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Roanoke Regional Chamber approves 2018 Legislative Agenda

Chamber ArenaAfter much collaboration with business leaders, community organizations, and industry representatives, the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present its 2018 Legislative Agenda.

This year’s legislative agenda reflects the Chamber’s mission to promote, stimulate and improve business by building upon recent efforts and introducing new goals that represent the region’s evolving economy.

Notably, the legislative agenda addresses our growing research and technology industry, emphasizes economic and workforce development initiatives that enhance health care, research, and life sciences clusters, and focuses on transportation projects to improve I-81, the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, and connectivity throughout Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

The Chamber continues to advocate for the GO Virginia initiative, mental health services, Certificate of Public Need (COPN) reform, expansion of workforce training, and safe development of cost effective, traditional, and renewable energy sources.

The Roanoke Regional Chamber is proud to serve as the voice of the region’s business community. We welcome ideas and feedback on public policy that may impact your business. To share your thoughts or to become more involved with the Chamber’s advocacy committees, email Rebekah Gunn at RGunn@RoanokeChamber.org.

Click here to read the Chamber’s full legislative agenda.

In case you missed it

Success in credentials grant program: Governor McAuliffe recently reported on the success of the New Economy Workforce Credentials Grant program, legislation that we ardently supported. In its first year, the program enabled 2,173 Virginian to receive credentials, licenses and certifications, representing more than half of the 4,268 total credentials issued through Virginia’s Community Colleges. Click here to read more.

CNBC Ranks Virginia in Top Ten for Business: In its most recent scorecard, CNBC ranked Virginia the 7th best state to do business. This is a significant improvement from the Commonwealth’s 2016 ranking as #13. CNBC considers factors, such as cost of doing business, workforce, quality of life, and technology and innovation in its methodology. Click here for more information on the study.

Virginia moves forward with FirstNet: Governor McAuliffe signed a letter of intent with FirstNet and AT&T in a step toward implementing wireless broadband for Virginia’s public safety personnel. Through this development, our fire, police, EMS, and emergency management crews will have access to a highly secure broadband network that will allow them to communicate more efficiently in emergency situations. To learn more, click here.

Chamber Hires New Vice President of Public Policy & Strategic Issues

Rebekah Gunn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from North Carolina State University. Prior to joining the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, she was employed as the Associate Director of Development and Director of Social Media for North Cross School. Rebekah relocated to Roanoke from Raleigh in 2015, where she served as Manager of External Relations and Assistant to the Chief of Staff for Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest.

Rebekah is actively involved with the Junior League of Roanoke Valley and Second Presbyterian Church. She and her husband, Daniel, enjoy spending time outdoors with their dog, Cam.

CHAMBER NEWS

Chamber Newsletter July 2017

From new members to upcoming events, check out our latest newsletter to see what’s happening at your Chamber. Special thanks to our July 2017 Chamber Newsletter sponsor the Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center.

If you’re interested in sponsoring this monthly newsletter, please contact Starr Anderson at SAnderson@RoanokeChamber.org or 540.983.0700 x106.

CHAMBER NEWS

Workforce Unlimited wins 1st place Best Places to Work

WorkForce Unlimited, a full-service employment firm, won 1st Place Best Places to Work in the 50-149 Employee Category. The award was given by the Triad Business Journal.

“We are extremely proud of being named as the Best Place to Work in our employee size category”, said Mike Brannock, CEO of WorkForce Unlimited.  “Our employees are our greatest asset and this recognition is a reflection of the investment we make in them and our company.”

Headquartered in Mount Airy, North Carolina, WorkForce Unlimited was founded in 1987 by Teresa Lewis. With 13 offices in North Carolina and Virginia, WorkForce Unlimited employs 83 full time staff and 1750 contract employees.

CHAMBER NEWS