Airport Area Chamber of Commerce News

Discounts of Office Supplies thru Office Depot!

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:00:49 GMT

Attention AACOC Members!

You can now create a business account with office depot to order your office supplies.

The service includes direct shipping to your location and free shipping for orders over $50.

You can access the link under the member's only content
www.airportchamber.com/officedepot (You must be logged in to view the content)

Clayton Co. Transportation Forum - Registration is Open / Space Limited

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:57:57 GMT

We want to hear from you Clayton County. Registration is open but space is limited so sign up now.

Key leaders in Clayton County will be featured at Partnership for Southern Equity's "Moving to Opportunity" Clayton Community Forum undefined a transportation information session.

The forum is Thursday, May 3rd from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Riverdale Town Center, 7210 Church Street, Riverdale GA.

Residents are invited to share their ideas and opinions and hear key community leaders discuss the merits of a regional transportation system, details about the Transportation Investment Act, proposed transportation projects in Clayton County, the impact it could have on local economies, and their views on transportation opportunities for Clayton County and the metro area.

To register for the Clayton "Moving to Opportunity" Community Forum, visit wwwpsequity.org.

Stay Connected with Us!

Partnership for Southern Equity | Together We Prosper
Not interested any more? Unsubscribe

U.S. Chamber - April Legislative Update on Surface Transportation

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:57:02 GMT

Legislative Alert!

House and Senate Poised for Conference on Surface Transportation Bill

After months of internal negotiations, at the end of April both the Senate and House of Representatives named conferees who will be tasked with reconciling the House and Senate versions of surface transportation reauthorization legislation. This comes on the heels of House passage of H.R. 4348 , a "shell" bill designed to facilitate movement to a conference with the Senate-passed bill, S.1813.

H.R. 4348 passed the House by a vote of 293-127 on April 18, 2012, and was accompanied by a few additional items including the Keystone XL pipeline extension. This legislation effectively took the place of the more comprehensive H.R. 7 package which did not attract the requisite level of support to advance through the House.

With the House and Senate negotiators now officially appointed, a final long term bill could be in the making very soon. Ensuring this bill is advanced through conference and both houses of Congress is a multi-stage process, however, your continued help is needed to remind Congress this is a must-do item by June 30 . Failure to get a bill forces continued stop-gap extensions, and a missed opportunity to enact the much needed transformational reforms embedded in House and Senate bills.

Click here to read Janet Kavinoky's response to a recent Wall Street Journal Editorial Board piece opposing federal investment in infrastructure.

Take Action and Write your Members of Congress Today!

The House and Senate will be home for a district work period next week (April 30 - May 4). Find an opportunity to let your members of Congress know this is an important issue to you and the rest of the business community.

Here are some tools to help:

Understand the basics; here is a quick guide to the issues
Prepare for a meeting with your member of Congress using our updated talking points
Send a letter to your individual members of Congress
Share the ATM's "Five Questions Answered" document with your members of Congress
Spread the word to employees, colleagues, friends and family:
- Forward this e-mail to your colleagues
- Write to your local papers about these critical issues

Help the Chamber Make Your Case for Transportation Investment!

Fill out this short survey so we know what improvements need to be made and what coalitions you work with in your state, region or community.

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GBAN Legislative Update - Governor Signs Interstate Compact to help Military Families

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:36:44 GMT

Legislative Update

April 27, 2012

Governor Deal signed an important piece of legislation into law this week for the state’s military community and their children. The “Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children” will ease the transition for children of military families who move to Georgia and are placed in a new school, allowing the students more flexibility in enrollment and credit transfers. Georgia is the 42nd U.S. state to join the Compact.

The Georgia Military Affairs Coordinating Committee (GMACC) – a Chamber affiliate – was actively involved in the process of passing the Interstate Compact in Georgia – a measure that will remove many of the hurdles children in military families face when joining a new school after their family relocates to a new installation. GMACC and the Georgia Chamber both thank Gov. Deal for his commitment to the families of Georgia’s military community. (SB 227; SUPPORT)

The Chamber’s Government Affairs team is working to ensure other business-friendly measures passed this year are signed into law. Be on the lookout for future updates as Chamber-backed bills and resolutions get final approval. The Governor has until May 8 to sign, veto or let bills become law without his signature.

