News & Events
Chamber Board Endorses South Carolina Chamber’s 2008 Agenda
Laurens County, SC - The final meeting of the 2007 Chamber Board of Directors became another historic event when the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Board passed a Resolution in support of the South Carolina Chamber's 2008 Legislative Agenda. Drafted with the express purpose of protecting and enhancing the counties business climate, the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce released today a comprehensive legislative agenda and resolution addressing local, state and federal issues. Additionally Laurens County has set the example for other chambers across the state with their aggressive and pro-active involvement with shaping the 2008 Legislative session.
"Business advocacy is a core function of the Chamber, and it is one of the primary things we do to help create a business-friendly environment for our member companies and the larger business community, which includes all working men and women," said Dr. Bud Marchant, Chairman of the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce Board and vice-president of educational affairs at Piedmont Technical College.
After having an unusually successful year in 2007 the chamber aimed their sights to the future. "Of the seven points we had last year we achieved six during the legislative session and saw the seventh come in time for the holidays," said Scott Tollison, the vice-chair of the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee.
Workforce Development, Tax Reform, Economic Development, Immigration Reform, Affordable Health Care, and tourism investment, are among some of the key issues in which the Chamber seeks to provide advocacy with elected officials on behalf of its nearly 500 members and their collective 20,000 employees. Chamber leadership released the agenda at their final Board meeting of 2007.
"We cover a broad range of topics and issues in this years agenda -- everything from early childhood education to funding long overdue infrastructure projects," said Rob Clapper, the Chamber's president and CEO. "Some things have a direct and immediate impact on business. Some things reflect longer-term priorities. We have to consider both to maintain the type of pro-business climate that allows businesses, both large and small, and the areas economy to grow."
The Chamber's position on some of the key local, state and federal issues in its 2007 Legislative Agenda are provided in this release. The Full agenda can be read on the chamber of commerce website.
