Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted by congressional Republicans and President Trump, 90 percent of American wage earners have higher take-home pay. And employers of all sizes are hiring, raising pay, increasing benefits, upgrading equipment and expanding operations.

Below are several examples of tax reform good news in New York. (Additions to this list can be sent to jkartch@atr.org)

Lupo’s Meat Plant (Endicott, New York) - Increased wages, ability to maintain healthcare coverage:

Company President Sam Lupo says recent tax cuts have allowed the business to raise wages and maintain healthcare.

He says maintaining a small business all comes down to building strong employees.

"Our long-term employees see that, they feel it, they've taken ownership, so then when we have new employees come in, they're taking those employees under their arm, and they're saying, 'hey, we're more than just a spiedie company, we're involved in our community," said Sam Lupo, Sam A. Lupo & Sons President.

The plant has been in businesses for more than 60 years and currently has 45 employees. - May 4, 2018, Spectrum News Article Excerpt

Fox Run Vineyards (Peter Yan, New York) -- The owner used savings from the Tax Cuts and Jobs act to pay the bills as well as buy new equipment, including two “falcon kites” that are meant to scare away birds.

"It's given us a little more money to pay bills and buy new equipment," said Scott Osborn, owner of Fox Run Vineyards in the Finger Lakes. He bought two "falcon kites" that are used to scare birds away in the vineyards, which has made a discernible difference. "We're not getting bird damage, and our vineyard manager figures we save a ton of grapes," he said.  -- Nov. 8, 2019 Wine Spectator article

Paychex, Inc. (Rochester, New York) — Increased investments; acceleration of technology projects; increased investments in employees:

On December 21st, 2017, the tax cuts and jobs act or tax reform was enacted. And it's the most comprehensive tax reform legislation in more than two decades. Paychex, as a corporate tax payer is a significant beneficiary of tax reform. Efrain will discuss the financial impacts in more detail. However, I want to mention that as a result of the significant income tax reduction, we plan to utilize some of this opportunistic benefit to make various investments in our business. These investments include accelerating certain technology projects for the continued evolution of our customer experience, increasing our spend in marketing demand generation and sales and service strategy enhancements, as well as investment in our employees. — March 26, 2018 Paychex, Inc. Q3 2018 Earnings Conference Call Transcript

Wood Boat Brewery (Clayton, New York) - Hiring new employees, expanding production:

Similarly, small producers of beer and liquor seem to be well positioned to take advantage of tax savings given the large cut to the federal excise charge across the industry.  Mix in a lower overall tax rate and the savings start to add up. Some are using the proceeds to hire and reinvest. For example, in Watertown, NY, the Wood Boat Brewery started posting ads for full-time help after the law passed.

Owner Michael J. Hazelwood told the Watertown Daily Times in December that he’d likely expand production and hire staff with savings realized from the reduced excise tax. Now, like the Klavers of SALUS, it appears he has. - April 18, 2018, Capital One blog post excerpt

Clayton Distillery (Clayton, New York) - facility upgrades:

Mr. Aubertine, who co-owns the Clayton Distillery, pays about $40,500 in excise taxes annually for the 3,000 gallons of spirits he produces at $13.50 per proof gallon. The tax reform, however, will reduce his expense to about $8,100 when it takes effect in 2018, which encouraged him to install upgrades to his facility at 40164 Route 12.

“We’re basically investing back into the business,” he said. “The tax plan — it also lets us write off some of the supplies a little bit differently.” - December 28, 2018, Watertown Daily Times article excerpt

Middle Ages Brewing (Syracuse, New York) – The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act allowed the company to reinvest in employees and equipment:

"For us it completely went back into the business or reinvested into employees or equipment,” said Isaac Rubenstein, the director of production at Middle Ages Brewing. “It was huge."

…

Newer breweries have been saving a few thousand dollars a year. Middle Ages has been saving about $20,000, so they're on edge about losing the tax relief.

"It would be devastating,” said Rubenstein. “Plans for next year might have to change, redo the budget a little bit. Some equipment that's on the list might get crossed off. It might be a part time employee. It would be really bad." – Dec. 18, 2019, Spectrum News article.

Quadrant Biosciences (Syracuse, New York) – Because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the company is planning to create new jobs and invest in research activities"

“That money that will go directly into our research activities. And that translates into more jobs,” Uhlig said. “We’ll be hiring more neuroscientists, [and] we’ll be hiring more programmers to help facilitate their quality research.” – Feb. 27, 2018, PBS News article.

