Hartford Business Journal

HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | MAY 13, 2024 9 POLITICS & POLICY said employers should survey their current use of noncompetes and "figure out what's at risk if this rule does go into place." And employers can still use "restrictive covenants" in other ways, Schwartz said, including provisions that prevent employees who leave a company from solic- iting business from their former customers or work colleagues. "You could also have provisions that say you can't use confidential or trade secret information from us at a new employer," Schwartz said. "So, there are some protections that will remain in place, but noncompetes have been used to protect a larger interest than just that." Even though he predicts the federal ruling won't stand, Gangemi said employers should make sure they can articulate what specifically they're looking to protect via a noncompete clause, to ensure it's a valid use. Gangemi said the FTC's ruling could also be impacted by Novem- ber's election: the agency's five-member voting board has a Democratic-appointed majority, but if the White House flips, so could the FTC. Regardless, though, Schwartz said employers must be aware that there have been increased efforts nationwide to ban noncompete agreements. Connecticut legislators in the General Assembly made some headway last year by passing a law that restricts the use of noncompete agreements involving physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses. And earlier this year, the Labor and Public Employees Committee endorsed a separate bill that set additional limits on noncompete agreements used by all employers. That bill didn't gain full approval by the legislature. Even still, it's a recent example of states, particularly with Democratic majority legislatures, pursuing their own noncompete bans or restric- tions, Schwartz said. "California has had a ban for a century, so it's not as though this is a new concept," Schwartz said. "But I think noncompetes, certainly here in Connecticut, have always been viewed as one of the last protections that employers have as some of the other laws have shifted to make sure employees are treated fairly. So, I think employers just need to be mindful that they're going to need to use restrictive covenants in a narrower way than perhaps they have done in the past." Here's A Glimpse of Our Bank Portfolio... Building banks is a specialty of ours. Over the years, PDS has had the great privilege of working closely and often with some of the area's most respected banks, including TD Bank and Webster Bank. These projects have ranged from new construction to general renovation, including several new free standing buildings, one of which incorporated the latest TD Bank design with LEED Platinum credentials. In addition, we have completed fast track interior fi t-outs with all new fi nishes specifi c to our client's design needs. With in-house disciplines of engineering from civil to mechanical, PDS can design the right building to fi t your budget and timeline. SPOTLIGHT ON: COMMERICAL 107 Old Windsor Road, Bloomfi eld, CT 06002 | 860.242.8586 | pdsec.com THINK • PLAN • BUILD 4,000 SF | Wallingford, CT 4,000 SF | Norwalk, CT Various Interior Renovations PDS Engineering & Construction recently completed a new 20,000 square foot two-story building for Young Pharmaceuticals in Wethersfield, CT. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Filoli Estate in Woodside, California, the building stands out with its custom keystones, Sir Christopher Wren-style clock tower and the finishing touch of Spanish roof tiles. Overcoming supply chain hurdles, PDS's hands-on approach ensured that all materials were procured on time to meet the tight schedule. Inside, you'll find a welcoming President's office adorned with hand carved wood paneling from an 18th century English manor, striking arched windows and much more. This blend of contemporary and historic design, coupled with energy-efficient features, creates an unforgettable experience for everyone who steps inside. 107 Old Windsor Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002 | 860.242.8586 | pdsec.com Young Companies in Wethersfield, CT Here's A Glimpse of Our Bank Portfolio... Building banks is a specialty of ours. Over the years, PDS has had the great privilege of working closely and often with some of the area's most respected banks, including TD Bank and Webster Bank. These projects have ranged from new construction to general renovation, including several new free standing buildings, one of which incorporated the latest TD Bank design with LEED Platinum credentials. In addition, we have completed fast track interior fi t-outs with all new fi nishes specifi c to our client's design needs. With in-house disciplines of engineering from civil to mechanical, PDS can design the right building to fi t your budget and timeline. SPOTLIGHT ON: COMMERICAL 107 Old Windsor Road, Bloomfi eld, CT 06002 | 860.242.8586 | pdsec.com THINK • PLAN • BUILD 4,000 SF | Wallingford, CT 4,000 SF | Norwalk, CT Various Interior Renovations CONSTRUCTING EXCELLENCE Feel good about your bank Connect with us today! 860-448-4295 NMLS #402928 ChelseaGroton.com/GrowThatBusiness We'll create a personalized solution to help you save for what your business really needs.

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