HR Impact 2026: Culture, Compliance, & Modern Leadership

Description

HR Impact 2026: Culture, Compliance, & Modern Leadership

Join fellow HR leaders, business owners, and managers for an intensive half-day summit designed to deliver actionable strategies for today’s workplace. Over three dynamic hours, this event bridges regulatory compliance, workplace culture, and modern leadership tactics to keep your organization informed, compliant, and thriving.

Session Agenda

High-Energy Keynote: The Human Side of Leadership
Kicking off the summit is an inspiring, high-energy session featuring Rich Kuepper, President, L.E.A.D. USA, on leading with empathy, driving team accountability, and connecting authentically to elevate performance across your organization. 

Panel Discussion: Cultivating a Resilient Workplace Culture
Join a panel of regional business leaders and HR practitioners for a moderated discussion on building an engaging, purpose-driven work culture. Discover real-world strategies for boosting employee engagement, strengthening retention, and navigating change. Featured Panelists: Denisse Luciano,SHRM-SCP, Vice President of Human Resources, Centrix; Rhonda McEwen-Thompson, SHRM-SCP, Vice President of Talent Acquisition & Management, Newtown Savings Bank; and Ramon E. Peralta, Jr., Founder & Creative Director, Peralta Design; Moderator: Bill Purcell, President, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce. 

The Culture–Litigation Connection: How Strong Workplace Culture Reduces Employment Litigation Risk
Ever wonder how employment decisions look through the lens of a plaintiff’s attorney? In this candid, lighthearted interview, an employee-side lawyer pulls back the curtain on common HR missteps, potential landmines, and how to spot legal risks before a lawyer gets called. Featured Discussion: Thomas Bucci, Co-Founder and Partner, Head of Labor & Employment Law Group, Willinger, Willinger & Bucci, interviewed by Walter Murphy, SHRM-SCP, REBC, Managing Partner, iBenefitsHR. 

CT Compliance Breakdown: Paid Leave, Sick Time, FMLA, & My CT Savings
Navigate Connecticut’s mandatory statutory landscape with confidence. Get clear operational guidance on expanded Paid Sick Leave requirements, CT Paid Leave and FMLA overlap, and administrative compliance for the My CT Savings program. Featured presenters team members from the CT Paid Leave and My CT Savings. 

$25 GVCC & SHRM Members; $50 All Others

What’s Included with Your Reservation:

• Networking & Connections: Build valuable professional relationships with regional peers and business leaders.
• Complimentary Refreshments: Enjoy coffee and light bites served throughout the event.
• Valley HR Resource Guide: Take home a guide filled with key regional compliance details, tools, and local business contacts.

Open to all area businesses - owners, managers, HR professionals and those handling HR for their business and others interested in the monthly topic.  

The goal of the Chamber's Human Resource Council is to highlight current trends and tools to attract and retain a talented workforce through education and leadership development. The HR Council provides an opportunity for business owners, managers, HR professionals and others handling HR to to keep up with the latest HR trends, gain more knowledge, and meet and connect with your peers. 

They typically meet the last Thursday of the month January - May and September - November. Membership in the Greater Valley Chamber is required for full membership in the group; however, anyone is welcome to come to any meeting to learn more about the group or about the topic of the month. 

Please note: AI note-taking software is not permitted during HR Council meetings. These meetings are not recorded.  

(Meeting times/days may change due to special presentations, holidays, weather, etc. Snow Policy: If Shelton schools are cancelled, or delayed, the meeting will be held virtually.)