The Year Ahead
Why is it that with the ringing in of a new decade I feel a befuddling sense of anxiety? Could it be a vague expectation of something bigger, better, greater? I navigate through these thoughts with calm resolve and welcome the challenges we’re sure to be faced with. In fact, I expect to be tested and am bound and determined to learn, grow, and improve along the way. I’m confident in knowing there are gifted leaders among us, highly capable innovative minds and achievers. It’s why I remain optimistic and excited to get started.
With a new year, and a new decade, comes new beginnings. My hope is you’ll be inspired to make a difference by getting involved in your Chamber. Ahead of us are vast issues of interest to our members that we’ll be studying, discussing, and ones which demand your attention.
I have seen how public policy has a direct impact on your bottom line, and your ability to do what you do best – innovate, create good jobs and good workplace benefits, provide a great service and product. It’s critical that we not only monitor, study, and submit testimony on your behalf, but that our members stay informed and make an effort to reach out themselves to government representatives and elected officials. Your participation does matter. If you have an interest or think you could benefit from being more engaged, let us know so we can add you to a committee mail list, and so we can keep you in mind as opportunities to engage arise.
The Chamber’s Economic Development Council has articulated a Policy Agenda to guide these efforts. They encompass workforce development, affordable housing, public transportation, regulation, land use, infrastructure, amenities and assets. Our Economic Development, Government Issues, and Education Committees are all highly engaged in this work, as are staff, and we hope you’ll find some time to join us for one of the many informational programs we’ll organize, or dig in deeper with us at one of our committee meetings (see Springfield Chamber Economic Development).
Local policy issues and ballot measures we’ll keep an eye on are the Lane Community College bond measure and the possible emergence of a revised Lane County Courthouse bond. Another is the Lane County Climate Action Plan, LTD Transit Tomorrow, and the City of Springfield’s Development Code Update. Our Government Issues and Economic Development Committees will be scheduling presentations and engaging in dialogue around these and other topics of interest as they arise.
The state legislature will convene for short session beginning in February. Generally, the short session is viewed as a time to consider “fixes” to legislation passed in the long session or to make budget adjustments. Bigger legislative policy decisions loom however – a carbon tax, changes to independent contractor laws, and higher education funding – and we’re keeping an eye on the ball through our state-wide association, the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce (OSCC). I have found this organization to be a highly effective resource when it comes to staying apprised of legislation and excited to serve as Chair to the OSCC board this year.
On another note, there will be a growing buzz around the Springfield-Eugene River District developments and the World Athletics (Track & Field) Championships coming in 2021, and there will be plenty of opportunities to think together on how to promote Springfield to a world audience and our businesses across the region to visitors. But this summer, we’ll get a taste and trial (so to speak) during the Olympic Trials to be held at the all-new Hayward Field. Keep an eye out for information on the Trials and the signature ancillary RaceWalk event hosted in Springfield for the first time. We’ve already begun thinking on ways to capitalize on the event, and your ideas on how we can support your making the most of the opportunity are welcome. Join us at Swallowtail Spirits on Main Street in Springfield next Tuesday, January 7th at 6pm for a Downtown Meetup with the City to learn more.
Your 2020 Chamber beginnings start today, and I have three recommendations to kick it off right.
First, inquire with staff about your best-fit Chamber Committee, and ask to be added to the committee mail list. Or, set up a one-on-one consultation with any one of us to talk about how you can get involved, make a difference, and get the most out of your chamber membership.
Then, attend the Springfield Mayor’s State of the City address on January 13th from 5:30pm at Springfield City Hall. Mayor Lundberg will speak to a number of milestones achieved in our business and our community. Expect to hear first-hand about a couple of important and exciting endeavors in store for Springfield.
Finally, come out for the Chamber’s 70th Annual Banquet on Friday, January 17th from 5:30pm to 9:00pm at LCC Center for Learning. Come ready to enjoy an evening celebrating excellence in business and community with over 300 of your best and brightest colleagues and peers.
Our promise is to bring forth compelling and valuable content to inform and educate our members about issues and opportunities that ensure our healthy business climate and economic competitiveness. We’ll endeavor to identify issues before they find their way to your doorstep. I invite you to do the same, and to let us know if you have a concern or an idea you’re noodling on that the Chamber might work on.
I look forward to making the most of 2020 together with you, and most of all, hearing of your success.
