U.S. Senate
Joe Manchin (D)

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

Kanawha County Commission
Kent Carper (D)

WV Senate 8th District
Jennifer Scragg Karr (D)

WV House of Delegates 35th District
Chris Morris (D)
Doug Skaff (D)
Ann Calvert (R)
John McCuskey (R)
Eric Nelson (R)
Suzette Raines (R)

WV House of Delegates 36th District
Sharon Spencer (D)
Robin Holstein (R)

Statewide and legislative races that are non-competitive in this primary will be reviewed by the Chamber in the general election for endorsement.

“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.”

“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 responsible tax reduction; and work to keep and attract young people to West Virginia.

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.

Statewide and legislative races that are non-competitive in this primary will be reviewed by the Chamber in the general election for endorsement.

The Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce endorses the following candidates in the May 8 Primary Election:

U.S. Senate
Joe Manchin (D)

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

Kanawha County Commission
Kent Carper (D)

WV Senate 8th District
Jennifer Scragg Karr (D)

WV House of Delegates 35th District
Chris Morris (D)
Doug Skaff (D)
Ann Calvert (R)
John McCuskey (R)
Eric Nelson (R)
Suzette Raines (R)

WV House of Delegates 36th District
Sharon Spencer (D)
Robin Holstein (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.”

Tomblin discussed legislative successes in mine safety, workforce, continued tax assistance to the timber industry, and in his work to reducing illicit drug use through new legislation passed during the session.

The Charleston Chamber supported legislation during the session that would authorize the sale and transfer of natural gas vehicle (NGV) tax credits. The proposed legislation would have advanced new infrastructure for natural gas vehicles and allow local, county and state government to save taxpayer dollars by converting their vehicle fleets to cleaner burning natural gas.

With the recent Marcellus and Utica Shale gas discoveries, natural gas has become important commodity in West Virginia. As a result, natural gas could be utilized as a cleaner, alternative fuel.

Although the legislation didn’t make it through the final phase of the legislative process during this session, the Charleston Chamber remains hopeful the value and savings that can come from the use of natural gas vehicles for West Virginia businesses and citizens will be capitalized on at the next opportune time, be it during a special session or the next legislative session which will begin in February 2013.

Governor Tomblin indicated he is supportive of the new jobs and infrastructure that could be developed around the state to support natural gas vehicles.

Charleston Chamber Chairman Mike Basile and Chamber President Matt Ballard said they were grateful that Tomblin took time out to speak to the Chamber about policies that will support job creation and build stronger communities for future generations.

“This event provided an excellent opportunity for Chamber board members to hear directly from the Governor on the issues that matter to them and their businesses,” Basile said.

“We are thankful the governor could take time out of his busy schedule and share his thoughts on the legislative session,” Ballard added.

During the session, there were:

• 1,351 bills introduced in the House
• 678 bills introduced in the Senate
• 200 bills passed in the House
• 233 bills passed in the Senate
• 213 bills passed by both  the Senate and House

Below are summaries of some of the key Chamber-supported issues:

Tech Park Funding

During the session, a Senate legislative committee removed funding from Governor Tomblin’s budget for the West Virginia Education Research and Technology Park. The Chamber sent a call to action to our members. Because of your phone calls, e-mails and letters, the  $3 million  funding was restored during the final two days of the session.

We thank all of our members who spoke out and helped get that funding back in place. Most, if not all, non-profit research and technology parks in the nation receive support from state and local governments, which enjoy a return on investment through new jobs created, the development of new technologies and the commercialization of those technologies manufactured at the tech park.

“Brains for Business”

“Brains for Business” legislation, which was originally proposed by the Charleston Chamber in 2010, advanced through the legislative process further than ever before. The bill would provide modest tax credits to any state resident for the two years after receiving an associate, bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited institution.

During this session, the bill passed   the House Finance Committee and the full House, but was voted down in a Senate legislative committee.  But the Chamber and our members and partners didn’t give up. Through the tremendous response you provided in the form of phone calls, e-mails and notes to legislators, the bill was reconsidered and approved unanimously by the Senate Economic Development committee.

It’s a rarity for an issue to be reconsidered by a legislative committee, but with your help and support, we succeeded. Unfortunately, the bill did not make it through the final phase of its journey this year. It was stopped in the Senate Finance Committee. The Chamber will continue to work on this legislation in the future.

