Letter from the Chair - April 2016

​Please make sure that you get out tomorrow to vote! As we are all currently watching, national elections get all of the media coverage; however local elections effect all parts of our lives- education of our workforce, public safety, infrastructure and so much more. Please take some time today to familiarize yourself with your ballot so that you can make the best decisions in the voter box.
 
One issue that the Chamber is supporting tomorrow is the approval of Prop K for Ft. Zumwalt Kids. You can read all about it in another article. I’d like to explain what the Chamber’s role is in issues like this and others that affect our community.
 
The O’Fallon Chamber has a Public Policy committee that reviews issues brought to their attention through a Support Request Form. The committee looks at both sides of the issue, weighs the pros and cons and then makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors, who can then endorse or not endorse an issue. This function of our Chamber is many times overlooked, but something that we take very seriously. The Chamber is always advocating on behalf of our business community.

I had the opportunity to go to an O’Fallon City Council meeting which was very interesting. I would encourage each of you to take the time to go in person or watch online to get to know your community better.
 
Just this week, a couple of us took a car ride up to Jefferson City to visit with our State Legislators about state wide issues affecting our businesses. Again, if you have the opportunity, call Erin at the Chamber office and ask when the next Jefferson City trip is and plan on joining us.
 
Finally, in order to keep this an entertaining article: What’s the difference between death and taxes? Congress can't make death any worse. J
 
Until next month,
Mark Crank
2016 Chairman of the Board

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