Loading...Israel Cites Need to Get Manufacturers Involved in Campaign
Calling Georgia manufacturers the true endangered species in our state, Georgia Chamber President & CEO George Israel has sent word to the more than 500 volunteers working in the Team Georgia Chamber '06 statewide membership campaign that they should be focusing on them in their quest to recruit new members for the state chamber.
"While the anti-business, big government, pro-tax crowd is focused on saving snail darters and four pedaled paw paw plants, the men and women who have invested in equipment, inventory and human capital in our state are suffering. We are confident that Georgia's economy is going to add a huge number of new jobs over the next few years, but, unless something is done in 2007, we are equally certain that the manufacturing sector is going to lose jobs," according to Israel. "And, once these jobs are gone, along with the employers who provide them, pay the taxes and add strength to local communities in Georgia, it will not be easy to replace them," Israel said, "We need to act now to stabilize the relatively few manufacturers who have stuck it out."
With that, Israel told the volunteers to carry a new message to Georgia manufacturers: the Georgia Chamber is going to bat for them in the 2007 session of the Georgia General Assembly. Specifically, the state business organization will support a bill that will remove the onerous tax they currently pay on energy used in the manufacturing process. Experts agree that the cost savings will be in the millions statewide, freeing up dollars that can be used in more productive ways, such as hiring new workers, marketing and R&D.
Even without this push for new laws governing manufacturers, membership in the Georgia Chamber is considered a bargain. For annual memberships that begin at less than a dollar a day, members receive a package of services geared to making them more efficient and profitable.
Over the years, the Georgia Chamber has originated and/or influenced legislation that has made taxes more equitable for business, refined the regulations governing workers' comp and unemployment insurance, making them more business-friendly, and, of course, in 2005, helped pass the most sweeping tort reform law in the nation. Every business, indeed every citizen of the state, benefited from this major reform.
Activity out on the campaign trail continues at a fast pace. During week 13, total dollars hit the 50% mark and all indications are that it will surpass $1 million in a matter of days. Five veteran volunteers shared top honors for individual production during the week, with first place going to Art McClung (Georgia Power-Atlanta), who reported $15,000. The next three leaders each reported $10,500. They were: Donald Dalton (Wachovia Bank), Dennis Boyden (BellSouth) and Luke Mansour (Synovus). Fifth place on this elite list went to Pat Sims (Georgia Power-Atlanta), who turned in $5,975.
The Top Producing Teams for Week 13 were: The Pacesetters (made up of Georgia Chamber Board members); Georgia Power, BellSouth, Wachovia Bank and Synovus. Speaking of Synovus, the team recently held a statewide conference call for Team Captains to receive words of encouragement from legendary Georgia business leader and Synovus Chairman of the Board, Jim Blanchard. In the 2005 campaign, the team from Synovus recruited more than 100 new Georgia Chamber members and they are headed for another record-breaking year in 2006.
For 27 of the top campaign workers, this will be a week of re-adjusting to a quieter routine, having spent last weekend in Las Vegas as part of a campaign incentive trip. The group flew to the city that never sleeps on Friday morning, returning on Sunday. The entire trip, including air transportation and hotel accommodations at the world famous MGM Grand Hotel, was sponsored by AirTran Airways.
A push begins this week to encourage volunteers who have delayed recruiting a new member until the second half to join the producing group. The campaign is offering an extra incentive to them for capturing their first new recruit, including a cash bonus and a chance to win a Treo Smartphone from Verizon Wireless and an additional $100. But, there is also an incentive for volunteers who have already recruited new members, as well. During the two-week period, they will have a chance to win round trip tickets to any domestic destination served by AirTran Airways.
So, whether it is manufacturers or really any company that does business in Georgia, the word is getting out that membership in the Georgia Chamber is a good investment. When successful, the campaign will propel the state chamber closer to 4,500 members and ensure that the voice of Georgia business will remain strong for another year.
