Chamber Hosts Legislative Preview

Contact:
Jessica M.L. Thompson, Communications Director
270-781-3200; jessica@bgchamber.com

BOWLING GREEN, KY-In support of its legislative action efforts, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce held a Legislative Preview today, cosponsored by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and Bob Evans Restaurant.  Kentucky State Representatives Jim DeCesare, Jody Richards and Wilson Stone were the speakers for the event, along with Mike Ridenour, vice president of public affairs for the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

This event, coordinated by the Chamber's Legislative Action Committee, provides Chamber partners with a face-to-face meeting with state legislators. The Bowling Green and Kentucky Chambers organize this event to support the Bowling Green Chamber's legislative efforts and to share the Kentucky Chamber's legislative agenda.

Todd Davis, 2009 chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors, was pleased with the event. "We're grateful to Representatives DeCesare, Richards and Stone for taking the time to speak to our Chamber partners about the current legislative session. They all gave us great insight as to the happenings in Frankfort and what we can expect to see this year."

Davis opened the event by discussing the Chamber's legislative agenda. Representatives DeCesare,  Richards and Stone spoke about the current legislative session and answered questions from the crowd. Each representative presented a preview of what topics he expects to be of issue in the legislative session. Collectively, these issues include the state budget and the current economy, the proposed cigarette tax, the gasoline tax, education, agriculture and video gaming.

Ridenour outlined the Kentucky Chamber's goals for the 2009 legislative session, which include initiatives to help Kentucky make progress, even during tough economic times. Bold Steps to Advance Kentucky, the organization's recently released 2009 business agenda, emphasizes the importance of improving the education attainment level of Kentuckians and addressing other key areas to ensure that Kentucky has a vibrant business environment.

"The Chamber thanks the Kentucky Chamber and our breakfast sponsor Bob Evans Restaurant for their support in making today's event possible," said Davis.

Insight Communications will replay the Legislative Preview on Insight Channel 5 during the following schedule:

Thursdays, January 15 and 22, 9:30 a.m.
Saturdays, January 17 and 24, at 10:30 a.m.
Sundays, January 18 and 25, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesdays, January 20 and 27, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays, January 21 and 28, 6:30 p.m.

The Chamber thanks Insight Communications for replaying the Legislative Preview.

Incorporated in 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is the driving force for economic development in South Central Kentucky. As one of only 336 chambers nationwide to be accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the fourth largest chamber in Kentucky, the Chamber serves as a premier business advocate for its more than 1,300 partners. Its primary goals are to promote growth and success in the business community, reaching its small business partners and those in large industries alike. With leadership programs, governmental relations projects, educational initiatives and involvement opportunities, the Chamber aims to support the community and its neighbors in order to enhance the business climate and continue to grow the region.