Advocacy & Key Priorities for 2023

ADVOCACY & KEY PRIORITIES 2023

A Message from the Chair

WHERE WE ARE NOW

Throughout its history, the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce has played an important role in bringing together business and community leaders to advocate at all levels of government for policies that further enhance the social and economic prosperity of the cities we represent

The Peabody Area Chamber’s non-partisan advocacy efforts are reflective of the priorities of our membership and wider business community. With the help of our Government Relations Committee, we ’ re continually advocating for public policy that positively impacts business and our community at large

How do we do this? On our members' behalf, we:

Participate in task forces

Provide written submissions on policy priorities

Host roundtables with government stakeholders

Convene town halls with elected officials

Survey our membership to establish priorities

Communicate regularly and work closely with our Mayors, Town Managers and other elected officials.

This publication is intended to help keep you informed of the chamber's priorities in the coming year I invite you to keep up to date on what we will be advocating for by signing up for our quarterly email newsletter by emailing president@peabodychamber.com

Dave Olson, PACC Chairman of the Board 2023 Wayside Transportation

Key Priorities

This policy platform is adopted by the Governmental Relations Committee and approved by the Board of Directors of the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) to provide a basis to act on local, state, and federal government issues and to support a vibrant business environment

EconomicDevelopment

TheChambersupportsandendorseseconomicdevelopment strategiesthatemphasizeincreasingthenumberofwealthproducingjobs,includingtheexpansionofthenumberof businessesandresidentspayingtaxesandfeesintothesystem

Incentivesthatpromotetheuseoflocallaborandmaterials. Projectsthatenhanceeconomicdevelopmentandcreatejobs Programsthatprovidetaxcreditsorassistancetofacilitate businessgrowth

Advanceinnovativesolutionstoreducethecommercialproperty taxburden.

Opposesignificantincreasesingovernmentlicense,permitfees andemployersponsoredbenefitsonsmallbusiness Downtownrevitalizationefforts

Workforce Development

Leverage all tools and resources to connect employers with the creation, development, and availability of work skills training programming. Connect employers with internships and supports strategies and initiatives aiding in business recruitment and the development, recruitment, and retention of local talent.

Workforce Housing

The Chamber recognizes that a sufficient supply of housing all along the income spectrum is critical to supporting vibrant and sustainable local economies. To address the ever-widening gap between income earnings and housing costs, we will support land regulation reforms

Transportation

Ensuringefficientandeffectivetransportationfacilities,projects,and optionsarecrucialforourregion’seconomicdevelopment,the successofourbusinesses,andthelocalqualityoflife

Increasetransportationoptions:Identifytransportationoptions asPeabodyisthelargestmunicipalityinsideRoute495not directlyconnectedtotheMBTA'scommuterrailorrapidtransit system

Route114Re-Design:Recognizingtheimpacttobusinesses alongtheRoute114corridor,theChamberwillbeaconvenerof informationandrepresentworktoensureacontinuousandopen dialoguethroughoutthere-design

Government Relations

The Chamber's goal with our advocacy efforts are to advance issues and rely on local government to carry out their roles for good public policy Through our Government Relations Committee, we encourage elected officials to work with the business community to boost the local economy and improve competition We foster cooperation and partnerships among government, education, and business and civic groups

The issues addressed by the Government Relations Committee are those that:

Involve or pertain to the business community as a whole

Impact more than a substantial portion of the chamber membership

Influence the overall economic development of the area

Impact an entire business sector such as manufacturing, services or tourism/retail

Impact the entire business climate

Public positions and support statements will be given when the issues meet the above guidelines. For those issues that do not meet the above guidelines, we offer assistance to businesses by providing appropriate network contacts with other stakeholder organizations, government agencies, representatives or community leaders.