The Governor’s office maintains a webpage dedicated to updating Georgians daily on signed legislation.

See what bills have been signed to date.

U.S. Rep. Paul Broun to host Grants & Small Business Expo in Columbia County

On Wednesday, May 2, Congressman Paul Broun will host a free Grants and Small Business Expo to provide those seeking grant funding and business loans the chance to meet face-to-face with state and federal government agencies about their specific programs and how the application process works.

Government representatives from the following agencies will be present to answer questions and supply information: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA); Georgia DCA Appalachian Regional Commission; Georgia DCA Housing Finance Commission; Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security; Georgia Student Finance Commission; Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center; Grants.gov; University of Georgia Small Business Development Center; U.S. Department of Agriculture – Rural Development; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency; U.S. Small Business Administration.

The event will be held throughout the day in the Grand Rapids Room of the Savannah Rapids Pavilion (3300 Evans to Locks Rd., Martinez, Ga.)

Thank you for being a part of the Georgia Business Action Network!

The Georgia Chamber wants to thank you for your support of the business community. To find out how you can become more involved, please take a moment if you haven’t already to complete your online GBAN profile.

Click here to get started!

Georgia Chamber of Commerce | 233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2000, Atlanta, GA 30303-1564
p: 404-223-2264 | f: 404-223-2290 | w: Our Website

FULTON COUNTY HOUSING INITIATIVE

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:54:16 GMT

Fulton County Housing and Human Services,

APD Solutions and ANDP brings the

Neighborhood SHOcase to Fulton

Fulton County’s Housing and Human Services Department in conjunction with development partners, APD Solutions and Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, Inc., announce the Neighborhood SHOcase Home Show and Expo for prospective homebuyers in Fulton County.

The SHOcase is a Special Homeownership Opportunity (SHO) event designed to introduce vendors, resources, and valuable information to qualified homebuyers interested in becoming homeowners. The SHOcase will primarily feature Fulton County Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) homes that are move-in ready and include new home fixtures, appliances, flooring, carpeting, and other desired amenities. These homes have been fully rehabbed as a result of funding received from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In addition, HUD-owned properties and newly constructed homes will be included in the event.

Too often individuals are interested and capable of buying foreclosed or vacant homes but may be intimidated and uninformed about the home buying process. However, organizers of the

Neighborhood SHOcase will ensure that participants have access to information regarding credit, money management, the mortgage application process, and down payment assistance programs during this event. Specifically, Fulton County offers homebuyer assistance for eligible families (up to $25,000) who purchase NSP homes.

The SHOcase will be held on April 28, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) in Exhibit Hall D. Participants will have access to more than 60 vendors including Realtors, Lenders, Housing Counseling Agencies, Contractors, Local Neighborhood Associations, and many more.

The event will also feature FREE consumer education classes, live entertainment, games,

drawings/giveaways and a keynote address from the renowned author Dr. Michael Eric Dyson.

Interested families can go to www.HomeByRequest.com to view the nearly 60 homes featured in the SHOcase and to begin the 5 simple steps in the SHOcase process. The event is FREE to the public; parking is $10.00 at GICC, however Marta bus lines and rail service are available.

If you are in need of additional information about the event or to pre-register call 1-877-484-6669 or visit www.HomeByRequest.com.

Click here to view the flyer.

Women's History Month Sponsors

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:32:43 GMT

The AACOC would like to thank our sponsors

for the upcoming Women's History event!

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

TBI Airport Management

Welcome to our newest member Lunch on Main! Click here to view their menu!

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:36:26 GMT

Download full menu

GBAN Legislative Update - March 16, 2012

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:05:17 GMT

Legislative Update

March 16, 2012

Legislative Calendar

The General Assembly adjourned Wednesday, March 14 completing Day 33 of the 2012 Legislative Session. Lawmakers will reconvene Monday, March 19 for Legislative Day 34 of 40 and are scheduled to be in chamber through Thursday, March 23.

With only seven days remaining, the Georgia Chamber is actively working for passage of a number of bills that will have a significant impact on the state’s business community. Be sure to visit the Georgia Chamber website for news and updates through the end of the 2012 General Assembly.