Kris-Tech Wire (Rome, New York) - Expanding operations, purchasing new equipment:

On the tour, Graham Brodock the President and CEO informed Rep. Tenney that Kris-Tech Wire has reinvested in the company as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Kris-Tech is building an addition and acquiring new equipment-thanks to the newly created ability to write off equipment charges. Kris-Tech has over 400 employees and a deep commitment to continuing to invest in the facility and employees here in Rome. - August 2, 2018, Rep. Claudia Tenney press release excerpt

Empire Recycling (Utica, New York) - Employee quarterly bonuses increased by 50%:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) toured Empire Recycling to see firsthand the important work Empire Recycling has done for our community over the past 100 years. On the tour, the Kowalsky brothers informed Rep. Tenney that as a direct result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Empire Recycling’s quarterly bonus given to their employees increased by 50%.  - May 2, 2018, Rep. Tenney press release

Dayton T. Brown Inc. (Bohemia, New York) -- $400 bonuses for each of the 210 employees:

A small Bohemia company is following the lead of large corporations that are passing on some expected savings from tax reform to employees in the form of bonuses.

Dayton T. Brown Inc., an engineering and testing company, is giving each of its roughly 210 employees a $400 bonus, Steve Marini, chief financial officer, said Friday.

President Donald Trump signed the tax overhaul bill into law Friday. The bill lowers the corporate tax rate in 2018 to 21 percent from 35 percent.

All of Dayton T. Brown’s full- and part-time employees will receive the bonuses, likely in January, Marini said.

“We’re going to save a significant amount of money on this new tax law and . . . certainly, we’re nothing without our employees,” Marini said.

The inspiration for the bonus was AT&T’s announcement Wednesday that it was giving its employees $1,000 bonuses, Marini said.

Dayton T. Brown, founded in 1950, is a private company that primarily serves the aerospace and defense industry. Its largest customers are the U.S. Navy, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. and Northrop Grumman.

It has 170 employees in Bohemia. The rest work in Shelton, Connecticut, and Lexington Park, Maryland. -- Dec. 22, 2017 Newsday article excerpt

Finger Lakes Distilling (Burdett, New York) -- Used new savings from the Tax Cuts and Jobs act to hire more employees. 

"It's meant tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars to our business over the last couple of years," said Brian McKenzie, president of Finger Lakes Distilling, who makes various spirits and also has a winery license for his vermouth brand. McKenzie chose to put the extra cash into hiring people in sales and marketing. He added staff, and reports that his sales were up 25 percent this year. "All of a sudden we've invested in those jobs, and it's helped our business considerably," he said. -- November 8, 2019 Wine Spectator article

Environmental Construction Group, Inc. (Albion, New York) -- $500 bonuses for 50+ employees:

Environmental Construction Group, Inc. a small company from Albion, NY gave every one of their 50+ employees a $500.00 bonus. Employees were notified of this bonus the Friday before Christmas and bonuses where paid the Friday before New Years. ECG appreciates the work this administration has done to promote such a positive outlook on this nation, and will try just as hard to continue to help our employees. Robert Gibbs, Environmental Construction Group, Inc.   

LiDestri Food and Drink (Rochester, New York) – Double-paycheck bonuses:

The Rochester based producer of food, beverages and spirits gave all of their 1,200 employees at each of their five U.S. facilities an extra full paycheck.

They were notified on Wednesday that their mid-month paycheck had been doubled, because of strong company performance and the recently approved federal tax legislation.

“When we learned that the recent tax cuts would provide the company with some unaccounted-for funds, we immediately thought it should be shared with our workforce,” said Co-President Stefani LiDestri. “It just so happened that it came together on Valentine’s Day, the perfect time to let our employees know how much they mean to us.”

She said that the recent federal tax cuts will provide some unaccounted for funds, and the company thought it should be shared with the workforce.

Locally, LiDestri has facilities in Fairport and at the Eastman Business Park. – Feb. 15, 2018 WXXI news article.

Suit-Kote Corporation (Cortland, New York) – Pay raises for 800 employees; increased 401(k) contributions:

Paul Walts is getting a raise this year, thanks to the GOP tax plan. So is Louis Morgan. So are about 800 other employees at Suit-Kote Corporation.

The Cortland paving company is doling out raises and retirement bonuses using money saved from the new Republican-led tax plan.

