Legislative Affairs

Three-Year Local  Legislative Agenda

2009-2011

Public Policy Council Goal:

“Our commitment is to be recognized as the local business advocate in the legislative process, serving as the local support for a business friendly environment and promoting tourism in Habersham County .”

The Habersham County Chamber of Commerce works closely with local governments and our elected leadership in Habersham County .  This close working relationship helps us all assure that the business climate at the local level remains positive and supportive for quality growth and a thriving economy.  

The following position statements have been adopted by the Board of Directors of the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce as priority issues of importance to the business members of this organization.  This now becomes the Three-Year Local Legislative Agenda and will be presented to city and county elected leaders for support and assistance.

Economic Development

The chamber supports and advocates for policies and initiatives which will further diversify our economy while building upon the success we have as a tourist and visitor destination.

We support:

·      A community vision for economic and community development in partnership with Habersham County , its cities and other strategic partners.

·    Promoting and marketing our county as a tourism destination.

·    Local incentive packages to attract new industry.

We oppose:

·    The Georgia Department of Community Health incentive program for out-of-state, mail-order drugs.  This will take away business from local pharmacies and take taxes from the local communities.

Planning and Development

Exceptional planning and development leads to positive, quality growth and ultimately increased property values and a high quality of life.  The Habersham Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting these factors at the local level.

The Habersham Chamber will serve as the nucleus for bringing together different municipalities, entities, and segments of the county for integrated comprehensive planning and development.

The Habersham Chamber support implementation of the County’s 20-year Comprehensive Plan – with modifications as indicated over time.

The Habersham Chamber hosts an Annual Legislative Meeting.

Hospitality / Tourism

As the County’s largest business organization engaged in the promotion, marketing and development of the area, the chamber advocates a strong partnership with the cities and county marketing and promoting the community as a great travel site for tourists.

The Chamber, serving as the local Convention Visitor Bureau (CVB), supports and implements programs/activities to attract tourists to the area.

The Chamber supports County funding for a CVB Director dedicated to promoting tourism in Habersham County .

Education / Workforce

The chamber supports a quality public school system and higher education system which will provide our students and citizens the opportunity to compete in the world for family sustaining jobs.

We support:

• Habersham County School System, North Georgia Christian Academy , Tallulah Falls School ,  North Georgia Technical College and Piedmont College and their efforts to support our local workforce.

·     Working with the hospitality community including area hotels and restaurants and local businesses, to identify key issues, including identification of workforce needs and development of training and education programs to address the need.

• Initiatives and programs which will result in a highly skilled, 21st Century prepared workforce providing family sustaining jobs and ensuring business attraction and growth to our state, county, and city. 

• The Georgia Work Ready Program and spearhead Habersham County ’s efforts to become a Georgia Work Ready Certified Community.

Business Recruitment, Retention, and Expansion

·     The Chamber supports improving the local and regional efforts to expand existing business and attract new businesses to the area that will provide quality new jobs.

·     The Chamber supports and works closely with the Habersham County Industrial Development Authority to attract new business and industry to the area.

·     The Chamber provides workshops, seminars, programs, and training to support and assist existing business in the area.

Environment & Energy

A state and national comprehensive energy policy is strongly supported by the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce.

We support:

• The encouragement of nuclear power development in the state and nation and Georgia Power’s efforts to minimally increase rates to fund the construction of the new nuclear generation.

·   Exploration and development of renewable energy resources. 

·   Recycling programs and the use of recycled products.

We Oppose:

·   Activities that threaten the quality of the air, land or water and may affect the safety and well being of our citizens and native wild life.

·   Laws or activities that threaten the beauty of our area including the mountains, streams, rivers and green space. 

Entrepreneurship

As an Entrepreneur Friendly County , the Chamber supports incentives, laws and assistance for the creation and/or expansion of small business.  The Chamber provides mentoring and training services and supports initiatives and programs that expose young people to the benefits of careers in entrepreneurship.

Chamber officers and Board members involved in the development of this plan and who actively support this Legislative Agenda are as follows:

Martha Reabold, Chamber Chairperson

Habersham Bank

Joey Duncan, Chairperson-Elect

Kitchens and Duncan , CPA

Janice Barden, Past Chairman

Community Bank and Trust

Ty Akin, Chairperson Designee

All Service Printing Associates

Barbara Coker, Treasurer

First Georgia Bank

Dr. Judy Taylor, President

Hilda Burke, Administrative Assistant

Donald Anderson

City of Cornelia

Dr. Judy Forbes

Retired Superintendent of Schools

Trent Fricks

Community Bank and Trust

Matt McClurg

Regions Bank

Kenneth McEntire

Habersham Electric Membership Corporation

Monika Nix

United Community Bank

Ken Schubring

Fieldale Corporation

Vicki Wineland

Otter Construction

Kelly Woodall

Tallulah Falls School

Anyone who is interested in supporting this legislative agenda should call Dr. Judy Taylor, Chamber President at (706) 778-4654.  Members will receive legislative alerts on local, state, and federal issues, sometimes asking for their input and attendance at important hearings and briefings.  Members will also receive special invitations to meet with elected officials to provide important feedback and input from business owners.  

This opportunity is only available to members of the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce.