THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES IN-PERSON PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE FEEDBACK ON NATION-LEADING SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION MODEL POLICY

The New York State Department of Labor today announced an in-person public hearing to receive feedback from workers, employers, and other stakeholders regarding the state's Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy. The hearing will take place on September 15, 2022, at 10 a.m. at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building, Second Floor Community Room, 163 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. If attending, please bring identification for security purposes. This hearing is an essential step in the ongoing process to strengthen the Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy this year.

“The pandemic has led to drastic changes in what a workplace can be, so it is important that we update the Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy to align with that,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage all New Yorkers to make their voices heard and submit either written or in-person testimony. The review process will rely on this feedback to create an updated policy for the modern-day worker.”

“The Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy was a bold and successful initiative, but over the past four years, workplaces have significantly changed in many ways, due largely to the effects of the pandemic and the growth of remote work,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “To ensure this initiative keeps up with evolving workplaces, the policy is required to undergo a revision process every four years. Our review will rely heavily on the feedback received at this public hearing, because we know how important it is for workers and businesses to have a voice in this process. We encourage everyone and anyone to attend.”

During the hearing, the public will have the opportunity to provide their feedback before a panel that will include Commissioner Reardon, New York State Division of Human Rights Commissioner Maria Imperial, and a senior representative from Governor Hochul’s Office.

“New York State takes the civil rights of our workforce seriously,” said New York State Division of Human Rights Commissioner Maria L. Imperial. “We want to hear from everyday New Yorkers to understand what is happening on the ground in order to build better, more equitable, and inclusive workplaces free from sexual harassment.”

This announcement builds on Governor Hochul’s commitment to strengthening New York’s nation-leading Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy. In July, she announced that  members of the public were invited to provide feedback on the current Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy through this secure feedback form. New Yorkers who are unable to attend the September 15 hearing may continue to submit statements through the NY.gov form through September 20, 2022.

The current Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy was created in 2018 as part of New York State’s commitment to establishing safer and more equitable workplaces by requiring all employers, regardless of size, to adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy and provide annual training to employees. The legislation included the provision that the Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy be reviewed and revised every four years. The workplace is constantly changing, and the state is committed improving its Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy to reflect the evolution of the world of work.

Anyone wishing to provide testimony should sign up through this secure registration form. Testimony will be given in the order people have registered. Media wishing to attend should RSVP through the same form.

For more information on the current Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy, go to Combating Sexual Harassment in the Workplace and to provide feedback, visit the Model Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy page.

If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, file a report online or call DHR’s new toll-free sexual harassment hotline at 1-800-HARASS-3 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Movie Producer Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Operate A Prostitution Business

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that DILLON JORDAN, a/k/a “Daniel Jordan,” a/k/a “Daniel Maurice Hatton,” a/k/a “Daniel Bohler,” pled guilty to conspiracy to violate the Mann Act for his operation of an interstate prostitution business.  JORDAN pled guilty before U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan. Sentencing is scheduled for December 12, 2022.

As alleged in the Indictment, public court filings, and statements made in court:

From in or about 2010 through at least in or about May 2017, JORDAN operated a prostitution business throughout the United States and abroad.  JORDAN maintained a roster of women who resided around the United States and who, in exchange for payment, performed sexual acts for JORDAN’s clients at locations throughout the United States, including the Southern District of New York, and abroad.  JORDAN communicated with the clients of his prostitution business by email to coordinate the prostitution services, which included sending to clients photos of women who were available for hire for prostitution services, discussing the price of prostitution services, and overseeing travel logistics for women to travel to engage in prostitution.  At times, JORDAN himself arranged the interstate travel for the women to engage in prostitution, and at other times, clients, at JORDAN’s direction, arranged the interstate travel for the women whom JORDAN directed to those clients.  To facilitate his prostitution business, JORDAN also coordinated with a United Kingdom-based madam by sharing and referring customers and prostitutes.

JORDAN primarily managed the finances of the prostitution business through two front companies – a purported party and event planning company and a movie production company – incorporated in California.  JORDAN opened multiple bank accounts for these companies, which he used to accept cash, wire, and check payments for prostitution services from clients and to pay for the expenses of the prostitution business, including paying the women for their prostitution services by cash and check.  By using the two front companies to receive deposits from the prostitution business, JORDAN ensured that transactions involving those proceeds from the prostitution business would disguise the nature, source, and origin of those proceeds.    

JORDAN, 50, of Arrowhead Lake, California, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Mann Act, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. As part of his guilty plea, JORDAN has agreed to forfeit $1,429,717 to the United States.

The sentencing of JORDAN is scheduled for December 12, 2022, before Judge Cronan. 

We urge anyone who feels she may be a victim of, or have information related to, the conduct in this case to please contact the FBI at NK-Victim-Assistance@fbi.gov or (973) 792-3000.

Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the FBI.  This case is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Cecilia E. Vogel is in charge of the prosecution.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

Upcoming Events, Legislative News, Grant Opportunities, & More

(Friday) Extra, Extra Click here for this week's video: Labor Day 2022 Bronx Chamber Gala Penn Access Plan Update Legislative & Advocacy Updates Chamber Calls for Member Input on Congestion Pricing Member Spotlight Rise Up NYC Concert w/ Gilberto Santa Rosa Wildlife Conservation Society - Wild Audio Opportunities Amazon Accelerate Upcoming Events

LABOR DAY - A SALUTE TO AMERICAN LABOR

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the American Labor movement and the workers that created so many of the benefits that our workforce enjoys today. One of these achievements is Labor Day. The first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce salutes the hard working individuals that have made our nation what it is today. Chamber offices will be closed from Friday, September 2 to Monday, September 5. The offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 6.

2022 BRONX CHAMBER GALA STAR STUDDED ENTERTAINMENT - JOURNAL ADS SELLING FAST

The Board of Directors of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce celebrate the Chamber's diverse history during the 2022 Bronx Chamber of Commerce Gala held on September 29, 2002 at 6:30pm at Marina Del Rey. Over 600 attendees are expected at the Bronx's #1 business networking event. The evening features a two hour cocktail reception, dinner, and dancing. Invited speakers include: New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Star-studded entertainment line up: Sal Valentinetti "The Voice" as Master of Ceremonies  Brenda K. Starr, free style artist C-Bank, free style artist Cynthia, free style artist Steven Maglio, singer of standards DJ Serg, acclaimed DJ 100% of your support of this signature annual event featuring networking, top tier entertainment, and more, directly supports business and economic development in the Bronx. Please join us in building a stronger business fabric in the Bronx and sponsor, purchase your table, journal ads, or tickets today!

PENN STATION ACCESS PLAN UPDATES

Penn Station Access exemplifies MTA’s new approach to project delivery—building better, faster, and cheaper, and moving capital projects efficiently through the project lifecycle. Penn Station Access successfully advanced conceptual engineering and environmental review during COVID, receiving its Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) from the FTA in the Fall of 2021. On December 29, 2021, the MTA awarded a Design-Build (DB) contract to Halmar International, LLC/Railworks J.V., and the design-builder was given a Notice to Proceed in January 2022. With a Design-Build approach, an experienced Project Executive, and a co-located field office, Penn Station Access is promoting innovation and collaboration. Work is now underway and the new service is expected to be operational by 2027. For more information, Click Here

LEGISLATION & REGULATIONS

NYC Congestion Pricing Plan The Legislative Affairs Committee of The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is seeking member feedback regarding the newly released Congestion Pricing Plan presented in the Preliminary Environmental Assessment Report released by the MTA. The Committee requests Member feedback and statements to inform the position of The Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Please send comments, statements, and white papers to: communications@bronxchamber.org Important items for your review: MTA Public Hearings, how to participate and have your voice heard, Click HERE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD) TOLLING PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Executive Summary, Click HERE

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

Rise Up NYC Concert - Orchard Beach Featuring: El Rey de la Salsa GILBERTO SANTA ROSA Wednesday, September 7 6:00pm Orchard Beach - The Main Stage

Wildlife Conservation Society WCS Wild Audio podcast. The new podcast features stories about wildlife; threats to nature and their solutions; and personal stories on what it is like to be on the front lines of saving wildlife and wild places.   From Climate to Cannoli – Leveraging Conservation Science in the Policy Arena. In this episode, John Cavelli speaks of the importance of science and how it is at the heart of effective conservation. It factors into everything WCS does at its global field sites and its New York City-based zoos and aquarium to better understand wildlife and wild places. But translating that knowledge into policy and action requires creative engagement with the public and lawmakers. And since you all know me, you will undoubtedly appreciate that cannoli are involved. How you may ask? All is answered in the podcast!   Click here to listen to the podcast.   Click here to enjoy all the WCS Wild Audio podcasts.

OPPORTUNITIES

Amazon Accelerate Registration is now open for Amazon Accelerate Seller Conference, September 14-15, 2022 Want to grow your business or learn more about selling in Amazon’s store? If so, then Amazon Accelerate 2022 is the event for you. This premier annual seller conference offers a unique experience for all attendees, whether attending in-person in Seattle or virtually from anywhere. Check out this short video to learn more about what’s in store at Amazon Accelerate 2022. Registration for this two-day conference is $499 per in-person ticket. In-person group discounts are also available. In-person tickets are limited! Virtual attendance is free.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursday, September 1 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm 1st Step to Starting Your Business Join The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and New York City Department of Small Business Services to learn the ins and outs of what you need to do to start your own business. Click HERE To Register

Wednesday, September 7 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm Creating a Business Idea that Works Join The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and New York City Department of Small Business Services for a virtual workshop on creating a business idea that works and how to avoid common pitfalls.