OPPORTUNITY FOR TRCC MEMBERS TO MEET LEGISLATORS
By: Emily Dammeyer
On Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Chamber members had the opportunity to travel to Columbus for our annual luncheon with state legislators and policy makers in conjunction with the Ohio Chamber Annual Meeting. Members also had the chance to participate in Q & A Sessions with Former Speaker of the House John Boehner, Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) Chairman Andre Porter, and ODOT Director Jerry Wray.
This year, forty members attended the event and enjoyed lunch at the Athletic Club of Columbus with State Representatives Barbara Sears, Robert Sprague, Tim Brown, Michael Sheehy and Senator Randy Gardner. Attendees enjoyed lively conversations from current bills being worked on in the legislature to reminiscing about summers spent on the shores of Lake Erie.
Following lunch, members and representatives alike directed their attention to two featured speakers from the PUCO and ODOT who were brought in to elaborate on key issues and provide the opportunity for a Q & A session on specific updates.
Following lunch, members and representatives alike directed their attention to two featured speakers from the PUCO and ODOT who were brought in to elaborate on key issues and provide the opportunity for a Q & A session on specific updates.
State Representative Michael Sheehy shares a laugh with TRCC members.
First, PUCO Chairman Andre Porter joined the group and shared his thoughts on the electricity grid of tomorrow. His goal was to give the highlights on recent commission decisions and share the PUCO’s vision to address the needs and interests of both the consumers and the utilities industry in Ohio. He believes that the electricity grid of tomorrow will be very different and it is the mission of the PUCO to modernize the grid, make it more reliable, safe and cost effective. This transition will be very complex due to the dynamic energy landscape, but by focusing their efforts on three key priorities, the transition will be effective for all stakeholders. The three key priorities outlined were:
- Reliability and resource adequacy must be met by a diverse set of resources
- Customers must be engaged
- Technology needs to be used in a beneficial way
Next, ODOT director Jerry Wray lightened the mood by opening with, “ODOT doesn’t suck!” He shared anecdotes from working under two Ohio governors and his expert insights on infrastructure projects around the state. Easy access and direct navigation is critical to the success of businesses in our region. While inconvenience is high in our area due to a lot of projects currently underway, Wray stated that people prefer higher inconvenience for a shorter amount of time over the alternative of stretching projects out. His message was clear, “Communication is key and work zone safety is critical.” Taking a little extra time to navigate through work zones will keep the roadways clear of accidents and give workers the ability to continue to provide business with the added benefit of new infrastructure. Construction season is here and Wray couldn’t have been clearer, “Get your head out of your apps!” He is fully committed to ODOT’s mission of being a reliable, professional and highly productive program and encouraged feedback. When asked what takes so much time to complete some of these projects, he reflected that the time we see spent on the physical project on the roadways is nothing compared to the preparation and administrative time spent getting projects planned and approved. Each project must first be engineered and then approved by 24 different federal agencies. When this is considered, it is amazing that the Kasich administration has been able to invest $12.5 billion statewide in infrastructure.
At the conclusion of Wray’s presentation, members headed to the Ohio Chamber Annual Meeting, enjoyed an awards presentation and participated in an open discussion with charismatic Former Speaker John Boehner. Boehner shared his story, his thoughts on today’s political climate and his opinions on the future of America. He focused a considerable amount of time on issues right here at home in Ohio. “We have an environment in Ohio that lets anyone do whatever they want to do from pursuing education, innovating or climbing the business ladder.” His advice to members, “If you are going to live with yourself and be honest with yourself, then just BE yourself.”
It was a productive and exciting day for members and staff, who are already looking forward to next year’s event.
At the conclusion of Wray’s presentation, members headed to the Ohio Chamber Annual Meeting, enjoyed an awards presentation and participated in an open discussion with charismatic Former Speaker John Boehner. Boehner shared his story, his thoughts on today’s political climate and his opinions on the future of America. He focused a considerable amount of time on issues right here at home in Ohio. “We have an environment in Ohio that lets anyone do whatever they want to do from pursuing education, innovating or climbing the business ladder.” His advice to members, “If you are going to live with yourself and be honest with yourself, then just BE yourself.”
It was a productive and exciting day for members and staff, who are already looking forward to next year’s event.
Photo Gallery
The Advocacy and Public Policy (APP) department at the TRCC is committed to supporting good government through legislative advocacy. This is vital to safeguarding and fostering a pro-business environment that encourages job creation in the Toledo Region. The APP does this by identifying, researching and representing you on the issues, mandates and regulations that will affect your business. The Chamber also gives you a voice by creating opportunities for you to interact with elected officials at all levels. Day in Columbus is an annual opportunity for members to interact with key policy makers. If you have a problem or legislative issue you need help with, feel free to reach out to Brian Dicken, Vice President, Advocacy and Public Policy
Presenting sponsor – AT&T
Silver sponsors – Ohio Council of Community Schools and Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick
Bronze sponsor – American Structurepoint
Presenting sponsor – AT&T
Silver sponsors – Ohio Council of Community Schools and Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick
Bronze sponsor – American Structurepoint
Do you have a story or would you like to feature something exciting happening in your business? Please contact Emily Dammeyer, Communications Manager, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.
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