Kentucky Chamber enact sensiblepensionreform. General ContractorsofKentucky BoardPresident DavidDean,recentlyledacoalitionofmorethan50businessgroupsinnews Kentucky DaveAdkisson(left),Tom ChamberPresident andCEO Underwood,thestatedirectorforNationalFederation ofIndep FEBRUARY 2013 pension reform now urges lawmakerstoenact Chamber-led coalition THE KENTUCKY CHA KENTUCKY THE erage taxpayer. sustainable benefitsnotavailable totheav- economic development andmore forun- of providing lessmoneyforeducationand ues the“short-sighted, downward spiral” during thislegislative sessionalsocontin- tax increases. Adkisson saidfailingtoact individuals willbetargetedforsignificant the chancethatKentucky employers and nificant changestothesystemincreases warned eachdaythatpasseswithoutsig- ber President andCEODave Adkisson, tol, thecoalition,ledby Kentucky Cham- reform legislation. demanding immediateactiononpension signed aletter tion membersco- Assembly. Coali- tucky General sion oftheKen- 2013 regular ses- form duringthe sive pensionre- pass comprehen- urge legislatorsto tion formedto groups inacoali- (AGC) andmore than50otherbusiness ated General ContractorsofKentucky pendent Businesses (NFIB),theAssoci- joined theNational Federation ofInde- Chamber’s AnnualMeeting Chamber’s David Gergen tokeynote ence inhis Reagan andClinton.Gergen wrote abouthisexperi- tial advisorduringtheadministrationsofNixon, Ford, asapresiden- spanned fourdecades,andhehasserved nesssummit formore detailsortoregister. international economies. Visit kychamber.com/busi- wealth todiscussissuesrelated tothelocal,nationaland nity forbusinessleadersthroughout the Common- Louisville Marriott Downtown, provides anopportu- Annual Meeting, scheduledforJuly 22and23atthe Power: The Essence ofLeadership,Nixon toClinton news David Gergen “Kentucky’s businesseshave asignificant During conference anews attheCapi- Now initseighthyear, theBusiness Summit and New York Times Gergen, CNNseniorpoliticalanalyst will feature keynotespeaker David sented by Bingham Greenebaum Doll, Summit andAnnualMeeting, pre- announcedthatitsEighth Business ber IN JANUARY, JANUARY, IN and formerpresidential advisor. impossible todigourwayout. We willbesofarindebtitalmost to callittheCommonDebtofKentucky. Commonwealth ofKentucky we’llhave have torenameourstate.Insteadofthe the 2013 General Assembly, wemight If wedon’tfixthispensionproblemin Gergen’s politicalcareer has MBER best-seller, E Kentucky ChamberPresident andCEO h etcyCham- the Kentucky recently yewitness to Kentuckians.” mean fewerprojects –andfewerjobsfor highercostswill in Lexington.“Those companybased commercial construction president ofDean Builds, a10-year-old improvements,” saidDean, whoisalso and sewerlinesotherinfrastructure tant publicprojectsschools,water asnew cost taxpayers more tofinancesuchimpor- in thepasttwoyears. That meansitwill downgraded Kentucky’s bondratingtwice mately leadtofewerjobs. projects andulti- impact construction liabilities –sayingthatitwillnegatively ings –adirect result ofunfundedpension directly contributeapproximately 40%of most ofwhichare small,localbusinesses, Adkisson. “Kentucky’s private employers, tems –bothatastateandlocallevel,” said stake inourpublicemployee pensionsys- “Major nationalratingagencieshave - DaveAdkisson . See P to listenChambermembers Chairman visitswesternKentucky LEADERS Adkisson, anative ofDaviess Countyinwestern Kentucky, decidedtoschedulea“listeningtour.” County ineasternKentucky, mentionedhehadspentlittletimeinwestern Kentucky. Booth,and after Boothbeganhisyear aschairman oftheKentucky Chamber, whenBooth,anative ofMartin issues facingvarious industries. over thecourseofthree daystodiscuss munity leadersinninedifferent cities Phillips metwithbusinessandcom- President ofMembership Carlos Lightyear Network Solutions, and Vice ber Steve LochmuellerofCEO and CEODave Adkisson, board mem- President ofBoothEnergy, President ness community. ChairmanJim Booth, Kentucky totakethepulseofbusi- recently embarked onatour of