Walts, a dispatcher who's been with the company 14 years, has three kids in college. He plans to put money aside to help pay for their education.

Morgan, too, said he's going to save more and possibly take a vacation.

"You hear it's in the pipeline and you hope it's going to happen, but you don't know how much it's going to be," Morgan said regarding the raises. "I'm definitely looking forward to it."

Walts, Morgan and a few dozen other employees watched Thursday as President and CEO Frank Suits Jr. announced the wage hikes to media alongside U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney.

The average raise, Suits said, will be about $1,400. The company also increased its 401K contributions by about $1 million. – Feb. 22, 2018 The Post-Standard article excerpt

Sun Community News and Printing (Elizabethtown, New York) – Raises for all employees averaging $1,000 each; restoration of 2% match on employee IRAs; software and equipment upgrades:

“Sun Community News and Printing a small rural, free weekly newspaper serving the Adirondack Region of New York State is proud to announce as a result of the recent tax cuts and the uptick in the economy we have announced raises for all employees averaging approximately $1,000 each and will now be in a position to resume our 2% match to employees IRA accounts.

The combination of these two announcements will total approximately $75,000 for our 50 employees.

We will also now be in a position to invest in some long overdue software and equipment upgrades to smooth out production flow and further support our customers and employees.

It feels good to get our economic engine running again and create a winning attitude for our small firm.” – Dan Alexander, President and Publisher, Sun Community News and Printing

Lok-N-Logs, Inc., I Wood Care, and Webb Properties (Sherburne, New York) –  Employees working for a year or more received a double paycheck; those working less than a year also received a bonus.

Northco Products, Inc. (Albany, New York) – This small business was able to hire one new employee, give all employees bonuses ranging from $100 - $971 after taxes; the company is also investing in a new building: 

The opportunity to do better for our employees and business was an exciting event. We took a leap of faith that congress would pass the historic tax reform. In doing so, we were able to hire one new employee, and give all of our employees bonuses including our intern, who is involved in a local high school’s program for students with autism. These bonuses varied from $100 to $971 (after tax based on the duration of their employment with us. On top of  this, we decided to invest in a new building and name for the business. The building we chose is the former headquarters of our family business. Moving into this new building will provide our employees with more space and higher quality work environment and location. The name we chose also ties in with our roots as a successful and respected family business. The Historic Tax Reform presents us with the opportunity to rebuild a once-great family-focused business, Standard Copy. -- AJ Crandall, President, Northco Products, Inc.

Henry Schein, Inc. (Melville, New York) -- $1,000 bonuses:

Taking into account changes to the federal statutory tax rate under the new U.S. tax legislation and its effects on state taxes and other permanent items, the Company expects its effective tax rate in 2018 to be in the 24% range. In recognition of our team members, following the recent U.S. Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, Henry Schein plans to distribute  up to a $1,000 one-time cash bonus to certain designated staff members in the U.S. with one full year of service as of January 1, 2018. – Feb. 20, 2018 Henry Schein, Inc. statement

JetBlue (New York, New York) – $1,000 bonuses for all 21,000 employees:

Today the JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) Senior Leadership Team shared the following note regarding the airline’s plan to distribute $1,000 to all of its 21,000 crewmembers, excluding CEO and executive vice presidents, following recent tax reform legislation:

Dear Crewmembers,

You’ve likely seen the news about U.S. tax reform. We believe these tax changes will be positive for our company, and provide us the opportunity to do good things for our Crewmembers, Customers and shareholders.

When tax reform looked like a real possibility late last year, we formed a team to think through what it could mean for each of these important groups. Many ideas are on the table but we believe our Crewmembers should be the first to benefit. With that in mind, we are excited to announce we will be paying every Crewmember employed as of December 31, 2017, a $1,000 bonus by the end of February! – excerpt from Jan. 4, 2018 JetBlue letter to employees

BNB Bank (Bridgehampton, New York) – Base wage raised from $13 to $15; additional pay raises:

Separately, Bridgehampton-based BNB Bank said it was increasing its minimum wage from $13 to $15 in light of the lower corporate tax rate. The bank added that it was also increasing wages for employees in the tier above that. About 100 employees, or 20 percent of the bank's workforce, will see an increase, BNB said. – Jan. 30, 2018 Newsday article excerpt

Broadridge Financial Solutions (Lake Success, New York) – Base wage raised to $15 per hour; $1,750 bonuses to non-management employees, additional vacation days, expansion of paternal leave benefits:

Broadridge Financial Solutions on Wednesday said it was boosting workers’ pay, delivering bonuses and expanding employee benefits as a result of strong company growth and the recent federal tax law changes.

