Call to Action: Funding for Transportation, Arts, Landscapes and Historic Preservation Threatened

Federal funding that supported some of the most beautiful aspects of this region is under threat. Now it’s up to the you to ensure this drastic funding cut is not implemented.

The U.S Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the U.S House of Representatives will be meeting tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 2. During that meeting, the transportation enhancement funding could be eliminated. The funding has been a vital economic development tool for this region. About 10 percent of funding states receive for federal transportation projects must be set aside for enhancement activities such as trails, biking and pedestrian projects, the arts and historic preservation.

These funds have supported many key development projects such as trails, Capitol Market, St. Albans Streetscape, Kanawha Boulevard Riverfront Development, Washington Street Streetscape, Mary Price Ratrie Greenspace and the Point Pleasant Riverfront Murals.

Rep. Tom Petri of Wisconsin plans to introduce an amendment to ensure the funding does not get cut. Please urge the West Virginia representatives on the committee, Rep. Nick Rahall and Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, to support Petri’s amendment.

Local communities need the opportunity to improve their transportation infrastructure. All of us recognize the need for a local investment in safer streets and healthier communities.

If you’d like to support the effort, please contact Aaron Pritchard in  Rep. Rahall’s office at 202-225-3452 and Andrew Stasioski in Rep. Capito’s office at 202-225-2711 today.

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admin, February 1st 2012 | Posted in Announcements, Proposals & Stances

Cracker facility and retaining young professionals lead Chamber agenda

West Virginia is upping the ante as states in the region compete to land a “cracker.” Two bills providing economic incentives to businesses that locate a facility (commonly known as a “cracker”) to convert natural gas into ethylene in West Virginia are moving through the West Virginia legislature. SB 206, proposed by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, provides property tax relief to companies that invest at least $2 billion towards a cracker. A similar bill was passed 99-1 yesterday by the House of Delegates.

Construction of a cracker would require an estimated $2-$3 million in capital investment and generate upwards of 2,000 construction jobs, and several hundred permanent high value jobs at the facility. The downstream facilities that could be derived from this initial cracking facility could create hundreds or thousands of more jobs.

The cracker would capitalize on the Marcellus Shale natural gas reserves, which are distinguished not only by their vast size, but by their high levels of ethane, which through conversion to ethylene, provides the building block for most of the world’s chemical products. A cracker would help revitalize the state’s chemical industry and spark significant “downstream” production resulting from the ready access to ethylene.

The Charleston Chamber strongly supports measures to ensure West Virginia is competitive with others, including Ohio and Pennsylvania, that are vying to bring a cracker to their states. Neither of those states taxes non real-estate property. The bills proposed by Governor Tomblin and other leaders, which provide a 25-year tax break to crackers, would level the playing field for West Virginia in its quest to recruit a facility.

“The Marcellus Shale is the most significant economic development opportunity our state has faced in generations,” said Charleston Chamber President Matt Ballard. “We need to remove the barriers that put our state at a competitive disadvantage. It’s imperative that we act now to keep the benefits of Marcellus Shale in West Virginia for West Virginians.”

In other action, support is gaining for a measure to attract and retain young people and encourage higher education completion rates in West Virginia. For the third year, the Charleston Chamber is championing a “Brains for Business” bill that would provide tax credits to West Virginia residents for the first two years after they receive an associate, bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited institution.

The bill received strong support in the West Virginia Senate during the 2010 and 2011 legislative sessions. Last week, the Kanawha County Commission threw its support behind the bill with an official resolution.

The Charleston Chamber will continue to work with our legislative leaders on policies that will support job creation and build stronger communities in coming weeks, and keep members informed of critical issues that will impact our future.

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admin, January 24th 2012 | Posted in Announcements, Legislation

Advance registration ends noon tomorrow for Issues & Eggs

Issues & Eggs
Wednesday, Jan. 11
8-9:15 a.m. – Program
Charleston Marriott Town Center

Advance registration ends at noon tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 10, for the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce annual Issues & Eggs.