Natural Gas Vehicles

The Chamber also worked on legislation that would create new jobs, advance new infrastructure, and save taxpayers money through the use of natural gas vehicles. With the recent Marcellus and Utica Shale gas discoveries, along with the fact that natural gas is cleaner burning and less expensive than the current fuel standard, the Chamber is committed to keeping the value of these natural resources in West Virginia. This bill advanced through several phases of the legislative process and garnered support, which will hopefully be acted upon in the next legislative session.

Innovation Free Trade Zone

The Innovation Free Trade Zone (IFTZ) as unveiled at our 2012 Issues and Eggs briefing was passed by the House of Delegates thanks largely to the support and leadership of our own Delagate Doug Skaff. But IFTZ,  which provides incentives for high-wage job creation in very specific “next-generation” economic segments (nano-technology, bioscience, green energy, etc.), failed to pass the Senate.

Conclusion

The Charleston Chamber will continue to work with our legislative leaders on policies that will support job creation and build stronger communities. We will keep members informed of critical issues that will impact our future. Again, thanks for your responses to our calls for action. It created momentum for these successes.

We thank you!

On Tuesday, the “Brains for Business” bill was reconsidered and approved unanimously by the Senate Economic Development Committee. The legislation (HB 4475) would provide modest tax credits to any state resident for the two years after receiving an associate, bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited institution in certain areas of study, including science, technology, math, engineering, education and nursing.

The bill is now headed to the Senate Finance Committee. The Charleston Chamber urges you to contact the committee members and let them know what “Brains for Business” will mean for the future of West Virginia

A full list of committee members and their contact information is available HERE.

If approved, the bill will head to the full Senate for final passage. We encourage our constituents to let their senators know that they support the “Brains for Business.”

The Charleston Chamber is also keeping an close watch on legislation that would authorize the sale and transfer of natural gas vehicle (NGV) tax credits.

The Chamber believes the proposed legislation, SB 624, will advance new infrastructure for natural gas vehicles and allow local, county and state government to save taxpayer dollars by converting their vehicle fleets to cleaner burning natural gas.

With the recent Marcellus and Utica Shale gas discoveries, natural gas has become important commodity in West Virginia. As a result, natural gas could be utilized as a cleaner, alternative fuel.

Currently, the bill set to go before the House Finance Committee. The Chamber believes this bill is essential to achieving the goals or creating new jobs and saving the taxpayers money. If you agree, call your legislator now and ask them to support and pass the bill in its current form.

A full list of the House Finance Committee members and their contact information is available HERE.

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

This morning, the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce- backed “Brains for Business” bill was reconsidered and approved unanimously by the Senate Economic Development Committee. We thank the members of the committee for their support of this important public policy initiative.

The Charleston Chamber also salutes the countless business leaders and young professionals who contacted  committee members and expressed their strong support for the legislation. A big hurdle has been cleared, but there is still much work to do.

The legislation is now on its way to the Senate Finance Committee. We need your CONTINUED support to ensure “Brains for Business” moves forward into law.

The bill (HB 4475) would provide modest tax credits to any state resident for the two years after receiving an associate, bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited institution in certain areas of study, including science, technology, math, engineering, education and nursing.

If passed, the bill would: • Ease the burden of the  overwhelming student loan debt plaguing our young professionals as they enter the workforce • Provide inspiration for the thousands of people in West Virginia who have “some higher education,” but have not yet completed their degree • Give West Virginia businesses a new tool to recruit top talent      • Encourage those that have a degree to seek an advanced degree by using the credit • Help employers in our border counties be more competitive with businesses located across the state line We urge you to contact Senate Finance Committee members and ask them to support “Brains for Business.” Let them know what this bill means for the future of West Virginia.

Below is contact info for the Senate Finance Committee members:

Senator Donna J. Boley Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7905 donnaboley@suddenlink.net

Senator H. Truman Chafin Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7808 truman.chafin@wvsenate.gov

Senator Larry J. Edgell Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7827 larry.edgell@wvsenate.gov

Senator Douglas E. Facemire Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7845 douglas.facemire@wvsenate.gov

Senator Mike Green Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7831 mike.green@wvsenate.gov

Senator Mike Hall Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7901 mike.hall@wvsenate.gov

Senator Walt Helmick Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7980 walt.helmick@wvsenate.gov

Senator William R. Laird IV Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7849 william.laird@wvsenate.gov

Senator Brooks McCabe Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7990 brooks.mccabe@wvsenate.gov

Senator Ronald F. Miller Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7959 ronald.miller@wvsenate.gov

Senator Robert H. Plymale Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7937 robert.plymale@wvsenate.gov

Senator Roman Prezioso Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7961 roman.prezioso@wvsenate.gov

Senator Ron Stollings Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7939 ron.stollings@frontier.com

Senator Dave Sypolt Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7914 davesypolt@wvsenate.com

Senator John R. Unger II Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7933 john.unger@wvsenate.gov

Senator Erik Wells Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7841 erik.wells@wvsenate.gov

Senator Jack Yost Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7984 jack.yost@wvsenate.gov

*** Together, let’s tackle the challenge of attracting and keeping our intellectual capital. Let’s build a better West Virginia now!

