By Staff
Susan Hines, Chamber chatter
The Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce is taking a more aggressive role in the discussion of public policy at all levels of government. From city hall, to Montgomery to Capital Hill we are committed to keeping our members informed of the issues and protecting the interests of our area businesses.
We are sponsoring events to better educate our members on ways to protect themselves and further educate themselves on local issues.
In the first quarter of 2004, congress is scheduled to pass the Transportation Reauthorization Bill. This bill will provide the framework for transportation spending for the next six years. Later this month, the chamber delegation will make its second trip to Washington to meet with our delegation there and discuss our community's needs, including our transportation needs.
This group contains representatives from the Chamber, city, utilities and Hartselle Development Board.
We are now in the process of preparing our 2004 Federal Legislative Agenda. Some of the transportation projects we consider important to the Hartselle area are the continued support and funding for Highway 36 East widening, funding for the construction of Veterans Parkway and continued support of the Thompson Road improvement.
On our last trip to Capital Hill in April 2003, we were able to meet with the offices of both of our Congressman, Cramer and Aderholt, and both of our Senators, Shelby and Sessions. We are scheduled to meet with all of these again this trip.
This trip is an excellent opportunity to interact with Alabama's Congressional delegation in our nation's capital and keep the Hartselle area forever on their minds.
In order to adequately represent the interests that are important to our area businesses, the Chamber of Commerce needs your help. I encourage you to become involved. The Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce strives to be an effective voice but can only be successful through the strength of our membership.
For more information on this or other Chamber programs, please call us at 773-4370 or email us at hartsell@hiwaay.net