The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce has published its legislative agenda for 2017. Developed by the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee, the agenda focuses on three primary areas: economic development, transportation, and education.
“As the voice of businesses in our community, I believe it’s critical that we focus on the issues and concerns that are important to our members,” chamber president Ann Welton said. “After surveying our membership and working with Town of Wake Forest staff, it became clear that these are key areas affecting all of us. Whether a business is a multi-national corporation or a small, locally owned company, the chamber is its advocate. We want to do our best to ensure the environment here is good for business and the community as a whole.”
The Government Affairs Committee will monitor local ordinances and policies, state legislation, and federal regulations that may affect businesses in the Wake Forest area. When necessary and appropriate, the committee plans to support or oppose legislation or policies, and will organize grass-roots efforts and publicize the issues.
1) Economic development thrives when public-private partnerships are active, infrastructure is strong, and regulatory burdens are few. The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce strongly supports economic development efforts that improve the economy and quality of life in Wake Forest. This includes:
- Advocating funding and activation of an infrastructure development fund to help Wake Forest develop viable industrial sites, spurring new tax base growth, and job creation.
- Enhancing the accessibility and affordability of fiber optic networks to serve the growth and development needs of the Wake Forest business community.
- Actively supporting the Town of Wake Forest, State of North Carolina, and our elected federal officials in showcasing Wake Forest as a destination for business innovation and success.
2) Efficient transportation that blends with the character of Wake Forest is important for economic growth and quality of life. The Wake Forest Area Chamber supports funding to meet the growing transportation needs of Wake Forest. This includes:
- Supporting funding for more timely improvements to U.S. 1/Capital Boulevard.
- Pursuing funding and the activation of a commuter rail system connecting Wake Forest to Raleigh and other surrounding areas.
- Working with elected officials at all levels of government to support and further the Town of Wake Forest’s updated Transportation Plan.
3) Having educated, trained, and qualified local workers contributes in great measure to the economic strength of Wake Forest. The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce strongly supports innovative ways to further enhance education at all levels. This includes:
- Being the leader in beneficial collaboration between the business and education communities in the Wake Forest area.
- Supporting innovative ways to improve early childhood education.
- Working with local and state officials to recruit and retain high quality educators for Wake Forest.
