The Current

Katrina provides us with a sobering reality…

It just doesn’t seem right to publish a witty blog in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The videos and stories are heart-wrenching, to say the least. My eyes welled-up (and I get choked-up at the thought) at one particular interview of a man who had just lost his wife in the storm. He indicated that as she let go of his hand and disappeared into the water, her final instructions were to take care of the children and grandchildren.

For arguably one of the most devastating natural disasters in our country’s history, Katrina has left its mark, as did the tsunamis in south Asia last December. While the death toll from Katrina may pale in comparison, its affects are none-the-less severe to the areas and individuals impacted by the hurricane and its aftermath. And it’s a certainty that we will all feel the affects of Katrina for quite some time, as our economy struggles to handle the increased pressures in the wake of the storm.

All that said, I find it equally disturbing that some of my fellow bloggers and other individuals with political motivations find it necessary to place blame for this situation. I believe rational people recognize that no individual is to blame for this or any similar disaster, and rather than seek political and/or personal gain at others’ tragedies, we need to lend support and encouragement. As I type, heroes are working desperately to save lives and provide relief to the ravaged area, and Americans are coming together, as we always do, in times of need.

There is little doubt that over the next several weeks and months, hundreds of stories of both devastation and survival will flood the media. As personal tragedy headlines, it’s only a matter of time until the impact on businesses on the gulf coasts are reported. Entire business districts have been wiped out and many local chambers will not survive the aftermath of this event.

Yesterday, the US Chamber hosted a conference call to discuss ways businesses can help with the recovery and rebuilding efforts. The Pennsylvania Chamber will be working with the US Chamber, the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Council of State Chamber and other similar groups to provide direction for our members and assistance to the individuals and businesses impacted by this disaster.

Please stay tuned to the Chamber’s website for additional information in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, let’s keep the victims in our thoughts and prayers, and please visit the American Red Cross or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sites for additional ways to help.

Pay Raise Furor?

So a lot of people have asked me why I haven’t discussed the pay raise issue. Since “I don’t want to,” doesn’t seem to satisfy, let me try this…

Rule #1 of any communication/advocacy effort is to STAY ON MESSAGE. Our members are concerned about the economy and the Commonwealth’s competitiveness for jobs. So, to embroil ourselves in the public furor over the pay raise only distracts from the Chamber’s Agenda for Jobs.

Secondly, The Chamber has not heard an outcry from our membership over the pay raise. Rather, the outcry has been over the lack of movement on our Agenda for Jobs. Therefore, see above for Rule #1.

Now, I know what you’re going to say to me... “Jim, the pay raise is a symptom of a larger problem…this is about the priorities of government and the pay raise demonstrates Government’s priorities are out-of-touch with the needs of Pennsylvania. And that dynamic is why nothing has been done on The Chamber’s Agenda.”

But this democracy thing goes both ways, and it’s not enough to complain about real or perceived problems, it’s our DUTY to do something about them. And if that’s your belief, it’s your duty, on November 7th 2006, to change the dynamics of government to ensure better priorities. In short, it’s your duty to vote accordingly.

Which brings me back to why I’m not discussing the pay raise -- As a lobbyist for the business community, I’m focused on creating a better job creation climate. I push for the issues of The Chamber’s membership and then report to the Chamber’s members who was with us and who was against us. All so they can vote accordingly.

As a voting citizen of this Commonwealth, I will join the rest of you in 2006 and decide who is worthy of election/re-election to state government. The first 6 months of this session have been evaluated, and I will evaluate the remaining 15 months before I make my decision. And in my humble world, I will do this REGARDLESS of what salary they may or may not make.

Ok. Now that I’ve stoked the fires, I’d like to know what YOU think.

(Editor’s Note: the aforesaid pay raise statement is not, was not, and will not heretofore be the official position of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, its subsidiaries, its assigns, our friends and relatives, our doctors and lawyers, the vending machine repair man, the cute water guy or anyone passing on the street.)

More partners in crime...

I’m back from a week vacationing, and I have some interesting observations to share, but I’m going to hold that for a future discussion.  Instead, I’m going to take advantage of some ill-timed vacations and introduce you to a couple of other folks at the Chamber.  While everyone in this building is important to our organization’s success, the following two individuals work almost daily with government affairs on our legislative efforts. 

First, there’s Lesley Smith, the Chamber’s Director, Communications.  Lesley came to us from the House Democratic press room.  She writes almost all of our regular publications and serves as the Chamber’s prime contact for the press.  She’s our gatekeeper when reporters call for comment on even the most innocuous issue.  She’s also one who, if necessary, is willing to sacrifice her time when the legislature is in session at all hours.  That says a lot, because if you knew Lesley, you’d know that pulling her away from shopping is a miracle in-and-of-itself.  So to VISA and MasterCard, we do apologize.

The other person I must introduce is Lesley’s boss, my colleague and friend, and my pesky editor, Maura Donley. Once a lobbyist for the Chamber, Maura now serves as the Chamber’s Vice President, Membership and Communications.  Maura has been with the Chamber for many, many moons (and that’s not a comment on age, before anyone thinks I should pay for that one), originally coming to us from former Governor Casey’s administration. 

Since Maura is not here to defend herself, I’m going to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit more about her; She’s Irish, which means she knows the good bars; She’s a family person, which means she’s quick to tell stories about her siblings and parents (o.k. that applies to being Irish, too); and she’s never wrong.  Well, she thinks she’s never wrong – it’s actually ME that’s never wrong.  (And with that, is it any surprise I now understand what it means to “get one’s Irish up”?)

Kidding aside, Maura is a great asset to this organization and the business community as a whole.  She has a sharp mind and a sharp wit (which means I’ll be paying for this blog at some point).  When Maura’s not yelling at me because she thinks she’s right and I’m wrong, she’s usually getting a 100 yard advantage off the ladies’ tee, which I still contend is unfair!