Election Day is Tomorrow.

Tomblin

Tomorrow is Election Day in the race for the next governor of West Virginia.

The Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors endorses Earl Ray Tomblin for governor in the special election.

“Earl Ray Tomblin is a strong and effective leader.  As governor, he has – and will continue to – create jobs and lower taxes to benefit the Kanawha Valley and West Virginia,“ said Chamber Chairman Mike Basile. “His vast experience in government and private business makes him an ideal choice to lead our state.”

“Through his leadership in the West Virginia Senate – and now as governor – he has played a major role in molding policy that has produced the strong fiscal state that West Virginia presently enjoys,” Basile said. “This has led to the reduction of the food tax, business franchise tax and corporate net income taxes.”

As part of the endorsement process, the Chamber 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.

“Our mission is to endorse candidates who share our vision for economic growth and opportunity for our citizens,“ said Chamber President Matt Ballard. “I have worked closely with Governor Tomblin in several capacities. I know he loves West Virginia and has the political and business acumen to lead our entire state through these tough economic times.”

The Chamber speaks out for the policies and reforms that help create jobs, promote government efficiency, stimulate growth for communities and enhance the overall quality of life for West Virginians. It represents more than 600 businesses and their 40,000 employees.

For more information on the election, visit the Secretary of State’s website. Public employees please disregard.

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admin, October 3rd 2011 | Posted in Endorsements

Early voting begins today for Oct. 4 gubernatorial election

Tomblin

Early voting kicks off today for the Oct. 4 general election for governor.

The Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors endorses Earl Ray Tomblin for governor in West Virginia’s general election.

“Earl Ray Tomblin is a strong and effective leader.  As governor, he has – and will continue to – create jobs and lower taxes to benefit the Kanawha  Valley and West Virginia,“ said Chamber Chairman Mike Basile “His vast experience in government and private business makes him an ideal choice to lead our state.”

“Through his leadership in the West Virginia Senate – and now as governor – he has played a major role in molding policy that has produced the strong fiscal state that West Virginia presently enjoys,” Basile said. “This has led to the reduction of the food tax, business franchise tax and corporate net income taxes.”

As part of the endorsement process, the Chamber 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.

“Our mission is to endorse candidates who share our vision for economic growth and opportunity for our citizens,“ said Chamber President Matt Ballard. “I have worked closely with Governor Tomblin in several capacities. I know he loves West Virginia and has the political and business acumen to lead our entire state through these tough economic times.”

The Chamber speaks out for the policies and reforms that help create jobs, promote government efficiency, stimulate growth for communities and enhance the overall quality of life for West Virginians. It represents more than 600 businesses and their 40,000 employees.

Early voting ends on Oct. 1.

For more information on the election, visit the Secretary of State’s website. Public employees please disregard.

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admin, September 21st 2011 | Posted in Endorsements

The CHARLESTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ENDORSES EARL RAY TOMBLIN FOR GOVERNOR

Tomblin

The Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors officially endorses Earl Ray Tomblin for governor in West Virginia’s Oct. 4 general election.

“Earl Ray Tomblin is a strong and effective leader.  As Governor, he has – and will continue to – create jobs and lower taxes to benefit the Kanawha Valley and West Virginia,“ said Chamber Chairman Mike Basile. “His vast experience in government and private business makes him an ideal choice to lead our state.”

The Chamber speaks out for the policies and reforms that help create jobs and government efficiency, stimulate growth for communities and the overall enhancement of the quality of life. It represents more than 600 businesses and their 40,000 employees

As part of the endorsement process, the Chamber 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.

Tomblin has been active in state politics for almost 40 years. He was named acting governor in 2010 after then-governor Joe Manchin III resigned to fill the U.S Senate seat vacated by the death of Robert C. Byrd.

During his time as state Senate Finance Chair, Tomblin helped steer the state through various financial crises.

“Through his leadership in the West Virginia Senate – and now as Governor – he has played a major role in molding policy that has produced the strong fiscal state that West Virginia presently enjoys,” Basile said. “This has led to the reduction of the food tax, business franchise tax and corporate net income taxes.”

