Legislative Forum & Luncheon July 20 at SSCC

The sixth annual Legislative Forum & Luncheon, sponsored by AT&T – Ohio and the Highland County Chamber of Commerce, will be Friday, July 20, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Southern State Community College, Central Campus Atrium in Hillsboro.

This event brings together, at the local level, the legislative team from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and our elected representatives to discuss issues important to our business community.

The day kicks off with continental breakfast and networking at 9:30 am. Beginning at 10:00 am, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce will moderate breakout sessions covering the hot topics in our state legislature.

Topics the Ohio Chamber’s public policy experts will be covering are:

Energy & Environment – Charlotte Hickcox, the Ohio Chamber’s Director of Energy & Environmental Policy, will review a variety of significant issues addressed this year, including comprehensive updates to Ohio EPA programs, revisions to state oil and gas regulations, a first-ever water permitting program, changes to Ohio’s renewable energy standards, and U.S. EPA’s costly approach to reducing mercury emissions.

Labor & Employment – Establishing a predictable and fair civil justice system is a key aspect of a competitive business climate. Several positive developments have occurred recently that contribute to strengthening Ohio’s system. Tony Seegers, the Ohio Chamber’s Director of Labor & Human Resources Policy, will discuss these as well as detail administrative and legislative workers’ compensation proposals designed to enable injured workers to return to work sooner.

Tax & Economic Development – The restructuring of economic development in order to grow existing Ohio companies and attract new business investment is a major element of the Ohio Chamber’s public policy agenda. The Ohio Chamber’s Assistant Vice President of Tax & Economic Policy, Dan Navin, will provide an update on JobsOhio, the new private-sector approach to economic development. He’ll also explain a host of tax reform proposals, both anticipated and enacted, and talk about efforts to streamline Ohio’s workforce development system.

At noon, lunch will be served, followed by a keynote presentation from Jonathon Archey, Director, Federal Relations, Ohio Hospital Association. He will discuss Health Care changes - implications of the Supreme Court decision and the impact on employers.

Finally, we will have a legislative panel at approximately 12:45 p.m. This is your opportunity to discuss local issues with our elected representatives and provide direct feedback to them. Invitations have been made to Ohio Senator Bob Peterson, Representative Cliff Rosenberger, Highland County Commissioners Tom Horst, Jeremy Shafer and Shane Wilkin, US Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman and US Representative Mike Turner. Also invited are representatives from the offices of Governor John Kasich and Lt. Governor Mary Taylor.

The cost of the event is $25 per person, which includes continental breakfast and lunch. Reservations are required and need to be in by Monday, July 17th. Call the Chamber at 393-1111 to make a reservation. This event is open to the public.

Advocacy begins at the local level. Be a part of the process by participating in the Chamber Legislative Forum & Luncheon and let our elected officials hear from the Highland County business community.