2007 GOALS - Continued...

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND ADVOCACY

This division provides leadership, support, oversight, facilitation, or participation in regional initiatives and in the development of public policy positions.

Legislative Affairs Goals: The Chamber will continue to monitor federal, state, and local legislation, meet with elected officials and their staffs on regional needs, and advocate for results consistent with Chamber priorities and beneficial to the business community. The Chamber will work with its members to deliver a pro-business position on federal, state, and local issues. The Chamber will hold its annual legislative meeting with members of the General Assembly and will participate in Chamber Day at the Capitol.

Military Affairs Council Goals: The Military Affairs Council will build tighter relationships with regional military installations, the defense industry and the community in order to support those military facilities. The Chamber will continue to educate the community about the technological and economic contributions of the defense industry and will keep state and federal legislators abreast of developments in that sector. The Chamber will advocate for mission and infrastructure improvements at area military bases, and will work to improve communication between the installations and local governments regarding community impact issues. The Chamber will host or participate in events such as installation tours, quarterly meetings, and Military Appreciation Day.

Multi-modal Transportation Network Goals: The Chamber will continue to push for a regional multi-modal transportation network, support the Public Private Transportation Act; and will discuss regional transportation needs with federal, state, and local elected officials. The Transportation Action Committee will discuss methods to improve the region’s transportation network, and will host a Transportation Forum to discuss options and develop goals. The Chamber will continue to communicate with members of local and state government and the public about the need for transportation tools such as passenger rail, freight rail, bus service, air service, and road improvements.

Regional Tourism Goals: The Chamber will support initiatives, including the formation of a stronger regional program to improve tourism opportunities. The Chamber will continue supporting the work of the Fredericksburg Regional Hospitality Council and Fredericksburg Area Tourism. The Chamber will provide information and marketing opportunities to the hospitality industry, push for higher per diem rates for the entire region and advocate for new highway signage.