Call your Representative and Senator and ask them to support the Energy Tax Exemption!

The Georgia Chamber has been a longtime advocate for the elimination of the sales tax on energy used for manufacturing, mining and agriculture. This January, Governor Deal announced this as one of his top priorities as Georgia is one of the few states in the nation levying this tax – hindering the ability to attract new manufacturing facilities and keep current plants here.

Please contact your State Representative and State Senator and ask them to support this top Chamber priority!

Contact your State Senator and Help us Pass the Charter School Constitutional Amendment!

The Georgia Senate has tabled legislation that would place a constitutional amendment referendum before voters this November to restore an alternative route for creating charter schools in Georgia. The Georgia Chamber supports public charter schools and other quality options for students that help create the educated workforce employers need to compete in our global economy.

The measure is eligible for a vote at any time during the final seven days of the 2012 General Assembly, and requires a two-thirds (38 votes) supermajority in the Senate. (HR 1162; SUPPORT)

Please continue to contact your State Senator and urge them to vote YES to this important legislation!

2012 Scorecard Update

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TAXATION

Legislation that would create a dedicated, independent tax body to oversee disputes involving tax decisions by the Georgia Department of Revenue will be heard before the Senate Judiciary Committee Monday, March 19. Last week the Georgia House voted to pass this measure by an overwhelming 165 to 0 vote.

The Georgia Chamber believes this will allow for an efficient, streamlined resolution process and increase the uniformity and transparency of decisions in tax cases – taking away some of the unpredictability Georgia business owners sometimes face in this arena. (HB 100; SUPPORT)

This week the Georgia Chamber sat down with the author of HB 100 – State Rep. Allen Peake – to discuss the impact this legislation will have on Georgia businesses. Please click here to watch our interview with Rep. Peake at the Capitol.

TAX & FINANCE

Legislation allowing local governments to exempt, in part or whole, business inventory from taxation was passed by the Senate Monday. The inventory tax – which is paid without regard to profitability – makes Georgia less appealing to businesses and may be incentive for relocation throughout the Southeast. This bill would provide an appropriate option for local governments to remove this burdensome tax, attracting new business and helping existing business grow throughout the state. Local governments may also opt for a local referendum so voters can decide whether to exempt business inventory from taxation. (HB 48; SUPPORT)

The House must agree to the Senate’s changes to HB 48; once approved, the bill will be sent to Governor Deal for his signature.

Click here to learn more about the Chamber's support of HB 48

Please visit www.gachamber.com/scorecard to see the most up-to-date list of scorecard issues for the 2012 session.

Georgia Chamber of Commerce | 233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2000, Atlanta, GA 30303-1564
p: 404-223-2264 | f: 404-223-2290 | w: Our Website

Small Business Workshop- Monday, March 26th in Atlanta, GA

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:34:07 GMT

Please join

Senator Saxby Chambliss

for a

Small Business Workshop

Monday March 26, 2012

GTRI Conference Center

250 14th Street, NW Suite 112

Atlanta, GA 30318

Morning session registration: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Afternoon session registration: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Topics of discussion:

10:30 a.m. The Right Way to Start a New Business

11:30 a.m. Financing Your New Business

1:30 p.m. Using Federal Procurement to Grow your Existing Business

2:45 p.m. Growing your Business through Exporting

3:45 p.m. Financing your Business Expansion

Please contact Alyssa Ramirez at 770-763-9092 oralyssa_ramirez@chambliss.senate.gov for more information.

** This event is open to the general public. Please forward to anyone interested in attending.

Legislative Update

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:17:46 GMT

Legislative Update

March 2, 2012

Legislative Calendar

The General Assembly adjourned Wednesday, February 29 and will reconvene Monday, March 5 for Legislative Day 29 of 40. Wednesday, March 7 – Legislative Day 30 – will be “Crossover Day,” the last day for bills in the Senate and House to be passed and sent to the other chamber for consideration this session.

Call your Representative and Senator and ask them to support the Energy Tax Exemption!

The Georgia Chamber has been a longtime advocate for the elimination of the sales tax on energy used for manufacturing, mining and agriculture. This January, Governor Deal announced this as one of his top priorities from the 2011 Georgia Competitiveness Initiative results as Georgia is one of the few states in the nation levying this tax – hindering the ability to attract new manufacturing facilities and keep current plants here.

