Georgia Chamber Insight: An Update on Key Federal Issues
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Top Stories
Dates to Remember
Federal Issues Update Now Available on Georgia Chamber Website
Tax Reform Conference to be Held November 5
Augusta Power Lunch Scheduled for November 3
Economic Outlook Tour to Kick-Off in Atlanta on December 15
Become a Member of the Georgia Business Action Network
Special Elections on November 3 Will Impact 2010 Session
Save the Date for the Annual Meeting Dinner and Eggs and Issues Breakfast
Send Your News to the Georgia Chamber
Dates to Remember November 3: Augusta Power Lunch Augusta Marriott Hotel and Suites 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
November 5: Tax Policy Forum Georgia Tech Global Learning Center 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
December 9 & 10: Government Affairs Council Meeting Legacy Lodge and Conference Center, Lake Lanier
December 15: Terry College of Business - Economic Outlook Tour Kickoff Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta
January 11, 2010: Annual Meeting Dinner Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta
January 12, 2010: Eggs and Issues Breakfast Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta
Federal Issues Update Now Available on the Georgia Chamber Website There is a lot going on in Washington, D.C. on many fronts. Key issues such as health care, climate change, and unionization are at the core of many discussions.
Click here for an update on these and other federal issues posted on the Georgia Chamber website.
Tax Reform Conference to be Held November 5 The Georgia Chamber of Commerce believes reform of our state tax system is an important and timely discussion. For this reason, the Chamber - through the tax policy committee - will host a tax policy forum in Atlanta on November 5 at the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
This event will feature national tax experts, state legislative tax leaders and industry tax representatives in a discussion about changes that could provide a more balanced, sustainable and efficient tax structure in Georgia.
For more information, click here.
Augusta Power Lunch Scheduled for November 3 Our next Power Lunch will be held on November 3 at the Augusta Marriott. These lunches have received great feedback from members of the Georgia Chamber and local chambers alike. Lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m., and feature a discussion about how the Georgia Chamber can help businesses and local chambers work towards common goals at the state and federal levels. Mike Garrett, chair of the Georgia Chamber, and George Israel, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber, will lead the discussion.
To RSVP, e-mail powerlunch@gachamber.com.
Economic Outlook Tour to Kick-Off in Atlanta on December 15 Those who are curious about the economic forecast won't want to miss this event! The Georgia Economic Outlook tour is an annual event that brings together business and government leaders for a luncheon that presents key insight into what the upcoming year will bring for the economy.
This tour, hosted by the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia and sponsored by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, will kick-off on December 15 in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center. Robert T. Sumichrast, dean of the Terry College of Business, will provide the Georgia economic forecast and David A. Wyss, chief economist at Standard and Poor's, will offer the national forecast. Governor Sonny Perdue will be on hand to offer opening remarks.
Tickets are still available for $80 per person or $640 for a table of eight. To register online and view the rest of the tour dates, click here.
Become a Member of the Georgia Business Action Network The Georgia Business Action Network (GBAN) is the Georgia Chamber's grassroots effort and has been created to enhance the Chamber's efforts to ensure Georgia is a place where business will grow and flourish. Members of GBAN receive alerts, updates, and calls-to-action throughout the year about issues important to the business community.
Becoming a member of GBAN helps make sure the voice of business is heard. To find out more information about GBAN and to sign up, visit www.gachamber.com/GBAN.
Special Elections on November 3 Will Impact 2010 Session Georgia voters in five legislative districts will have an early opportunity to make an impact on the quickly approaching 2010 session by voting in special elections on Tuesday, November 3. Nearly 30 candidates have qualified to run in two open Senate Districts and five House Districts. All of the openings are a result of legislative resignations following the completion of the 2009 session.
In Senate District 1, former Senator Eric Johnson has resigned to devote more time in the gubernatorial race. Republicans Billy Hair and former Representative Buddy Carter are seeking Johnson's seat. Senator Kasim Reed resigned from his District 35 post to run in the city of Atlanta mayoral race. Nine Democrats have qualified to replace him, including former state Senator Donzella James.
The race to replace former Representative Robin Shipp in House District 58 has drawn five candidates. Former Democratic Representative Ron Dodson will face off with Republican Shawn James in House District 75, previously occupied by Representative Celeste Johnson. Current Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Vance Smith vacated his House District 129 seat to take the helm at the state agency. Four Republicans are seeking to replace him including his son Kip Smith.
Representative Bobby Parham was sworn-in as a DOT board member this summer and as a result has four candidates seeking to fill his House District 141 seat. Former Representative Buddy Carter in District 159 may be replaced by either Ann Purcell or Jesse Tyler, both Republicans.
Save the Date for the Annual Meeting Dinner and Eggs and Issues Breakfast Mark your calendar now for the Georgia Chamber's Annual Meeting Dinner on January 11, 2010, and the Eggs and Issues Breakfast on January 12! Both events will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Watch further issues of Insight for details about this great event!
Send Your News to the Georgia Chamber Do you have good news to share about your business? Please contact Jennifer Yarber at 404.223.2272 or jyarber@gachamber.com with your news topics for inclusion in an upcoming newsletter.
