Advocating for businesses at a national level is a priority of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. Each year, the Government Affairs Council develops its legislative agenda based on issues and concerns facing local businesses and then voices those points to federal and state leaders.
 
Members of the Chamber’s GAC met with federal officials during its annual Washington, D.C., trip on April 27-29. GAC members participating in the three-day trip included Chamber Chairman of the Board Michael Lee; Chamber President Myrna Ballard; and GAC members Brad Folsom, Audrey King and Bruce Allred.
 
The delegation’s priorities included opposition to the change in Fair Labor Standards Act income threshold for determination of overtime exemption; support for a consistent, nationwide system for assessing and collecting retail sales tax on Internet purchases; support for reform of the Dodd-Frank Act that created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; and continued support for protection of Moody Air Force Base.
 
The group met with military personnel at the Pentagon and had discussions with Georgia’s federal delegation including U.S. Representatives Earl L. “Buddy” Carter and Austin Scott, and Senators Johnny Isakson and David Perdue.
 
“The annual Chamber trip to Washington, D.C. included an important and informative meeting with Air Force officials at the Pentagon, as well as a briefing from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,” said Ballard. “We can always count on our Georgia federal delegation to listen to the concerns and issues facing the business community.”
 
On the local level, the GAC continues to address issues of interest to businesses in Lowndes County, including the protection of Moody Air Force Base.
 
“Advocating for Moody is an important part of the Chamber’s mission,” Lee said. “The Chamber is focused on keeping the lines of communication open with our federal delegation to keep them informed, as well as maintain a relationship where we can help influence decisions that are in the best interest of Moody and the region.”
 
Lee explains that active duty military and their families represent a significant economic impact on the community.
 
“Moody is one of the top three economic drivers not only through the money they spend in our local businesses, but they are active in the community,” Lee said. “Military families buy houses, their children are in our schools, and they are actively involved in local organizations. The economic impact is significant but so is the cultural impact that Moody families make, they help lift us up as a community. Moody’s presence helps to create the true fiber of our community.”