US Representative Jim Jordan visits Wapakoneta Rotary Club

This past Monday, I had the opportunity to attend the Wapakoneta Rotary Club, where US Congressman Jim Jordan (R), OH 4th District gave a talk on the ongoing budget talks in Washington D.C.  I make an effort to hear our elected officials speak whenever possible because I believe it is important for the chamber (and myself) to stay informed on what's happening in Columbus and Washington D.C.  I took notes during the talk, and here's an overview of what Mr. Jordan discussed:

Congressman Jordan began his talk by providing the context in which the budget discussion is taking place.  "The world is a better place when we lead," said Jordan.  "We cannot be a diplomatic and military world leader if we're not an economic leader. Right now, we have the wrong tax, energy, fiscal and regulatory policies in place."  Jordan chairs the Republican Study Committee's (RSC) Budget and Spending Task Force.  The RSC is the caucus of House conservatives founded in 1973 for the purposes of advancing a conservative and social economic agenda in the US House of Representatives. Jordan cited American business owners' recent testimony  before Congress regarding the current business regulatory environment as examples of poor policy.  "The last question asked at the hearing says it all," said Jordan.  "If you knew all of the government hassles that were coming, would you have started your business?"  All five business owners asked (including Mr. Jack Buschur of Minster) answered that they would not have started their businesses.

Jordan used a family budget example to describe the current fiscal policy in the U.S.  The fiscal policy is "equivalent to a family earning $50,000.00 and spending $85,000.00 year after year," said Jordan. In 2009 the Jordan-led RSC Budget and Spending Task Force presented the only balanced budget alternative to President Obama's budget. This year, the RSC introduced a budget that would balance in 9 years, compared to the budget presented by Congressman Paul Ryan that would balance in 26 years.  Jordan reported that one-hundred and three conservative members sent a letter to Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) containing three key actions that must be taken before the conservative group would vote to raise the debt ceiling:  cut spending significantly, cap spending to 18% of GDP, and pass a balanced budget amendment.  "You have to quit spending more money than you take in, we're not borrowing any more," said Jordan.

Jordan recalled the Tony Blankley piece from the Dec 22, 2010 Jewish World Review, here is an excerpt from the article: "Then the American miracle occurred - not in Washington, but in the hearts and heads of the American people. The polls started to show that the American people wanted Washington to do less, not more. They didn't want to be sheltered under the wing of the state. The American people feared the permanent loss of liberty more than they feared the temporary loss of their income or property."  Jordan used this example to support the idea that Americans want government to stop spending, work to reduce the national debt, and reduce the roadblocks to business growth with regard to regulatory policy.  "I think we're going to see a resurgence of core values in America," said Jordan.  Jordan stressed the importance of reducing US reliance upon foreign energy resources by developing a more coherent domestic energy policy, citing the cheap dollar, supply/demand, unrest in the Middle East and speculation as reasons for high gas prices. "The day you make a decision to increase the domestic supply, it sends a message to the markets," said Jordan.  "Make a committment to develop the resources, that will affect the market."  Jordan noted that the ANWAR oil fields are 75 miles from the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline, explaining that oil production in ANWAR would provide a cost-effective means of increasing domestic supply, and create jobs, without risk to the environment.

When asked what advice he would have for young people considering public service. "Don't let people discourgage you," said Jordan as he related the story of being strongly discouraged to run during his first bid for public office.  "We need young people involved in government."

Chamber benefits meeting vital, especially in this economy...

The latest installment in the Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce Lecture Series is entitled: “How to Get the Most From Your Chamber Investment.” The free event will take place on Wednesday June 22nd at 10:00 in the upper meeting room of the Miami and Erie Canal Visitors Center (the Lockkeeper’s House) in downtown New Bremen. This workshop is open to current chamber members as well as organizations considering chamber membership. “This represents an excellent opportunity for folks to learn more about the benefits of chamber membership,” said Scott Frey, Executive Director of the Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce. “It is very important that owners and managers realize the highest returns possible on every dollar they invest in the success of their organization. This workshop is specifically designed to educate current and prospective members on how they can leverage their chamber investment to achieve the greatest positive outcome.”



Frey will present information on new and existing chamber programs including: “Training for Chambers;” chamber website banner advertising; chamber committees; networking opportunities; media relations; marketing; social media; networking; sponsorships; workers compensation and health insurance discounts; and more. Ms. Toni Overholser, Executive Director of the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA) will be on hand to discuss chamber member benefits available through the Alliance such as health insurance discounts; prescription discounts; dental and vision discounts. There is no cost to attend the workshop. Light refreshments will be provided by New Bremen Coffee Co. and Books. Please RSVP if you plan to attend by calling the chamber office at (419) 629-0313 or send an email to info@auglaize.org. Visit www.auglaize.org for more details.