GCP Unveils New Public Policy Agenda

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Cleveland, Ohio - March 5, 2009 - Alternative energy, reform of county government and global business connections are just a few of the public policy priorities outlined by the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) to a packed room of legislators in Columbus earlier this week and to more than 400 guests at the GCP's Annual Meeting held today at the Hanna Theatre in PlayhouseSquare.

The GCP is one of the nation's largest chambers of commerce, with more than 17,000 members. Its 2009/2010 Public Policy Agenda -which is focused on how to best improve northeast Ohio's economic climate- was created by more than 30 private-sector leaders. Enhancing GCP's Public Policy Agenda are specific projects targeted to be financed with federal stimulus money. The attached document, " Federal Stimulus Projects for Greater Cleveland ," identifies and summarizes these priority stimulus projects that would transform our region.

"I think everyone around the table felt an elevated level of urgency and importance to create a legislative action plan that will help our region through this national economic crisis," said Paul Dolan, president of the Cleveland Indians and GCP's incoming Advocacy Chairman. "Developing critical, realistic goals was imperative- and the team did just that."

The policy agenda outlines specific goals in six core focus areas:

1. Advance Small Business Success - The GCP and the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) will work in collaboration to advance opportunities and support independence for small businesses in northeast Ohio. Goals include reducing tax barriers for small business, advocating a fair reform of the workers compensation program, and defeating the "Employee Free Choice Act," a proposal that would change the ways unions can organize members and negotiate contracts.

2. Accelerate Economic Inclusion - Intensify efforts to ensure our economy is benefiting from a diverse talent pool and ensure minority business enterprises have the resources to build and grow. Goals include securing federal funding for the Minority Business Accelerator 2.5+, an initiative that assists African-American and Hispanic-owned enterprises to land new business opportunities that result in dramatic increases in sales and employment.

3. Build a High-Impact, Sustainable Economic Development System - Grow the capacity to retain and create jobs by leveraging the strengths of the GCP's economic development partners. Goals include increasing capital available for lending and supporting a responsible approach to gaming in Ohio. Other objectives relate to environment and climate change such as supporting passage of federal legislation to protect the Great Lakes from untreated ballast water and supporting efforts to ensure that air and water quality regulations do not negatively impact the state's ability to attract business and jobs. With Ohio's stake in energy, the GCP also will work on and support energy solutions that strike a balance between current and future technologies.

4. Change the Face of Cleveland - In collaboration with Cleveland Development Advisors (CDA), accelerate physical developments such as mixed-use projects that will create jobs, provide new amenities, and enhance quality of life in northeast Ohio. Goals include supporting the reauthorization of the federal New Markets Tax Credit and the extension of the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit, and supporting responsible legislation providing Cuyahoga County voters with options to restructure county government.

5. Strengthen Global Connections - Develop and support world-class physical and human capital assets that enhance global competitiveness and strengthen our region's ability to increase international research, innovation and commerce. Goals include growing northern Ohio's NASA facilities and supporting efforts to ensure long-term vitality of the region's air service.

6. Initiate a Demand-Driven Talent System - Develop a highly educated, skilled workforce and encourage policies that make it easier for employers to identify, attract and retain qualified workers. Goals include encouraging federal immigration policies to promote easier access to international talent pools to fill positions in occupations with inadequate numbers of U.S. workers. Additionally, the GCP will encourage and support efforts by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District to provide vocational and technical education.

"Because of our large membership base, we have the unique ability to create a broad spectrum of business and community partnerships to collaborate on critical policy matters like these," said Joe Roman, the GCP's president and chief executive officer. "The Public Policy Agenda efficiently maps out these goals to make the most of our resources and capitalize on timely action items such as Ohio's anticipated stimulus dollars.

Click here to view GCP's complete Public Policy Agenda.

As an association of business members, the Greater Cleveland Partnership mobilizes private-sector leadership, expertise and resources to create jobs and leverage investment to improve the economic vitality of the region. The GCP is a founder and proud supporter of the Cleveland Plus marketing campaign. http://www.gcpartnership.com

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