The Chamber is urging the General Assembly to support the Governor’s proposal to remove this tax and help create permanent manufacturing jobs in Georgia. Please contact your State Representative and State Senator and ask them to support this top Chamber priority!

2012 Scorecard Update

JUDICIARY

A proposed Senate floor amendment to Senate Bill 350 would not only force a private business owner to allow guns on their property – regardless of safety or other concerns – but also expose them to increased litigation by striking Georgia’s employment-at-will doctrine from current law. Should the amendment pass, an employee subject to any form of disciplinary action – should they happen to store a gun in their car -- could bring suit against their employer claiming the action was based upon the fact they had a gun in their vehicle – even if the employer had no knowledge of that fact. This concern is reinforced by language in the amendment that directs it be “liberally construed to facilitate this purpose.” Georgia’s status as a right-to-work state is one of our most important economic development tools – one which supporters of this amendment are apparently willing to destroy at a time when we should be supporting job creation.

No matter what side of this issue you fall on regarding the balance of Second Amendment rights and property rights -- it is an important to understand that this amendment today does not limit itself to those principles. Please contact your State Senator TODAY and ask them to vote NO on the floor amendment to SB 350 that puts business owners at risk, threatens our right to work status, and weakens private property rights.

EDUCATION

After nearly two hours of debate, the Georgia Senate tabled legislation that would place a constitutional amendment referendum before voters this November that would restore an alternative route for creating charter schools in Georgia. The Georgia Chamber supports public charter schools and other quality options for students that help create the educated workforce employers need to compete in our global economy.

The measure is eligible for a vote at any time during the remaining days of the 2012 General Assembly, and requires a two-thirds (38 votes) supermajority in the Senate. (HR 1162; SUPPORT)

Please continue to contact your State Senator and urge them to vote YES to this important legislation!

Please visit www.gachamber.com/scorecard to see the most up-to-date list of scorecard issues for the 2012 session.

Bills of Interest

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

The Senate Insurance and Labor Committee passed legislation that would amend current Georgia law related to picketing, paycheck protection and notice rules regarding union organization –ensuring that employees have appropriate information readily available to them regarding their rights and that their safety is protected during union organizing efforts or demonstrations.

One of Georgia’s most important economic development tools is our status as a right-to-work state, which includes unions having a right to be in the workplace if employees so choose. But the exercise of those rights and information surrounding those rights need to be balanced. The Georgia Chamber believes this bill provides that balance and also ensures workplace disagreements are handled at work and not at private homes and neighborhoods. We also know that unions sometimes intimidate employees into joining or voting for them to be established. We believe that employees should know that they have a legal choice to not join a union. Along the same lines, we want to make sure that employees know they do not have to pay union dues if they do not want to.

This measure now heads to the Senate Rules Committee before a full vote on the Senate floor. (SB 469; SUPPORT)

Click here to read more on the Chamber’s Support of SB 469

State Sen. Ross Tolleson’s measure to enact regulatory reforms – aimed to increase transparency and efficiency in government – was passed by the Georgia Senate Wednesday. His legislation would create a real-time online tracking system for Environmental Protection Division permits so that applying businesses have access to permit status. (SB 427; SUPPORT)

JUDICIARY

The House Judiciary Committee approved legislation that would create a dedicated, independent tax body to oversee disputes involving the Georgia Department of Revenue.

The Georgia Chamber believes this would allow for an efficient, streamlined resolution process for many tax disputes and increase the uniformity and predictability of decisions in tax cases – taking away some of the unpredictability Georgia business owners sometimes face in this arena.

With committee passage, this measure now sits in the House Rules Committee before a full vote on the House floor. (HB 100; SUPPORT)

Federal News

Congressman David Scott (GA-13) will host his 9^th Annual Jobs Fair on Friday, March 30, 2012, at the Georgia International Convention Center.

More than 100 of Georgia’s top companies and employers will participate in the Jobs Fair, including AFLAC, AT&T, UPS, Lockheed-Martin, Lowe’s, Home Depot, CSX, AT&T, Douglas County Fire/ EMT, MARTA, Atlanta Police Department, and many others. These employers represent a diverse group of major corporations, small businesses, and government agencies offering a rich variety of job opportunities. Participation is free.

