by Writing by Design Media, Inc. Staff
The Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce is the 'voice' of the business community in Memphis and Shelby County according to the website. The Chamber is a privately funded nonprofit organization established in 1838.
In late Feb. 2023, the Chamber and approximately 50 businesses from Memphis met with Gov. Bill Lee, state legislators and administrators about the 2023 legislative agenda at the annual MEM2NASH Forum held in Nashville, Tenn.
"The Greater Memphis Chamber's 2023 Legislative Agenda outlines the business priorities that are vital for the continued growth of our region and state. As the voice of business, we are advocating for more business recruitment tools, expanded workforce training opportunities, funding for key projects, improved public safety policies, and more," said Bobby White, Greater Memphis Chamber chief government relations officer.
According to the Chamber, priorities include expanding funds for universities, community colleges and approved programs instead of limiting them to Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) through the Wilder-Naifeh Skills Grant funds.
Educational opportunities for individuals without college degrees along with more access to skills training. State Rep. Mark White, R-Memphis (House District 83) and Sen. Todd Gardenhire, R-Chattanooga, are co-sponsors of House Bill 783 and Senate Bill 1042, which has the Chamber's support. Both legislators serve on the education committee.
Sports are an economic driver of Memphis and Tennessee. The Chamber is asking state lawmakers to include $350 million in Gov. Bill Lee's proposed budget to fund upgrades to the FedExForum and Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium according to a news release.
To read more agenda items, click below.
To contact Bobby White, send email to bwhite@memphischamber.org