A PROACTIVE APPROACH
Over the years, the Greater Watertown - North Country Chamber of Commerce has taken on the role of educator in the political arena. Rather than take strong positions on many issues, the Chamber provided forums, newsletter articles, candidate profiles and special mailings to its members to keep them aware of issues of importance to the business community.

In recent years, however, the Chamber has found that occasional endorsement of a political action was necessary to truly support the needs of the business community. Special tools were put in place, such as FAX polls, to enable the Board of Directors to quickly respond to political issues of importance to the community.

Today, the role of the government in business is changing rapidly. In order for the Chamber to respond just as rapidly, this Legislative Policy Manual has been developed to lay a foundation for action. It is intended to provide a broad philosophy of action that will guide the Governmental Affairs Committee and the Board of Directors toward proactive leadership in the political arena. In addition, the Chamber Home Page provides information of interest to the membership, www.watertownny.com

A PHILOSPHY OF POLITICAL ACTION
The Greater Watertown - North Country Chamber of Commerce will take positions on key political issues facing the local business community. The Board of Directors will endorse these positions. The Governmental Affairs Committee and the Board of Directors will be prudent in their decisions, taking into consideration as much of the membership opinion as possible before taking a public position. It is inevitable, however, that positions taken by the Chamber will not be universally endorsed by Chamber members. Additionally, we will encourage Chamber members to be active in the political process. We do not endorse political candidates.

Issues and Specific Legislative Recommendations

• Economic Growth

Well-planned business and community growth, development and stability are essential to the economic health of a community. The Chamber strongly supports responsible economic and community growth in Watertown, Jefferson County and the North Country through comprehensive development planning. The Chamber is supportive of the Jefferson County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies Plan.

• Environment and Quality of Life

A sound environment enhances the quality of life in a community and adds to the well being of businesses. The Chamber strives to balance business needs with sound environmental protection.

• Tourism

We recognize that tourism is an important part of economic development. The Chamber supports responsible tourism initiatives that are consistent with the Jefferson County Overall Economic Development Plan/Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies and our quality of life.

• Utilities

The Chamber must be involved in utility regulation because water, sewer, electrical, telecommunications and other services serve as the infrastructure for a successful business community. The Chamber strongly supports cooperation between all utilities, seeking to provide reasonable and quality service to the community.

• Transportation

Transportation is a key component of economic growth.  The Chamber strongly supports maintenance of existing highways and ports, improved air and rail service, and exploration of additional and/or alternative transportation systems in the North Country when it enhances, benefits, and/or improves access to local businesses.

• Education

High quality schools produce high quality workers. The Chamber supports educational legislation and workforce development initiatives that improve the quality of education standards and improve public/private cooperation between business and education.

• Taxes

The Chamber strongly supports reasonable corporate and individual tax systems that create a truly competitive business environment at the Federal, State and local level.

• Employer: Employee Relations

The Greater Watertown - North Country Chamber of Commerce believes that the issue of safety, health, employee benefits and other work-related concerns can best be addressed by the employer and the employee in the context of the individual workplace. The marketplace recognizes the diversity of the employees and the businesses and supports creative solutions to particular needs.

• Health Care

The Greater Watertown - North Country Chamber of Commerce believes that business sponsored health plans should not be viewed as the sole vehicle for solving problems of access, affordability and escalating costs. Whenever possible the Chamber supports free market solutions to health care issues.

• Employment

The Greater Watertown - North Country Chamber of Commerce encourages growth of employment opportunities, which provide fair wages in the North Country, and seeks to reduce unemployment.

• Agriculture

The Greater Watertown - North Country Chamber of Commerce supports the farming and forestry industry in Jefferson County, and works to sustain and promote agriculture in the region.

• Fort Drum

The Greater Watertown - North Country Chamber of Commerce is strongly supportive of the continued utilization and expansion of Fort Drum, and will actively work to promote the interests of the installation.

• US/Canadian Border

The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of the balance between border security and the flow of goods and people across our US/CAN international border. The Chamber supports legislation and initiatives that strive to keep this balance intact.

 FEDERAL

1. Continued support of Fort Drum

2. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (US Chamber Agenda: Nation Security)

Concern is that new requirement will inhibit cross border travel and negatively impact our members

STATE

Support of the Business Council of NYS's agenda regarding:

1. Cost of Doing Business:

Employee health care. With the cost growing 10-20% a year, health insurance is becoming unaffordable for more and more employers - putting more and more workers in danger of losing their coverage. We must make the health-care system more efficient.

Workers' comp reform. New York has high employer costs - yet relatively low maximum benefits for injured workers. We can fix this.

Energy costs. Electric rates in New York run 70 percent above the national average. We need more generating capacity to bid the cost down - and we need to direct low-cost power to employers and growth industries.

Business taxes. New York State taxes on business are well above the national average. Sound reforms can have a big impact on our competitiveness.

Liability insurance and lawsuits. New York's Scaffolding Law, which imposes absolute liability on building owners, is a lawsuit generator that's unique in the nation - and it's having a major impact on the cost of construction. Time to repeal it.