Employers looking to participate should register by March 23^rd

With many veterans heading home from Iraq and Afghanistan, this year’s jobs fair will also include job assistance resources for veterans. All job seekers who plan to attend the Jobs Fair may call 770-210-5073 for more information or visitwww.house.gov/davidscott for a complete list of participating employers. Attendees are encouraged to take MARTA to the Airport or College Park station.

Speaker’s “Red Tape Watch” Initiative Continues Next Week

The House Special Committee on Small Business Development and Job Creation will continue its “Red Tape Watch" hearings next week at the State Capitol. The Initiative is aimed at helping Georgia’s small businesses grow through a comprehensive review of the state’s regulatory environment.

Click here to see video from previous Red Tape Watch meetings.

The next public hearing before the House Small Business Development & Job Creation Committee will be held Tuesday, March 6 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 506 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building. If you have concerns regarding current state regulations, and are unable to attend, click here to share your thoughts.

Georgia Chamber of Commerce | 233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2000, Atlanta, GA 30303-1564
p: 404-223-2264 | f: 404-223-2290 | w: Our Website

Office of Public Affairs For Immediate Release: March 2, 2012

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:16:40 GMT

Office of Public Affairs For Immediate Release: March 2, 2012

ARPA-E Issues Open Call for Transformational Energy Technologies

Releases $150 Million Funding Opportunity Announcement

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) issued a $150 million funding opportunity open to all transformational energy technologies to support the Obama Administration’s all-of-the-above approach to solving our nation’s most pressing energy challenges. This Open Funding Opportunity Announcement is a call to our country’s brightest scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs to propose early-stage research projects that would not otherwise be able to attract private investment, but could lead to breakthrough energy technologies. This is the second open funding opportunity released under ARPA-E. The first was in 2009.

“Today we are calling on our nation’s best and brightest to catalyze energy breakthroughs in all areas imaginable through this Open Funding Opportunity Announcement, which illustrates the true purpose of ARPA-E,” said Director Majumdar. “Innovation is our nation’s sweet spot, and it is critically important that we look at every possible energy solution in order to ensure America’s future prosperity and security.”

This Open Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) joins ARPA-E’s other recently issued FOA – Methane Opportunities for Vehicular Energy (MOVE) – which will make $30 million available to find ways to harness our abundant supplies of domestic natural gas for vehicles and was announced by President Obama last week at the University of Miami.

More details on all of ARPA-E’s Funding Opportunities and Requests For Information are available HERE. Individual awards under the Open FOA will range between $250,000 and $10 million.

President Obama launched the Energy Department’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) in 2009 to seek out transformational, breakthrough technologies that are too risky for private sector investment but have the potential to translate science into quantum leaps in energy technology, form the foundation for entirely new industries, and in the future have large commercial impact.

Including its most recent round of selections, ARPA-E has funded a total of more than 180 projects, for $521.7 million in awards across 12 program areas. Demonstrating the success ARPA-E has already seen, the Agency announced last year that eleven of its projects that received $40 million from ARPA-E for innovative research, were able to use this funding to demonstrate results, which allowed these teams to secure more than $200 million in outside private capital investment.

ARPA-E’s third annual Energy Innovation Summit featured 107 speakers, including: President Bill Clinton; Microsoft Founder and Chairman, Bill Gates; Xerox CEO, Ursula Burns; FedEx CEO, Fred Smith; BDT Capital Chairman, Lee Scott; Deputy Secretary of Defense, Ashton Carter; MIT President, Susan Hockfield; U.S. Energy Secretary, Steven Chu; and ARPA-E Director, Arun Majumdar. The Summit attracted 2,440 attendees from 49 states and 26 countries and featured a Technology Showcase displaying over 240 breakthrough energy developments from ARPA-E’s awardees, finalists and other teams.

###

For questions regarding this announcement, please contact ARPA-E at ARPA-E-CO@hq.doe.gov

Jiffy Lube Discount for Atlanta Airport Employees

Jiffy Lube — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:34:45 GMT

Jiffy Lube^® is Now Open at 2531 Camp Creek Pkwy, College Park Ga. 30037

404-767-7041

Hours:

Monday-Friday 7am-7pm

Saturday 8-5pm

All Atlanta Airport Employees receive a 15% Discount.

