The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry will present its annual legislative forum Tuesday, Oct. 16, at noon at Arbor Manor, Auburn.

The forum is in conjunction with the regular Auburn Rotary meeting. Non-Rotarians are welcome to attend.
For reservations or for more information, please contact Rene’ Danley, Auburn Chamber of Commerce office manager, at 402-274-3521. Reservations must be made by Wednesday, Oct. 10. If you are not a member of Rotary, your meal will be $10 at the door.
The Auburn forum is among 33 statewide. The first was Monday, Aug. 27. The last is Tuesday, Oct. 30.
The State Chamber’s legislative forums are conducted every fall to gather input from representatives of the business community on issues of concern. All Chamber of Commerce members and members of the news media are encouraged to attend.
State senators and Legislative candidates in each Legislative district were invited to the forums. In districts with Legislative races, both candidates will be afforded time to speak about their priorities, followed by a short question-and-answer session.
Jerry Joy of Stella and Dan Watermeier of Syracuse are 1st District Legislative candidates. State Sen. Lavon Heidemann of Elk Creek is leaving the Legislature because of term limits.
This year’s forum will focus on the Legislature’s 2012 session. That will included developments in the areas of taxes, labor law and economic development programs. The forums will also provide updates on how Nebraska fares in several economic competitiveness rankings, Participants will be given an overview of the State Chamber’s latest initiative, Forging Nebraska’s Future.
Unveiled in late 2011, Forging Nebraska’s Future is overseen by the State Chamber’s Richard Baier. The initiative conducts in-depth research and analysis of business, economic and community trends in an effort to formulate specific recommendations for state and local leaders as they work to enhance Nebraska’s business climate and overall quality of life for the next generation.
“Once again, the economy continues to be the most pressing issue facing the business community. These legislative forums are intended to give business leaders and others a broad overview of the top concerns impacting Nebraska’s economic climate and future growth,” said Barry Kennedy, State Chamber president.
Another Southeast Nebraska Legislative forum is Wednesday, Oct. 17, at noon at the Avenue Grill, Nebraska City. Contact person is Rebecca Turner at 402-873-6654.
The State Chamber is Nebraska’s largest business association. It has served as the voice of Nebraska’s business community for 100 years.