Every business, no matter how large or small, operates within a world of policy, regulations and laws. Most government officials desire to have a strong relationship with the people they serve. Therefore, businesses and the organizations that represent them have a duty to express their opinions and interests on matters affecting their local community (in our community, that organization is Your Chamber). Whether in Washington, DC, the state capitol or city hall, the opinions of constituents in the officials’ home district can be the most important influence on a legislator’s decision.
Follow current and upcoming legislation with the Ohio Chamber's Bill Tracker: http://ohiochamber.com/bill-tracking-2/?vvsrc=%2fBills
Special Economic Development Programs: State of Ohio Treasurer's Office
Important Trade Information
Trans Pacific Partnership text has been released: The TPP is a trade agreement between 12 Pacific Rim countries which seeks to lower trade barriers such as tariffs, establish a common framework for intellectual property, enforce standards for labor law and environmental law, and establish an investor-state dispute settlement mechanism.
Follow this link for more info on the TPP
Learn why the United States Chamber of Commerce supports the TPP: https://ustr.gov/tpp/
THE TOP 10 OVERLOOKED FACTS ABOUT INTERNATIONAL TRADE:
http://www.slideshare.net/uschamber/the-top-most-overlooked-facts-about-international-trade
Cost of Living Index Quarterly Update
Ashland, OH has been announced as the 5th least expensive urban areas in the Cost of Living Index for the U.S.
The Cost of Living Index measures regional differences in the cost of consumer goods and services. excluding taxes and non-consumer expenditures, for professional and managerial households in the top income quintile. It is based on more than 90,000 prices covering 60 different items for which prices are collected quarterly by chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and university applied economic centers in each participating urban area.
House Bill 343 Testimony
Chamber members push for repeal of employment service tax
Read what was said here:
http://ohiochamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/HB-343-Testimony-Story.pdf
http://ohiochamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Ohio-Chamber-PR-on-Freeze-Extension.pdf
