The Greater Atlantic City Chamber acts on the behalf of the local business community to work with legislators in favor of a healthy economic climate in our communities. Here are some highlights from the past year.

Legislative Advocacy

[list type=”ul” style=”5″]Supported proposed sports betting initiative.^Opposed Minimum Wage increase legislation.^Supported Senate Bill S1094 that prohibits imposition of corporate business tax on certain foreign corporations carrying passengers into or out of state in motor vehicles or motor bus. The bill will aid Atlantic City redevelopment efforts by making it more financially attractive for bus tours to travel to the resort and the Jersey shore.^Supported Harrah’s Meeting and Convention Center project.^Provided Senate testimony in opposition to proposed bill S875 involving event ticketing policies and procedures, which would have put NJ venues at a competitive disadvantage in securing major acts.^Provided testimony to Assembly Tourism and Arts Committee to educate them on Clean & Safe initiatives and advocate for continued funding of Arts programs that would enhance tourism.^Supported third amendment to the Permit Extension Act, extending approvals to December 31, 2014, and, in some cases, to June 30, 2015.^Supported legislation that would prohibit the imposition of a corporate business tax on out-of-state companies whose buses carry passengers in and out of NJ, thus making it more attractive and competitive for them to continue to do business in Atlantic City.^Helped put issue of “Greyhound therapy” on radar of Governor Christie, who called for stricter measure to curb this practice involving other counties and municipalities shipping their homeless population to Atlantic City.^Continued to oppose Meadowland’s Regional Chamber’s plans to develop casino at Meadowlands, including providing testimony at Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee public hearing.^Supported proposed internet gaming legislation.^Provided testimony to Lt. Governor’s Red Tape Review Commission to recommend regulatory reforms.^Supported Senate bill S1324, intended to create tax credits for investment in the Atlantic City Tourism District and CRDA approved and financed projects.^Established taskforce to review draft legislation and provide recommendations regarding the Atlantic City Tourism District.^Provided leadership to build consensus and facilitate eventual relocation of social service agencies located in Tourism District.[/list]

Advocacy Events

[list type=”ul” style=”5″]Presented Casino Leaders’ Forum Panel Discussion regarding business outlook for 2013 and post-Sandy impact.^Presented Atlantic County Investment Forum, featuring Choose NJ CEO Tracye McDaniel, and spotlighting Hamilton Mall expansion, Resorts Margaritaville project and Medical Marijuana facility in EHT.^Co-sponsored Programs and Incentives for Your Business, featuring Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. Program included representatives of several state agencies, including the BAC, the Economic Development Authority, Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Division of Travel and Tourism, Department of the Treasury, the State Library, Board of Public Utilities, Small Business Development Center, the U.S. Energy Development Corporation and others.^Presented Major Construction Projects Forum, featuring presentations by Atlantic County Government, Atlantic Cape Community College, CRDA, Fishermen’s Energy, NextGen Aviation Research & Technology Park, Richard Stockton College of NJ and South Jersey Transportation Authority.^Presented Chair’s Council meeting and interactive session with CRDA Executive Director John Palmieri and Atlantic City Alliance President Liza Cartmell.^Presented AC Alliance President Liza Cartmell’s roll-out presentation of phase 2 media campaign.[/list]

PR /  Communications

[list type=”ul” style=”5″]Developed extensive communications plan to link area businesses to vital relief and recovery resources in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.^Supported initiative to develop and publicize metrics other than gaming revenue to combat negative publicity associated with declining gaming revenues.^Mounted on-going PR/communications campaign to enhance Atlantic City’s reputation and positioning as a tourism destination. Tactics included guest columns, letters to editor, Comcast Newsmakers TV appearances, and radio talk interviews.[/list]