As the voice of the business community, the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce is vitally interested in the community’s welfare and business climate.  Representing more than 460 businesses, associations and individuals, the Chamber is influential in governmental affairs, economic development, community service, marketing, tourism, and other issues that affect our city’s economic well-being and commercial competitiveness.

In proactive support of our members, the Chamber will focus on the following key legislative areas in 2009:

1. Transportation/Ferry System

The State must ensure sufficient investment and long-term funding for our transportation system, which is essential for a strong economy, the sustainability of our businesses, and the livability of our communities.  Given the lead-time of bringing new boats on line and the current state of many of the state terminals, the ferry system is particularly vulnerable to a lack of capital investment.  Of equal concern is the difficulty many members have in recruiting and transporting qualified labor.

To achieve this goal, the Chamber will:

2. NAS—Whidbey

The Naval Air Station at Whidbey Island is a significant regional economic driver.  Many active duty members, civilian staff, and contractors reside in Anacortes with their families, buying homes, contributing to the welfare of our local economy, and attending our schools.  It is to the Chamber’s and City’s benefit that this base continues to thrive and to that end that the Chamber provides encouragement and support.

To achieve this goal, the Chamber will:

- Work closely with NAS personnel and contractors to introduce the community and to encourage relocation and participation.

- Continue to advocate for the integration of new technologies to the base and expansion of squadron activity.

- Emphasize to residents the importance of consistent training exercises, while working with naval administration to limit inconvenience.

3. Land Use

Land use policies are a key element of economic development.  The success and strength of our local economy is tied inexorably to well-planned and executed land use policies, as unlike many other locations throughout the state, our island community is space constrained.  Our city lacks buildable land and this is a serious constraint on many businesses, especially within the marine trades arena.  It is important that state and local government support the needs of local business and its ability to grow in a reasoned way.

To achieve this goal, the Chamber will:

- Continue to encourage collaboration between the city and major landholders, principally MJB, to achieve build-out of our waterfront.  Support a working waterfront as an economic engine and tourist attraction.

- Provide a land-use blueprint via the Futures Project, outlining various scenarios and their financial impact.

- Encourage local government to welcome new commercial opportunities and to adopt regulations that further this goal.

4. Job Skills Programs/Education  

A key issue for many local employers is the lack of qualified labor, both in growing businesses and in replacing retiring workers.  It is essential that local business work effectively with job skills programs to fill this need and that local government support and encourage this activity.  We recognize that a strong local school district and strong technical skills education benefit our city and the local business community.

To achieve this goal, the Chamber will:

- Work actively with the Port of Anacortes and local marine trades to ensure the success of the Marine Skills Center .

- Work collaboratively with the Anacortes School District to establish and grow effective internship, apprenticeship, and other workplace and school-based training programs, enabling graduating high school seniors to fill local job needs.

- Provide continued support to local school district initiatives and programs that further student needs, especially in the areas of math and science.

5. Regulation

We believe that the regulatory process can be unduly burdensome.  The solution involves streamlined requirements, increased use of sunset provisions, and “one-stop” or centralized issuance of licenses and permits.  It is important that local governments understand the impact regulations and ordinances can have on the business climate and the willingness of new businesses to locate in Anacortes.

To achieve this goal, the Chamber will: 

- Recommend that the state legislature develop, implement, and oversee a specific and on-going process to provide systematic improvements to all regulations of business by state and local government.

- Continue to work closely with local government to focus on business-friendly legislation, encouraging new business formation and ensuring the ability of existing business to thrive.

- Reduce local waterfront regulations, commercial marine, and industrial areas.

6. Energy

Reliable low-cost power is an essential component of a vibrant economy.  The Northwest’s electric power system is uniquely dominated by hydropower.  This renewable cost-based energy resource has fueled economic growth in the region for decades, though with some negative environmental impacts.  Load growth and regulations threaten the future of low cost power in the region.  In addition, the current plan of PSE to sell itself and of the local PUD to potentially take over PSE assets could have energy ramifications.

To achieve the goal of gaining low-cost energy advantages for members, the Chamber will:

- Encourage investment in energy conservation through funding and tax incentives

- Continue to inform members on the PSE merger as details are clarified.

- Encourage local energy entities to settle differences without costly litigation and maintain low rates.

- Encourage local energy entities to secure rate-advantaged partnership with Snohomish PUD should tidal hydropower be developed at Deception Pass or Guemes Channel.

- Encourage local government to be proactively prepared for future wind generators or other renewable energy harvesting devices.

7. Shoreline Management

As an island community, shoreline management is a vital component of our identity, economic viability, and how we are perceived by visitors.  It is important that our shoreline reflect careful planning and an appropriate mix of residential, retail, and industrial use.

To achieve this goal, the Chamber will:

- Encourage local government to formulate and implement effective planning that optimizes use of shoreline space.

- Encourage public awareness of the direct relationship between a healthy local economy and favorable tax rates and improved quality of life.

8. Housing

Livable communities offer a variety of housing choices.  This objective should be met through market-driven approaches that foster a wide-range of available housing at all price levels.

To achieve this goal, the Chamber will:

- Encourage local government to formulate and implement effective planning, resulting in construction of housing stock that is accessible to local workers and their families.

- Encourage measures that allow more housing density while maintaining our quality of life and attractiveness as a coastal community.

- Encourage a review of municipal development regulations, eliminating inconsistent, confusing, or obsolete language.

9. Healthcare/Medical Reimbursement

Health care costs continue to rise at a pace far in excess of inflation, causing many employers to either reduce the benefits they provide to their employees, drop existing coverage, or refrain from purchasing new coverage.  The high costs of health care coverage have a direct impact on the number of uninsured in our state—an expensive health care market makes Washington unattractive to new and existing businesses that want to provide good benefits for their employees.

Island Hospital is a significant resource to the city and surrounding area.  Under current procedures, the level of medicare reimbursement is tiered to our region’s disadvantage, making recruitment of qualified medical personnel difficult.  This system should be revised.

To achieve this goal, the Chamber will:

- Discourage government policies that create unnecessary regulations, most particularly mandated benefits.  Insurers should be permitted to offer affordable basic health care plans, free of many of these mandates, along with those that may contain more options.

- Support legislation that encourages affordable coverage for small business employers and expands coverage to some who are currently uninsured.