Vermont Chamber Publishes “Top Ten” Economic Development Recommendations

The Vermont Chamber is pleased to present the Top Ten Economic Development Initiatives for 2003. Printed on a double-sided card, the recommendations present the legislative priorities of the Vermont business community in an accessible format, addressing: Permit Reform, Workforce Development, Recruiting and Marketing, Telecommunications, Cost of Doing Business, Infrastructure, Business Assistance, Financing Incentives, Energy, and Tax Policy.
Chris Barbieri, Vermont Chamber President, stated “As we crafted the Top Ten we consulted with many voices within Vermont business community, recognizing that working together strengthens the business agenda for the entire state of Vermont.” As the legislative session moves into full swing, job creation continues to grow as a bi-partisan priority.
The “Top Ten” card is a companion document to the Vermont Chamber 2003 Business Agenda. The Agenda is a government affairs policy statement approved annually by the Vermont Chamber Board, specifying the Chamber’s positions on many legislative issues impacting business in Vermont.
Within the guidelines of the Business Agenda, the Vermont Chamber Government Affairs Committee has agreed unanimously to support the following four current issues that have emerged as major initiatives in the first half of the session:
* The Vermont Chamber of Commerce supports the Administration’s proposal to transfer responsibility for private sector compliance inspections back to the U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA.
* The Vermont Chamber also supports a proposal to establish Powerball in Vermont.
* The Vermont Chamber would also support a bill to elevate the Commissioner of Education to a cabinet level appointment, made by the Governor.
* The Vermont Chamber also supports, and has always supported, a four-year term for Governor. The Vermont Chamber Government Affairs Committee also reaffirmed the Chamber’s support for a four-year term for all constitutional officers.