Lake Success-based Broadridge said its minimum hourly wage will increase to $15 per hour. It will also pay a $1,750 bonus to hourly, nonmanagement associates.

Broadridge added that it was enhancing employee benefits, including adding vacation days for employees who have been at the firm at least five years. It was also expanding paternal leave benefits.

Daly said about 1,000 employees on Long Island would earn the bonus. He said about 50 employees in the region would see a pay increase because of the higher minimum.

“The vast majority on Long Island already are over $15,” Daly said, adding that the company’s minimum “had been as low as $12 in some places.”

The bonuses will be paid around midyear while other benefits will be phased in throughout the year, the company said.

Broadridge has more than 10,000 employees in 16 countries, including about 1,800 in Lake Success and Edgewood. – Feb. 7 2018, Newsday article excerpt

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (New York, New York) -- $1,000 bonuses for non-executive employees.

Empire National Bank (Islandia, New York) – salary increases; 401(k) match increases; $1,000 bonuses for non-executive employees:

Empire National Bank is increasing salaries by 5 percent, upping its 401(k) match program and giving all nonexecutive employees $1,000 bonuses as a result of the benefits derived from the recent federal tax overhaul. – Jan. 30, 2018 Newsday article excerpt

Atlas Air Worldwide (Purchase, New York) -- $1,000 bonuses to 3,100 employees

“In appreciation of your significant efforts, the Company will be providing a special one-time bonus payment to all full-time flight and ground staff employees below the officer level. We are pleased to offer this bonus to our flight crew employees as the Union is in agreement. This bonus will be funded by a tax refund that the Company expects as a result of the newly enacted U.S. tax law.

The $1,000 bonus will be provided in early January and is subject to applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes.” – Atlas Air Worldwide CEO William J. Flynn in a letter to employees

Everett J. Prescott Inc. (New York locations in Buffalo, Round Lake, and Syracuse) – $1,000 bonuses for employees with more than a year of service, $250 for employees with less than a year:

A Maine company says 300 employees will receive bonuses following changes to the federal tax code enacted at the end of 2017.

Everett J. Prescott Inc., a Gardiner-based waterworks materials company, says the bonuses will arrive Monday. The Kennebec Journal reports CEO Peter Prescott said Friday that many employees will receive a $1,000 bonus.

He says employees with less than a year of service will still receive a $250 bonus.

The family-owned company employs about 300 people across 26 locations in New England, New York, Ohio and Indiana. Prescott says the average tenure of an employee is 20 years. – March 5 2018, WABI article excerpt

ES Bancshares, Inc. (Newburgh, New York) -- $500 bonuses to non-executive full-time employees; $250 bonuses to part-time employees; creation of at least ten new jobs; further business expansion:

ES Bancshares., Inc the parent company of Empire State Bank, announced December 21, 2017 that due to the signing into law the tax reform legislation which provides a reduction of corporate tax rates from 35% to 21% , it will be investing into its most valuable asset, its employees. Empire State Bank has provided a one-time bonus of $ 500.00 to its full time and $ 250.00 to its part time employees. Executive management was excluded.

'We are happy to share the benefit with our employees who continue to provide outstanding service to our customers, as well as our shareholders who will see this benefit fuel the continued growth and bottom line results,' said Philip Guarnieri, CEO. 'We will be adding at least 10 new jobs and expanding our footprint in the Staten Island and Brooklyn communities,' said Thomas Sperzel, President and COO. – Jan. 2 2018, ES Bancshares, Inc. press release  

Flushing Financial Corporation (Uniondale, New York) -- $1,000 bonuses for full-time employees; $500 bonuses for part-time employees:

Flushing Financial Corporation (the "Company") (NASDAQ:FFIC), the parent holding company for Flushing Bank (the "Bank"), announced that the Company's Board of Directors approved a plan to increase the dividend in 2018 by two cents per share per quarter and provide each full-time and part-time employee with a one-time bonus, of $1,000 and $500 respectively, as a result of the benefits derived from the recent tax reform. – Jan. 22, 2018 Flushing Financial Corporation press release