If you are an employee of any Atlanta Airport business just present your Airport badge or Business card to receive your 15% discount. We are located at the corner of Camp Creek Pkwy and Herschel Road in the Park ‘n Fly complex.

http://locations.jiffylube.com/storedetail.aspx?s_id=3428#servicesList

Local Government Procurement: Source for New Business Opportunities

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:51:28 GMT

To view the full article click here http://www.valueplexauctions.com/ABLBES030612A.htm

Surface Transportation Reauthorization Portion

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:56:29 GMT

NSBW Release 2012

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:48:33 GMT

Make Transportation Job #1 Campaign Announces TV and Radio Ads

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:01:55 GMT

Add DHillenbrand@uschamber.com to your address book - Instructions
View as a Web Page | Forward to friend

The Americans for Transportation Mobility (ATM) Coalition's Make Transportation Job #1 campaign is pleased to announce the launch of a TV and Radio ads beginning this Sunday, February 12 on the Sunday talk shows (Meet the Press, Fox News Sunday, Face the Nation, and This Week). Over the next three weeks, the TV ads will run on MSNBC, CNN, and Fox. On the radio in Washington, listen to WTOP throughout the day. As you browse the web, you may see our message acrosswashingpost.com, politico.com, thehill.com, rollcall.com and other regional newspapers.

The ATM Coalition released a statement earlier today announcing the ad campaign.

Click below to see a preview of the TV ATM ads:

New Leadership: Make Transportation Job #1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwpkMjhqjXc

Bipartisan: Make Transportation Job #1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4biIqXNFC1s

You can watch and hear all of our ads at www.fasterbettersafer.org

Legislative Update

Next Tuesday, the Senate is set to begin floor debate on S. 1813, "Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century." The highway and transit authorization package represents bipartisan compromise, includes significant federal program reforms, and, by maintaining investment levels, will support thousands of jobs. The U.S. Chamber and the Americans for Transportation Mobility Coalition strongly support this legislation as introduced and are calling on the Senate to pass it with strong bipartisan support.

We also expect action in the House next week: amendments are due to the House Rules Committee by Monday at 3 pm, and the House Rules Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday at 5 pm to consider them. Although concerned about the treatment of public transportation funding in this legislation, the U.S. Chamber generally supports H.R. 7, the "American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012" as reported by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and expects to call for its passage.

What Can YOU Do?

Forward this e-mail to your colleagues and contacts to let them know about our exciting campaign and encourage them to speak up!
Write to your local papers about these critical issues
Send a letter to your individual members of Congress
Arrange for a group of businesses to meet with your Members of Congress when they are home for the President's Day Recess (Feb 20-24) or on the weekends to stress the importance of a fully-funded highway and transit bill. Here are some talking points to use.

For more information, visit the ATM Coalition website: www.fasterbettersafer.org

FasterBetterSafer | 1615 H Street, NW | Washington, DC 20062-2000
www.fasterbettersafer.org | (202) 463-5600 | mobility@uschamber.com

This e-mail was sent by:
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
1615 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20062-2000

General Assembly: Legislative Update

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:51:54 GMT

Legislative Update

February 10, 2012

Legislative Calendar

The General Assembly adjourned Thursday, February 9 and will reconvene Wednesday, February 15 for Legislative Day 19. Lawmakers are scheduled to be in session next week through Friday, February 17.

2012 Scorecard Update

EDUCATION

The Georgia House Thursday voted to reconsider its actions on a Constitutional Amendment to restore an alternative route for approving and sustaining charter schools, after the measure fell just 10 votes short Wednesday of the 120-vote, two-thirds supermajority required to pass a Constitutional Amendment. (HR 1162; SUPPORT)

The Georgia Chamber wants to thank the 110 House members who supported this important measure aimed at reversing a problematic 2011 court decision that threatens the existence of highly successful public charter schools in Georgia. We also appreciate those of you who contacted your legislators requesting their support.

To see how your state representative voted, please click here.

