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Blogs with the Topics 'General Blog'
Business organizations take a stance ACI, U.S. Chamber of Commerce lobby to resolve key issues
As part of the growing commitment to governmental affairs and issue advocacy, the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce (GLCCC) publishes a Governmental Affairs Positions page. This feature highlights positions taken by the Chamber as well as the Association of Commerce & Industry (ACI) – which serves as the state chamber of commerce – and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
ACI takes positions of importance to the statewide business community while the U.S. Chamber addresses national business issues, and, often, the GLCCC takes similar positions. However, GLCCC positions must be specifically authorized by the Chamber Board of Directors.
Federal land management
Federal natural resource policies that guide the management of public lands have substantial impacts on local and regional economies, particularly in the western United States. Efforts to limit uses of federal lands and forests have adversely restricted the effective maintenance and use of public lands and the economies of communities in these areas.
Moreover, at a time when the nation needs to increase domestic energy production, vast stretches of public lands and offshore holdings with important energy, mineral and timber resources are unavailable. As part of a strong national energy policy, all opportunities to harness the energy potential of the Outer Continental Shelf should be explored and energy resources on public lands should be developed to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign sources of petroleum and natural gas.
These policies have distressed communities in areas with large tracts of public lands. For example, since the early 1900s, receipts from timber harvested on federal lands have funded school districts in forested communities. Consequently, efforts to restrict timber activities have greatly reduced education funding for many rural schools.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly advocates for the multiple use of federal lands, from environmentally compatible economic activities to recreation and conservation.This includes encouragement of strategies designed to achieve appropriate long-term forest and public land management policies. The Chamber supports the full implementation of current forest plans and efforts to continue the timber sales program of the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, and opposes efforts to eliminate road construction in sections of national forests and restrict cattle grazing on public lands.
U.S. Chamber Strategy
Ensure that public lands are managed for multiple uses, including recreation and mineral resources and the maximum public benefit.
Advocate that, as part of a strong national energy policy, energy resources on both public lands and in offshore holdings be developed to reduce the United States’ reliance on foreign sources of petroleum and natural gas.
Local leaders speak about regional partnerships and growth
The Las Cruces region strives to improve the educational experience available to students, and local leaders will discuss the recent successes and upcoming opportunities at the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce’s annual Education Update Luncheon, sponsored by Comcast, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19, at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road.
Speakers for the luncheon include New Mexico State University President Barbara Couture, Doña Ana Community College President Margie Huerta and Las Cruces Public Schools Associate Superintendent Steven Sanchez.
They will speak about the growth of area facilities to address the needs of the growing community, as well as the collaboration between their organizations to improve the quality of the regional workforce.
Earlier this month, Brenda DannMessier, assistant secretary for the Office of Vocational and Adult Education, visited Las Cruces to take tours and hold discussions at Early College High School and the Doña Ana Community College Workforce Center. The focus of Dann-Messier’s visit was on the region’s successful partnerships among preK-12 schools, postsecondary institutions and businesses and how those programs can be applied to other areas.
The event is the second in the Chamber’s Membership Update Luncheon series, which consists of six luncheons on key sectors of the Las Cruces economy. Other luncheons in the series will highlight the commercial spaceflight industry, area military matters and an address from the governor.
The Education Update Luncheon is sponsored by Comcast, U.S. Bank, New Mexico State University, Gerald Martin, Las Cruces Public Schools, NMSU Athletics and The Las Cruces Bulletin.
Other sponsorship opportunities are still available for the event. For more information on sponsorships, call Shannez Dudelczyk, Chamber revenue development director, at 524-1968 or email shannezd@lascruces.org.Registration for the Education Update Luncheon is $20 for Chamber members or $40 for nonmembers. For reservations, call the Chamber office at 524-1968, email relo@lascruces.org or register online at www. lascruces.org.
This month’s cover story highlights our recent lobbying trip to Washington, D.C. I want to provide you with a little more information on the final meeting of the trip – with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The U.S. Chamber certainly is at odds with most of the decisions coming out of the White House these days – which is conveniently located directly across the park from the Chamber’s office. While I don’t personally agree with all of their positions, it is comforting to know we have a group that keeps its eye on any issues that impact business.
One area of focus for me this year was to better leverage our relationship with the U.S. Chamber. It’s kind of funny, because in this instance, I (on behalf of you) am the member, and I want to know, “what’s in it for me” to be part of the Chamber.
Last year, a couple of us met with their Vice President for Small Business for an hour. It was very interesting, but I hoped for something different – something more – this year.
One offer available to us was what they refer to as a Washington Fly-In Briefing Program, where we could schedule a one-hour session with three policy experts who would provide all the background information and legislative updates on areas important to our region.