Financial Institutions, Inc. (Warsaw, New York) – $500 bonuses:

“Recent tax reform will reduce our federal income tax rate in 2018 and provide opportunities to strengthen relationships with our most valued partners our employees, our customers and the communities in which we operate. The first action taken was a one-time award of $500 to employees not covered by certain incentive programs. Approximately 70% of our employees will receive this award, and they will also be eligible to participate in a new profit-sharing program to be based on the Company’s 2018 performance.” – Jan. 29, 2018 Financial Institutions, Inc. filing

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (New York, New York) -- Base wage raised for 22,000 employees, to a range of $15 to $18 per hour; 4,000 new jobs added; 400 new branches; increased charitable donations; increased small business lending: 

JPMorgan Chase today announced a $20 billion, five-year comprehensive  investment to help its employees, and support job and local economic growth in the United States. The firm has always believed that the highest and best use of its capital is to support employees and local communities and businesses by doing what a bank is supposed to do: lending and investing. This long-term investment, which both increases and accelerates the firm’s current growth, is made possible by the firm’s strong and sustained business performance, recent changes to the U.S. corporate tax system and a more constructive regulatory and business environment.

Through this new investment, the firm will develop hundreds of new branches in several new U.S. markets, increase wages and benefits for hourly U.S. employees, make increased small business and mortgage lending commitments, add 4,000 jobs throughout the country and increase philanthropic investment.

The investment brings together the best of the firm’s business and philanthropic efforts to drive inclusive economic growth and help create opportunity for more Americans.

The $20 billion investment will focus on the following key areas:

1. Investing in employees with further increases to wages and benefits. Wages will increase 10 percent on average—ranging from between $15 and $18/hour—for 22,000 employees.
2. Expanding the branch network into new U.S. markets, leading to increased small business lending and philanthropic investments, and further support for local low-and moderate-income communities.
3. Increasing community-based philanthropic investments by 40 percent to $1.75 billion over five years.
4. Increasing small business lending by $4 billion.
5. Accelerating affordable housing lending by (a) increasing mortgage lending in low-and moderate-income communities and (b) accelerating commercial lending to build affordable housing. – Jan. 23, 2018 JPMorgan Chase & Co. press release
    

M&T Bank Corporation (Buffalo, New York) – Base wage raised to $14 to $16 per hour based on location, a $25 million investment; employees receive 40 hours of paid time annually for volunteer/charitable/employee resource group activities:

M&T Bank Corporation (NYSE: MTB) ("M&T") today announced a series of investments to perpetuate its legacy of support for its employees and the communities the bank serves. M&T is making these investments in anticipation of the improvement in after-tax income it expects to recognize as a result of federal tax reform.

M&T is committed to the following actions:

• The company will increase wages for hourly paid employees. Their rate of pay will begin at $14 to $16 per hour, based on geography. This increase will represent an investment in employees of $25 million, once fully implemented. This is part of the company's thoughtfully considered and ongoing commitment to provide sustainable career paths and professional growth opportunities for all of its employees.
• All employees will be granted 40 hours of paid time each year to participate in volunteer and/or employee resource group activities of their choice.
• Over the past 31 years, The M&T Charitable Foundation has consistently invested in a diverse range of civic, cultural, health and human services organizations that strengthen M&T communities. To sustain that commitment, M&T contributed $50 million to The M&T Charitable Foundation during 2017—the largest amount in the company's history. By comparison, a total of $178.7 million was contributed by M&T to The M&T Charitable Foundation over the past 10 years. – Jan. 17, 2018 M&T Bank Corporation press release
   

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (New York, New York) – Base wage raised to $16 per hour; $1,000 bonuses for employees earning less than $55,000:

Marsh & McLennan Cos., the world's largest insurance brokerage, said it will increase its minimum wage to $16 per hour after the U.S. cut corporate tax rates.

U.S. colleagues earning $55,000 or less will get one-time $1,000 payment

The wage hike will benefit about 780 employees, while about 5,000 employees will get the one-time bonus, according to a memo sent to employees

"The bulk of the tax savings will drop into earnings and improved free cash flow. However, we will make two adjustments for colleagues in the U.S. who are at the lower end of our pay scale," CEO Dan Glaser said Thursday on a conference call with analysts. -- Feb. 1, 2018 Bloomberg News article excerpt

Maspeth Federal Savings (Maspeth, New York) – $1,000 bonuses for all full-time employees below the AVP officer level, $500 bonuses for all part-time employees; base wage raised to $15 per hour.

