals

Requirements for attendance:

Preregistration (see registration form) as training is limited to 35 attendees
On-time attendance – Session I begins at 10am. Anyone who arrives later than 10:30am will not be permitted to complete the training. Any attendee who fails to attend part or all of a session will not be eligible for certification.
Photo ID

All attendees who complete the training will receive a certificate good for four years.
SESSION III
The New Face of Crisis De-Escalation Presented by Ray Hassett, Retired Lieutenant, New Haven Police Department The reputation of any organization begins with a single contact with the public. For DPW, that sometimes might be irritated, or even irate, pedestrians or drivers. Yet few employees receive training on how the public thinks or how to respond when the public becomes demanding and difficult to manage. And while a call to police or security will help in dicey situations, what can employees do in those three to seven minutes before the authorities arrive?
Designed for public-sector front line employees, this session will teach public works employees to de-escalate everyday situations through reflective listening and physical protocols. Attendees will learn to:

quickly read and evaluate an emotionally volatile situation with the public and colleagues and react appropriately
de-escalate any situation with actual step-by-step protocols
practice these skills and teach the brain to react like in training
use innate improvisational skills to manage any situation

Lt. Hassett will teach attendees how to restore order in tough situations so that meaningful conversation can begin.
CLERKS TRACK
Continuing Education Units (CEU): The Clerks track is IIMC-approved for one CMC Experience or one MMC Advanced Education credit. Attendance at all sessions and timely completion of a learning assessment are required for credit. Indicate your interest in receiving your CEU on the registration form.

SESSION I
Social Media for Clerks
Presented by Matthew Maguire, Senior Counselor, Eric Mower & Associates
Communicating via social media has its opportunities and its pitfalls. This session will focus on practical advice on when to use social media – and sometimes the answer is “never” – and how to best take advantage of its specific opportunities. Attendees will receive information on:

key considerations in developing social media content
specific insights on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram
how the strengths and pitfalls of social media differ between business and personal usage
the importance of creating, and how to create, clear policies, procedures and protocols for using social media

As many clerks are often thrust into the position of managing their municipality’s social media with little or no training, attendees will walk away confident in their ability to know how and when to use social media for business.
SESSION II
Written Communication for Clerks – Tips & Tricks
Presented by Matthew Maguire, Senior Counselor, Eric Mower & Associates
Despite email and text messages, effective written communication is often time-consuming and labor intensive. This session will focus on common-sense tips attendees can use to write clear, effective letters, memos and emails – and do so faster and with less pains. Covered topics include:

overcoming writers’ block and procrastination
writing faster
organizing larger writing projects
revising documents quickly and strategically with a focus on specific measurable improvement metrics
computer tricks and keyboard shortcuts to make writing tasks go easier and faster
shortening and simplifying frequently encountered
writing tasks by using templates and boilerplate

Attendees will collaborate as a group, with Mr. Maguire, to draft a common correspondence, and they should leave the session with tips and tricks to help them streamline processes and save time while writing.
SESSION III
The New Face of Crisis De-escalation
Presented by Ray Hassett, Retired Lieutenant, New Haven Police Department
Every city and state government agency needs to equip their staff with the skills to work through the inherent stress and conflict in public service. With the variety of responsibilities assigned to municipal clerks, they interact with many different groups of constituents, which can lead to highpressure situations. This session presents a curriculum of conflict resolution, providing clerks with the front-line tools to best serve their constituents and organization.
The session will provide guidance on:

practicing respect for all members of the community
mental health issues encountered in public service
maintaining rational thought in emotional situations
using verbal communication as the primary tool in conflict resolution and crisis de-escalation

Lt. Hassett will teach attendees techniques for de-escalating situations by properly recognizing and responding to emotion, and provide communication guidelines to reduce emotional stress in interactions with the public, preventing a crisis situation before it can occur.

