Maryland Chamber Blog

Here are some of this week’s legislative updates from the Chamber Action Network blog:

• Chamber Supports Extension of R&D Tax Credit
  The Maryland Chamber believes the R&D tax credit is an important incentive for the state to compete with other states in attracting and retaining manufacturing operations and technology companies
• Lawmakers Urge Business People to Get Involved
  wo Annapolis lawmakers discussed this year’s top business issues and encouraged Maryland business leaders to contact their legislators about issues that impact their companies.
• UI Proposal Would Weaken System, Hurt Businesses
  This proposal would weaken the unemployment insurance system and ensure that Maryland employers pay higher, more inequitable rates, for a longer period of time.
• Legislation Would Prohibit the Use of Credit Checks for Job Applicants
  Legislation would prohibit an employer from using an applicant’s credit report or credit history when making hiring decisions

Posted by Will Burns at 10:10 AM to | Permalink | Comments (0)

Join us in Annapolis on February 4 for Chamber 101, a free networking and informational event. Whether you are a new member or an existing member looking to get the most for your membership, this is a great opportunity to learn more about the Maryland Chamber. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Sheraton Annapolis Hotel.

Learn more about how the Chamber connects members to:

Legislative Issues: The General Assembly is in session. Learn about the top business issues and how you can get more involved in the Chamber’s advocacy efforts.

Networking Events: Find out more about upcoming events and networking opportunities for Chamber members, including a February 24 networking event in the Baltimore Ravens locker room and our April 28 Annual Membership Meeting and Business Hall of Fame Awards Dinner.

Opportunities to Gain Visibility: The Chamber’s website, awards programs, and sponsorship opportunities offer member companies a number of ways to increase visibility and gain recognition.

Engagement Opportunities: Through the Chamber’s various committees and task forces, and its successful grassroots program, Chamber members actively promote business issues to decision-makers and to the public.

Human Resource Tools: Chamber members have access to free and discounted human resources tools to help you run your business.

The event, with continental breakfast, is free but registration is required. Register online or contact Gail Lemke at (410) 269-0642, (301) 261-2858 or glemke@mdchamber.org.

Posted by Will Burns at 12:16 PM to Events | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here are some of this week’s legislative updates from the Chamber Action Network blog:

• State Budget Flat, But Shaky
  Some initial thoughts on the state budget from Maryland Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs Ron Wineholt.
• UI Bill Hearing is Next Week
  The Maryland Chamber of Commerce opposes the Administration’s proposal to modify Maryland’s unemployment insurance (UI) system to permanently expand eligibility and benefits in order to obtain one-time federal stimulus funds.
• Sen. Kittleman: Watch Out For New Workplace Regulations
  During his Business Day remarks last week, Senate Minority Leader Allan Kittleman (R-Dist. 9) warned business leaders to be on the lookout for workplace regulation proposals this session.
• Executive Committee Meets with House Speaker Busch
  The Maryland Chamber’s Executive Committee met with House Speaker Michael Busch last Friday during Business Day in Annapolis.
• Comptroller Franchot Briefs Maryland Chamber Members
  Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot met with members of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce last week during Business Day in Annapolis where he discussed his views on the economy and how to encourage its recovery.
• Meet Our Public Policy Team
  With the 2010 session underway, I wanted to take a moment to introduce our public policy team.
• Congressional Dinner is February 8
  The Maryland Congressional Delegation Dinner is your opportunity to hear directly from Maryland’s delegation. Join hundreds of Maryland business leaders at this town hall meeting style event.

Posted by Will Burns at 1:31 PM to | Permalink | Comments (0)