Letter from the President

Greetings,

The new Global DFW economic study released by the Dallas Regional Chamber shows that we rank near the top of the “competitive index” at number two, among the “best of the best” when it comes to “business climate,” versus other cities of the world included in the study.

In a year where important changes are occurring in Washington, D.C., and at a time when the Texas Legislature has just wrapped up its regular biennial session, the Dallas Regional Chamber has been and continues to be fully engaged in making sure that our State Representatives and officials in Congress understand the impact their decisions can have on the business climate in Texas.

Our goal, in keeping with the Chamber’s mission, has been to advance proposals which will help us keep our enviable standing in the world as a friendly place to do business, and alternatively to oppose outright or attempt to improve on legislative proposals which could damage our business climate.

In Austin our Government Affairs team has worked hard on the priorities, on higher education, transportation, protecting gains made last session through SB 3 that positively affect long term water supply, and on health care initiatives to address cost, access and quality. In addition we focused on economic development measures, improvement in public education and on environmental measures to enhance our quality of life.

At this date, it appears that we have made very good progress in working with the legislature to pass our key priorities. Of very special importance, legislation has been passed which would allow several North Texas universities to begin efforts to achieve Tier 1, National Research University status. In years ahead this will be a boon for education, research, and spin off companies which create new jobs to underpin our economy.

At the Federal level businesses face an entirely new set of issues, many of which were not even on the table at this time last year. For this reason the Chamber is redirecting significant resources to ensure our membership is kept informed of major initiatives which can affect our businesses.

To address these new challenges the Chamber has held briefing sessions on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Actand on the Employee Free Choice Act. Hundreds of member companies have attended. The EFCA which includes a “card check” provision has been opposed by our Chamber and by business organizations across the nation for the manner in which it enables unionization of companies large and small, virtually overnight. We are alertly watching the EFCA proposal which may have gained strength with a recent party change and we will continue to interact with our Congressional delegation as needed.

One major issue that now has the full attention of Congress, and which will affect every member of the Chamber is the pending legislation being advanced in the U.S. House of Representatives on the Cap and Trade energy proposal. Whether an energy producer, distributor, or end user, the impact of far-reaching energy legislation will affect all of our companies in different ways.

The speed at which such legislation is being considered makes it ripe for unintended consequences which can be adverse to many industries and businesses. Nevertheless it appears that change is on the way. This is why the Dallas Regional Chamber is providing an energy forum on June 18 to inform our membership about where this legislation stands, how it might impact our State, our cities and businesses and what companies might do to affect the legislation in ways which address their concerns.

We are very pleased that former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III will keynote our luncheon address on energy at the luncheon event at noon, Thursday, June 18. (see our website www.dallaschamber.org for details.) His understanding of this issue will be enlightening. Texas Comptroller Susan Combs also will appear to discuss Cap and Trade and its direct impact on Texas, she too has a thorough grasp of how Texas could be affected.

As this year moves forward, there will no doubt be large new issues emerging from Washington, D.C. which will merit your attention. The Dallas Regional Chamber will bring these to your attention in a variety of ways, through meetings, possible webcasts, and other digital distribution means. We want to help you advance legislative priorities which are positive for business and the publics they serve so that we can keep our position as “best of the best” when it comes to our great business climate in North Texas.

Sincerely,

Amb. James C. Oberwetter, President
Dallas Regional Chamber