Snowplow Training
2016-10-28 08:00 - 12:00, 2016-09-23 08:00 - 12:00 | PERMA, 9 Cornell Rd, Latham, NY, 12110, United States
Employees will become aware of the hazards associated with snowplowing. We will be discussing pre-start inspection and best practices for snow removal which will include: Hazard recognition, Legal Aspects, Snow & Ice Removal materials, Plowing techniques & accident prevention and Pre-trip inspections.
Space is limited, please contact Sigrid Vompa to RSVP.

Safety Coordinator Training
2016-10-20 10:00 - 14:00 | PERMA, 9 Cornell Rd, Latham, NY, 12110, United States
This program will cover basic Safety Coordinator duties with a focus on policies, procedures and activities to help you create and maintain a safe workplace. Presented by PERMA representatives and John Usher of NYS DOL – PESH, all attendees who complete the program will receive a certificate. Attendance is limited to the first 20 reservations. The deadline for RSVP is October 5th.
Lunch will be provided.
Contact Sigrid Vompa, Risk Services Assistant, to register.

MSHA/OSHA Refresher Training - Madison County
2016-10-05 07:30 - 15:30 | Rusty Rail, 3231 Seneca Turnpike, Canastota, NY, 13032, United States
This is annual required training for all municipal employees who work and/or operate equipment in a surface mine. Presented by John Douglas, Associate Safety & Health Trainer, all attendees who complete the program will receive a certificate. Seating is limited to the first 50 registrants and preference is given to PERMA members with mine exposure.
Lunch will be provided.
Email Sigrid Vompa to register now!

MSHA/OSHA Refresher Training - Chenango County
2016-10-04 07:30 - 15:30 | Canasawacta Country Club, 261 County Road 44, Norwich, NY, 13815, United States

Rochester Regional Meeting - Drug Testing in the Workplace and Harassment in the Workplace
2016-09-29 08:30 - 11:00
Join us at the Woodcliff in Rochester for an encore of Ronni Travers’ popular session from the Annual Conference regarding drug testing in the workplace. This regional will also include Ronni’s session on harassment, which includes sexual harassment in the workplace.
Drug & Alcohol Testing in the Workplace – What HR Needs to Know:
This workshop is designed to assist HR professionals in developing and implementing drug and alcohol testing policies in the workplace. This seminar will discuss testing requirements under federal requirements as well as things to consider when implementing policies for non-CDL staff. Topics will include an overview of the testing requirements, an understanding of what “reasonable suspicion” means and how it differs from other testing, knowing the warning signs of both alcohol and drug abuse, approaching employees suspected of drug or alcohol use, and documenting observed behavior.
Harassment in the Workplace:
This workshop will focus on how to recognize and prevent harassment, including sexual harassment, in the workplace. Topics will include an overview of employment discrimination laws, understanding, recognizing and avoiding inappropriate behavior, the importance of promoting respect in the workplace, and supervisors’ role in responding immediately and effectively to harassment complaints.
Breakfast will be served at 8:30am with the session following at 9am.
Contact Kristen to sign up!

Fishkill Regional Meeting - Drug Testing in the Workplace and Harassment in the Workplace
2016-09-23 08:30 - 11:00 | Hyatt house Fishkill, 100 Westage Business Center Drive, Fishkill, NY, 12524, United States
Join us at the Hyatt in Fishkill for an encore of Ronni Travers’ popular session from the Annual Conference regarding drug testing in the workplace. This regional will also include Ronni’s session on harassment, which includes sexual harassment in the workplace.
Drug & Alcohol Testing in the Workplace – What HR Needs to Know:
This workshop is designed to assist HR professionals in developing and implementing drug and alcohol testing policies in the workplace. This seminar will discuss testing requirements under federal requirements as well as things to consider when implementing policies for non-CDL staff. Topics will include an overview of the testing requirements, an understanding of what “reasonable suspicion” means and how it differs from other testing, knowing the warning signs of both alcohol and drug abuse, approaching employees suspected of drug or alcohol use, and documenting observed behavior.
Harassment in the Workplace:
This workshop will focus on how to recognize and prevent harassment, including sexual harassment, in the workplace. Topics will include an overview of employment discrimination laws, understanding, recognizing and avoiding inappropriate behavior, the importance of promoting respect in the workplace, and supervisors’ role in responding immediately and effectively to harassment complaints.
Breakfast will be served at 8:30am with the session following at 9am.
Contact Kristen to sign up!

