Public Policy Guiding Principles 2019
The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce supports policy that preserves and promotes a positive business climate. We believe entrepreneurship and innovation are the pillars of the world’s strongest economy and can only exist in a free market. As the foremost advocate and voice for business, the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce will lead the region by advancing policies that strengthen business and improve our region’s economic climate and quality of life.
The following Guiding Principles serve as a general statement to the public about what the Chamber stands for, and guides the Chamber board, staff and committees as issues arise, to assist in prioritizing where Chamber resources are directed in support of its mission.
Economic Development
We support efforts to grow the Tri-City region through policies and legislation that promote entrepreneurship, new business, workforce development, business retention, infrastructure development, job and population growth.
Regulatory Reform
Government policies and regulations should promote the responsible operation of businesses and incentivize innovation and entrepreneurship. Laws and regulations that impede these principles should be revised or repealed.
Taxes and Spending
We support a competitive and balanced tax climate that promotes and fosters economic growth through private sector expansion. The Chamber supports equitable taxation policies and sound budgeting practices that promote our region as a smart place to do business. Reasonable government spending should be prioritized, fund essential services and infrastructure and never exceed projected revenues.
Transportation & Essential Infrastructure
Transportation and infrastructure policies should be linked to economic growth through the safe and efficient movement of products, services, information and people inclusive of all forms of transportation.
Education & Workforce Development
We support investment in quality education, with specific emphasis on structured vocational education that provides a quality workforce for the region. The Chamber advocates consistent and ongoing communication and collaboration between business and educators, creating and expanding cost-effective opportunities for training, and building partnerships with education providers.
Local Intergovernmental Cooperation
We support increased collaboration and sharing of resources between local cities, ports and state government to increase the cost effectiveness and the efficiency of service delivery to taxpayers and business. Additionally, the Chamber supports a service-oriented form of collaboration that improves delivery of government services, increased accountability, and transparency of government operations. The Chamber believes in a more streamlined approach and elimination of redundancies to deliver government services more effectively.
Healthcare
We support healthcare policy that improves access to health insurance and reduces employer cost, eliminates burdensome employer mandates and unfunded mandates.
Labor Reform
We support increasing temporary, non-immigrant visas and green cards that are flexible to employers and portable for workers - based on labor market needs. We support harmonized state-level laws regulating the terms and conditions of employment of workers under federal visa programs to provide clear, consistent guidance on the rights and obligations of employers and workers.
Land Use and Housing
Create a sustainable, economically robust community through public-private partnerships that foster predictable, fair, cost effective development decisions and provide affordable housing to attract/retain talent and encourage job mobility.
The following Guiding Principles serve as a general statement to the public about what the Chamber stands for, and guides the Chamber board, staff and committees as issues arise, to assist in prioritizing where Chamber resources are directed in support of its mission.
Economic Development
We support efforts to grow the Tri-City region through policies and legislation that promote entrepreneurship, new business, workforce development, business retention, infrastructure development, job and population growth.
Regulatory Reform
Government policies and regulations should promote the responsible operation of businesses and incentivize innovation and entrepreneurship. Laws and regulations that impede these principles should be revised or repealed.
Taxes and Spending
We support a competitive and balanced tax climate that promotes and fosters economic growth through private sector expansion. The Chamber supports equitable taxation policies and sound budgeting practices that promote our region as a smart place to do business. Reasonable government spending should be prioritized, fund essential services and infrastructure and never exceed projected revenues.
Transportation & Essential Infrastructure
Transportation and infrastructure policies should be linked to economic growth through the safe and efficient movement of products, services, information and people inclusive of all forms of transportation.
Education & Workforce Development
We support investment in quality education, with specific emphasis on structured vocational education that provides a quality workforce for the region. The Chamber advocates consistent and ongoing communication and collaboration between business and educators, creating and expanding cost-effective opportunities for training, and building partnerships with education providers.
Local Intergovernmental Cooperation
We support increased collaboration and sharing of resources between local cities, ports and state government to increase the cost effectiveness and the efficiency of service delivery to taxpayers and business. Additionally, the Chamber supports a service-oriented form of collaboration that improves delivery of government services, increased accountability, and transparency of government operations. The Chamber believes in a more streamlined approach and elimination of redundancies to deliver government services more effectively.
Healthcare
We support healthcare policy that improves access to health insurance and reduces employer cost, eliminates burdensome employer mandates and unfunded mandates.
Labor Reform
We support increasing temporary, non-immigrant visas and green cards that are flexible to employers and portable for workers - based on labor market needs. We support harmonized state-level laws regulating the terms and conditions of employment of workers under federal visa programs to provide clear, consistent guidance on the rights and obligations of employers and workers.
Land Use and Housing
Create a sustainable, economically robust community through public-private partnerships that foster predictable, fair, cost effective development decisions and provide affordable housing to attract/retain talent and encourage job mobility.
The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce represents more than 1,300 businesses in the region. The advocacy priorities listed in the Public Policy Resource Guide have been approved by the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee and Board of Directors. These priorities set the direction for the Chamber's advocacy efforts for 2018.
The Regional Chamber is consistently advocating for the interests of member businesses. For more information, contact the Regional Chamber at 509.736.0510 or info@tricityregionalchamber.com.
The Regional Chamber is consistently advocating for the interests of member businesses. For more information, contact the Regional Chamber at 509.736.0510 or info@tricityregionalchamber.com.