2022-2023 Committee

Committee Chair: Chris Ryder, City of Peabody

Camille Bartlett

Peabody TV

Kyle Delegge

Two Coast Living

Matt Genzale

MRG Constructions

Brad Gosselin

Bridgewell

Doug LePage

Lepage Life Coaching

Dave Olson

Wayside Transportation

Dan Sencabaugh

Hurwitz, Richard, Sencabaugh LLP

Caroline Trujillo

Citizens Inn

Brian Vinagro

Peabody Wealth Advisors

Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11am via Zoom. Member businesses are encouraged to join the committee. Email president@peabodychamber.com

Population: 28,087

Owner Occupied Housing Rate: 71.2%

Median House Value: $490,200

Median Gross Rent: $1,681 Number of Households: 10,964

Household size: 2.48

$12.66

$20.54

TOWN MANAGER, STEVE BARTHA

Grassroots Advocacy

Manybusinessownersdonotrealizehowasimpleletter,phonecall,oremailcan influenceelectedofficials Thisisespeciallytrueifyoucanorganizealetterwriting campaign.Educatingemployeesandotherbusinessownersonissuesthatareimportant toyourcompanyandindustryishighlyeffectiveininitiatingchange

Whataresometipsforcommunicatingwithelectedofficials?

Identifyyourself Makesurethelegislatorisawarethatyouliveand/ordobusinessin his/herdistrict.

Personalizeyourletter Electedofficialsneedtoknowhowthelegislationwillaffect yourbusiness.Refrainfromsimplysigningontoa“formletter”wheneverpossible.

Bespecific Refertobillnumberswheneverpossible Askfortheelectedofficial’ssupportoropposition.

Keeptothefacts Avoidemotionalarguments

Wheneverpossible,offersolutionstotheissuebeingdiscussed. Keepcommunicationrespectful Neverthreatentheofficial Useyourletterhead,signtheletter,andprovideyourcontactinformation.

Rememberthatforcertainoffices,theelectedofficialisunpaidandoftenhasanother joborhashis/herownbusiness.

Governance

Form of Government:

Select Board / Town Meeting

Chief Municipal Officer:

Town Administrator

Size of Select Board: 3

Demographics

Population: 13,000

Owner Occupied Housing Rate: 85.4%

Median House Value: $741,000

Median Gross Rent: $1,752

Number of Households: 4,536

Avg Household size: 2.83

State Aid $15,076,259

$12.66

Residential Tax Rate

$20.54

Commercial Tax Rate

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR, ROBERT DOLAN

Workforce Development Grants

Workforce Training Fund:

The Workforce Training Fund Program (WTFP) helps address business productivity and competitiveness by providing resources to Massachusetts businesses to fund training for current and newly hired employees In order to qualify, businesses must pay into the Fund All forprofit companies automatically pay into the fund.

While available to businesses of all sizes, the WTFP focuses on small to medium-sized businesses that would not be able to invest in improving employee skills without the assistance of the Fund

The Peabody Area Chamber has partnered with Growthco, a leader in organization and talent development, to assist members with applying for the either grant and identifying skills training opportunities. All courses in the PACC's Chamber Growth University program have been approved Other courses not listed are available

See back cover or visit www.peabodychamber.com under Resources to learn more.

Governance

Form of Government:

Select Board / Town Meeting

Chief Municipal Officer:

Town Administrator

Size of Select Board: 5

Demographics

Population: 9,779

Owner Occupied Housing Rate: 91.7%

Median House Value: $625,800

Median Gross Rent: $1,449

Number of Households: 3,122

Avg Household size: 2.73

State Aid $2,423,144

$13.25

Residential Tax Rate

$13.25

Commercial Tax Rate

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR, JACKIE BRESNAHAN

Governance

Form of Government:

Mayor / City Council

Size of Council: 11

Length of Mayoral Term: 2 Years

Demographics

Population: 54,481

Owner Occupied Housing Rate: 65,6%

Median House Value: $423,405

Median Gross Rent: $1,620

Number of Households: 22,808

Avg Household size: 2.35

State Aid $32,303,478

$10.10 Residential Tax Rate

$21.14 Commercial Tax Rate

The partnership between the City of Peabody and the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce dates nearly a century. It’s a collaboration that has thrived amidst sweeping changes to the economic landscape. That Peabody has transformed from a leader in industrial manufacturing to a driver of the region’s 21st century information economy, is a testament to this enduring alliance.