August - Crossing Guard Training
2016-08-01 08:00 - 2016-08-31 17:00
Protect your school crossing guards from vehicular dangers – like they protect our kids – by sending them to one of PERMA’s half-day seminars. These four-hour trainings will encompass both classroom learning – covering best practices and federal/state traffic laws – and extensive outdoor practical exercises.
Five trainings have already been scheduled around the state, with more to come based on interest and location. If you are interested in having your crossing guards receive this valuable training, and have not already done so, contact Lew Moskowitz.

POSTPONED - Orange County Regional Workshop on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
2016-07-25 13:00 - 16:00
Due to scheduling conflicts this training will be postponed until early fall.
Please join us in New Windsor where speakers Dr. William McIntrye and Dr. David Kelley of or Public Safety Psychology will present on the topic of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Among other topics, early detection of symptoms, intervention as prevention, and cultivating and maintaining a socially supportive work environment will be discussed. While geared towards members who have police and fire exposure, this workshop will benefit any employer whose employee(s) have experienced or witnessed a traumatic incident.
Email Lew to Sign Up by July 15th!

PERMA Annual Member Conference - Come Together: Collectively Managing Workers' Comp
2016-05-26 10:00 - 2016-05-27 13:00 | The Sagamore Resort, 110 Sagamore Road, Bolton Landing, NY, 12814, United States
Registration form must be received by April 22, 2016. After this date, rooms are subject to availability.
Register Online Now Conference Brochure Download Registration Form Accommodation Info

This year, staff will be dressing on theme for the awards dinner and banquet and we invite you to join us!
Think late 1960’s Beatles, Mia Farrow and Twiggy.

Mod: A-line dresses with shorter hemlines, patterned tights and go-go boots; printed pants and turtlenecks for men
Eastern and African: Nehru jackets, tunics and safari-styled suits
Hippie: gauzy blouses with long skirts, or flowing, empire waist dresses; velvet pants and (faux) fur coats and vests for men
Details: Rich, printed fabrics; high necklines, prominent collars; big bows and medallions

Keynote Speaker: Bill Stainton
Keynote speaker Bill Stainton is a multiple Emmy Award-winning TV producer, writer, and performer; an author; a business humorist; and an internationally recognized Beatles expert. He blends the business smarts he learned from twenty years in corporate management with the show biz sparks he gleaned from working with people like Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, and Jay Leno to create entertaining and enlightening presentations enjoyed by audiences around the world!
As the executive producer of Seattle’s legendary comedy TV show, Almost Live!, Bill led a talented and highly creative team to unparalleled success: a #1 rating for ten straight years, and over 100 Emmy Awards (29 of which went to Bill). At the same time, he also owned his own corporate training company, authoring nine training programs in subjects ranging from Office Politics to Customer Service to Team Motivation.
From Maine to Malaysia, Bill is committed to helping his audiences achieve their highest potential— while maintaining a sense of fun along the way!
Accommodation Information
PERMA will make your room reservation. Do not contact the Sagamore to reserve. Lodge room, lower level $199
Lodge room, walk-in $219
Lodge suite, lower level $279
Lodge suite, walk-in $299
Hotel room, garden view $269
Hotel room, lake view $289
All room rates are single occupancy and include a $20 resort fee. Each additional guest per room is $175.
Prices do NOT include sales tax. If you are tax-exempt, please forward your tax-exempt form to PERMA with your reservation.

Attendance at the conference, hotel stay on the night of May 26, and four meals are all FREE for the first registrant from each municipality. Additional registrants in the same room only have to pay $175 for their meals.
If you are not the first registrant from your municipality, you will have the additional cost for the night of May 26, based on your room choice.
Note your room choice on the registration form in the Preferred accommodation section.
Your confirmation email will include the total cost of your stay.
If you have any questions, please contact kmorris@neami.com.
You will be required to present a credit card at check-in. Incidentals, sales tax and charges for additional guests or rooms will be charged to that credit card at check-out.

