The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce strives to be the voice of business on a local, state, and federal level. As a result, the Chamber convenes the Governmental Affairs Task Force each year to create the Chamber’s Legislative Agenda. The process began this year with a Chamber survey to determine the critical issues of the membership. The Task Force then convened four times this fall to hear from experts in each of these priority areas including tax modernization, job creation, regulatory reform, healthcare, education, and transportation. The effort resulted in the 2013 State Legislative Agenda which was approved by the Chamber Board on November 27, 2012.
Now that the Task Force has met and the Legislative Agenda has been completed, the Chamber will make sure Raleigh hears about WNC business’s top priorities. This will first occur during the Chamber’s Annual Legislative Luncheon. This event provides an opportunity for sharing priorities with the NC House and Senate members from Western North Carolina before the start of the upcoming session. The event is open to all Chamber members and will take place on Friday, January 25 from noon until 1:30 pm at the Lioncrest on Biltmore. You can attend the event by registering here.
However, the Chamber’s advocacy does not stop with the Luncheon. The Chamber staff is on the ground and in the halls representing your business at the General Assembly. This aids in our ability to develop relationships and keep you informed on important issues.
The Chamber has also partnered with six other chambers in the region for the annual legislative visit to Raleigh. The event includes the Haywood Chamber, Black Mountain Chamber, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber, Cashiers Chamber, Madison County Chamber, and Henderson County Chamber. The partnership continues to grow and this only helps strengthen the region’s business voice. This year’s visit is being planned now and will take place on March 12 & 13. If you would like to join this trip please contact Jeff Joyce at jjoyce@ashevillechamber.org.
Please contact Jeff Joyce with any legislative issues at 828-258-6122.