Please continue to contact your state representative and urge them to bring this legislation back to the House floor before the last day bills and resolutions can pass out of the House to be approved by the end of the session – currently scheduled for Wednesday, March 7.

JUDICIARY

Governor Deal signed legislation clarifying Georgia statue regarding garnishment proceedings, stating that executing and filing of an answer to a garnishment order does not constitute the unauthorized practice of law. This change will allow businesses needed flexibility and cost savings. With the governor’s signature, the new law goes into immediate effect. (HB 683; SUPPORT)

TAX & FINANCE

Legislation allowing local governments to exempt, in part or whole, business inventory from taxation was passed by the Senate Finance Committee and awaits a full Senate vote for passage. The inventory tax – which is paid without regard to profitability – makes Georgia less appealing to businesses and may be incentive for relocation throughout the Southeast. This bill would provide an appropriate option for local governments to remove this burdensome tax, attracting new business and helping existing business grow throughout the state. (HB 48; SUPPORT)

Please visit www.gachamber.com/scorecard to see the most up-to-date list of scorecard issues for the 2012 session.

Bills of Interest

JUDICIARY

A bill solidifying Georgia’s position as a neutral location relating to commercial contract resolution is making its way to the Georgia Senate floor for a vote. Senate Bill 383 seeks to revise international arbitration laws, allowing companies to settle disputes within state borders – helping to reduce costs while making Georgia’s legal system friendlier to domestic and international businesses. It was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee this week. (SB 383; SUPPORT)

Georgia Chamber applauds Plant Vogtle Expansion Approval

Georgia Chamber President and CEO Chris Clark released the following statement after the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced Thursday it has formally approved the Plant Vogtle expansion project which would add two 1,100-megawatt nuclear reactors to the Burke County facility:

“While Georgia and the Southeast have witnessed significant population and economic growth over the past two decades, that cannot continue without access to affordable and reliable sources of energy. The decision by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to approve the expansion of Plant Vogtle is one that will make a positive impact on our state’s ability to attract economic investment and maintain a high quality of life for decades to come. Georgia is fortunate to have energy partners such as Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG and Dalton Utilities who were willing to make a significant investment that will result in both direct and indirect job creation while expanding the state’s energy supply in a clean, safe and dependable manner.”

According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, the project will create 4,000 temporary construction jobs and bring 800 permanent jobs to the plant – with the new reactors scheduled to go online in 2016.

Georgia Chamber of Commerce | 233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2000, Atlanta, GA 30303-1564
p: 404-223-2264 | f: 404-223-2290 | w: Our Website

Welcome New Members!!

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:20:40 GMT

The AACOC would like to welcome the following new members...

A Quick Passport and Visas

Atlanta Audio Visual

Costco Wholesale

IFF Inc

Sysco

Capitol Overview 2012 Legislative Update

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:05:54 GMT

Capitol Overview 2012 Legislative Update

WEEK 3

This week the legislature finished its ninth legislative day. It was an exciting week filled with rallies, invitations and special guests. In addition now with budget hearings completed you will begin to see bills working their way through the legislative process.

Once again, let me know if I can ever be of help on any public policy issue.

Thank you,

Bernie Tokarz

Public Policy Coordinator

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

Interview with Commissioner Gary Black

Capitol Overview Interviews: Commissioner Gary Black

This week we are including a new feature. Each newsletter will now feature an interview with a unique personality on capitol hill. This week we sat down with Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black. Commissioner Black talked about the basic functions of his department, changes that have been made in the department since his election and his ties to North Fulton. We are looking forward to hosting him at our annual gala this April where he has a special surprise for our membership.

HB 818: Economic Development

Regardless of a business's age or the product they sell, capital is a requirement for growth and expansion.

That capital can come in the form of revenue generated from the sale of goods, performance of services, or by investors. Venture capital is a vital form of financing, especially for businesses in technology sectors. Georgia is currently under capitalized for early-stage technology companies. This inhibits long-term economic growth.

Legislators have hopes that HB 718 can solve this problem. Led by Representative Allen Peake of Macon, this legislation will create a new program called "Invest Georgia". This new program's purpose is to invest in seed, early, and growth-stage companies in order to expand jobs in Georgia, create wealth within Georgia communities, and commercialize current and future research done at Georgia's universities particularly at top notch incubators like Georgia Tech.