This time, four of us heard from experts on small business, defense and agriculture. The briefing actually lasted well longer than one hour and, in addition to coming away with information on what is happening in Washington and how it may impact us in New Mexico, we came away with a couple of contacts I believe will help our members this year. There will be more to come on this in the near future.
One of our main focuses is advocacy for the business community in Doña Ana County. I think that is evident when you consider all the effort – both from staff and volunteers – that takes place locally, with our Issues & Government Affairs and Military Affairs committees and events like Thanks Team WSMR; at the state level with our relationship with the Association of Commerce and Industry and Las Cruces Day in Santa Fe; and nationally with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and our annual lobbying trip to Washington, D.C.
We are looking for ways to better inform and serve you, our members, and ensure this area is on par with the networking, education and marketing opportunities we provide as part of your investment in the Chamber.
Bill Allen, President/CEO
Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce
Chamber advocates for area economy
Members of the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to lobby for local military installations and pursue economic development.
The trip was a joint venture with the Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance (MVEDA) and several Chamber member organizations. This marks the seventh year the two organizations have participated in the advocacy trip led by Chamber President/CEO Bill Allen and MVEDA President/CEO Davin Lopez.
The group met each day with leaders at the Pentagon, Army Test and Evaluation, NASA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as well as senators and congressmen from the Las Cruces and El Paso area. During evenings, meetings were held with businesses considering Las Cruces for their expansion and future projects.
“It’s important to have a consistent appearance before these leaders, showing that we have an ever-changing agenda of items and that we are welcome to ideas on how to improve our community,” said Bill Connor, chair of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee. “In our meetings, we were able to show that we are a community that feels strongly about our (military) bases and what the Department of Defense is doing in the region enough to come out and ask what we as a community can do to make sure they are successful.”
The major topics of discussion during the trip were based on the future of local military installations – White Sands Missile Range, Holloman Air Force Base and Fort Bliss – along with the NASA facility at White Sands. Future funding and the potential of a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) from the Department of Defense, along with their effects on the economy of the region were key issues addressed throughout the week.
Although it will be some time before the results of the trip can be seen, Connor said he was pleased the Joint Land Use Study for southern New Mexico and El Paso County will begin with a kickoff meeting on Wednesday, April 4. The purpose of the study is to look at areas of growth in the region, and develop recommendations to minimize the potential of encroachment, while at the same time improving the potential for mission growth.
“It was enlightening to see the joint efforts of MVEDA and the Chamber, who complement one another in their passion and dedication to bringing new businesses into the region and creating and retaining jobs in Doña Ana County,” said Savonne Griffin, Chamber board member and chair of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Division.
Other attendees included Kiel Hoffman of Pioneer Bank, Richard Haas of Steve Newby Architects & Associates, Keith Beck of Jacobs Technology, Brett Beckett of Coas Bookstores, Ben Woods of New Mexico State University and John Hummer of Steinborn & Associates Real Estate, who serve as board members and volunteers for the Chamber and MVEDA.
The sponsors for the Washington Lobbying Trip were Steve Newby Architects & Associates, Las Cruces Public Schools, New Mexico State University and Jacobs Technology.
For more information about the Chamber’s lobbying and advocacy efforts, call the Chamber office at 524-1968.
Southern New Mexico’s premier leadership program, Leadership Las Cruces, is now accepting applications for the 2012 program and are available by clicking here. Applications for the 2012 class must be received at the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce office, 760 W. Picacho Ave., by 5 p.m. Friday, February 3, 2012.
Leadership Las Cruces, sponsored by Memorial Medical Center, is comprised of nine day-long training sessions held once a month from March through November. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the industries and organizations that make up the economic engine of the Mesilla Valley through presentations, field trips and hands-on experience in areas such as state and local government, health care, community topics, agriculture, education, military and economic development.
Candidates for the Leadership Las Cruces program are selected from professional, educational, governmental, nonprofit and business sectors within the Las Cruces and Doña Ana County area. The class size for each year is limited to 28 participants. An individual must apply in order to participate in the program. The goal of the program is to find individuals who have an interest in becoming more involved with the community and are interested in becoming more effective leaders.
The 2012 Leadership program begins with orientation in March and will continue throughout the year until graduation in November. Classes are generally held between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on the third Friday of each month.
Tuition for the class is $900 and includes all materials, meals and travel. Advance notice will be given of any additional expense. Payment must be received prior to the first session as to ensure participation in the program. Due to advance planning requirements of the program, no refunds will be given after the first program day. Three $600 scholarships are available to applicants from charitable nonprofit organizations and local small businesses.
For additional information, contact Communication and Leadership Director Joel Courtney at 524-1968 or jcourtney@lascruces.org