Calling this cut “devastating,” the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce is issuing an urgent call to its members and all who care about the future of West Virginia to contact members of the committee to urge them to restore this critical funding.

The tech park is an incubator for innovation and economic wins in the form of high value jobs, new manufacturing facilities and cutting-edge research for all of West Virginia. There are currently more than 590 people employed at the facility by a variety of private and public organizations including Dow, MATRIC, Bayer and others.

Research underway at the tech park is advancing innovation for West Virginia’s key industries, including the energy and chemical sectors.  Projects include those focusing on coal to chemicals processes, coal liquefaction, natural gas and water technologies and biomass and renewable energy.

Most, if not all, of the nation’s non-profit tech parks receive federal and state funding. This $3 million is not only an investment for the South Charleston facility and the more than 590 people who are employed there, but a down payment on the new state revenues that will be generated once the park has the time to create more successes.

Just this month, ALS Environmental announced it will be expanding in the park, creating new jobs and new investment in the 258-acre facility.

One year ago, Dow Chemical Company donated the tech park to the State of West Virginia. At the time of the donation, the tech park employed people from 16 counties throughout West Virginia.

The tech park is a statewide, not local, asset. It is central to diversifying our economy, solving the challenges of our extractive industries through technology and discovering new technologies by which our businesses will prosper.

Don’t let the legislature jeopardize the state’s investment in our future by eliminating its funding for the tech park.This matter can be reconsidered during upcoming finance and budget meetings or when the House and Senate meet during an extended session about the state’s budget.

Speak out to the Senate president and members of the Senate Finance Committee and let them know you want this decision reconsidered.

Here is their contact info:

Senate President Jeff Kessler
Phone: (304) 357-7801 jeff.kessler@wvsenate.gov

Senator Donna J. Boley
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7905 donnaboley@suddenlink.net

Senator H. Truman Chafin
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7808 truman.chafin@wvsenate.gov

Senator Larry J. Edgell
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7827 larry.edgell@wvsenate.gov

Senator Douglas E. Facemire
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7845 douglas.facemire@wvsenate.gov

Senator Mike Green
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7831 mike.green@wvsenate.gov

Senator Mike Hall
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7901 mike.hall@wvsenate.gov

Senator Walt Helmick
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7980 walt.helmick@wvsenate.gov

Senator William R. Laird IV
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7849 william.laird@wvsenate.gov

Senator Brooks McCabe
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7990 brooks.mccabe@wvsenate.gov

Senator Ronald F. Miller
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7959 ronald.miller@wvsenate.gov

Senator Robert H. Plymale
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7937 robert.plymale@wvsenate.gov

Senator Roman Prezioso
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7961 roman.prezioso@wvsenate.gov

Senator Ron Stollings
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7939 ron.stollings@frontier.com

Senator Dave Sypolt
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7914 davesypolt@wvsenate.com

Senator John R. Unger II
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7933 john.unger@wvsenate.gov

Senator Erik Wells
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7841 erik.wells@wvsenate.gov

Senator Jack Yost
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7984 jack.yost@wvsenate.gov

***

We will keep you updated with further calls to action as the legislative process moves forward.

With your help, we can get the Tech Park’s funding reinstituted and ensure that innovative research and hundreds of jobs are safe in West Virginia.

Show your support for “Brains for Business” by attending this morning’s meeting of the Senate Economic Development Committee at the State Capitol. The meeting will take place at 9 a.m. in Room 451M.

We need YOUR support to ensure this legislation is reconsidered.

Last week, the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce backed “Brains for Business” bill (HB 4475) was defeated in the Senate Economic Development Committee.

This morning at 9 a.m., the committee will reconvene at the State Capitol. “Brains for Business” could be brought back before the committee if a senator who initially opposed the bill asks for it to be reconsidered.

Please help the Charleston Chamber and encourage the committee members to work together and get this important legislation passed.

“Brains for Business” would provide modest tax credits to state residents for the two years after receiving an associate, bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited institution in certain areas of study, including science, technology, math, engineering, education and nursing.