Agenda
THURSDAY – MAY 26
10:00 AM Conference Registration
10:00 – 11:00 AM Morning Session
11:00 – 1:00 PM Buffet Lunch
11:00 – 3:00 PM PERMA Safety & Wellness Fair
1:00 – 2:00 PM Afternoon Session I
2:10 – 3:10 PM Afternoon Session II
3:10 – 3:30 PM Break
3:30 – 4:30 PM Afternoon Session III
4:30 – 6:00 PM Free Time
6:00 – 7:00 PM Cocktails
7:00 – 8:30 PM Dinner
8:30 – 9:15 PM Risk Management Awards Presentation
9:15 – 11:00 PM Evening Event
FRIDAY – MAY 27
8:00 – 9:00 AM Breakfast Buffet
8:30 – 9:00 AM Annual Member Meeting
9:00 – 11:00 AM Keynote Speaker
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Lunch & Raffle Drawing
PERMA Safety & Wellness in the Workplace Fair
Stop by the Safety and Wellness Fair and learn how to reduce absenteeism and boost productivity in your workplace by keeping employees safe and helping them stay healthy.
Evening Entertainment & Casino Night
Like last year, the band will be grooving with the dance floor open for all the swinging cats and chicks to get their kicks. And you can play our casino tables with free “money,” converse with friendly and knowledgeable croupiers, and collect tickets to win fabulous raffle prizes!
Guest Options
The Sagamore offers an unmatched variety of activities to occupy conference attendees’ leisure time. Active pursuits include: tennis, a full complement of waterfront activities, and a fitness center complete with state-of-the-art equipment and daily exercise classes. Also on offer is croquet on the Teardrop Lawn and a nature trail located conveniently near the Lodges.
Make sure to check out the Sagamore’s indoor and outdoor pools, followed by a luxurious soak in the Jacuzzi.

OSHA Refresher Training - Chenango County
2016-04-27 08:30 - 13:00 | Canasawacta Country Club, 261 County Road 44, Norwich, NY, 13815, United States
Please join us at the OSHA Annual Refresher training for all Chenango County municipal employees presented by Lew Troast.
Lunch will be provided.
Email svompa@neami.com by April 7th to register now! Please include your name and the number of people that will attend.

OSHA Refresher Training - Madison County
2016-04-21 08:30 - 13:00 | Rusty Rail, 3231 Seneca Turnpike, Canastota, NY, 13032, United States
Please join us at the Rusty Rail for OSHA Annual Refresher training. This regional meeting is open to all Madison County municipal employees and will be presented by Lew Troast.
Lunch will be provided.
Email svompa@neami.com to register now! Please include the number of people attending.

Albany Educational Regional/Breakfast
2016-03-31 08:00 - 10:30 | PERMA, 9 Cornell Rd, Latham, NY, 12110, United States
Please join us in Albany where speaker Dr. William McIntrye will present on the topic of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Breakfast will be served from 8 – 8:30am, followed by Dr. McIntyre’s presentation.
The session will include:

a brief history of PTSD, its causes, early detection and treatment
discussion of alcohol abuse and PTSD, which are often found together
identification of other mental health disorders that can be symptoms of PTSD

Law enforcement executives, mid-management officers, and first-line supervisors will all benefit from this training. Municipal administrators who employ police officers and/or those in other departments who may be veterans or others who have witnessed traumatic incidents as part of their employment will also find this to be a very informative session.
Email Kristen to Sign Up!

Norwich Mini-Regional/Breakfast
2016-03-24 08:00 - 09:30 | Canasawacta Country Club, 261 County Road 44, Norwich, NY, 13815, United States
We hope you’ll be able to join us for breakfast in Norwich!
Contact Kristen to sign up!

