FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 5, 2015 Contact: Julie Wagner Feasel, Vice President Communications Ohio Chamber of Commerce 614-228-4201 jfeasel@ohiochamber.com Ohio Chamber of Commerce Announces 2015-2016 Policy Priorities COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Chamber of Commerce released its 2015-2016 Public Policy Priorities, which will guide the Ohio Chamber’s advocacy efforts for the next two years alongside the 131st General Assembly. Even though Ohio policymakers took great strides to make Ohio a better place to do business and our economy continues to strengthen, more still needs to be done to enhance the ability of Ohio businesses to compete, expand, and create jobs. These policy priorities emphasize reducing obstacles for business growth, as well as pursuing policies that will benefit all Ohioans. “The Ohio Chamber is committed to advocating on behalf of businesses for a better, stronger Ohio,” said Keith Lake, the Ohio Chamber’s vice president of government affairs. “We are ready to work with lawmakers and Gov. Kasich’s administration to make sure Ohio is an excellent place to own and operate a business. Our policy priorities are intended to give leaders a framework to determine whether legislative and regulatory proposals will help or hamper Ohio’s business growth, job creation, and economic strength.” As a member-driven organization, the Ohio Chamber’s policy priorities were developed through eight policy committees with input from business leaders across the state. They were unanimously approved in December by the Ohio Chamber's Board of Directors. The Ohio Chamber's 2015-2016 public policy priorities are attached and are available electronically by clicking here. Specifically, they focus on pursuing: • A well-trained and highly-skilled workforce • A business friendly tax climate • Affordable and reliable energy • An affordable workers’ compensation system that effectively treats injured workers for prompt return to work • Freedom for employers to determine how to best manage their workplaces • A streamlined and fair environmental regulatory structure • An affordable and sustainable market-based health care system • Advocacy efforts to empower business owners and employers The Ohio Chamber of Commerce is a champion for Ohio businesses so that our state enjoys economic growth and prosperity. With over 8,000 members, we have been Ohio’s premiere business advocate since 1893.