The state will fund this program by selling up to $200 million insurance premium tax credits, with the proceeds going to the new Invest Georgia Fund (IGF). Markets show that credits against future premium taxes usually sell for about 85¢ on the dollar, which would deliver up to $170 million in cash to the IGF. The bill calls for the proceeds to be invested in Georgia based funds that invest in Georgia-based businesses. The bill calls for 30% of the funds to be invested in early-stage companies and 70% into growth-stage funds.

The legislators listed on the bill in coordination with the Technology Association of Georgia developed this investment model after looking at best practices from other states in particular InvestSC, TNinvestco, and the Texas Enterprise Fund. One area where the Georgia law departs from neighbor states is the administration of VC funds. The legislation stipulates that this new authority would hire a third party "investment advisory firm" which would be charged with evaluating and selecting the VC firms based on their management structure, investment strategy and "commitment to Georgia" e.g., history of investment in the state.

Georgia has recently seen the effect a lack of VC funding can have. Technology companies formed and incubated at Georgia Tech move just across the state line to Chattanooga because of possible investments by TNinvestco. Imagine the economic and job growth that could occur if we could keep those companies here. North Fulton, as a leader in healthcare technology, could see tremendous job growth.

Southwest Airlines Welcomed to the Capitol

This week Dave Ridley, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Southwest Airlines addressed the chamber at our Eggs and Enterprise breakfast.

After speaking to over 400 people at breakfast Dave joined members of the Chamber staff and Board of Directors down at the capitol.

Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones and Senator David Shafer sponsored resolutions in their respective bodies welcoming Southwest to Atlanta and inviting Dave to speak. That morning he was able to address both chambers to great fanfare and recieved a warm welcome in both chambers.

The resolution introduced in the House can be found here.

Budget Update

Last week the House and Senate Appropriations Committees heard testimony from Constitutional officers and other department heads about their proposed budgets for 2013. These hearing passed with few sparks.

Despite the lack of drama before the committee, behind the scenes there was one scuffle. Governor Deal wants to change the way the state conducts safety inspections of all kinds. Currently, the Department of Labor does this work. If the changes are made, the Department of Agriculture will become the central agency for safety inspections in the state.

Since his election in 2010, Commissioner Gary Black has made many changes to the operations of the Department of Agriculture. His management style has impressed many in the State Capitol.

Upcoming Events

- GNFCC plans to host several North Fulton days at the Capitol. We are in the process of arranging dates and time where members can come down and meet with the North Fulton Delegation and other leaders. Look for more information in the coming weeks.

In This Issue

Interview: Commissioner Gary Black

HB 818: Economic Development Update

Southwest Airlines Resolution

Budget Update

Upcoming Events

For more information regarding the North Fulton Chamber's legislative efforts, contact

Bernie Tokarz

Public Policy Coordinator

btokarz@gnfcc.com

678-397-0559 (DD)

If you would like to receive Legislative Action Updates please join our mailing list.

100 Years Standing Up for American Enterprise

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:47:52 GMT

For 100 years, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has been standing up for American businessesundefinedlarge and small. We've fought to ensure the business community has a seat at the table, a voice in the debate, and a stake in the policy decisions that influence America's future. Throughout this year, we'll be celebrating our 100th anniversary (check out theinteractive timeline and video). But our focus is on the future. We face new challenges and uncertainty, and it will take the power of free enterprise and the initiative of businesses to overcome them.

Today, Tom Donohue delivered his annual State of American Business Address where he outlined five immediate priorities that the Chamber will address to boost America's competitiveness in the global economy: producing American energy; rebuilding our infrastructure; expanding trade, investment, and tourism; advancing regulatory and legal reforms; and developing an innovation agenda.

In addition to these priorities, the Chamber will continue into the next 100 years with its mission of protecting the principles of American free enterprise and bringing together like-minded supporters to discuss and advocate for free market policies. Today, we launched the newFreeEnterprise.com, an innovative platform for free market news and ideas. The site aggregates the Chamber's greatest content, and includes newsmaker interviews, opinion pieces, and social and multi media.

We hope you'll share this exciting new resource with your networks, come back daily for fresh content, and join the conversation.

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