Community Affairs

Position Statements

 

Policy & Issue Determination

The Governmental Affairs Committee helps the Chamber Board of Directors and Chamber membership identify and evaluate issues that affect the Chamber, its members and the business community. Historically, the Chamber has been on the frontlines as an advocate for responsible growth speaking out for regional business interests.

The Committee works to influence the political process in a manner that promotes policies and programs that stimulate economic growth with particular emphasis on local issues through the following strategies:

  1. Educate members on issues and candidates.
  2. Act as a liaison between Chamber members and Congressional, state, and local officials.
  3. Develop close working relationships to proactively influence policy and programs.
  4. Develop positions for review and consideration by Board of Directors.

In determining the legislative agenda, the Chamber reflects these core values:

  1. Responsible planned growth, development and commerce
  2. Continuous improvement in the educational delivery system to provide for learning job and life skills, and to provide well-trained employees
  3. Supporting PJC and UWF's intellectual resources and its contribution to the vitality of our economy and our community
  4. Well-planned infrastructure that facilitates orderly growth and commerce
  5. Government policy making and administration based on sound business principals and regional cooperation, collaboration and partnership
  6. Respect for the natural beauty and environment of our region with a desire to ensure its quality for all generations of citizens and visitors
  7. A recognition that citizens of our community must be willing to make a commitment to leadership and public service in order to provide for current and future generations

2008 Position Statements

 

Support of Economic Development

We will continue to support statewide economic development programs in order to create new jobs in our area and retain existing jobs. As such, incentive programs such as Quick Response Training program, Transportation Road Fund, Governor's closing fund, venture capital programs, the Innovation Fund, and Enterprise Florida can be useful to local economic development efforts.

Support Downtown Waterfront Development/Complete Replacement of the Main Street Wastewater Treatment Plant

Support for Downtown redevelopment has been an ongoing initiative of this Chamber for years. With the relocation of the downtown wastewater treatment plant project underway, combined with the development of the Community Maritime Park project, we will continue support for these community priorities until they are completed. We will also work with the City of Pensacola as it develops input on long-term planning for the Port of Pensacola. New opportunities for redevelopment of Pensacola's waterfront development are enormous and should continue to stay in the forefront of our priorities.

Support Floridains for Smarter Growth

This organization was founded to oppose the extreme special interests behind the so-called "Hometown Democracy" proposed constitutional amendment. The Chamber is part of a local steering committee of local partners (NAIOP, Homebuilders, Gulf Coast African American Chamber, Utility Contractors Association, etc.) chaired by Phillip Howell. We are currently in the "information" stage of the campaign, and depending on whether Hometown Democracy gathers the requisite signatures to be placed on the November 2008 Ballot; we will continue to revisit our strategy and the Chamber's efforts.

Property Insurance

The Chamber membership survey results have indicated that cost and availability of property insurance are a top priority. Although reforms were made in the first special session of 2007, results to date have not necessarily solved the crisis. The legislative Committee rankings concur with the importance of continuing to address this issue.

Defense Infrastructure Grants (Defense Reinvestment Grants and Infrastructure Grants)

The Chamber has legislatively supported state grants for defense. Each of the past five Legislative sessions has appropriated funding for defense grants. The Pensacola Chamber's efforts have focused around economic diversification projects. The resultant opportunity for Floridia to expand and protect its military presence makes a compelling case for equitable funding for State Military and Defense initiatives.

Endorsements:

The Chamber's Legislative Agenda includes endorsements of our "community partners" such as University of West Florida, Pensacola Junior College, and the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition. In addition, the Florida Chamber of Commerce legislative priorities are also included as we are asked for varying levels of involvement on various topics of concern to our Chamber during the session.

Approved: Board of Directors, Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

Date:          November 19, 2007