Advocacy In Action
The Clermont Chamber of Commerce proudly represents over 500 businesses, ranging from small enterprises to large corporations, that collectively employ tens of thousands individuals throughout southwest Ohio. As we embark on 2025, we remain committed to fostering a strong business climate, advocating for economic growth, and ensuring our region continues to thrive.
This year brings new opportunities to work with our newly elected Congressman, U.S. Senators, and the Trump Administration to advance policies that strengthen Clermont County’s economy. At the same time, we will continue our strong partnerships with state and local leaders who have long championed the Chamber’s mission, ensuring that business growth, workforce development, and infrastructure remain top priorities.
Our Legislative Agenda prioritizes investments in education, from strengthening public schools and technical training programs to ensuring higher education remains accessible and aligned with workforce needs. We also support expanding access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas, to build a healthier, more productive workforce.
Furthermore, we continue to advocate for a business-friendly environment that attracts and retains companies, fosters job creation, and ensures a balanced tax and regulatory landscape that allows businesses to grow and succeed. With strategic infrastructure investments and economic incentives, Clermont County will remain an attractive place to live, work, and do business.
By actively collaborating with policymakers at every level, we will ensure that Clermont County’s voice is heard, our businesses remain competitive, and our community prospers 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 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.
Expanding Trade & Technical Education: To meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy, we advocate for expanded financial aid and funding opportunities for trade school students and for aligning workforce education programs with high-demand industries such as AI, automation, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades. We support policies that encourage apprenticeships, employer partnerships with education institutions, and increased investment in vocational training to ensure a strong talent pipeline.
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.
Strengthening Workforce Pipelines for Key Industries: Workforce shortages in healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and public services remain a challenge. We support targeted programs that incentivize businesses to offer on-the-job training, paid internships, and workforce grants that help build long-term talent pipelines. Additionally, we advocate for collaborations between businesses, public schools, higher education institutions, and government agencies to develop sector-specific workforce development strategies.
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.
Addressing Property Tax Concerns: Excessive property tax burdens are a growing concern among businesses and residents. We support tax reform initiatives that ensure a fair and balanced approach to property taxation, preventing excessive increases while maintaining the necessary funding for public services and education. Clermont County must remain competitive in its tax structure to attract and retain employers while supporting a thriving local economy.
In addition to maintaining a competitive tax and regulatory environment, we support targeted economic development initiatives that drive innovation and 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.
Expanding Public Transportation & Workforce Accessibility: Access to reliable transportation is a significant barrier to employment for many workers, particularly in rural areas. We support expanding public transportation options and investing in infrastructure projects that improve connectivity between residential communities and business districts. Enhanced transportation access will help businesses attract and retain a strong workforce while improving economic mobility for residents.
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.
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.
By addressing gaps in broadband, healthcare, utilities, and transportation, we strengthen the essential infrastructure businesses and workers need to succeed.
The Clermont Chamber remains committed to advocating for policies that enhance the region’s economic growth. Key legislative priorities for 2025 include:
Supporting the continued implementation of the Fair School Funding Act to ensure equitable education funding.
Opposing excessive trade barriers and commercial activity taxes that raise costs for local businesses.
- Supporting increased funding for career tech schools, including investments in facilities, curriculum development, and workforce-aligned training programs to enhance accessibility and effectiveness.
- Expanding workforce development grants that help businesses train and retain skilled workers.
- Advocating for increased investment in local infrastructure projects that enhance connectivity, attract developers, and support long-term business growth.
- Advocating for fair property tax policies that support essential services without placing excessive burdens on businesses.
The Chamber will actively engage with legislators and policymakers to promote these initiatives and ensure a strong, business-friendly climate in Clermont County.