From the ongoing revitalization of Main Street and downtown Peabody to the remarkable resurgence of Centennial Park and the Northshore Mall, Peabody is a city on the move and one in which people want to live, raise a family, and start a business. In fact, entrepreneurs are opening businesses and creating new jobs like never before in Peabody And our outstanding PACC is there to welcome them with open arms.

MESSAGE FROM MAYOR EDWARD A BETTENCOURT, JR

Mayor Ted Bettencourt

US CONGRESSMAN SETH MOULTON MASSACHUSETTS 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

As the Congressman for Massachusetts’ sixth district, I am proud to have the privilege of representing my constituents in Congress, where I am dedicated to delivering progress at both the local and national level. I am committed to working with colleagues in Washington to advance bipartisan priorities that enhance the well-being and security of all Americans.

My legislative priorities this Congress are investing in public transport and high-speed rail projects, strengthening our national defense apparatus, and increasing the accessibility of mental health care by building upon the Brandon Act and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. I am focused on furthering American leadership, prosperity, and economic growth through my work on the House Armed Services Committee, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.

In the district, one top priority of mine is helping constituents apply for and implement federal Community Project Funding. These initiatives range from improving the Riverwalk in Peabody to building a water treatment facility in Gloucester and expanding the Salem Skipper’s route availability. My office will continue collaborating with local groups to maximize the transformative potential of the Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS Act, and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These laws will help electrify the commuter rail, expand access to clean drinking water, and improve manufacturers' ability to remain competitive nationally and internationally.

My district office is a great resource for constituents in Massachusetts’ sixth District. Based at 21 Front Street in Salem, MA, we have an ongoing constituent services program with four caseworkers assisting with local concerns, helping people access government benefits, and resolving questions for federal agencies. Even when my office is not able to directly assist with a certain issue, we have plenty of local resources and organizations we can connect you to. You can reach us at moulton.house.gov or at 978-531-1669.

SENATOR JOAN LOVELY

SECOND ESSEX - CONSISTING OF THE CITIES OF BEVERLY, PEABODY AND SALEM AND THE TOWN OF DANVERS IN THE COUNTY OF ESSEX.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals, families, and businesses are facing many challenges. From workforce to affordable housing, to transportation, the pandemic has changed the way we operate, and we must meet these new challenges head on. I am proud and grateful to work with my colleagues in the North Shore state delegation to advocate for our residents and local businesses on Beacon Hill. As the 193rd Session gets underway, the Legislature will continue to take measures to elevate our economy, improve workforce development and transportation, and address our housing shortage.

Thelegislatureiskeenlyawareofthemanyworkforcechallengesoureconomyis facing.Severalbillshaveprovidedtargetedworkforcesupportstoassistsomeofour neediestsectors,includinghealthcareandearlyeducation,whichisofparticular importancetoourworkingfamilies.Inaddition,theeconomicdevelopmentpackage, whichwasenactedinNovemberof2022,included$153millioninsmallbusiness grantssupportand$100milliontosupportthecreationofworkforcehousingwhich wouldhelptoensurepeoplecanstayintheregionandcontinuetoworkforoursmall businesses.

IamthankfulfortheleadershipofGovernorHealeyandLt.GovernorDriscollwho understandthattosupportcurrentandfutureresidents,Massachusettsmustinvest inaffordablehousing,andtheyhavecreatedanewhousingsecretarypositiontothat end.HousingcontinuestobeoneofthegreatestchallengestheCommonwealthis facing.ThisSession,IampleasedtohaverefiledlegislationonMassachusettsRental VoucherProgram(MRVP)reform.ThisbillwouldcodifyMRVPandmake improvementstotheprogram.Additionally,mycolleaguesandIhavealsotaken measurestoupdatemulti-familyzoninglawstocreatemorehousingdevelopment withinaccesstopublictransit.

Transportationaccessremainscriticaltothecontinuedeconomicdevelopmentof ourcommunities.Isupporttransportationenhancementsacrossourtravelnetworks tobemoreenvironmentallyfriendly,includingelectricchargingstationsandbike shareprograms.Wemustalsocontinuetoimprovetheexistingassetswehave includingelectrificationofthecommuterrailandenhancedbusserviceforthe longevityofourregion.IwasproudtocelebratethereturnofthePeabodyLogan ExpressandwillcontinuetoadvocateforthePeabodytrolleythatwouldconnect PeabodyandSalemdowntownneighborhoods,openinghousingandjob opportunitiesacrossourcommunities.

