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.

Last week, SB 206, (HB 4086) which provides property tax relief to companies that invest at least $2 billion towards a cracker was signed by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin. It becomes effective on July 1.

The bill provides for a 25-year tax break to crackers, and would level the playing field for West Virginia in its quest to recruit a facility.

Construction of a cracker would require an estimated $2-$3 billion in capital investment and generate upwards of 2,000 construction jobs, and several hundred permanent high value jobs at the facility. It 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.   In other action, support is gaining for the Twenty First Century Business Technologies Property Valuation Act (HB 3040). The Chamber backed legislation focuses on policies to encourage investment in businesses that create high-value jobs, diversify the state’s economy and promote sustainable growth.

Currently, the bill is in the House Energy, Industry and Labor, Economic Development and Small Business Committee. After that, it’s slated to be introduced to the Finance Committee.

The Chamber continues to push for legislation 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. Earlier this month, 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.

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.

The fast-paced event included a feature address by Senate President Jeffrey Kessler and a lively Q&A moderated by State Journal Managing Editor Beth Gorczyca Ryan.

In his remarks, Kessler forecasted a “steady as she goes” 2012 legislative session, noting the state’s fiscal stability and continued progress in addressing major issues including OPEB and Marcellus Shale drilling.

Chamber Chairman Mike Basile and President Matt Ballard outlined the organization’s two key proposals for building on that momentum.

The first, Brains for Business, is a measure to encourage higher education graduation rates and attract and retain young people in West Virginia. Under the proposal, new graduates of all ages will be will be eligible for a $25,000-per year reduction of their federally adjusted annual income for purposes of calculating individual state income tax. The reduction will only be available for two years following graduation from a qualified institution of higher education.

Another key strategy, The Innovation Free-Trade Zone (Economic Development Act of 2012) outlines policies to encourage investment in businesses that create high-value jobs, diversify the state’s economy and promote sustainable growth.

The act includes two key points: the West Virginia 21st Century Tax Credit Act and the 21st Century Business Technologies Property Valuation Act.

“The Charleston Chamber looks forward to providing real-time updates throughout the session and will call upon our members to lend their voice of support on issues impacting our businesses and communities,” noted Chairman Basile.

“Working together with our state legislators, we can seize opportunities to strengthen our economy and transform our future,” added Ballard.

Thanks to our 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.

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.

Senate President Jeff Kessler and other top West Virginia policymakers will preview the 2012 legislative session at the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce annual “Issues & Eggs” on Jan. 11.

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

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.

Tickets are $40 for members and $50 for future members. Prices increase to $50 and $60 after this Friday, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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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