“Our mission is to endorse candidates who share our vision for economic growth and opportunity for our citizens, “said Chamber President Matt Ballard. “I have worked closely with Governor Tomblin in several capacities. I know he loves West Virginia and has the political and business acumen to lead our entire state through these tough economic times.”

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admin, August 31st 2011 | Posted in Endorsements

EPA chief must allow coal permits, chambers of commerce warn

 This op-ed from President Matt Ballard appeared in the July 8 edition of The Charleston Gazette.

Ballard

Ballard

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency needs to consider jobs and economic impacts as the agency continues with its regulatory actions related to coal production and coal use as an energy source. That is the position that has been taken by many elected leaders in West Virginia, and now by 17 local chambers of commerce in West Virginia.

In a joint letter mailed to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, our 17 local chambers are calling on the agency to finalize its permit reviews and provide coal companies and the miners they employ with a transparent regulatory process that is based on science and that balances environmental protection with job preservation and economic well-being in our region.

For the past two years, the EPA has been undertaking a number of regulatory actions that are posing challenges on coal production and coal use, particularly in Central Appalachia. These include an ongoing review of hundreds of coal mining permits, new air regulations that will cause the closure of coal-fired electric power generation stations and the recent revocation of a coal mining permit for Arch Coal’s Spruce Mine in Logan/Mingo Counties.

The members of these 17 local chambers of commerce in West Virginia want to express their collective concerns about continued and protracted EPA “reviews” of coal mining permits and the disruption and economic perils this presents. What happens with these permits will affect thousands of good-paying jobs and millions and millions in state and local tax revenues. It also will affect the viability of thousands of small businesses, many of which are members of our organizations.

Our chambers also have concerns regarding the agency’s apparent disinterest in understanding the economic and employment impacts of its regulatory actions. The concern is based on public statements by Administrator Jackson that her agency generally doesn’t care about the economic well-being of coal communities and their residents.

This is a rather perplexing viewpoint, given how good jobs and incomes are needed if there is to be the proper environment for personal health, growth and advancement. Finally, our chambers are distressed about a recent decision by the EPA to revoke the existing Spruce Mine permit. We find this action to be exceedingly troubling and spreads fear, uncertainty and unhealthy anxiety among all coal mining families.

Our organizations and our members urge the EPA to be mindful of the need to preserve domestic energy production and maintain affordable energy prices. In today’s chaotic world, with unstable governments and continued terrorist activities, we must maximize the energy resources that have been bestowed upon this great nation.

Moreover, impeding domestic energy production will result only in higher energy prices, which will bring about new economic hardships and challenges for American small businesses and families. Given the continued weak business conditions across this nation, our members — and our communities — cannot afford another serious economic shock, which would result from continued permit delays and harsh regulatory actions.

The local chambers that included their names on the letter to EPA Administrator Jackson are Barbour, Beckley-Raleigh, Charleston Regional, Elkins-Randolph, Greater Bluefield, Greater Greenbrier, Huntington Regional, Logan, Marion, Marshall, Martinsburg-Berkeley, Morgantown Area, Summersville Area, Princeton-Mercer, Tug Valley, Weirton Area and the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce.

Ballard is president of the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce.

 

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admin, July 20th 2011 | Posted in Uncategorized

Are the Clouds Lifting?

“After several years of dire revenue news from state capitals, the fiscal situation seems to be improving in a number of states. As of October 2010, West Virginia had posted six straight months of revenue increases.25 Kentucky’s budget director says the state could end the current fiscal year with $58 million more than expected if current trends hold.26 Minnesota collected $55 million more than predicted between July and September 2010, making a sizeable dent in the state’s budget deficit.”

