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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAMBER

The Chamber’s 2020 Policy Agenda:

A Relentless Pursuit of Regional Excellence

ONE OF THE MOST CRITICAL ROLES OF THE LANSING REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (LRCC) is serving as the voice of business.
Our government relations team of professional staff and volunteer Chamber members works relentlessly to establish a business policy
agenda and ensure that the agenda is clearly represented at all levels of local, state and federal government.

As chair of the LRCC Policy Committee, I am very proud of the success we have had in recent years. Among the most significant
advocacy efforts in 2019 was our work with our legislative delegation in the Capitol Caucus and the Capital Council of Governments
(CAPCOG) to align regional priorities by focusing on securing and increasing funding for local infrastructure projects. In 2019, our
region received more than $35 million in regional infrastructure projects with another $600 million in planned projects through 2023.
MATT RESCH Also, we are leading the effort to modernize the US 127/I-496 corridor, which has become mid-Michigan’s top priority highway
Chair, Lansing Regional problem. We are also excited that the Coleman Road extension along the Ingham/Clinton County line will be completed in 2020
Chamber of Commerce Policy after securing $7.6 million in 2017. We were also successful in securing $40 million for the Heritage Hall project, a new visitor center
Committee
in the Capitol Complex, which will result in a significant boost for our local tourism industry.
Our 2020 policy agenda is no less ambitious. We have identified five priority areas that were established following extensive member
surveys and feedback from business and community leaders. Those areas include:

Talent and Workforce Development. Our members continue to tell us that attracting and retaining talent is their top challenge,
“Our 2020 policy agenda which is why the LRCC has placed a significant emphasis on talent and workforce development initiatives.

is no less ambitious. Regional Infrastructure. Ensuring our local, state and federal levels of government properly invests in infrastructure is vital to
We have identified five the Lansing region because it attracts businesses and people. The region’s top infrastructure priority is the $115 million US 127
expansion, which adds a third lane between I-96 and I-496. This critically important project is needed to support the more than $1
priority areas that were billion in economic growth along this corridor.

established following Local Government Financial Health. It is imperative to focus on addressing the financial health of our local governments moving

extensive member towards longer-term financial solutions. This effort includes adopting best practices of multi-year budgeting and consistent focus on
addressing the growing unfunded pension and healthcare liabilities.
surveys and feedback Economic Development. We work to ensure that we are diversifying our local economy and creating and retaining jobs. We also

from business and make sure the region continues to be a place that welcomes economic development activities and programs that improve the financial
community leaders” wellbeing and quality life within our communities.

Regulations. It is essential to have a regulatory environment that allows businesses to operate, hire more workers and expand.

We are also excited about a groundbreaking study we believe will impact our region for years to come. The LRCC and LEAP, along with
several other regional partners, have retained Anderson Economic Group to conduct a State of the Region Benchmarking Report that
will provide an opportunity to assess our region’s economic competitiveness. We strongly believe this benchmarking report will advance
a broader regional vision and increase local, regional and national awareness of Greater Lansing’s economic sectors.

I hope you will join us as we continue to pursue regional excellence in 2020. n

JOIN THE
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

Leadership Circle members are proven
TRANSPORTATION
business and community leaders. We
value their commitment and applaud
their efforts to strengthen our region
WASTE SERVICES
with their leadership and appreciate
the important role they play in
advancing our organization.

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