Boehringer equality earns perfect score in foundation’s equality index
Boehringer Ingelheim has scored a perfect 100 in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index.
The foundation’s yearly report ranks companies according to their compliance with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender practices and policies. This is the sixth time Boehringer Ingelheim has been ranked as one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.”
“We’re very proud to have scored a perfect 100 in the Corporate Equality Index for the sixth time,” said Nancy Di Dia, Boehringer’s chief diversity and inclusion officer. “Diversity is essential in moving our business forward. By promoting an inclusive workplace environment for all of our employees, we are able to not only source talented individuals for employment but also move our business in a positive direction.”
Since 2002, the Corporate Equality Index (CEI) has become an important benchmarking tool for businesses in the United States regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality in the workplace. This year, Boehringer Ingelheim was rated on 40 defined policies and procedures and is honored among 302 other corporations that also received a 100% score.
In April, Boehringer Ingelheim was named one of DiversityInc’s Top 25 Noteworthy Companies for the third time, recognizing diversity and inclusion efforts in the United States. In October, the company was recognized as one of the most respected biopharmaceutical companies in the industry, ranking seventh for its outstanding workplace culture by Science Careers Magazine.
Class helps with résumé writing
The Résumé Assistance workshop offered by Ridgefield Continuing Education is a one-on-one session that focuses on how to analyze one’s background and job history to determine the résumé format that best highlights accomplishments and skills.
Class will discuss what should be in a cover letter — whom it should go to, how you should follow up.
Instructor Glenna McNally of Ridgefield has more than 30 years’ experience in executive recruiting and human resources consulting and is owner of G. McNally Enterprises in Danbury.
Cost is $44 per one-hour one-on-one session. Session availability begins Friday, Jan. 24, from 1 to 2 p.m.; other time slots are available. Visit ridgefieldschools.org or phone Peggy Bruno at 203-431-2812 to register.
Schimenti completes two Target stores
Earlier this fall, Ridgefield-based Schimenti Construction Co. completed from-the-ground-up construction of two Target department stores in Huntington and Staten Island, N.Y. — overcoming unique challenges exacerbated by Superstorm Sandy along the way.
While the hurricane did not cause major damage at either project, it did destroy fencing, displace materials and flood excavations. Both projects experienced fuel shortages, suffered delays in material supply and required subcontractors to set up carpools to reach the work sites.
The $33-million, 140,000-square-foot Staten Island project began in May 2012, was completed in September 2013, and opened to the public in October.
The 151,000-square-foot Huntington Target store was constructed on an 18-acre site in 12 months, concluding in October 2013. The scope of work for this $21-million project included building a 60- by 700-foot evergreen retaining wall, a first for Schimenti. Over six months, the company created the wall using a pre-cast structure, which eventually will be completely overgrown by ivy.
Joseph Schimenti, project executive for these Target stores, said, “As with any job of this scope, these two projects had unique features that required us to develop creative solutions. When Hurricane Sandy came along, we were able to quickly make adjustments, thanks to the cooperation of our employees, subs and suppliers.”
Schimenti has completed more than 100 projects for Target.
Course for writers begins on Jan. 22
The Ridgefield Writers Workshop winter session will begin Wednesday, Jan. 22, and run for eight weeks.
Fiction and creative nonfiction writers will receive constructive, in-depth criticism from their fellow writers and workshop leader/author Chris Belden.
The fee is $400.
For more information, visit www.chrisbelden.com
Buddhi Mat Yoga adds classes
Buddhi Mat Yoga has added some specialty classes for the new year.
For those new to yoga, Power 101 is held once a month on Sunday afternoons covering Sun Salutations primary poses and the philosophy behind yoga.
There’s a biweekly meditation class Thursday evenings. The monthly Flying and Floating takes practice further. Building arm balances and inversions from the ground up is held Sunday afternoon once a month.
For more information, visit www.buddhimatyoga.com
People’s United helps Kids in Crisis efforts
The People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, which has an office at Stop & Shop, has awarded a $7,000 grant to Kids in Crisis.
Kids in Crisis protects infants, children and teens from abuse and family crisis throughout Connecticut by providing free, round-the-clock, confidential crisis intervention, as well as counseling, emergency shelter, prevention programs, and advocacy.
The funding will support educational services provided to each child residing in the organization’s shelters. Services include an educational assessment, the development and maintenance of an academic student profile, school transition assistance, tutoring, transportation to and from school, and after-school activities.
For more information, see kidsincrisis.org
Buying and selling by using eBay
Buying and Selling on eBay is a Ridgefield Continuing Education class that provides hands-on experience.
Instructor Eileen Burton has a small French collectibles business and has spent more than eight years buying and selling on eBay.
Class meets on Mondays, Jan. 27 and Feb. 3, from 1 to 3 at the Venus Building. Cost is $81.
Visit ridgefieldschools.org or phone Peggy Bruno at 203-431-2812 for more information.
Seminar is aimed at entrepreneurs
Rob Condon, managing shareholder of Condon & Company PC, will host a seminar for entrepreneurs and business owners on Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 4 to 5:30, with networking to follow, at Gallo Ristorante, 5 Grove Street.
Topics will include the Mission of the Prospector Theater, presented by Valerie Jensen, developer of the Prospector, and Avoiding the Courthouse, presented by Francis P. Alvarez, Michael J. Soltis and Michael R. Hekle, attorneys at law with Jackson Lewis PC, a law firm specializing in workplace law and related litigation.
The seminar is for business owners and managers. Anyone interested in attending may contact Jen Wieland at jwieland@condoncpa.com or 203-216-3830.
Rise and Shine on business success
The Rise and Shine Group of the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce met in the Garden House of the Keeler Tavern Museum last month for a seminar on networking with Linda McCaffrey of Coldwell Banker.
The meetings give members of the Ridgefield business community an opportunity to show their business talents and availability of services from their businesses.
Rise and Shine meets periodically. For further information, call the Chamber, 203-438-5992.
Homebuilders honor Scott D. Crane CPA
Scott D. Crane CPA of Brookfield has received a President’s Choice Award from the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Fairfield County, where he serves as treasurer.
The award recognizes an individual for efforts contributing to the success of the organization through support of its president.
Mr. Crane is a partner of Reynolds & Rowella, a local accounting firm.