2. Workforce Development & Training:

As the economy changes, workers need constant upgrading of their knowledge and skills. Governmental Job-training programs must be streamlined and focused on employer needs and the jobs of the future rather than be scattered amongst the agencies for a myriad of isolated purposes for which no one is accountable. 

3. Government Reform: Change the way government does business:

4. Consolidation. Develop consolidation plans that will lower the cost of local government and cut property taxes.

LOCAL

1. Local Municipal Consolidation Encourage and support local consolidation efforts

2. Educate about 2007 local candidates for public office

2007 is an election year for all county legislators, DA, and Jefferson County Treasurer

Survey candidates and publish responses in newsletter and on website

3. Continue support of the Airport

COME BACK FOR OUR 
ISSUES UPDATE

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LEGISLATORS CONTACT INFO

jefferson leadership institute

The Jefferson Leadership Institute is a leadership development program that immerses participants in community issues through twelve full day sessions that run from September through June. The curriculum enables participants to develop their leadership capabilities, build strong relationships and encourages involvement in effecting positive change in the community.

The program was formulated in 1991 when a number of community leaders recognized that the same few people were serving on many Boards, and that major community decisions were being made by a very small group of people. They recognized that the future of the Jefferson County area is directly linked to the quality of its leadership, and that dedicated, trained and motivated community leaders shape and determine the future of the region. The "founders" decided that a leadership program was needed to teach and cultivate new community leaders, and to help move those participants into important positions within the community.

The JLI program was modeled after several existing leadership programs, and over the years has been modified to best suit the specific needs of our county. It is organized and coordinated by the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, a well-respected, countywide business association, with staff specifically dedicated to its implementation. The curriculum includes an overnight retreat where the new class has the opportunity to get to know each other and to learn about the concepts of group dynamics and individual leadership skills within a group setting. Over the next few months, the class participates in discussions with recognized authorities, site visits, and analysis of issues of community concern in education, healthcare, media and telecommunications, government, tourism, non-profit organizations, agriculture, history, economic development, and the significance of Fort Drum to the region. One class focuses on the skills needed to be an effective leader, and includes a mock board meeting. Throughout the year, the class learns critical skills, such as collaboration, visioning, consensus building, and creative problem solving in addressing the needs of the community.

If your business is interested in participating please contact Nellie Mathous, Events Director at events@watertownny.com

The curriculum includes:

Opening Retreat

At the retreat, the initial meeting of the JLI, the class has an opportunity to get to know each other and to review the concepts of group dynamics and individual leadership skills within group settings. Individually and in teams, the participants explore perceptions of our community, its people, and its future, and begin to learn how important volunteerism is to the health of a community.

History: From Yesterday to Today

What better way to begin to understand how and why Jefferson County is what it is today than with an overview of our history. Classes learn about the early settlers, the important leaders, our role in the War of 1812, the significance of the Black River, the forest industry and agriculture in our emerging economy, and more. The day includes presentations and discussions with local historians, a tour of some of the county's most significant historic sites, and a visit to the Jefferson County Historical Society.

Business and the Economy - Today and Tomorrow

The vision for the economy of Jefferson County and our region, the opportunities available to our residents, the steps that are taken to attract and retain businesses, the challenges faced by the region, and our economic viability are discussed with economic development specialists at this session. Business and industry are the focus of the class, with a tour of local manufacturers included in the program.

Communications in the 21st Century: The Media and Telecommunications

Beginning with a panel discussion by the leaders of our local media, the morning session looks at the role of the media in the community - what they contribute, their obligation to the community, what the future looks like for television, newspaper and radio, and some of their challenges. The class learns how non-profits, businesses, agencies, and individuals can work more effectively with the media. The afternoon session addresses how the Internet, websites, e-mail and e-commerce are changing our lives and the way we communicate.

An Inside Look at Government

This session explores the role and structure of village, town, city, county and state government - including the legislatures, the courts and law enforcement - and presents some of the many challenges faced by each branch of our system of government. A portion of the afternoon is spent in a mock legislative session, where participants learn what it is actually like to come to consensus and pass tough legislation.

Health Care in Jefferson County

Half of this day is spent reviewing and discussing the continuum of the health care system in Jefferson County. Beginning with an introduction to physician and outpatient care, the discussion continues with hospital and other medical services, and outpatient services (including adult homes, assisted living, and long term care. Representatives from the leading hospitals, mental health services, the Health Care Alliance, and other health related agencies discuss available services and trends in medical care. The rest of the session is devoted to the critical issues in health care; staffing, finances, and regulatory requirements, and is presented by a panel of key health care professionals.

Education and Life Long Learning: The Cornerstone of a Healthy Community

During the morning session, the class learns about the educational system in Jefferson County from grades K - 12 - college. A panel of leading educators leads the presentation and discussion, which covers topics that include home schooling, charter schools, and the challenges facing educators in today's competitive and changing economic climate. The afternoon session focuses on lifetime learning and the new technologies that have created opportunities for learning as never before. Distance learning, interactive teleconferencing classrooms, on-line courses, virtual seminars are explored.