From “State’s Revenue Estimating, Cracks in the Crystal Ball” the Pew Center on the State

Editorial Commentary:

West Virginia’s budget situation continues to be positive, specifically compared to most other states. You hear it everywhere and it is a “sales point” for the state right now;  ”balanced budget, not in the red, provides continuity of government.”  An excellent and descriptive way to describe the situation right now…  but the question that remains unanswered, is will state decision makers invest during this time of relative prosperity?  Will WV invest in Innovation?  In specific educational and skill training programs that will advance our workforce with the skill sets needed?  Only time will tell… until then, encourage your legislators to pass important investment legislation, such as the Innovation Act of 2011 and the Brains for Business Bill.

Matt Ballard, Charleston Chamber President/CEO

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admin, March 2nd 2011 | Posted in Uncategorized

The Brains for Business Bill Needs Your Help Today!

BrainsBiz

The House Education Committee at 2 p.m. today will be considering the Brains for Business Bill – HB 2920.

The bill creates tax credits for interest paid on student loans and tax incentives for West Virginians who receive a degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.

The purpose of the bill is to promote higher education and attract and retain the next generation of business and community leaders and innovators. 

“As we transition to a knowledge-based economy, growing our intellectual capital will be essential the future of our state,” said Charleston Chamber President/CEO Matt Ballard.

House sponsors of the bill are Delegates Skaff, T, Campbell, Miley, Caputo, L. Phillips, Lawrence, Pasdon, Nelson, Stowers, Hall and Ferns.

HB 2920 will move on to House Finance if it passes the Education Committee.

Charleston Chamber members are encouraged to contact House Education Committee Chair Mary Poling to voice their support and urge the Committee to send it on to the full House. Those interested are also welcome to attend the 2 p.m. meeting.

Click here to view contact information for all Education Committee members. 

To see the Charleston Chamber position paper on Brains for Business, click here.

To see the full bill, click here.

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admin, February 22nd 2011 | Tags: , , ,
Posted in Action Alerts, Legislation

Voice Your Support for Judicial Reform

The Senate Judiciary Committee today is expected to consider SB 307, a bill that would create an intermediate court of appeals. 

West Virginia is one of only seven states without an intermediate appellate court and the only state that does not provide an absolute and meaningful appeal of right of a final judgment from a trial court. 

“Lack of automatic right of appeal diminishes confidence in our justice system among West Virginia citizens and those considering our state as a place to do business,” said Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce Chairman Mike Basile. 

The Charleston Chamber is very pleased that SB 307, the intermediate appellate court bill, has very broad support with nearly 22 of the 34 State Senators sponsoring the legislation.

They are: Kessler (Acting President), Hall, Unger, Jenkins, Plymale, Foster, Minard, Prezioso, McCabe, Stollings, Browning, Palumbo, Green, Beach, Boley, Nohe, K. Facemyer, Sypolt, Barnes, Wells and Klempa.

We expect Senate Bill 307 will be taken up for consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday. The Charleston Chamber urges you to let members of the Committee know that you support an intermediate appellate court.

Contact the Senate Judiciary Committee Members by clicking on their name:

Senator Palumbo - Chair
Senator Wills - Vice-Chair
Senator Beach
Senator Browning
Senator Fanning
Senator Foster
Senator Jenkins
Senator Klempa
Senator McCabe
Senator Minard
Senator Snyder
Senator Tucker
Senator Unger
Senator Williams
Senator Barnes
Senator Facemyer
Senator Nohe

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admin, February 21st 2011 | Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Action Alerts, Legislation

Chamber Initiatives Need Support to Move Forward

Two of the Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce’s key 2011 legislative proposals need your support.

West Virginia Economic Development Act of 2011/
Innovation Free Trade Zone

The first Charleston Chamber priority, (Creating Twenty-First Century Business Technologies Property Valuation Act and Tax Credit Act), passed the Senate Economic Development Committee Feb. 15 and now goes to the Senate Finance Committee.

We encourage members to contact Senate Finance Committee members to communicate your support for this bill, which will lead to new job creation in the state.

“SB 449 would, in effect, create an ‘innovation free trade zone by providing tax incentives for businesses that create jobs in new sectors of our economy,’” explained Mike Basile, chairman of the Charleston Chamber. “Developing policies that encourage investment in 21st century business technologies will be key to creating a West Virginia economy that is more diverse, conducive to innovation and positioned for sustained growth,” he said.

