U.S. Representative Austin Scott joined Valdosta Chamber leaders on Wednesday, April 17th for a roundtable discussion on policy issues ranging from transportation to military affairs. Among those participating were chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors, Lee McArthur, Chamber president, Myrna Ballard, chairman of the Chamber’s Government Affairs Council, John P. Page and chairman of the Chamber’s Healthcare Policy Committee, Steven Heddon.
One of the key issues discussed was the Chamber’s opposition to the FAA’s so-called “1,500-hour rule.” The rule requires new pilots to receive an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate attesting that they have 1,500 hours of cockpit training. This mostly impacts regional (i.e. rural) trunk carriers where 1,500 hour pilots are difficult to find and recruit, thus creating a pilot shortage and curtailing regional air service. Another topic discussed at the meeting pertained to issues surrounding the measurements of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, which determines the possibility of a military base closing. Led by Nick Lacey, chairman of the Military Affairs Policy Committee on the Chamber’s Government Affairs Council, issues of rural broadband and the quality of education at local school systems were agenda items that were concerning. While these two subjects are certainly important from a BRAC standpoint, they are also significant when considering economic development, labor, education and workforce development and healthcare. The Congressman was happy to listen to the concerns of the business community. “Congressman Scott is very accessible to his constituents,” said Ballard. “He takes the time to listen to the concerns of the business community. These face-to-face discussions with our elected officials are the best way to advocate for our members.”
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This past Friday, April 5, YOUR Five-Star Chamber, in association with the Homebuilders Association of South Georgia, Valdosta & Valdosta North Rotary clubs, and the Valdosta Board of Realtors®, hosted former Senator Saxby Chambliss at the Rainwater Conference Center for the Legislative Luncheon.
“Sen. Chambliss brings a wealth of experience from his legislative career,” said Chamber Government Affairs Council chairman John Page. “He served in the U.S. House and Senate, representing the great state of Georgia. Because of that mindset, combined with his record of service, he can give your average citizen a deep insight to understand politics and government in a balanced way. A true statesman, Sen. Chambliss is deeply respected by both political parties. He holds his ground when it comes to his deep principles and does not blink.” Sen. Chambliss spoke to a wide range of issues including term limits, taxes on small businesses, cyber security and the impact it has on business owners. Sen. Chambliss jokingly mentioned that the number one password is “password”. He also talked about the rise of ransom-ware, where a hacker can control of your computer and demand payment to unlock it. He also reflected upon his friendship and bi-partisan cooperation with late Sen. Ted Kennedy and how those values seem increasingly absent in today’s political climate. Sen. Chambliss also spoke about his work on immigration reform, specifically work visas for migrant farm workers and the impact that has on the country’s agriculture backbone. In the past, the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce in association with the Homebuilders Association of South Georgia, Valdosta & Valdosta North Rotary clubs, and the Valdosta Board of Realtors®, have hosted Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson, Sen. David Perdue, Gov. Nathan Deal, and the local delegation to the state capitol for legislative luncheons. “The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber strives to bring influential voices in politics to the business community on an annual basis,” said Myrna Ballard, President of Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. “We are honored to have a well-respected leader like Sen. Chambliss attend our Legislative Luncheon.” The Insider’s Take on Washington Chamber, REALTORS®, Home Builders and Rotary host Chambliss3/7/2019 Known as the “level-headed” guy that does not get involved in personalities and partisan politics, former U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss will be the center of attention at the annual Legislative Lunch, co-hosted by the Valdosta Chamber, Valdosta Board of REALTORS®, Home Builders Association of South Georgia and Valdosta Rotary Club on April 5.
“Sen. Chambliss brings a wealth of experience from his legislative career,” said Chamber Government Affairs Council chairman John Page. “He served in the U.S. House and Senate, representing our great state. Because of that mindset, combined with his record of service, he can give regular people the deep insight to understand politics and government in a balanced way. A true statesman, Sen. Chambliss is deeply respected by both political parties. He holds his ground when it comes to his deep principles and does not blink.” For more information or to purchase tickets for the event, please visit www.ValdostaChamber.com or email Connor McCarthy at gac@valdostachamber.com, or call 247-8100, Ext. 237. Caption: Former U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss expected for "An Insider's Look at Washington, D.C." April 5 VALDOSTA, GA – The Valdosta- Lowndes Chamber of Commerce co-hosted the 2016 Meet the Candidates event last night along with the HomeBuilders Association of South Georgia and the Valdosta Board of REALTORS®.
Candidates running for office in the upcoming general election had the opportunity to share their platforms with over 150 in attendance at Mathis City Auditorium. The evening began with a “meet and greet” where voters could pick up t-shirts, yard signs, and other promotional materials for the candidate or candidates of their choice. Members of the community were encouraged to vote in the upcoming election. Registration was made easy and available, for those not already registered, at the Board of Elections table before and after the program. Meet The Candidates is sponsored by the Chamber’s President's Partners. Media sponsors include: The Valdosta Daily Times and Talk 92.1. Please remember, Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, early voting is October 17- November 4, and the last day to register to vote in the November elections is October 11. VALDOSTA, GA – A small group of entrepreneurs and small business owners from the Valdosta- Lowndes County area met Thursday morning with U.S. Representative Austin Scott at the Chamber of Commerce.
Congressman Scott used this opportunity to listen and discuss how the federal government can further assist the small business owners and entrepreneurs. A recurring theme during the discussion was finances: financing as it applies to employer provided insurance for employees, financing for not for profit businesses, and financing for extended education for small business owners. Various business sectors were in attendance, bringing to the table for discussion a number of sources on the improvements and concerns of entrepreneurs such as solar energy source manufacturers, non-profit organizations, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, architecture and business development and consulting firms. Congressman Scott strongly advocates for small business and understands what business owners put on the line for their businesses every day. “It’s always great to be in Valdosta and to visit with our local innovators and small business people. Our community is full of entrepreneurs with ambition and ideas that will grow our economy. They just need the federal government to stay out of their way so they can succeed. I will continue to work to reduce burdensome regulations and help create a climate where businesses in the Eighth District, and across the United States, can thrive,” said Congressman Scott. If you would like more information on Congressman Austin Scott please visit https://austinscott.house.gov/. |
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