The Non-Profits: Important Assets to Jefferson County

This session focuses on the non-profit agencies and organizations in Jefferson County. Classes learn about how the non-profits work, what they mean to a healthy community, the threats to the continuation of their successes, and how, as individuals, class members can help to keep the system strong. Representatives of many of the non-profit organizations are on hand to discuss their programs with participants, and to provide a panel presentation and round table discussions for further understanding. Class members are able to identify organizations that they are interested in supporting.

Fort Drum: A Critical Part of Our Community

The day begins with an informal welcome session hosted by the Garrison Commander, outlining the demographics, economic impact, and overall mission of this exceptional US Army facility. The class spends the rest of the day visiting various post facilities to see soldiers, civilian employees, reserve component, and other members of the post community in action. During the lunch break, representatives from the Ft. Drum Regional Liaison Organization and the local chapter of the Association of the United States Army discuss their important roles in support of the military community.

Tourism and Natural Resources

This session features a tour of some of the significant tourist attractions in Jefferson County, including sites on the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, the Black River, and the Tug Hill region. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are included to discuss their role in the tourism industry. Participants meet business owners involved in tourism, and participate in a lively discussion of the opportunities and challenges facing the tourism industry in Jefferson County and the North Country.

Leadership Development

This class focuses on some of the skills needed to be an effective leader - strategic planning, public speaking, listening skills, Board participation in management, financial responsibilities, parliamentary procedure, and more. The class participates in a mock board meeting in which the group must resolve a realistic issue. The afternoon session focuses on leadership traits and resources. Real community issues are introduced and participants help to apply their leadership skills in problem solving.

Agriculture

The Agriculture Day gives participants an overview of Jefferson County's oldest industry, and still one of its most vibrant. Industry leaders discuss local agriculture's strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and the class tours some of the most modern dairy farms. With the development of the county's new Wine Trail, the class learns about the developing wine industry and other alternative agri-businesses.

The Chamber and its Advisory Committee select the class facilitators, who are all experts in each topic to be presented. Each of the facilitators is free to define the curriculum for their program and to bring in other experts to speak.

The student selection process seeks to find individuals who show commitment and motivation to serve the Jefferson County area. Participants are selected from written applications, and include a diverse group of small business owners, public servants, corporate executives, non-profit and social service agency professionals, the faith community, and the community-at-large. The breadth and relevancy of the curriculum provide a valuable experience for newcomers and long time members of the community alike.

The Jefferson Leadership Institute is a very important development program in Jefferson County and for the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce. Since its inception, it has created a base of new leaders for the community to draw from for all levels of volunteerism. Whether in service as a volunteer, as a director on a board, or as a public official, the information and community overview that is provided by the program make every graduate a knowledgeable and valuable member of the community.

Click here for the JEFFERSON LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE APPLICATION

workforce training

One of the important strategies of the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber is to be a provider of education and workforce development services and programs through partnerships with appropriate agencies, organizations and individuals. We have a committed Workforce Development Committee with representation from the Department of Labor, the Workforce Investment Board, Jefferson Community College, BOCES, and other organizations interested in improving the state of our labor pool.

In a recently completed report on the state of the workforce in Jefferson and Lewis Counties, four issues were identified as critical targets for improvement:

• A pattern of poor communication between schools, employers and the workforce

• A strong interest in entrepreneurship with little evidence of success

• An inability of employers to recruit/train skilled workers with college degrees

• A need to retrain and reorient the workforce to take advantage of emerging job opportunities

• The expansion at Fort Drum has brought new businesses and job opportunities to our community. It also brings an opportunity to engage spouses and separating soldiers in our workforce.

• The Chamber has focused on these threats and opportunities to develop our agenda for 2007 and as a result have undertaken a number of projects:

JOB FAIR
The Chamber has partnered with the NYS Department of Labor for a number of years on a Job Fair that has grown to be the largest in the North Country. An average of 90 businesses participate, many finding qualified workers to fill job openings. For the past three years we have also partnered with the Fort Drum Employment and Training office to make sure that spouses and separating soldiers take advantage of this chance to meet a number of employers. Check the Calendar of Events to see when the next Job Fair is.

WORKFORCE 2020 CAREER FAIR
In response to the need for more college educated workers, the Chamber created this new program. High school seniors from 18 different school districts meet one-on-one with local business representatives for a mock interview and dialogue on the many great career opportunities that can be found here in Jefferson County. Businesses from over 20 different economic sectors participate, including architecture, engineering, finance, communications and IT, construction, agriculture, education, environmental and animal sciences, the food industry, healthcare, human services, media, energy, manufacturing, mortuary science, retail, tourism, vehicle and aircraft maintenance, transportation, law enforcement and security.

BUSINESS-EDUCATOR WORKING GROUPS
The purpose of this new initiative is to begin to strengthen communication between the schools and the businesses, and to implement initiatives that will help relate curriculum to the real world. The schools are hoping to find ways to involve the students with businesses so that they can understand the connection between what they are learning in school and work. The business community wants to insure that the students that are graduating are more employable than they seem to be. Meetings will begin in 2007 with this unique pilot project.