The GCP and its partner organizations represent the interests of more than 17,000 businesses in Northeast Ohio. We share a common vision for accelerating economic growth and increasing regional prosperity. While we are concerned about the unprecedented economic challenges that will unfold throughout the next two years, we are confident that our Public Policy Agenda, representing the “one voice” of our members, will help elected officials and public-sector leaders marshal the resources to respond effectively to these challenges.
Advance Small Business Success
Small businesses account for a very large percentage of job creation possibilities in northeast Ohio. The GCP, working closely with our small business partner – the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE)– supports focusing upon five crucial areas aimed at helping small business grow. Those areas include health care, affordable energy, worker’s compensation, investing in small businesses and fair tax policies.
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Accelerate Economic Inclusion
The GCP is strongly dedicated to encouraging growth among minority-owned businesses. Helping these businesses flourish and create jobs benefits everyone in our community. One specific program supported by GCP – The Minority Business Accelerator 2.5+ - focuses upon helping expand African-American and Hispanic-owned businesses in northeast Ohio that have annual revenues of at least $2.5 million.
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Build a High-Impact, Sustainable Economic Development System
Whether it be at city hall, the statehouse or the nation’s capital, the GCP intelligently and persistently advocates a pro-business, pro-job creation, pro-economic growth agenda. argues the case for northeast Ohio businesses. We have many specific missions including:
- Seeking state fiscal responsibility that is fair to business
- Helping to ensure a balanced relationship between business and labor.
- Opposing anti-business legislation such as the Employee Free Choice Act, which would make it easier for unions to organize the workplace.
- Advocating for the environmental protection of Lake Erie – a huge economic asset to our region.
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Change the Face of Cleveland
We sometimes call for change, but not for the sake of change itself. We carefully analyze needs and projects that are designed to help make greater Cleveland more economically competitive. To that end, we are focused on promoting the swift completion of crucial improvements such as the repair or replacement of the Inner Belt Bridge and the construction of Opportunity Corridor – which would provide more efficient access to a dynamic economic incubator and job-creator, University Circle.
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Strengthen Global Connections
The GCP also is targeting international opportunities for growth, by capitalizing on greater Cleveland’s strong assets in the trade and commerce industry.
Cleveland’s central location and its port help position it for more global connections. The GCP supports the continued development of the port and is a strong proponent for the long-term vitality of our region’s air service. Our global goals for greater Cleveland actually extend beyond planet Earth.
We are unyielding advocates for the preservation and expansion of the NASA Glenn Research Center and the nearby NASA Plum Brook Station will help diversify and grow northern Ohio’s economy.
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Initiate a Demand-Driven Talent System
We support local, state and national initiatives designed to help greater Cleveland businesses better access to the best and the brightest potential employees.
Locally, the GCP has worked with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and local businesses to promote targeted, intensive curriculums such as the new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math high school. We support similar initiatives at the state level that are geared toward customized training of students to fit the needs of Ohio employers.
Nationally, we support reforms of U.S. immigration policy that would make it easier for high-skilled workers from overseas to relocate here and fill vital positions.
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