Message From Senator Dan Coats
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As I represent Hoosiers in the U.S. Senate, I am focused on protecting our country from terrorist threats and strengthening our national security. Equally important is the need to strengthen our nation's fiscal security. I believe there are three problem areas keeping America from getting back on track toward growth and prosperity: (1) the impact of federal regulations on businesses, (2) our burdensome tax system and (3) the costly health care law. As I work to address these areas, I need your feedback. I want to take Indiana's Input back to Washington and tell the story of how these policies are impacting you, your family or your job.
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HJR-6
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House Joint Resolution 6 (HJR-6) asks voters to choose, through a statewide referendum on the November 2014 ballot, to amend the state constitution to define marriage as strictly between a man and a woman. Many Indiana businesses and organizations including Indiana University, The Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Eli Lilly and others have voiced their opposition to the resolution on the grounds that it could inhibit their ability to attract talent from across the globe. The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is currently in the process of drafting a position statement on HJR-6 and expects to weigh in on the issue over the next few weeks. The position will be sent out to the membership in advance of public distribution. If you have questions of comments on this issue please contact Liz Irwin at lirwin@chamberbloomington.org
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Downtown Parking
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The Chamber Parking Committee will re-convene this month to begin working on a survey for downtown businesses on the impact of parking meters. The survey will be distributed in early 2014 in order to capture data about holiday sales. The results of the survey will be shared with Chamber members and City officials.
The City of Bloomington is preparing to launch a new app for downtown parking meters, providing an opportunity to pay or add time to meters via smart phone. On Thursday, November 14 at 3:00 p.m., Park Mobile staff will be at City Hall in the Council Chambers to demo their application, talk to merchants about how the application may be used as a validation tool and answer any questions potential users may have. For more information, or to schedule a time for another demonstration, please contact Public Works at (812) 349-3400.
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I-69 Section 5
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 The Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) issued the RFP for section 5 last month, inviting the four private developer teams identified through the RFQ process to submit bids. These teams will compete to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Section 5 project. Final bids are due in January. A team selection is expected to be made in mid February with the financial close anticipated next spring. INDOT is expecting a tree-clearing contract to be let by the end of 2013 and full construction to begin next summer. Currently, utility location, right of way acquisition and procurement recommendations are underway in Section 5.
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I-69 Community Update
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The Greater Ellettsville Area Chamber of Commerce plans to host an informational meeting on the progress of I-69 on Monday, November 18 from 11:30-1:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. A representative from the Indiana Department of Transportation will provide an update on I-69 and be available for questions. For more information, please call (812) 876-6611 or email info@ellettsvillechamber.org.
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The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is planning a statewide summit to discuss I-69 in the fall of 2014. The summit will address economic development, community planning, logistics and other important topics. Stay tuned for additional details.
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Legislative Survey
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Thanks to everyone who participated in our annual Legislative and Business Climate Survey. The results of the survey are being used to develop our 2014 Legislative Agenda, which focuses on issues at the state and federal level, and will also be used to set our 2014 Local Public Policy Initiatives, which focuses on local issues. The survey results will be posted on the Advocacy Page of The Chamber Website in the next few weeks.
Congratulations to Kathy Slinkard of Winters and Associates who won the $50 downtown giftcard for participating in our Legislative Survey! Thank you to CFC Properties for donating the gift card.
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Legislative Agenda
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Each year, The Chamber identifies broad issue areas on which to focus in the upcoming legislative session. The Chamber's Legislative Council is currently working to develop legislative priorities for the 2014 session. Those priorities will be incorporated into The Chamber's 2014 Legislative Agenda, which will be unveiled at the Legislative Preview event on January 10 from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
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Local Public Policy Initiatives
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The Chamber Advocacy Council is reviewing results from the Legislative Survey and will use that information to develop The Chamber's 2014 Local Public Policy Initiatives. Council members will determine broad issue areas that The Chamber will prioritize and focus on in 2014. The Local Public Policy Initiatives will be released in early 2014.
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As we approach the 2014 Legislative Session, our members want to know what issues will be addressed by the legislature. Our Legislative Preview will bring our state legislators together to share their perspective on important topics to be addressed as the General Assembly prepares for its upcoming session. The Chamber will also unveil its 2014 Legislative Agenda at this time, which is currently being developed with input from our Legislative Council and results of a recent member survey. The event is scheduled for Friday, January 10 from 11:30-1:00. Stay tuned for additional details.
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Thank you to these Members that help to support the Chamber at our highest levels!
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Elite
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Chairman
 President 
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Neighborhood Business Watch
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The Bloomington Police Department is researching the idea of creating a neighborhood watch for businesses. If your business is interested in participating or discussing ideas, please contact Sgt. Pam Gladish at the Bloomington Police Department (812) 349-3330 or gladishp@bloomington.in.gov.
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Your Advocacy & Public Policy Team
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For more information on these and other business advocacy issues contact your Advocacy Team at The Chamber.
Director of Advocacy and Public Policy
Government Relations Mgr - City
Government Relations Mgr - County
Advocacy Associate
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City and County
Infrastructure Improvements
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Stay updated on road work around Bloomington and Monroe County.
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