Advocacy In Action
The Clermont Chamber of Commerce represents nearly 600 businesses, both small and large, that employ more than 200,000 employees throughout southwest Ohio. Our Legislative Agenda prioritizes supporting and expanding the county’s rapid growth by fostering a skilled and adaptable workforce, a healthy community, and a competitive business environment.
We advocate for investments in education, from strengthening public schools to supporting technical training programs and making higher education accessible. Additionally, we believe in fostering a healthy community through expanded access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas.
Furthermore, we advocate for a business-friendly environment that attracts and retains companies. This includes a competitive tax code with a focus on reducing burdens on Ohio employers. We also support sensible regulations that protect businesses and foster job creation, along with local and state incentives that complement economic development strategies.
By creating a strong foundation for business growth, we ensure Clermont can accommodate its expanding population and thrive well into the future.
Legislative Priorities
The Clermont Chamber will focus its advocacy by actively engaging business leaders, stakeholders, and legislators in these primary areas:
- Empowering Our Public and Technical Schools: We advocate for providing our public schools with the necessary resources to equip students with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and technological skills essential for success in the 21st century. Additionally, we strongly support technical training programs that cultivate a workforce proficient in the trades that fuel our growing economy.
- Lifelong Learning Opportunities: We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning. This includes supporting initiatives that expand access to technical and career training programs beyond traditional high school settings. These programs cater to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring our workforce remains adaptable and competitive in the ever-evolving job market.
- Supporting Higher Education Institutions: We recognize the valuable role colleges and universities play in developing a highly skilled workforce. We advocate for policies that make higher education accessible and affordable, allowing our residents to pursue a wide range of career paths and contribute their talents to our community.
Clermont County’s economic prosperity relies on a robust business environment that attracts and retains companies. This requires a two-pronged approach: a competitive tax code and sensible regulations.
- Comprehensive Approach to Taxation: Our tax code should encourage business growth, limit government spending, and prioritize fairness, simplicity, and predictability. We advocate for continuous tax reforms that reduce burdens on Ohio employers, making them more competitive. This includes already burdensome property taxes that hurt our communities, businesses, and schools.
- Regulatory Reform: Clermont Chamber members understand their businesses best. We support legislation that protects businesses, economic growth, and job creation. This means eliminating burdensome regulations and other governmental actions that restrict employers’ rights and hinder free enterprise.
Additionally, the Chamber supports local and state incentives that complement and enhance local economic development strategies. These incentives play a crucial role in retaining existing employers and attracting new ones, leading to further job creation.
Thriving businesses need a strong foundation, and that foundation starts with access. The Clermont Chamber champions initiatives that expand access to the resources critical for success. This includes:
- Unveiling Opportunity Through Broadband: Significant investments are needed to improve broadband connectivity, especially in rural areas. Bridging the digital divide creates a level playing field for all businesses, fostering innovation and growth.
- Powering Progress with Reliable Utilities: Innovative, cost-effective solutions are essential to strengthen all aspects of energy and utilities. This ensures businesses have access to a dependable and efficient infrastructure, reducing costs and boosting productivity.
- Connecting Communities with Robust Infrastructure: We advocate for reliable, long-term funding for local infrastructure projects. This ensures our transportation network, from roads and bridges to public transportation, keeps pace with growth, enabling the smooth flow of people, goods, and ideas.
- Empowering a Healthy Workforce with Accessible Healthcare: We support initiatives that expand access to quality healthcare services for all residents, including those in rural areas. A healthy workforce is a productive workforce, and ensuring convenient access to preventative and critical care is essential for a thriving business community.
