Billings Chamber/CVB Priority Issues for 2008-09

Continuing its commitment to a healthy business climate and community, the Billings Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau has determined its 2008-2009 priority issues. These critical strategic issues were decided after meetings, surveys, and discussions between the Billings Chamber/CVB Board of Directors, members, and staff. These issues are the newly adopted focuses of the organization for the next year and in some cases, beyond.

The Billings Chamber/CVB is an organization that plays a vital role in maintaining a vibrant business climate in the Billings’ community. Membership dollars not only go to help members with networking, leadership and education needs, but these membership dollars also play a critical role in the government affairs functions of the association. The months ahead are particularly important since the 2009 Legislative Session will convene in Helena in January 2009. Billings Chamber/CVB President and CEO John Brewer says, “We are working on very aggressive agenda for Billings’ future. These strategic focus areas come at a time when Billings is primed for growth and opportunity. We need to be mindful of how that growth occurs and what we do with opportunities as they present themselves. These priorities keep us future-focused and aligned with our mission.”

As the Billings Chamber/CVB prepares the 2009 Legislative priorities, it is also gearing up for several trips to Helena. While these trips will be business focused, staff members have come up with a creative way to be sure to continue the laugh factor stated in the organization’s mission and vision. Trips planned west to the Legislative Session will be affectionately referred to as excursions to Camp Helena! Members are invited to don their Bermuda shorts, Ray-Bans, and white zinc-oxide sunscreen and jump on the Camp Helena bus with Government Affairs Director, Bruce MacIntyre. If you are interested in getting more involved in the Legislative process, contact Bruce at 254-4111 or bruce@billingschamber.com.



Here’s a closer look at the Billings Chamber/CVB strategic issues for 2008-2009.

Local Option Tax… An Opportunity Tax
The Billings Chamber/CVB believes it is important to build consensus for a tax reform plan that will be acceptable to both urban and rural legislators. The Chamber/CVB will promote this plan with other Chambers in the state of Montana who will in turn reach out to their respective memberships and communities for support. This support will be for a taxing authority which would be implemented by local governments for a specific purpose. The bill would contain property tax relief as well as a sunset provision.

Legislative Leadership
The Billings Chamber/CVB understands the importance of each of Montana’s legislative sessions and works to take a positive leadership role as lawmakers prepare to assemble and convene. Therefore, Legislative Leadership is a priority. The Billings Chamber/CVB’s staff will focus on several legislative matters in including tax increment financing districts, incumbent worker training grants, and affordable housing credits. The Chamber/CVB will maintain a constant presence during the upcoming session. The Billings Chamber/CVB is one of only a few Chambers’ of Commerce in Montana that employs a full-time position dedicated solely to Government Affairs. Government Affairs Director, Bruce MacIntyre will continue to build and nurture coalitions to promote issues and defend positions at the state Capital.


K-12 Education
From workforce to relocation, education affects all aspects of a community, its economy, and overall business climate. Looking at the education priorities for the Billings Chamber/CVB for Fiscal Year 2008-2009, the organization will: promote increased, responsible education funding at the state level; evaluate School District #2’s budget, making any necessary recommendations to the District and the Chamber/CVB membership; and support a 2009 mill levy, if appropriate. The Billings Chamber/CVB will also work to develop a process for ongoing communications with the Billings’ community on education funding complexities, as well as develop and promote a positive face of education. Finally, encouraging local businesses to work with and support local education through programs like Partners in Education will also be a focus.

Transportation
Shiloh Road
The Billings Chamber/CVB recognizes the significance of the Shiloh Economic Corridor. The Board and staff will continue to monitor and encourage development of this major thoroughfare as quickly as possible. This process will begin with the continued encouragement of landowners to settle right-of-way issues by August 2008 to make sure the project stays on track. Simultaneously, the Billings Chamber/CVB is also working with Montana’s Federal delegation to address funding needs to ensure construction begins early in the 2009 construction season.

Air Service
Billings’ air service is essential to the local economy. With challenging marketplace conditions and stresses on the airline industry, the Chamber/CVB believes this is an area that needs support. The Chamber/CVB Board of Directors, staff and membership based committees will work to increase needed direct flights, achieve international designation for Logan Airport, and support other essential air service needs.


Brand Billings
The Chamber/CVB and our community partners will finalize the development of a community wide brand identity to be used for marketing Billings and creating a long-standing identity to: encourage business and individual relocation; recruit tourism activities; as well as build community pride. A sustainability plan will be developed and we will promote quality of life products that support the new brand.


Visitor Growth
Recognizing travel and tourism as a vital segment of the Billings economy we will grow our visitors and their spending. As the designated CVB for Billings we will work with our hotel/motel partners to build upon the solid partnership between the Chamber/CVB and the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID). Implementing a successful combined community plan will be top priority.


The Billings Chamber/CVB is an organization that directs its strengths toward the positive health and promotion of the Billings’ community. These 2008-2009 strategic priority issues will become the focus of thousands of employee hours. The organization has pride in its membership and the community and believes working hard to provide opportunities to live, work and play are crucial to the future of Billings.