July 11, 2003

Update on federal transportation funding . . .

As many CANYS members know, TEA-21 re-authorization and other transportation funding issues were cornerstone issues at this year’s New York Day in Washington. Word came this week that many of the Representatives who joined us at New York Day’s Transportation and Infrastructure Delegation Meeting are following through on their pledge to make sure New York gets the transportation dollars it needs.

Some members of the New York Congressional Delegation helped form the Fair Alliance for Intermodal Reinvestment (FAIR) this week, with the goal of preserving current federal funding levels during the transportation reauthorization process.

Congresswoman Nita Lowey’s press release on the action reads in part, "The 1998 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), which sets funding levels for the nation’s transportation infrastructure, will expire this year and must be reauthorized by Congress. The SHARE coalition is working to change the federal highway funding formula in the bill, costing New York $300 million. Federal transportation funds come largely from the Highway Trust Fund, which is funded by federal gasoline taxes. [The new] proposal would punish states like New York that promote and rely heavily on energy-efficient mass transit, which often decreases gasoline tax contributions to the federal highway trust fund."

Lowey’s release continues, "While New York receives more funding from the Highway Trust Fund than it contributes, the state annually receives billions of dollars less in cumulative federal grants than it contributes in federal taxes. This discrepancy was $22.2 billion for 2001 alone. Additionally, New York State receives only 16% of the transit funding, while 33% of the country’s mass transit use New York City transit systems."

To read additional releases on TEA-21 and the organization of FAIR, please see the following:

Continuing education on Association Health Plans . . .

After the House passed its version of the Association Health Plans bill (H.R.660) on June 19th, the bill went to the Senate for consideration. As of July 11, the bill (the Senate version is S.545) has been received in the Senate, read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. In CANYS’ continuing effort to keep you informed of this legislation that could affect your chamber and health plans you may offer, below are some articles you might find educational. If you have trouble with any of these links, please visit www.canys.org.

Tell us about it . . .

Eva Aboussleman at the Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce needs your help: she is the Director of Insurance Services and adminstrator of the chamber’s group health insurance program to its members. She is currently in the process of exploring options to expand the program. The chamber is looking into the possibility of out-sourcing its insurance program to a third party such as a brokerage or agency. She would like to find out if other chambers have any experience or can offer her information or advice regarding this. E-mail Eva at eaboussleman@mvchamber.org.

The Business Council of New York State wants to know: what issues are most important to your chamber as we prepare for next year's legislative session? Are your members more concerned about health care or workers’ compensation? What are your thoughts on property taxes? Please let the Council know your opinions by e-mailing Maggie Moree at maggie.moree@bcnys.org.

The Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking a President & CEO for strategic and administrative leadership of a dynamic not-for-profit organization. Candidates must possess strong skills in the following areas: written and verbal communications, strategic planning, financial management, supervision, volunteer management, member relations, tourism promotion, and marketing & special events. A Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years progressive management experience at a Chamber organization or comparable business experience is required. Send a cover letter, resume and salary history by August 8th to Search Committee, Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce, 35 Lakefront Drive, Geneva, NY 14456. No calls please.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is looking for a President. The President is responsible for the overall operation of a 1,000-member business organization to ensure the mission and vision of the chamber is accomplished. Essential functions include implementing Board policy, providing direction in effective planning for the chamber and its programs, anticipating emerging and long-term challenges and opportunities, developing the annual budget for board approval and being responsible for the oversight of all chamber finances in accordance with the budget. The President also serves as program director for administering the “I Love New York Matching Funds” program in compliance with New York State guidelines, among other duties. Interested candidates should complete and send an application to the Search Committee by 7/14/03. Inquires relating to the position should call 585-343-7440, extension 30, and your call will be returned by a Search Committee member.

ACCE is currently decorating its new offices and is looking for skylines to grace its walls. Chambers are encouraged to send framed photography, prints or artwork of their skylines and or communities to display in ACCE's lobby. Thusfar, ACCE has received art from Raleigh (NC), Albany (NY) and Johnson City (TN) among others. Items can be mailed to ACCE, 4875 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 250, Alexandria, VA 22304.

Got a question you’d like to ask other CANYS members? Job opening in your chamber? Great idea you'd like to share? Send it to maggie.moree@bcnys.org. Special note: the CANYS Chamber Connection is currently on its summer schedule and will next come out on August 1.