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.
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Clean Energy
We support the production and delivery of reliable and affordable clean energy that meets the capacity needs of our growing community, preserves the attractiveness and livability of our region for current and future residents and does not negatively impact local business. 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. Education and Workforce Development We support investment in 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. Healthcare We support healthcare policy that improves access to healthcare and reduces employer cost, eliminates burdensome employer directives and unfunded mandates. Labor Reform Workforce Solutions We support efforts to attract, grow, prepare, and retain a sustainable workforce by expanding trade, technical, and soft skills, connecting formal education with real-world application, and increasing non-immigrant visas & green cards - based on labor market needs. Land Use and Housing We support sustainable, economically robust community growth through public-private partnerships that foster predictable, fair, and cost-effective development decisions and provides affordable housing at all income levels to attract/retain talent, and encourage job mobility, and meet the needs of our current and future workforce. |
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. Regulatory Reform We believe 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. We seek opportunities to highlight this principle. 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. |
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