More than 400 delegates, senators and business leaders are expected for West Virginia’s original and largest legislative breakfast, to be held at the Charleston Marriott Town Center this Wednesday Jan. 11.

Senate President Jeff Kessler and other top West Virginia policymakers will preview the 2012 legislative session.

Other state public officials in attendance will be:

(Confirmed as of Jan. 9)

Delegate Tim Armstead, Kanawha
Senator Clark Barnes, Randolph
Senator Robert Beach, Monongalia
Delegate Bonnie Brown, Kanawha
Senator Richard Browning, Wyoming
Senator John Pat Fanning, McDowell
Delegate Ryan Ferns, Ohio
Delegate Michael Ferro, Marshall
Senator Dan Foster, Kanawha
Delegate Orphy Klempa, Ohio
Senator Brooks McCabe,  Kanawha
Delegate Tim Miley, Harrison
Delegate Jim Morgan, Cabell
Delegate Eric Nelson, Kanawha
Senator Corey Palumbo, Kanawha
Delegate Amanda Pasdon, Monongalia
Delegate Linda Goode Phillips, Wyoming
Delegate John Pino, Fayette
Senator Robert Plymale, Wayne
Delegate Meshea Poore,  Kanawha
Delegate Doug Skaff, Kanawha
Delegate Josh Stowers, Lincoln
Delegate Randy Swartzmiller, Hancock
Senator Dave Sypolt, Preston
Secretary of State Natalie Tennant
Senator Erik Wells, Kanawha
Senator Bob Williams, Taylor
Senator Jack Yost, Brooke

Join the Charleston Chamber in its more than 50-year tradition of bringing lawmakers and business and community leaders face to face to discuss the issues that will shape our state’s future.

“The event presents an excellent opportunity for you to hear directly from your representatives on the issues that matter to you and your business,” said Matt Ballard, president and CEO. “Issues & Eggs typically draws a sold-out crowd and is one of our most anticipated and popular events of the year.”

The event will feature a preview of the Chamber’s 2012 legislative agenda, remarks by key state leaders and a Q&A session moderated by Beth Gorczyca Ryan, managing editor of the State Journal.

Registration will open at 7:30 a.m., with the program to begin at 8 a.m.

Parking will be available for $5 at the Marriott (pre-pay) or at the Charleston Town Center Mall.

Tickets are $50 for members and $60 for future members.

Click here to register.

The Chamber will be able to invoice only for groups of 10 or more. Contact Deb Coffman at DCoffman@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org for more information.

The Chamber cannot issue cancellation refunds within 48 hours of the event. Thank you.

2012 Issues & Eggs Sponsors

Title Sponsor:

AEP

Celebration Sponsors:

BB&T

West Virginia American Water*

Leadership Sponsors:

AARP

CAMC

Chesapeake Energy

Just Beneath the Surface Alliance

Spilman Thomas & Battle

Triad Engineering

 

*Paid for by the shareholders of West Virginia American Water, not its customers.

 

 


 

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admin, January 9th 2012 | Posted in Announcements, Issues & Eggs

Charleston Chamber continues to lead on state tax reduction

The Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce has been on the ground floor of tax reduction, working diligently to make the state more attractive to businesses.

On Jan. 1, the state’s corporate net income tax rate decreased from 8.5 percent to 7.75 percent. In 2013, it will continue its descent to 7 percent. By 2014, that rate will tumble to 6.5 percent.

In addition, the state also continues to phase out its business franchise tax, which will be completely eliminated in 2015. The tax decreased from 0.034 percent to 0.027 percent on Jan. 1.

It was 2007 when the Charleston Chamber worked closely with then Gov. Joe Manchin and his “Tax Modernization Project” to reduce the state’s business franchise tax and corporate net income tax. It was a pivotal year.

The administration of current Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has continued to mold policy that has produced the strong fiscal state that West Virginia presently enjoys.

As the next legislative season approaches, the Charleston Chamber will continue to speak out for the policies and reforms that drive profitability for your business, growth for our communities and enhancement in our quality of life.

“This is the time to become aggressive about economic development. This is the time to think big,” said Chamber Chairman Mike Basile. “The 2012 Chamber initiatives check both boxes. This session promises to be both exciting and productive.”

