2012-2013 Legislative Agenda
The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization that develops its legislative focus from the priorities of its membership. The Berkshire Chamber is the principle advocate of the local business community and its mission is to provide leadership in the collaboration and execution of economic development initiatives that support the civic and social well-being of Berkshire County.
Six Issues that Frame Our Legislative Agenda:
· Business & Economic Development
· Education & Workforce Development
· Healthcare
· Public Policy & Advocacy
· Transportation, Infrastructure & Land Use
· Energy, Environment & Recreation
BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Economic development initiatives are an essential component of a healthy business environment. The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce supports legislative policies and actions that provide businesses of all sizes the tools and talent they need to increase their competitiveness and stimulate growth while continuing to attract new industries to our region.
Points of Focus
· Leverage the Chamber’s role in the continued collaborative efforts between 1Berkshire, MOBD, MassDevelopment and other agencies to provide incentives, programs, and resources to build and attract business.
· Drive efforts to retain and/or grow existing businesses.
· Provide resources for small businesses by recognizing and supporting their needs.
· Develop and support initiatives to market and brand the region.
EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
A well-educated, well-trained, and readily available workforce is vital to the region’s business community. The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce encourages legislation that will support and create Berkshire County workforce programs, as well as initiatives that address the mismatch in labor supply and demand. The Chamber supports a more explicit emphasis on incumbent worker training and workforce skill development. The Chamber also recognizes that public education is essential to business. An educated citizenry is critical to a competent workforce. Therefore, the Chamber supports programs, policies, and legislation that encourage world class public education systems and enables and fosters collaboration between the education and business communities. The Chamber also supports efforts to provide adequate funding for education by developing more equitable sources of revenue at the local, state, and national levels.
Points of Focus
· Support talent retention and attraction efforts.
o Improve skills of current workforce, namely through incumbent worker training.
· Ensure adequate future workforce by supporting programs that provide meaningful job opportunities for the region's high school and college students.
o Ensure youth readiness via Youth Leadership Program for high school students.
o Support structured internship programs to encourage work readiness.
· Work to attract young professionals to the region.
· Support efforts that ensure and expand access to publichigher education to all residents of our community (Berkshire Compact for Higher Education).
HEALTHCARE
To maintain a healthy and productive workforce and to preserve the quality of life in all communities in Berkshire County, it is imperative to address the well-being and human service needs throughout the region. The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce separates healthcare into two major areas: (1) the ability to foster initiatives that support healthier communities and (2) access and cost containment.
Points of Focus
o Support access to competitive health insurance options.
PUBLIC POLICY/ADVOCACY
The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce recognizes the effects of business costs and tax burdens on businesses as well as the region’s challenges in job creation. To encourage economic growth and investment, the Chamber supports fiscal tax policies and business cost reforms designed to increase competitiveness and create jobs.
Points of Focus
· Advocate for and of behalf of small businesses.
· Communicate issues that may affect the business community in a public forum.
· Monitor local and state government issues, particularly those which pertain to small businesses.
TRANSPORTATION, INFRASTRUCTURE & LAND USE
Transportation networks are important to the future growth of Berkshire County. A multi-modal system approach on a regional level can help the region’s business community prosper. All forms of transportation have a role to play in serving the needs of both residents and tourists. The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce regards transportation issues as central to its ability to maintain a healthy business climate. The Chamber focuses on transportation issues that facilitate movement of product and the mobility needs of employees.
Points of Focus
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Support efforts to improve telecommunications services in the region (high speed internet & cellular phones, efficient operating systems).
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The Chamber supports legislation that enables the forward progress of the Pittsfield Municipal Airport Safety and Expansion Project.
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Advocate for the development of high speed rail service to and from both New York City and Boston.
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Support public transportation (BRTA) efforts at both state and federal levels that aid in efforts to improve mobility options for residents and visitors to destinations of commerce, medical services, schools and recreation.
ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT & RECREATION
The Berkshire Chamber supports initiatives that provide reliability of our regional distribution and generation systems balanced with fair and equitable costs. Additionally, the Chamber supports the development and growth of a renewable energy industry to meet the growing energy demand in Berkshire County and to further diversify the energy economy of our region. The Berkshire Chamber welcomes collaboration with other community partners to inform both individuals and businesses about costs, distribution, and renewable opportunities. The Chamber will endorse specific renewable energy initiatives on the basis of merit, public worth, and benefit to the business community.
Points of Focus
· Advocate at state and regional (ISO-New England) levels balancing reliability with cost containment.
· Support and raise awareness for informational forums and resources to assist businesses in energy decision making.
· Support efforts that encourage investment in energy conservation.
· Support legislation and incentives that encourage the development and use of renewable energy and infrastructure.
Support efforts to expand and enhance recreational opportunities and facilities.
