Welcome to the eAdvocate One of the 4 core values of the Bozeman Chamber is to represent the interests of business in front of government. We do that in many ways - our hope is that through this monthly newsletter you will be able to follow our activities. Most important, we hope that you'll comment, guide and advocate on issues that you feel are important to businesses in the Gallatin Valley. Eggs & Issues Eggs & Issues is brought to you by Reporter Big Sky and HON. Contact Jeremy Turner to find out how chamber members can get an additional 3% off their already low prices on Legacy brand products. Eggs & Issues will start at 7:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn. Cost is $15 for members and $20 for general admission. Register here. False Victory in Helena For Business Last month we told you that SB 371 was approved by the House of Representatives and was on its way to the Governor's desk for his signature. Unfortunately, he vetoed the pro-business bill that would have helped clarify what activities are considered part of the course and scope of employment, and therefore covered by work comp. With Montana's work comp rates rated second-worst in the nation, this is one positive step that could have been taken. Here's how one business owner summarized the veto: "We are now implementing a policy restricting employee activities while on breaks, etc., as well as curtailing company-sponsored social activities. It is not going to be popular. I am simply giving concerned employees the Governor's number, as well as the Trial Lawyers' Assoc." Law Requires Safety Plans The Montana Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DOLI) to promote a free safety plan training session. The Occupational Safety & Health Bureau of the DOLI is holding classes to help assemble a company's safety program. These are hands-on classes to complete a safety program during the class. The Montana Chamber is providing free jump/thumb/zip drives to take the safety program home and put it to work. A formal safety plan is required by law under the Montana Safety Culture Act. Further, it is a requirement for the new Montana Safety Choices work comp insurance program available now through the Montana Chamber and Liberty Northwest. It is also necessary to qualify for the Montana State Fund work comp pool authorized by SB 192. That program can not start until July 1, 2010, but a completed safety plan must be implemented a year in advance. Classes will be held June 9 at the Bozeman College of Technology (8 a.m. and 10 a.m. slots). Computers will be available for creating the safety program, so space is limited. Call to make a reservation at 406-444-6401.  Transportation Is Your Business The U.S. Chamber of Commerce will host the Transportation is Your Business Fly-in to bring important transportation stakeholders like you to Washington, DC. The two day event will include workshops with U.S. Chamber staff; an event with Steve Odland, Chairman and CEO, Office Depot; and meetings with our Congressional Delegation. The nation's core surface transportation programs will expire on September 30, 2009, and continuing the status quo is not an option. Join the Chamber in calling on leaders in Washington to seize this critical opportunity to improve existing programs and increase investment in the nation's roads, bridges and transit systems. A well-maintained, modernized, and expanded surface transportation system is essential to spur economic growth, create jobs, and maintain America's competitiveness in the global economy. All Fly-in activities are free of charge. If you are interested in forming a delegation with other Bozeman Chamber members, please contact David Smith at 922-0448. Credit Card Reform for Small Business This comment came from Mike Conn with Frontline Processing after last month's article. In the article on supposed credit card reform, I believe represents misinformation that consumers should be aware of. The article refers to "aggressive tactics by credit card companies." These aggressive terms in consumer card contracts are not the result of the actions of companies like Frontline, but the card issuing BANKS. I'm not necessarily a big fan VISA/MC/Discover, but even they do not set the terms of consumer's contract, so I think this article unfairly puts them in a bad light. The one exception to this is AMEX who does set their own terms. I find disturbing that instead of pointing out the real culprits we get this blanket implied condemnation of "the evil credit card companies". Acquirers, like Frontline, have no input in settings cardholder terms and conditions. We are in a completely different portion of the credit card industry. In fact I would agree with many of the proposed reforms in this area. I just want an honest statement of the parties to whom reform should be directed. Obama outlines Health Care Reform in Letter to Baucus "I will stop at nothing to deliver a health reform bill that works for families and businesses to the president this year," Sen. Max Baucus said this week. Covering 50 million uninsured Americans could cost as much as $1.5 trillion over a decade, and cost is emerging as a major sticking point. President Obama didn't offer new solutions to that problem in his letter Wednesday but did say he'd like to squeeze an additional $200 billion to $300 billion over 10 years from the Medicare and Medicaid government insurance programs for the elderly, disabled and poor. Read more here. Federal Headlines: Are tax increases on the horizon? Will President Obama be good for business? Secretary Chu says raising gas taxes not "politically feasible" Popularity of E-Verify grows, concerns regarding accuracy remain Education Secretary moves forward with reforms Summer Street Work For a listing of current and future street work go to the city's web site. City Commission Agendas If you'd like to receive electronic versions of the City Commission agenda, click here. Work Completed on City Economic Development Plan The Prospera Business Network recently completed the City of Bozeman's draft Economic Development Plan. This will be included as part of the City's Growth Policy, formerly the 2020 Plan. A group of business representatives has been meeting since last fall to develop the document, which can be found here. The plan will be presented to the Planning Board on June 2 at 7 p.m. County Boards Need Volunteers County Boards Need Volunteers The County has several openings on various citizen boards. If you are interested in applying on one of these boards, click here to get an electronic application or stop by the Commission's office at 311 W Main St., Room 306. Vacancies currently exist on the following: Tax Appeal Board; Gallatin Field Airport Authority Board; Board of Park Commission; Solid Waste Management District; Pedestrian Traffic Safety Committee; Search and Rescue; West Yellowstone/Hebgen Basin Refuse District #2; Fort Ellis Fire Service Area; Springhill Fire Service Area; Open Lands Board; Impact Fee Advisory Committee; Middle Cottonwood Board of Adjustment; East Gallatin Board of Adjustment; County-wide Interim Zoning Board of Adjustment; Yellowstone Country