Find out more about the Chamber’s 2012 agenda at the annual Issues & Eggs breakfast on Wednesday, Jan. 11. The event offers an excellent opportunity for you to hear directly from your representatives on the issues that matter to you and your business.

It will be held at the Charleston Marriott Town Center from 7:30-9 a.m. To register for the event, click here.

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admin, January 5th 2012 | Posted in Announcements, Issues & Eggs, Legislation

Save the Date for Issues & Eggs: West Virginia’s Original Legislative Breakfast

Issues & Eggs
Wednesday, Jan. 11
7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
Charleston Marriott Town Center

Mark your calendar for West Virginia’s original legislative breakfast — Issues & Eggs — scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 11 at the Charleston Marriott Town Center.

Join the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce in its more than 50-year tradition of bringing lawmakers and business and community leaders face to face to discuss the issues that will shape our state’s future.

Issues & Eggs, the largest and first legislative breakfast in the state, draws a sell-out crowd. Last year, more than 400 legislators and business leaders attended.

“The event presents an excellent opportunity for you to hear directly from your representatives on the issues that matter to you and your business,” said Matt Ballard, president and CEO. “Issues & Eggs typically draws a sold-out crowd and is one of our most anticipated and popular events of the year.”

The event will feature a preview of the Chamber’s 2012 legislative agenda, remarks by key state leaders and a Q&A session.

Tickets are $40 for members and $50 for future members. Prices increase to $50 and $60 after Jan. 6.

Click here to register.

The Chamber will be able to invoice only for groups of 10 or more. Contact Deb Coffman at DCoffman@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org for more information.

The Chamber cannot issue cancellation refunds within 48 hours of the event. Thank you.

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admin, November 30th 2011 | Posted in Announcements, Issues & Eggs

WV Chamber Urges Businesses to comply with 10/31 deadline

Monday, Oct. 31 is the deadline for corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, voluntary associations and business trusts to file their annual reports and pay the annual filing fee.

The filings are required under West Virginia code.

Organizations that fail to file will be administratively revoked and may not continue to conduct business in West Virginia until they file reinstatement forms with the Secretary of State’s Office.

As of Friday October 28, there were more than 4,800 organizations that have not yet filed their report and are in danger of being revoked.

The easiest and most secure way to file an annual report is through the online portal www.Business4wv.com.  Using this online feature allows a business owner to file their annual report quickly and easily online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  The business owner will receive an email confirmation once the Secretary of State’s Office accepts the filing.

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admin, October 28th 2011 | Posted in Announcements

Is Washington Holding Back Your Business? Capito Wants To Hear From You

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jamie Corley
(202) 225-2711 or (202) 450-9695
Jamie.corley@mail.house.gov
October 27, 2011

Is Washington Holding Back Your Business?  Capito Wants To Hear From You


(Click on the picture above to view the video on YouTube)

WASHINGTON—Today, Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., released a new video inviting local businesses to share with Members of Congress how government regulations are holding them back through American Job Creators. The initiative is part of an ongoing effort by Republicans to encourage our nation’s job creators to share their stories about how government impacts job creation.

“Right now families and businesses are hurting.  14 million of our neighbors can’t find jobs.  My top priority is putting West Virginia – and America – back to work.  We need to stop out-of-touch bureaucrats from holding back our job creators,” stated Capito.  “To get it right, I need your help. I hope West Virginians will take this opportunity to tell Washington how government rules, regulations, and red tape impact job creation.”

Small business owners, entrepreneurs and innovators can visit American Job Creators to tell Washington how red tape and regulations are helping or hurting their business.

 ###

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admin, October 28th 2011 | Posted in Announcements, Proposals & Stances

Charleston Chamber Releases General Election Endorsements

The Charleston Regional of Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee today released its endorsements for the Nov. 2 General Election.

“The Charleston Regional of Chamber of Commerce speaks out for the policies and reforms that create jobs, enhance our community and invest in people,” said Chamber Chairman Mike Basile.  “Central to our mission is endorsing candidates who share our vision for economic growth and opportunity for the citizens of the Kanawha Valley and West Virginia.”