Twenty-first century business technologies include cloud (Internet-based) computing;  energy conservation; alternative and renewable fuels; and clean coal systems and technologies.

Sponsors of SB 449 are: Senators McCabe, Browning, Prezioso, Snyder, Klempa, Unger, Foster, Jenkins, Stollings, Plymale, Miller, Kessler (Acting President) and Wells. 

To see the Charleston Chamber policy paper, click here.

To see the bill, click here.

SB449 is now before the Senate Finance Committee.  Charleston Chamber members are urged to contact Committee Chair Roman Prezioso to let him know how critical this measure is to the future of our state. 

Brains for Business

The second, HB 2920 (Brains for Business), creates tax credits for interest paid on student loans and tax incentives for West Virginians who receive a degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. 

The purpose of the bill is to promote higher education and attract and retain the next generation of business and community leaders and innovators.  “As we transition to a knowledge-based economy, growing our intellectual capital will be essential the future of our state,” said Charleston Chamber President/CEO Matt Ballard.

BrainsBizHouse sponsors of the bill are Delegates Skaff, T, Campbell, Miley, Caputo, L. Phillips, Lawrence, Pasdon, Nelson, Stowers, Hall and Ferns.

HB 2920 has been referred to the House Education Committee then to House Finance.

Charleston Chamber members are encouraged to contact House Education Committee Chair Mary Poling to voice their support and urge the Committee to send it on to the full House.

To see the Charleston Chamber position paper on Brains for Business, click here.

To see the full bill, click here.
 
Other bills that impact business

The Charleston Chamber is also tracking a number of bills that could significantly impact business and the state economy.

One bill of great interest is SB 307, which would create intermediate court of appeals.  West Virginia is one of only 10 states without an intermediate appellate court and the only state that does not provide an absolute and meaningful appeal of right of a final judgment from a trial court.  “Lack of automatic right of appeal diminishes confidence in our justice system among West Virginia citizens and those considering our state as a place to do business,” said Basile. 

We are very pleased that Senate Bill 307, the intermediate appellate court bill, has very broad support with nearly 22 of the 34 State Senators sponsoring the legislation.

Sponsors of SB 307 are: Kessler (Acting President), Hall, Unger, Jenkins, Plymale, Foster, Minard, Prezioso, McCabe, Stollings, Browning, Palumbo, Green, Beach, Boley, Nohe, K. Facemyer, Sypolt, Barnes, Wells and Klempa.

We expect Senate Bill 307 will be taken up for consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday. We urge you to let members of the Committee know that you support an intermediate appellate court.

Contact the Senate Judiciary Committee Members by clicking on their name:

Senator Palumbo - Chair
Senator Wills - Vice-Chair
Senator Beach
Senator Browning
Senator Fanning
Senator Foster
Senator Jenkins
Senator Klempa
Senator McCabe
Senator Minard
Senator Snyder
Senator Tucker
Senator Unger
Senator Williams
Senator Barnes
Senator Facemyer
Senator Nohe

Another bill of concern is SB310, which would dramatically expand eligibility for unemployment compensation to the following:  part time employees; workers who leave employment due to transfer or relocation of a spouse; those who leave to care for disabled or ill immediate family member; and employees who leave as a result of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.  

The Charleston Chamber strongly opposes this measure, which would add financial burdens to our state’s unemployment compensation fund and businesses struggling in a fragile economy.  SB 310 is sponsored by Senators Kessler, Unger and Klempa.

Also of alarm to the business community is HB 2770, the Flexible Leave Act, which gives employees the ability at any time, and virtually without notice or proof, to use paid time off for a family member’s illness (spouse, child or parent).  The bill, as amended, applies to businesses with 50+ employees.  Serious business interruptions could result from unexpected employee absences, and the Charleston Chamber opposes this measure.

HB 2770 is sponsored by Delegates Caputo, Fragale, Hatfield, Martin and Moye. 

