The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce will advocate to elected leaders in the State of Maryland for policies that will create a vibrant economy. In that spirit, the Chamber will evaluate legislation based on the 5 elements of a vibrant economy:
The 5 elements of a vibrant economy:
- A competitive business climate
- A place to do business that is affordable, predictable, and ripe with incentives for growth
- A place where small businesses can start, thrive, and grow
- A place where regulatory obstacles do not interfere with private sector job growth
- A robust private sector environment that works in partnership with the public sector to spur innovation and produce collective problem-solving
- Strategic process for recruiting new employers to locate in Montgomery County and strengthening existing businesses
- Enhanced global-trade opportunities
- A vital comprehensive infrastructure through regional partnerships
How we plan to create a vibrant and sustainable economy:
GGCC will support both the Executive and Legislative branches of the State Government in creating a vibrant economy.
- Support adequate resources for the economic development efforts of the State including:
- Marketing the State as a place for businesses to locate.
- Assisting incoming and existing businesses in their efforts as they navigate a complex regulatory and permitting environment.
- Studying ways to improve the State’s business environment relative to other States and eliminating unnecessary burdens that interfere with business growth and expansion.
- Support legislation to lower the costs associated with doing business in Maryland.
- Support legislation to reduce the tax burden on businesses, particularly small and startup businesses.
- Support legislation creating strategic tax credit programs for high-tech, cutting edge, high-wage, and other industries which the State is looking to attract.
- Support legislation that strengthens investment in educational institutions to grow a local talent pool that will position our region to achieve further economic growth.
- Oppose legislation that will constrict private sector growth and development.
Specific Legislative Goals for 2015 With Regards to Montgomery County:
Education
- Support workforce development efforts to maintain and enhance the pipeline of highly trained, skilled workers in Montgomery County by supporting education programs and facilities in the County.
Land Use
- Support implementation of the Germantown Master Plan, the Great Seneca Science Corridor Master Plan and the Shady Grove Sector Master Plan.
- Monitor the progress of the Montgomery Village Master Plan and the East Gaithersburg Master Plan.
Infrastructure
- Support a State-County partnership to fund and build the Corridor Cities Transitway.
- Support County-wide Rapid-Transit system assuming that funding is not diverted from existing transportation priorities.
- Support the building of M-83.
The Chamber looks forward to being a part of a partnership between the private and public sector in implementing these suggested changes and finding common ground to create a vibrant and sustainable economy in Montgomery County.
Specific Legislative goals for 2015 with regards to the State of Maryland:
Education
- Support workforce development efforts to maintain and enhance the pipeline of highly trained, skilled workers in Montgomery County by supporting education programs and facilities in the County.
- Support funding for Montgomery College.
Health Care
- Support initiatives that expand access to insurance and care in Maryland.
- Support initiatives that will reduce overall health care spending.
Infrastructure
- Support a State-County partnership to fund and build the Corridor Cities Transitway.
- Support state funding for the Full Watkins Mill Interchange.
- Support increased capacity on I-270.
- Support efforts to encourage inter-jurisdictional cooperation to solve transit needs.
- Support MARC Commuter Service, as well as adequate parking facilities for MARC.
- Support initiatives aimed at significantly accelerating adoption of internet broadband access by customers, businesses, schools, and government enterprises.
The Chamber looks forward to being a part of a partnership between the private and public sector in implementing these suggested changes and finding common ground to create a vibrant and sustainable economy in Maryland.