Mastercard Inc. (Purchase, New York) – increasing employer match for 401(k) plans to 10%:

“Mastercard Inc., Purchase, N.Y., is increasing the cap on the employer match in its 401(k) plan to 10% of an employee's salary, a spokesman confirmed.

Previously, the company match was 125% of employee contributions up to 6% of salary.

Michael Fraccaro, chief human resources officer, announced the change in a LinkedIn post last week. He cited recent U.S. tax reform as the impetus for the change.” - Feb. 5, 2018 Pensions and Investments article excerpt

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (New York, New York) -- Base wage raised to $15 per hour; upgrades to dozens of technology programs.

MetLife Inc. (New York, New York) – Base wage raised to $15 per hour; creation of a $10 million skills development fund; establishment of a minimum group life insurance benefit, enhanced 401(k) plan:

“As a result of tax reform, we are making a significant investment in our employees. We are enhancing pay and benefit programs and helping them develop skills that will make them more valuable members of our team,” said Chairman, President and CEO Steven A. Kandarian. “We are investing in their future and strengthening their long-term financial security with structural improvements that will endure. We are also channeling most of the benefits to employees at the lower end of the compensation spectrum.”

To help the company’s global workforce identify and acquire the skills needed to compete in the 21st century digital workplace, MetLife is establishing a Workforce of the Future Development Fund. The company will invest $10 million to accelerate a culture of learning and innovation.

For all eligible U.S. employees, MetLife’s enhanced programs include:

•Establishing a company minimum wage of $15 an hour, well above the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.

•Establishing a minimum MetLife-provided group life insurance benefit of $75,000, regardless of the employee’s pay. Previously, the benefit was set at one times annual pay.

•Introducing a $300 minimum monthly credit for the cash-balance formula of the company’s defined benefit pension plan, also regardless of the employee’s pay. MetLife is one of a limited number of Fortune 50 companies that continues to provide its employees with both a defined benefit pension plan and a defined contribution plan to help them build secure retirements.

•Enhancing the 401(k) plan design by moving to auto-enrollment for employee contributions and immediate eligibility for, and vesting in, employer matching contributions. This is scheduled to take effect in 2019.

•Extending company-paid group legal services offered through MetLife’s Hyatt Legal Plans. Currently approximately one third of MetLife employees in the United States are enrolled in this voluntary benefit. With this change, legal services will be provided to MetLife’s 18,000 employees in the United States at the company’s expense.” – Feb. 12 2018, MetLife Inc. press release excerpt

NBT Bancorp Inc. (Norwich, New York) – Base wage raised to $11 to $15 per hour; minimum 5% salary increases for employees making less than $50,000; increased capital expenditures:

The Company will realize a reduction in tax expense beginning in 2018 due to Tax Reform decreasing the federal rate for corporations from 35% to 21%. As a result, the Company is raising the starting hourly pay rate of $11 to $15 per hour and employees earning $50,000 or less will receive a permanent minimum increase of 5%. This will positively impact over 61% of the Company’s workforce. Moreover, in 2018 the Company will be increasing both its investment in infrastructure to enhance customer-facing technology and contributions to nonprofit organizations in its footprint. – Jan. 23 2018, NBT Bancorp Inc. press release

American Express (New York, New York) -- $200 million additional investments for customer-facing growth initiatives; increased contributions to employee profit-sharing plans:

“Overall, we believe the Tax Act will be a positive development for both the U.S. economy and American Express. Given the momentum in the business and the anticipated benefit of a lower tax rate, we now expect to invest up to $200 million more in 2018 than we originally planned for customer-facing growth initiatives. We’ve also made an incremental contribution to our employee profit-sharing plans to support the long-term financial well-being of our employees. And, for shareholders, we expect to use the remaining anticipated benefits to build capital and support earnings growth in 2018. -- Jan. 18 2018, American Express press release

Pfizer Inc. (New York, New York) -- $100 million in tax reform bonuses for non-executive employees:

"The company also has allocated approximately $100 million for a special, one-time bonus to be paid to all non-executive Pfizer colleagues in first-quarter 2018." -- Jan. 29, 2018 Pfizer Inc. press release

Pioneer Credit Recovery (Arcade, New York) -- $1,000 bonuses for 800 employees.

