Three-Year Local Legislative Agenda
2012-2014
Public Policy Council Goal
“Our commitment is to be recognized as the
local business advocate
in the legislative process, serving as
the local support
for a business friendly environment
and promoting
tourism in Habersham County.”
The Habersham County Chamber of Commerce works closely with local governments and our elected leadership in Habersham County. This close working relationship helps us all assure that the business
climate at the local level remains positive and supportive for quality growth and a thriving economy.
A highly successful Partnership for Growth initiative, sponsored by the Chamber, has resulted in productive collaborative ventures among officials in the seven municipalities and the county government.
The following position statements have been adopted by the Board of Directors of the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce as priority issues of importance to the business members of this organization. This now becomes the Three-Year Local Legislative Agenda and will be presented to city and county elected leaders for support and assistance.
Economic Development
The chamber supports and advocates for policies and initiatives which will further diversify our economy while building upon the success we have as a tourist and visitor destination.
We support:
- A community vision for economic and community development in partnership with Habersham County, its cities and other strategic partners.
- The Habersham County Chamber of Commerce serving as a change leader by fostering collaborative events for the representatives of county government and the seven municipalities.
- Promoting and marketing our county as a tourism destination.
- Local incentive packages to attract new industry.
- A camera-ready community to attract movie making in Habersham County.
- Partnering with North Georgia Technical College and Piedmont College in the implementation of the Business Resource Center.
- The passage of critical special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) events which promote and support education and economic development activities in the county.
- Local governance of issues specifically related to Habersham County as opposed to state direction.
We oppose:
- The Georgia Department of Community Health incentive program for out-of-state, mail-order drugs. This will take away business from local pharmacies and take taxes from the local communities.
- Any activity that would be a deterrent to the recruitment and or sustainability of business in Habersham County.
Government Affairs
The Habersham County Chamber of Commerce, as a third-party entity serving the entire county, is committed to bringing together elected officials of Habersham County and its seven municipalities, along with business leaders, to help unify and move the county forward as a team for economic growth and development.
We support:
- The Habersham Partnership for Growth meetings in which elected officials from the county and the seven local municipalities collaborate to find solutions to issues that can impact the community for generations to come.
- The active participation of citizens in hearings and other activities which impact business and growth (such as meetings of the county and municipalities).
- Activities and strategies such as Habersham County Day at the Capitol, Leadership Habersham Day at the Capitol, Youth Leadership Habersham Day at the Capitol, and legislative events which provide opportunities for community members to view the legislative process and present information about the needs and desires of our community.
- The establishment and implementation of the Youth Leadership Junior Board which will become involved in the Board meeting and Chamber functions for the purpose of learning about how the Chamber impacts the activities of the community.
Planning and Development
Exceptional planning and development leads to positive, quality growth and ultimately increased property values and a high quality of life. The Habersham Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting these factors at the local level.
The Habersham Chamber will serve as the nucleus for bringing together different municipalities, entities, and segments of the county for integrated comprehensive planning and development. The Chamber is also actively involved in joint planning meetings with county government and the representatives from the seven local municipalities.
The Habersham Chamber hosts an Annual Legislative Meeting. It also sponsors the Partnership for Growth activities for county government and local municipality representatives.
We support:
- Implementation of the County’s 20-year Comprehensive Plan with modifications as indicated over time.
- Involvement of the Chamber in endorsing critical activities and events which will impact the community.
Hospitality / Tourism
As the County’s largest business organization engaged in the promotion, marketing and development of the area, the chamber advocates a strong partnership with the cities and county marketing and promoting the community as a great travel site for tourists.
The Chamber, serving as the local Convention Visitor Bureau (CVB), supports and implements programs/activities to attract tourists to the area.
We support:
- County funding for a CVB Director dedicated to promoting tourism in Habersham County.