ToallthemembersofthePeabodyAreaChamberofCommerce,pleasedonot hesitatetocontactmySenateofficetoletmeknowhowIcanhelpyourorganization flourishin2023.MystaffandIlookforwardtohearingfromyou.

REPRESENATIVE SALLY KERANS

13TH ESSEX - CONSISTING OF THE TOWN OF DANVERS, PRECINCT 2, OF THE TOWN OF MIDDLETON, WARD 6, OF THE CITY OF PEABODY, PRECINCT 2, OF THE TOWN OF TOPSFIELD, AND PRECINCT 1A, OF THE TOWN OF WENHAM, ALL IN THE COUNTY OF ESSEX.

Thank you for the opportunity to discuss PACC’s priorities: Reducing costs to businesses; Workforce Development; Workforce Housing; Transportation and Route 114 specifically. Workforce development and housing have been in the spotlight for the past two years and will continue to command our attention The Commonwealth has stepped up investment in workforce development initiatives over the past two years to help our businesses and industries find and retain the people with skills that match their needs, and, importantly, to help people find fulfilling work and career paths. These include technical training and-retraining, Adult Basic Education, Mass Hire Career Centers and the Workforce Competitiveness Fund.

TheHealey-Driscolladministrationisproposingsignificantincreasestocloseskillsgapsand investinresourcesforindustriesnowfacingacuteshortages,suchhealthcare,transportation andtechnologyItproposesmakingcommunitycollegefreeforthoseovertheageof25 withoutacollegedegreetohelpre-engageunderemployedordiscouragedindividualswho haveleftthejobmarket.TheHouseiscurrentlyevaluatingthegovernor’sproposalsandwill issueourbudgetlaterinApril2023

Withouthousing,oureffortstofind,trainandkeepworkerswillcomeupshort.Wemust makeprioritizethecreationofhousingpeoplecanactuallyafford.TheHealey-Driscoll administration’snewExecutiveOfficeofHousingandLivableCommunities(EOHLC)willwork withlocalgovernments,non-profits,publichousingauthorities,developers,landlordsand renterstoshapeacomprehensivedevelopmentandstabilizationstrategy.

TheLegislaturehasalsoaddressedanothercriticalworkforceandbusinessissue:Without childcare,parentscannotworkfull-time.Financialinstabilityamongproviderslongpreceded thepandemic,butCovidexacerbatedandexposeditThereisn’tafamilythatcanaffordto paymoreoranearlyeducatorwhocanaffordtoearnless.Tostabilizethefield,the Legislature’sSpecialLegislativeEarlyEducationandCareEconomicReviewCommissiondug intothestructuralconstraintsinthefieldFromthatworkweinMassachusettsleveraged federalfundingtolaunchtheCommonwealthCaresforChildren(C-3)grantstohelp providerswithbasicoperatingcosts,increasethenumberofstaffandtheircompensationand stayafloat.(OflocalinteresttousontheNorthShore,theformulaneedstobeadjustedso thatourproviderscanfullyaccessthissupport,anissueRep.TomWalsh,SenatorLovelyand I,alongwithourNorthShorecolleagues,willcommunicateourconcerntoourbudgetwriters.

Withrespecttootherbusinessexpenses,weareconsideringalloptionstokeepourstate affordable.

Finally,transportationhereinPeabodyandDanversandtheentireNorthShoreimpactsour economy,ourbusinessclimateandouremployees.Peopleneedaccesstosafe,functioning publictransportationtogettoworkWemustre-examineourbusroutes,fosteroptionssuch astheSalemSkipperbyexpandingittoPeabodyandDanvers,andforthoseworkerswho needtowalkacrossRt.114togettowork,ensurethattheycandososafely.