PepsiCo, Inc. (Purchase, New York) -- $1,000 bonuses to full-time front-line U.S. employees:

For 2018, we will be aided by the financial benefits provided by the recent U.S. tax reform, which will allow us to make incremental investments to further fortify our business. For example, in 2018, we will provide a bonus of up to $1,000 to full-time front-line U.S.-based associates to reward and recognize their dedication and contribution to making our business better and stronger. And we will invest in training our global associates to arm them with the skills to succeed in tomorrow’s workplace. – Feb. 13, 2018 PepsiCo, Inc. Earnings Call Transcript

Verizon (New York, New York) -- Non-executive employees will receive 50 shares of restricted stock.

Evans Bancorp Inc. (Hamburg, New York) -- $1,000 bonuses to non-senior level employees; increased charitable donations:

Evans Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE American: EVBN), a community financial services company serving Western New York since 1920, today announced a number of investments, continuing a pattern of support for its employees and the communities it has served and invested in for almost a century. These investments are being made in conjunction with expected improvements in after-tax income as a result of Federal tax reform in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Aligned with Evans Core Principles is Valuing Others, which leads the Company to commit to the following initiatives:

▪Evans will provide all of its non-senior level associates a $1,000 bonus in recognition of their superior efforts on behalf of the Company and as part of an ongoing focus on providing excellent career opportunities and top-tier employment.

▪The Company recently made a $300,000 contribution to its Foundation, the largest such contribution in its history. Disbursements from the Foundation are invested in not-for-profit entities to enhance the quality of life within Western New York.

▪Benefits provided by tax reform will also allow the Company to increase its returns to shareholders and provide additional investment in our community. Evans is currently researching initiatives that will be impactful and make a difference in the fabric of the community that is responsible for our success.

“With a nearly 100-year record of serving our communities, employees, customers and shareholders, these actions will expand our efforts even further,” stated David J. Nasca, President and CEO of Evans Bancorp. “As we will be directly benefiting from the tax reform, we believe that it is our obligation to share it with all of our stakeholders for the advancement of Western New York.”—Jan. 31 2018, New York Business Journal article excerpt

T.J. Maxx – 79 stores in New York – tax reform bonuses, retirement plan contributions, parental leave, enhanced vacation benefits, and charitable donations:

The 2017 Tax Act benefited the Company in the fourth quarter and full year Fiscal 2018. The Company expects to continue to benefit from the 2017 Tax Act going forward, primarily due to the lower U.S. corporate income tax rate. As a result of the estimated cash benefit related to the 2017 Tax Act, the Company is taking the following actions:

Associates

• A one-time, discretionary bonus to eligible, non-bonus-plan Associates, globally

• An incremental contribution to the Company’s defined contribution retirement plans for eligible Associates in the U.S. and internationally

• Instituting paid parental leave for eligible Associates in the U.S.

• Enhancing vacation benefits for certain U.S. Associates

Communities

Made meaningful contributions to TJX’s charitable foundations around the world to further support TJX’s charitable giving. – Feb. 28, 2018 The TJX Companies Inc. press release excerpt

Walmart – 100 locations in New York -- Base wage increased; pay raises; bonuses of up to $1,000. The company also expanded maternity and parental leave and now provides $5,000 for adoption expenses.

Cintas -- (multiple locations in New York) -- $1,000 bonuses for employees of at least a year; $500 for employees of less than a year.

AT&T --  $1,000 bonuses to 3,149 New York-based employees; Nationwide, the company has announced a $1 billion increase in capital expenditures thanks to tax reform:

Today, Congress approved legislation representing the first comprehensive tax reform in a generation. The President is expected to sign the bill in the coming days.

Once tax reform is signed into law, AT&T* plans to invest an additional $1 billion in the United States in 2018 and pay a special $1,000 bonus to more than 200,000 AT&T U.S. employees — all union-represented, non-management and front-line managers. If the President signs the bill before Christmas, employees will receive the bonus over the holidays.

“Congress, working closely with the President, took a monumental step to bring taxes paid by U.S. businesses in line with the rest of the industrialized world,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and CEO. “This tax reform will drive economic growth and create good-paying jobs. In fact, we will increase our U.S. investment and pay a special bonus to our U.S. employees.”