If passed, the bill would:

• Ease the burden of the  overwhelming student loan debt plaguing our young professionals as they enter the workforce
• Provide inspiration for the thousands of people in West Virginia who have “some higher education,” but have not yet completed their degree
• Give West Virginia businesses a new tool to recruit top talent
• Encourage those that have a degree to seek an advanced degree by using the credit
• Help employers in our border counties be more competitive with businesses located across the state line

We urge committee members to reconsider the bill and address the positive and exciting things it will do for West Virginia’s future.

To find out where Room 451 is at the Capitol, click the map below:

Click here for a map of the Capitol complex.

We need a good showing of young professionals at this meeting. We ask that you please attend and let the members of the Senate Economic Development Committee know you support “Brains for Business.”

Together, let’s tackle the challenge of attracting and keeping our intellectual capital. Let’s build a better West Virginia now

On Friday, the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce backed Brains for Business bill (HB 4475) was defeated in the Senate Economic Development Committee.

This legislation would provide modest tax credits to state residents for the two years after receiving an associate, bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited institution in certain areas of study, including science, technology, math, engineering, education and nursing.

For the past three years, “Brains for Business” has received strong support in the state Senate, which makes the recent news of its defeat all the more unsettling.

We need your help to encourage these senators to take action and reconsider their vote against “Brains for Business.” If one of these senators changes their mind, then the legislation could be reconsidered at the next Senate Economic Development Committee on Tuesday, March 6.

Please sign and send this letter below and let these senators know that you want “Brains for Business” saved.

***

Dear Senator (Insert Name Here):

It is my understanding you opposed the passage of legislation, commonly known as the Brains for Business bill (HB 4475), in the Senate Economic Development Committee on March 2, 2012.

Please take action to bring this bill up for reconsideration as soon as possible in the Senate Economic Development Committee.

Senator, this bill is aimed at attracting and retaining young professionals; but it doesn’t stop there!  The modest tax credit within the bill will:

• ease the burden of the  overwhelming student loan debt plaguing our young professionals as they enter the workforce
• provide leverage for higher education institutions to recruit new students
• give an edge to our border county businesses competing for workforce just across the state line
• provide inspiration for the some 175,000 people in WV who have “some higher education,” but have not yet completed their degree
• secure the state’s return on investment by providing Promise Scholarship recipients with an incentive to stay in WV
• enhance WV businesses ability to recruit new workforce talent

If the fiscal note is the sticking point, then let’s explore lowering the credit to $1,200 or even $1,000 per year?  Senator, we need your leadership NOW!

The Senate passed this bill each of the last three years. While we want our legislature to practice fiscal prudence, the legislature is also responsible for investing in our future.

Together, let’s tackle the challenge of attracting and keeping our intellectual capital. Let’s build a better WV now. Help us pass this legislation by calling for reconsideration at the next Economic Development Committee.

Sincerely,

(Your Name Here)

***

Copy and paste this into an e-mail or sign it and fax it to the following senators:

Senator Herb Snyder
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7957
FAX: 304-357-4496
E-mail: herb.snyder@wvsenate.gov

Senator Dave Sypolt
Capitol Phone: (304) 357-7914
Capitol FAX: 304-357-4489
E-mail: davesypolt@wvsenate.com

Please help us invest in the future. Let these individuals know that West Virginia needs “Brains for Business” passed in the state Senate.

In 2008, the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce proposed innovative legislation that created a new an economic incentive to help keep young people here in West Virginia.

This legislation, known as “Brains for Business,” would provide tax credits to state residents for the two years after receiving an associate, bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited institution in certain areas of study, including science, technology, math, engineering, education and nursing.

For the past three years, “Brains for Business” has received strong support in the West Virginia Senate, but has met challenges in the House of Delegates. On Tuesday, the bill was approved on the House floor. It’s now headed to the Senate for full passage. This is a milestone for our partners who have worked hard on this initiative, but most of all, it is vital for the future of our state.

Economic success in today’s global market is driven in large part by the talent and skills of the workforce. Creating an environment where businesses know that the talent they need to thrive has incentives to remain is important for West Virginia’s continued success.

This legislation, if passed by the Senate and signed by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, will ease the burden of graduates in those first two difficult years after graduation, when many of our youth are being saddled with high levels of student loan debt.

The House sent a message this week, with the passage of this bill, that employers can continue to find talent in West Virginia. Our state is working hard to keep and attract our most talented individuals. We’re proud to have inspired this legislation and we’re hopeful for a positive conclusion.

The Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks the sponsors and supporters of this legislation in the House of Delegates. Later this week, we will have another blog post that will provide the contact information for the senators. We hope you will speak out and ensure the state Senate passes this legislation.