KAM Day at the Capitol
KAM Day at the Capitol
KAM's 2nd Annual "Day at the Capitol" - February 11, 2013
On Monday, February 11, 2013, KAM President & CEO Greg Higdon welcomed representatives from over twenty of Kentucky's major manufacturers--as well as industries that support manufacturing and government relations representatives--to Frankfort for KAM’s second Day at the Capitol event. The event was organized by KAM on behalf of our members to further our advocacy efforts and to help educate our members about the legislative process and the importance of being engaged with State Government in Frankfort.
Not only is it important for KAM members to hear from the key policymakers in Frankfort, but it is important for those policymakers to know that KAM and its members are engaged in the process. The most important contact to a legislator is the constituent back home, and in the case of a manufacturer, that is a person who is an important employer for that legislator’s community.
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“I know from my time in the State Senate, that connecting my constituents with the organizations that represent them in Frankfort is critically important. If groups came to me and my constituents back home were active in those organizations, I knew that they had a local tie to me. That is part of what we strive to accomplish with the Day at the Capitol program.” Greg Higdon, President & CEO, Kentucky Association of Manufacturers |
The group heard from Executive Branch policy makers, Legislative Leaders, and Cabinet Secretaries as they gave their perspectives on Kentucky's economy, economic and talent development efforts, and the priorities facing the 2013 session of the General Assembly, all issues which could affect manufacturers in the Commonwealth.
The day began at the historically significant Berry Hill Mansion with lunch in the Music Room, followed by remarks from Senate President Pro Tem Katie Stine and Speaker of the House Greg Stumbo.
| "Kentucky's manufacturers are a critical part of our economy. I am glad to see you engaging in the legislative process and in the Senate our door is open to hear what issues are important to you and what ideas you have to make Kentucky a more friendly state in which to do business." Senate President Pro Tem Katie Stine |
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“As Kentucky looks to grow its economy, we have to look at all of the critical issues facing the Commonwealth: pension reform, tax reform, Medicaid managed care and others. All of them affect potential investments in Kentucky.” Speaker of the House Greg Stumbo |
A panel discussion on education and talent development issues followed. The panelists were Senator Mike Wilson, Chair, Senate Education Committee; Representative Carl Rollins II, Chair, House Education Committee; and Dr. Dale Winkler, Associate Commissioner, Office of Career & Technical Education.
After the Education Panel finished with a question and answer session, the group traveled the short distance to the Capitol Building to meet with Governor Steve Beshear and get his perspective on issues affecting manufacturing in Kentucky and what he saw as strategic issues for the 2013 Session of the General Assembly.
"I am thankful for the partnership we have with Kentucky's manufacturers to keep our economy moving forward. Your engagement in the process of government with a focus on economic and workforce development is critical."
Governor Steve Beshear
After meeting with Governor Beshear and taking a group photo, the participants moved to the Capitol Annex to hear from a panel of speakers on energy issues, which are a top priority for Kentucky manufacturers. The panel consisted of Senator Jared Carpenter, Chair, Senate Natural Resources & Energy Committee; Representative Keith Hall, Chair, House Tourism Development & Energy Committee; and Dr. Len Peters, Secretary, Energy & Environment Cabinet
Feedback from participants has been excellent:
"KAM Day at the Capitol was a unique opportunity to meet and remind our elected representatives of the importance of manufacturing to our commonwealt. The day was very informative about current and critical issues."
Tim Holt, Universal Woods, Inc.
“KAM’s Day at the Capitol this year was outstanding. The topics were relevant…the speakers included key legislators and policy makers…and at the conclusion of each session, the participants were left wanting more…”
Tom Hearn, Marathon Petroleum Company, LP
A special thanks to our sponsors:
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Meet the KAM Governmental Affairs Team here.
Your One-Stop Source For KAM Information: www.KAM.us.com
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