IwanttothankPACCPresidentDeanneHealeyforherworkwithRt.114businessestoensure theirinputintotheMassDOTplanforsafetyimprovementsonRt.114.Asaresultofthe Chamber’svigorousoutreach,severalbusinessesattendedlastweek’splanningsessionand providedinvaluableinsighttoMassDOTengineersaboutthevehicleandpedestriantrafficon theroad.ThisisaprimeexampleofthePeabodyAreaChamberofCommerce’scollaborative, hands-onapproachtosupportingitsmembersandensuringthatourbusinesses’interestsare consideredandrepresentedIlookforwardtocontinueddialoguewithPACConallthese issues.

REPRESENTATIVE TOM WALSH

12TH ESSEX - CONSISTING OF WARD 1, WARD 2, WARD 3, WARD 4, AND WARD 5, OF THE CITY OF PEABODY, IN THE COUNTY OF ESSEX.

Withthe193rdlegislativesessionunderway,I’vebeenlooking forwardtocontinuingtorepresenttheresidentsofPeabodyatthe StateHouseandprovidingourcitywithastrongvoiceonBeacon Hill Lastmonth,Iwasselectedbymycolleaguestochairthe HouseCommitteeonBillsintheThirdReading.Thiscommittee servesasafinalchecktoensuretheaccuracyandconsistencyof legislationbeforeavotebytheHouseofRepresentatives.

Twoyearsago,wewereinformedbythehealthcareindustryabout thesevereshortageofnursingstaffthathasthreatenedthelevelof careprovidedtotheirpatients.Hearingthealarmoveranacute

shortageofnurses,SenatorLovely,RepresentativeBelsito,andIcrafteda$2.5milliondollarpipeline programtoincreasethenumberofnursinginstructorsinourpubliccollegesByincreasingenrollment fornursingstudents,wecanfulfilltheneedsofourhospitals,nursinghomes,andlong-termcare facilitiessothatwecancontinuetodeliverthehigh-qualityofcarepatientsdeserve.

TheNationalCenterforMissingandExploitedChildrenreportsthattherearecurrentlymorethan 100missingchildrenfromMassachusetts,manybelievedtobevictimsofhumantrafficking.Human traffickingoccurswhenindividualsarecompelledtoworkorprovideservicesthroughtheuseof force,fraud,orcoercionknownaslabortraffickingandwhenindividualsarecompelledtoengagein commercialsexthroughtheuseofforce,fraud,orcoercion.Lastyear,withthecooperationofmy colleagues,Iwassuccessfulincreatingaone-million-dollargrantadministeredbytheDepartmentof PublicHealthforemployerstoeducateandprovidetrainingtotheirstafftobetteridentifysignsof humantraffickingintheirestablishments.

DovetailingwiththeChamber’sadvocacygoalforimprovingRoute114,yourPeabodydelegationhas beenworkingcollaborativelywiththeMassachusettsDepartmentofTransportation(MassDOT)to designandimplementsafetyfeaturesalongthisbusyroadway.Toaddressthedangerouspracticeof carcarriersloadingandunloadingvehiclesinthecenterofRoute114,alongwithSenatorLovelyand RepresentativeKerans,Iintroducedlegislationcreatingtoughpenaltiesonthecarriercompanyand thedriverforparkinginthemiddlelaneandshuttlingcarsacrosstrafficandintothedealerships. WorkingwiththeCityCouncil,Idraftedproposedordinancelanguagethatwillprohibitandfinethose offloadingvehiclesonstatehighwayswithincitylimits.

Althoughtherearesignsofsofteningrevenueprojections,theCommonwealthremainsonebillion dollarsaheadofbenchmarkwiththreeandahalfmonthsleftontheFiscalYear2023calendar Our “rainyday”,orstabilizationfund,isprojectedtoholdmorethaneightbilliondollarsbythecloseof June;morethanfivetimesthetotaldepositsheldin2016.Shouldcircumstancesrequireaccessingthis fund,ourcollectivefiscalresponsibilitywillallowustocontinuetoprovidevitalservicesduringlean times.

Onceagain,thankyouforattendingtoday’sbreakfast,and,asweenterthespringseasonIwelcome yourthoughtsandcommentsonanythingyoufeelIcanbeofassistance.

Sincerely,

Thomas P Walsh

State Representative