Since 2012, AT&T has invested more in the United States than any other public company. Every $1 billion in capital invested in the telecom industry creates about 7,000 jobs for American workers, research shows. -- Dec. 20, 2017 AT&T Inc. press release

Apple (Apple store locations in Albany, Brooklyn, Buffalo, Elmhurst, Garden City, Huntington Station, Lake Grove, Manhasset, Nanuet, New York, Syracuse, Victor, White Plains, Yonkers) -- $2,500 employee bonuses in the form of restricted stock units; Nationwide, $30 billion in additional capital expenditures over five years; 20,000 new employees will be hired; increased support of coding education and science, technology, engineering, arts, and math; increased support for U.S. manufacturing.

Home Depot - 100 locations in New York, bonuses for all hourly employees, up to $1,000.

Comcast (Multiple locations in New York) -- $1,000 bonuses for frontline and non-executive employees. Nationwide, the company will invest an additional $50 billion-plus in infrastructure in next five years.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (138 New York locations) – Bonuses ranging from $250 to $1,000; increased employee benefits; nationally, $50 million investment in existing restaurants.

Lowe's -- 10,000 employees at 70 stores and one distribution facility in New York. Employees will receive bonuses of up to $1,000 based on length of service; expanded benefits and maternity/paternal leave; $5,000 of adoption assistance. 

Ryder (Twenty-two locations in New York) -- Tax reform bonuses for employees.

Starbucks Coffee Company (Multiple locations in New York) – $500 stock grants for all retail employees, $2,000 stock grants for store managers, and varying plan and support center employee stock grants. Nationally, 8,000 new retail jobs; an additional wage increase this year, totaling approximately $120 million in wage increases, increased sick time benefits and parental leave. 

U-Haul (Multiple locations in New York) – $1,200 bonuses for full-time employees, $500 for part-time employees.

FedEx (Multiple locations in New York) – Accelerated and increased compensation; pension plan contributions:

“FedEx Corporation is announcing three major programs today following the recently enacted U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:

• Over $200 million in increased compensation, about two-thirds of which will go to hourly team members by advancing 2018 annual pay increases by six months to April 1st from the normal October date. The remainder will fund increases in performance- based incentive plans for salaried personnel.
• A voluntary contribution of $1.5 billion to the FedEx pension plan to ensure it remains one of the best funded retirement programs in the country.
• Investing $1.5 billion to significantly expand the FedEx Express Indianapolis hub over the next seven years. The Memphis SuperHub will also be modernized and enlarged in a major program the details of which will be announced later this spring.

FedEx believes the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will likely increase GDP and investment in the United States. – Jan. 26 2018, FedEx press release

Taco John’s (New York locations in Jamaica and Lindenhurst): All full-time and part-time crew members received a $200 after-tax bonus:

Taco John’s International, Inc. announced today that in response to the 2018 Tax Cut and Jobs Act, the company gave part of its projected tax savings to its restaurant crews, general managers, corporate staff and CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees).

On Friday, Feb. 23, Taco John’s International, Inc.’s employees received a one-time bonus, as follows:

• Every restaurant crew member - full-time and part-time - received $200 (after taxes);
• General managers and employees at the Taco John’s Franchisee Support Center in Cheyenne received $1,000 each; and,
• The Executive Council of Taco John’s International, Inc. (Vice Presidents and above) donated their $1,000 bonuses (a total of $10,000) to CORE, a national not-for-profit organization that grants support to children of food and beverage service employees who are navigating life-altering circumstances.
   

“At Taco John’s International, our team is our family, so sharing the financial benefits that were a result of the recent tax reform legislation only makes sense,” said Jim Creel, CEO of Taco John’s International, Inc. “We encourage other restaurant brands to follow our example and give a portion of their savings to the people that are at the heart of what we do and to great organizations like CORE that support our crew. One hundred percent of CORE’s funds directly benefit children of restaurant employees who have been afflicted with life-threating conditions.”

“We are so grateful to the Taco John’s team for their generous donation to our CORE family members,” said Lauren LaViola, executive director of CORE. “Donations like theirs help us provide for our food and beverage service families experiencing loss, illness and other life-changing circumstances, and help us get closer to our goal of helping even more families across all 50 states in 2018.”

The total amount that Taco John’s International, Inc. gave exceeded $150,000.00. – Feb. 28, 2018 Taco John’s International, Inc. press release

Loud & Clear Communications (New York, New York) -- Tax reform bonuses for employees.

Note: If you know of other New York examples, please email John Kartch at jkartch@atr.org

The running nationwide list of companies can be found at www.atr.org/list