2008 Public Affairs & Legislative Agenda

The following are the adopted priorities and major emphasis public affairs and legislative initiatives of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama for 2008:

Federal Legislative & Public Affairs Issues

By and through an organized and active Federal Affairs Task Force, promote and enhance mutually beneficial relations among The Chamber and its members and the Alabama Congressional Delegation in order to successfully advocate on behalf of the following:

A. Effectively advocate support Tuscaloosa Housing Authority’s HOPE VI application for
revitalization and redevelopment of Rosedale Court.

B. Through an active Transportation Task Force, aggressively advocate for funding and completion of key and current highway projects, including:

1. The extension and development of Buttermilk Road of McWrights Ferry Road and related
bridge in order to ease congestion and meet recognized and identified growth corridors.

2. Development and funding of a North-South corridor via West Alabama.

C. Support and promote funding for the extension of the runway at the Tuscaloosa Regional Airport and the modernization and installation of a radar system to support and assure safety as well as economic development opportunities.

D. Aggressively advocate collaborative and cooperative public-private partnerships and efforts to
enhance and protect Lake Tuscaloosa, including development of funding and support for
identified environmentally responsible programs and systems, including extension of sewer
systems as identified and required to preserve this essential resource and water supply.

State Legislative & Public Affairs Issues

By and through an active State Legislative Affairs Task Force, promote and enhance mutually beneficial relations among The Chamber and its members and the Tuscaloosa County Legislative Delegation in order to successfully address the following:

A. Promote cooperative and collaborative relations among and between all members of the
Tuscaloosa County and West Alabama legislative delegations in order to create a unified effort critical to maximize the delegation’s effectiveness and influence in Montgomery.

B. Aggressively support passage of legislation which provides the citizens of Tuscaloosa County
with the right to vote on identified issues of significant public concern.

C. Through an active Transportation Task Force, promote, enhance and improve working partnerships and relations among The Chamber and its members, local governments, state legislators, and the Alabama Department of Transportation, both in Montgomery and at the division level in Tuscaloosa County, in order to more effectively facilitate, coordinate and expedite critical and identified priorities in the region.

D. Address, correct and resolve through the Alabama Legislature, the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, and/or the local District Attorney’s Office, identified deficiencies in the worthless check laws of Alabama and related enforcement.

E. Effectively support and advocate collaborative and cooperative efforts to protect Lake Tuscaloosa, including development and funding of environmentally responsible initiatives and systems, including extension of sewer systems and other initiatives needed to preserve the water supply of Tuscaloosa County.

Local Governmental & Public Affairs Issues

A. Foster a “business friendly” cooperative and collaborative environment and communications among and between The Chamber and its members and all area governmental entities within Tuscaloosa County.

B. Promote the effective utilization of technology to facilitate, enhance, streamline and standardize
planning and zoning, permitting, licensing and other governmental processes critical to the continued economic vitality and prosperity of the area.

C. Through an active Tax & Fiscal Policy Task Force, provide active monitoring, advocacy, leader-
ship and communications of tax, license and fiscal policy issues with affect The Chamber’s membership and the entire business community and that contribute to a “business friendly”
environment necessary for economic growth.

D. Support and promote appropriate crime legislation that will contribute to public safety, protection of the citizens of the community, and that contribute to healthy business environment and improved livability.

Educational Issues

In cooperation and coordination with other appropriate divisions and committees of The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama:

A. Review, assess and develop appropriate recommendations and actions in which The Chamber
of Commerce of West Alabama, the business community and area public schools can collaboratively and progressively lower the drop-out rate.

B. Review and develop recommendations for a possible education summit that brings together area business, education and public sector leaders and other key constituencies to address education and workforce issues for the next twenty-five years in order to effectively and creatively develop
long-term policies, programs, curriculum and strategies to meet the needs of our area.

C. Provide active support, advocacy and participation in The Chamber’s literacy initiative.