Long Island Educational Regional/Lunch
2016-03-10 11:30 - 14:00 | Four Points by Sheraton Plainview, 333 S Service Rd, Plainview, NY, 11803, United States
Please join us in Long Island where speaker Paul Sweeney of Couglin & Gerhart will reprise his extremely popular session from the November Educational Conference. Lunch will be served from 11:30 – 12:00pm, followed by Mr. Sweeney’s presentation.
General Municipal Law 207(a) and 207(c) Update
Presented by Paul J. Sweeney, Partner, Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP
This session will:

provide an overview of GML 207-a and -c
explain the difference between workers’ comp and GML 207 claims
outline the application, processing and evaluation of GML 207 claims
explain the roles of medical records reviews and IMEs
discuss return to work and disability retirement, and other issues relevant to GML 207

Email Kristen to Sign Up!

Batavia (Genesee County) Educational Regional/Breakfast
2016-02-25 08:00 - 10:30 | Holiday Inn Express, 4356 Commerce Drive, Batavia, NY, 14020, United States
Please join us in Batavia where speaker Paul Sweeney of Coughlin & Gerhart will reprise his extremely popular session from the November Educational Conference. Breakfast will be served from 8 – 8:30am, followed by Mr. Sweeney’s presentation.
General Municipal Law 207(a) and 207(c) Update
Presented by Paul J. Sweeney, Partner, Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP
This session will:

provide an overview of GML 207-a and -c
explain the difference between workers’ comp and GML 207 claims
outline the application, processing and evaluation of GML 207 claims
explain the roles of medical records reviews and IMEs
discuss return to work and disability retirement, and other issues relevant to GML 207

Email Kristen to Sign Up!

Fall Educational Conference - Education for First Responders and their Managers
2015-11-12 - 2015-11-13 | Dolce Palisades, 334 Rte 9w, Palisades, NY, 10964, United States
We’re very excited about the educational opportunities for first responders and managers at our upcoming Fall Educational Conferece, click here for the online version the registration brochure, which was mailed out on August 27th.
Please click here to register online.
If you have any questions, please contact Kristen!

Buffalo Mini-Regional/Reception
2015-10-29 17:30 - 19:30 | The Mansion on Delaware, 414 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
We hope you’ll join us for heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks at The Mansion on Delaware Avenue this fall! Invitations will be sent out via email in the next few weeks, but you can register now!
Email Kristen to Sign Up!

Upstate Mini-Regional/Lunch
2015-10-22 12:00 - 14:00 | Irises Cafe & Wine Bar, 20-22 City Hall Pl, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States
We hope you’ll join us at Irises in Plattsburgh for lunch this fall! Invitations will be sent out via email in the next few weeks, but you can register now.
Email Kristen to Sign Up!

Safety Coordinator Training
2015-10-22 10:00 - 14:00 | PERMA, 9 Cornell Rd, Latham, NY, 12110, United States
This program will cover basic Safety Coordinator duties with a focus on policies, procedures and activities to help you create and maintain a safe workplace. Presented by PERMA representatives and John Usher of NYS DOL – PESH, all attendees who complete the program will receive a certificate. While all seats have been filled, we are currently accepting registrations for the waitlist.
Lunch will be provided.
Email memberservices@neami.com to be added to the waitlist.

MSHA Refresher Training - Chenango County
2015-10-08 07:30 - 15:30 | Fred’s Inn Restaurant & Lodging, 5149 NY-12, Norwich, NY, 13815, United States
This is annual required training for all municipal employees who work and/or operate equipment in a surface mine. Presented by Marino Franchini, MSHA program manager, all attendees who complete the program will receive a certificate. Seating is limited to the first 50 registrants and preference is given to PERMA members with mine exposure.
Lunch will be provided.
Email memberservices@neami.com to register now!

MSHA Refresher Training - Madison County
2015-10-07 07:30 - 15:30 | Rusty Rail, 3231 Seneca Turnpike, Canastota, NY, 13032, United States
This is annual required training for all municipal employees who work and/or operate equipment in a surface mine. Presented by Marino Franchini, MSHA program manager, all attendees who complete the program will receive a certificate. Seating is limited to the first 35 registrants and preference is given to PERMA members with mine exposure.
Lunch will be provided.
Email memberservices@neami.com to register now!