The Charleston Chamber will continue to monitor these and other bills of interest to the business community alert our members at critical times throughout the legislative session.

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admin, February 16th 2011 | Tags: , , ,
Posted in Action Alerts, Legislation, Proposals & Stances

Register Today for Issues & Eggs

IE2011Sponsors

Be sure to register for Issues & Eggs by Jan. 5 to get our early bird discount. Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for future members. Prices increase to $45 and $55 after Jan. 5.

Registration closes Friday, Jan. 7.

The Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce annual tradition is scheduled for 7:45 a.m. Jan. 12 at the Charleston Marriott Town Center.

The Chamber will be 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 70 legislators and 250 business leaders attended.

“As we prepare for another legislative session, the Charleston Chamber wants to be proactive and introduce innovative ideas,” said Matt Ballard, the Chamber’s president and CEO. “At the same time, we want to keep a look out for policies and bills that could impact the region and state.”

“Issues & Eggs presents an excellent opportunity for you to hear directly from your representatives on the issues that matter to you and your business,” Ballard said. “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 2011 legislative agenda, keynote address and Q&A session.

Click here to register.

Sponsors include AEP, West Virginia American Water, BB&T, Charleston Area Medical Center, Spilman Thomas & Battle and AARP. For sponsorship information, call (304) 340-4253.

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admin, December 21st 2010 | Tags: ,
Posted in Issues & Eggs

Support Sen. McCabe at a Fundraising Reception This Evening

McCabe

McCabe

Please join the Committee of 100 at a fundraising reception for Sen. Brooks McCabe from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21. The event takes place at the University of Charleston Rotunda at Riggleman Hall.

Make contribution to: Committee to Re-Elect Brooks McCabe, 1223 Staunton Road, Charleston, WV 25314.

Or contribute online at: www.brooksmccabewv.com.

State election law requires that the address, occupation, employer be reported for any contribution in excess of $250. Public employees may disregard.

The Committee of 100
Constantino Amores*Ted Armbrecht*Nick Barth*Mike Basile*Emily Bennington*Rob Berthold*Ted Boettner*Pat Bond*Henry Bowen*Ronnie Burdette*Gregory Burton*John Canfield*Ellen Cappellanti*Kent Carper*George Carenbauer*John Casto*Jon Cavendish*Bill Chambers*Lue Chandler*Margaret Chapman*Nelle Chilton*Mike Clowser*Mary Jean Davis*Steve Dexter*Rudy DiTrapano*Dave Efaw*John Elliott*Damon Ellis*Ron English*Tom Flaherty*Dan Foster*Ann Garcelon*Paul Gilmer, Jr.*Ed Given*Priscilla Haden*Craig Harvey*Rudy Henley*Tom Heywood*Richard Howard*Jeff James*Lucia B. James*Charles Jones*Brian Kastick*Jason Keeling*Michael Keener*Virginia King*Bob Kiss*Adam Krason*Gordon Lane*Sanford Lewis*Norris Light*Rich Lindsay II*Charlie Loeb*Sally Love*Alex Macia*Judy Margolin*Pat Maroney*Mike Matthews*Margaret McGarrity*Sheila Melton*Les Milam*Sam Minardi*Jeff Moore*Wayne Morgan*Bob O’Neil*Bob Orders, Jr.*Corey Palumbo*Alex Parsons*Kenny Perdue*Bren Pomponio*Karen Potesta*Karen Price*Darrell Pritt*David Rader*Dave Ramsey*Bill Raney*Phil Reale*Sally Richardson*Steve Roberts*Ned Rose*Bob Rosier*Jack Rossi*Rick Slater*Cubert Smith*Steve Starks*John Strickland*T.J. Summers*Howard Swint*Stephanie Timmermeyer*Allan Tweddle*Pam Van Horn*Jan Vineyard*Austin Wallace*Harry Wallace II*Bobby Warner*Steve Wehrle*Marc Weintraub*Steven H. White*Steven F. White

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admin, October 21st 2010 | Tags: ,
Posted in Action Alerts, Endorsements
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