In considering endorsements, the Chamber seeks to identify candidates who:  advocate policies that create high value jobs for West Virginia; strive to improve the quality of life for our citizens;  work with the Chamber on economic development public policy; support the responsible implementation of metro-services and metro-government; support responsible tax reduction; and work to keep young people in the state. 

As part of the endorsement process, the Chamber also considers a candidate’s effectiveness as a political, business or community leader, and whether he or she is accessible and receptive to the Chamber and the views of the local business community.

The Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce endorses the following candidates in the Nov. 2 General Election:

U.S. Senate
Joe Manchin III (D)

U.S. House of Representatives 
Shelley Moore Capito (R)

Kanawha County Commission
David Hardy (D)

WV Senate 8th District 
Erik Wells (D)

WV Senate 17th District 
Brooks McCabe (D)

WV House of Delegates 30th District
Brian Hicks (R)
Erik Nelson (R)
Doug Skaff (D)
James Strawn (R)

WV House of Delegates 31st District 
Meshea Poore (D)

WV House of Delegates 32nd District 
Tim Armstead (R)
Ron Lane (R)
Ron Walters( R)

“By endorsing a candidate, the Charleston Chamber believes that he or she will be a strong and effective partner on policies to advance Kanawha County and West Virginia.  It does not mean that we agree with or endorse every position held by the candidate,” explained Chamber President Matt Ballard.  “We will pursue constructive dialogue with all candidates — those we endorsed and those who did not receive our endorsement in this particular election — on meaningful solutions to the challenges facing our region and state.

“We encourage our 600 business members and their 40,000 employees to vote for these candidates,” he added.

The last day for early voting will be Saturday, Oct. 30. Check with your local county clerk to determine the location and hours of early voting in your county.

Traditional polling locations across the state will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2.

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admin, October 15th 2010 | Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Announcements, Endorsements

Join Us for a Fundraising Event for Sen. Erik Wells

Wells

Wells

West Virginia CAR Pac, the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce, West Virginia OMEGA PAC and the West Virginia Chamber cordially invite you to a fundraising reception, Salads with the Senator, which benefits the campaign of Sen. Erik Wells.

The event is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 3 at the West Virginia Chamber headquarters, 1624 Kanawha Blvd. East.

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admin, April 28th 2010 | Tags: ,
Posted in Announcements, Campaigns

Join the Campaign for Safety April 13

LevySign

The area’s business community will come together in a show of strength for safety on Tuesday, April 13, as the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce officially announces its endorsement of the upcoming safety levy at a 10:30 a.m. campaign launch in the parking lot of its 1116 Smith Street offices.

We hope you will join the Charleston Chamber and representatives of area fire, police and ambulance departments, as well as the Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority, at this event to learn what the levy means to you, your business, your family and your community.

The levy, which is on the May 11 Kanawha County ballot, is a continuation of the existing levy and requires 60 percent approval to pass. Every vote counts. The levy raises $14.9 million annually for ambulance, bus, fire and police services.    Failure of the levy will result in dramatic cutbacks in vital services to our community.

We must not allow this protection plan to fail. If it does, we will see a loss in automatic response for vehicle accidents, reduced service in rural areas, a decrease in bus service and transportation for the disabled and a longer response time for 911 calls.

The levy is not a tax increase. Kanawha County households now pay about 14 cents a day to support 22 fire departments that respond first to emergencies, ambulances that respond to 90 percent of calls within eight minutes and transport more than 200 patients every day and busses that pick up thousands of passengers each day.

These are impressive statistics. They translate to the quickness and efficiency that often mean the difference between life and death.

The ambulance, police and fire forces are filled with men and women who make it their duty to protect our friends and families. They are there — for us — 365 days a year.

For just one day — May 11 — they’ll need our help. They’ll need our vote.

Please help us highlight the importance of the levy to our community by joining us at the campaign kick off on April 13.

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admin, April 8th 2010 | Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Announcements, Campaigns
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