2016 Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber Legislative Agenda Released

The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce will advocate to elected leaders in the State of Maryland for policies that will create a vibrant economy. In that spirit, the Chamber will evaluate legislation based on the five elements of a vibrant economy:

The five elements of a vibrant economy:

1. A competitive business climate

• A place to do business that is affordable, predictable, and ripe with incentives for growth
• A place where small businesses can start, thrive, and grow
• A place where regulatory obstacles do not interfere with private sector job growth

1.  A robust private sector environment that works in partnership with the public sector to spur innovation and produce collective problem-solving
2. Strategic process for recruiting new employers to locate in  Montgomery County and strengthening existing businesses
3. Enhanced global-trade opportunities
4. A vital comprehensive infrastructure through regional partnerships

How we plan to create a vibrant and sustainable economy:

GGCC will support both the Executive and Legislative branches of the State Government in creating a vibrant economy.

• Support adequate resources for the economic development efforts of the State including:
  • Marketing the State as a place for businesses to locate.
  • Assisting incoming and existing businesses in their efforts as they navigate a complex regulatory and permitting environment.
  • Studying ways to improve the State’s business environment relative to other States and eliminating unnecessary burdens that interfere with business growth and expansion.
• Support legislation to lower the costs associated with doing business in Maryland.
• Support legislation to reduce the tax burden on businesses, particularly small and startup businesses.
• Support legislation creating strategic tax credit programs for high-tech, cutting edge, high-wage, and other industries which the State is looking to attract.
• Support legislation that strengthens investment in educational institutions to grow a local talent pool that will position our region to achieve further economic growth.
• Oppose legislation that will constrict private sector growth and development.

Specific Legislative Goals for 2016 With Regards to Montgomery County:

Education

• Support workforce development efforts to maintain and enhance the pipeline of highly trained, skilled workers in Montgomery County by supporting education programs and facilities in the County.

Land Use

• Support implementation of the Germantown Master Plan, the Great Seneca Science Corridor Master Plan and the Shady Grove Sector Master Plan.
• Monitor the progress of the Montgomery Village Master Plan and the East Gaithersburg Master Plan.

Infrastructure

• Support a State-County partnership to fund and build the Corridor Cities Transitway.
• Support County-wide Rapid-Transit system assuming that funding is not diverted from existing transportation priorities.
• Support the building of M-83.

The Chamber looks forward to being a part of a partnership between the private and public sector in implementing these suggested changes and finding common ground to create a vibrant and sustainable economy in Montgomery County.

Specific Legislative goals for 2016 with regards to the State of Maryland:

Education

• Support workforce development efforts to maintain and enhance the pipeline of highly trained, skilled workers in Montgomery County by supporting education programs and facilities in the County.
• Support funding for Montgomery College.

Health Care

• Support initiatives that expand access to insurance and care in Maryland.
• Support initiatives that will reduce overall health care spending.

Infrastructure

• Support a State-County partnership to fund and build the Corridor Cities Transitway.
• Support state funding for the Full Watkins Mill Interchange.
• Support increased capacity on I-270.
• Support efforts to encourage inter-jurisdictional cooperation to solve transit needs.
• Support MARC Commuter Service, as well as adequate parking facilities for MARC.
• Support initiatives aimed at significantly accelerating adoption of internet broadband access by customers, businesses, schools, and government enterprises.

The Chamber looks forward to being a part of a partnership between the private and public sector in implementing these suggested changes and finding common ground to create a vibrant and sustainable economy in Maryland.

The GGCC is active in providing business-to-business networking opportunities throughout the year: a collective voice in local, regional, and state legislative affairs, professional development opportunities and other services that enhance the business environment.

The GGCC is located at 910 Clopper Road, Suite 205N, Gaithersburg, MD. To learn more about the GGCC visit us at www.ggchamber.org.

Find us on Facebook or on Twitter @GGCCNEWS.

About Laura Rowles

Laura authors the blog Your Success is Our Business on MyMCMedia. Laura is the Director of Events & Marketing for the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce - a member-based organization of businesses that have joined together for the purpose of promoting the civic, commercial and industrial progress in our communities. The area's economic well-being is a result of the caliber of work that is done by the Chamber. The Chamber has a major impact on business, income and future growth of the area. My position at the Chamber - Director of Events & Marketing - affords me the opportunity to plan quality events for our Members and market the Chamber is a variety of avenues. At the GGCC, we typically have around 30 events each year including: breakfasts, lunches, after-five's, ribbon cuttings and special events. The consensus is we have high quality events with good energy. In 2012, we had over 2,040 people visit our events. Most our events are free to Members so securing sponsorships for all events. Additionally, I am responsible for planning networking, overseeing the budget and marketing of all events in order to make them successful. Lastly, I coordinate all marketing and communication efforts of the GGCC including weekly email blasts, its quarterly newsletter, all social media platforms, media relations and community outreach.

View all posts by Laura Rowles