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Jun 1, 2006
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Jun 1, 2006
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| Online Phonebook | Sandhills Guide | Business News | National News |
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The Research Triangle Region's business leaders have finalized their list of priorities to take before the North Carolina General Assembly -- policies that would make the region more competitive in the global economy and create jobs.
"The bottom line is jobs," said John Powell, owner of Powell Properties and member of the Research Triangle Regional Partnership (RTRP). He chaired the forum that identified the regional legislative priorities. "We've identified cross-cutting issues that will help us be more competitive in today's highly competitive global marketplace." Development of a regional legislative agenda was among the 30 action items contained in the regional competitiveness plan, called "Staying on Top: Winning the Job Wars of the Future." "For the second year in a row, we've convened our region's business leaders -- working through chambers of commerce in our 13 counties -- to identify their legislative priorities," said RTRP President and CEO Charles A. Hayes. "We're now working with partners across the region and state to advocate for those issues with our state legislators." Regional leaders identified four legislative priorities: n Increase support for key education and workforce development programs, in particular, customized industry training at community colleges, which prepares workers for good-paying jobs in growing industries such as biotechnology. The region also supports studying a potential science, technology, engineering and math college loan forgiveness program to encourage students to enroll, graduate and work in North Carolina. The measure would help the state keep graduates in these key fields and prevent high-tech companies from moving overseas. n Obtain authority to raise local taxes for highway improvements to supplement state funding, with voter approval. Leaders said the region's transportation needs far exceed state funding. n Secure $20 million for the One North Carolina Fund as a recurring line item in the state budget. The fund is a major economic development tool that creates new jobs by helping companies in high value-added, knowledge-driven industries locate in the region. The fund helps them buy or install equipment, renovate buildings or extend utility services. n Reduce state corporate income tax by 1 percent within the next five years as part of an overall effort to ensure the region's business costs remain competitive. The Research Triangle Regional Partnership (RTRP) is a public/private partnership that promotes economic development for the 13-county region of North Carolina comprising Moore, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Person, Vance, Wake and Warren counties. RTRP directs the regional competitiveness strategy, Staying on Top: Winning the Job Wars of the Future, a five-year, $5 million plan to create 100 jobs and boost employment in all 13 counties. |
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