western Adkisson organized thetripsoon graded bondrat- Kentucky’s down- Dean pointedto President David taxes.” payroll andsales vidual income, addition toindi- and salestaxes, in income, corporate all staterevenue in ENSION, page6 ENSION, AGC Board of theKentucky Chamber crisis affectyou? How doesthepension failure unlessmeaningfulpensionreformisenacted. Kentucky’s employerswillconsider the2013 sessiona on therightcourse.Letyourlegislatorsthemknow islation beenactedthissession. solution.Itisimperativetheleg- toasustainable state roadmap intheformofSenateBill2thatwillguide state. strong futureforourchildren, ourcommunitiesand our vestments Kentucky shouldbemakingtoensurea money foreducationandeconomicdevelopment–in- mean lesstax pension costs schools. such asnew public projects more tofinance funded pensionliabilities,meaningitwillcosttaxpayers graded threetimesbymajorratingagenciesduetoun- financial risk.The state’s bondratinghasbeendown- atgreater that passeswithoutafixisputtingthestate public pensionsystemismaxedout–andeveryday Help makesureKentucky’s pension systemisput The Kentucky GeneralAssemblyhasaresponsible Spiraling With billioninunfundedliabilities,Kentucky’s $30 Booth, andlocalchamber members. Elizabeth McCoy(PlantersBank)hosted aluncheon for during arecentvisittowesternKentucky. Boardmember met withmembersoftheHopkinsvillebusinesscommunity Kentucky Chamber ChairmanJimBooth(BoothEnergy) conference attheCapitoltourgelawmakers endent Businesses(center),andAssociated lrc.ky.gov/whoswho/email.htm today at1-800-372-7181or Call oremailyourlegislators TAKE ACTION NOW See WEST, page2 From the front WEST: Members voice concern over health care, education and pension issues “The tour through the state was successful in familiariz- Members at nearly all stops on the trip voiced concern and Atmos Energy (Owensboro) hosted lunch meetings, ing Jim with cities like Elizabethtown, Hopkinsville, Padu- over the Affordable Care Act, education issues and the state’s while English Lucas Priest and Owsley (Bowling Green) cah, Bowling Green and Owensboro. But it was also pension crisis. hosted a reception and Vanguard Construction successful as we spoke directly with members about issues During one of the last tour stops in Paducah, Booth (Paducah) hosted a breakfast. they are confronting in their industries and communities,” applauded the hospitality he’d received during the trip. “The support shown by our members said Adkisson. “The hospitality has been exceptional,” said Booth. during this trip has been phe- During lunch meetings with business leaders in Eliza- “Every community leader has such enthusiasm and pas- nomenal,” said Phillips. “We’ve bethtown, Owensboro and Hopkinsville, Adkisson and sion for making their towns great places to live and found that the business leaders Booth discussed the Chamber’s priorities for the 2013 Gen- work.” support the legislative activ- eral Assembly and listened to members like Helen Sims of Phillips said the member loyalty displayed during the ities of the Chamber on Superior Care Home in Paducah voice concern over issues visits was exceptional. Member companies Planters Bank pensions, education, health Tour stops facing the long-term care industry. (Hopkinsville), Hardin Memorial Hospital (Elizabethtown) care and tax reform.” Bullit County n Tour of Jim Beam Distillery

Hardin County n Elizabethtown area member meeting hosted by Hardin Memorial Hospital n Tour of Fort Knox

Warren County n Bowling Green area member reception hosted by English Lucas 5 Priest and Owsley

Logan County 1 n Tour of Logan Aluminum

(1) Board Member Rodney Bohannon took Booth, Adkisson and Lochmueller on a tour of Briggs and Christian County Stratton in Murray. (2) Rep. Gerald Watkins, Steve Penrod (USEC) and Helen Sims (Superior Care n Hopkinsville area member Home) attended the meeting in Paducah. (3) Booth spoke to Bowling Green members at meeting hosted by Planters Bank English Lucas Priest and Owsley during a reception in Bowling Green. 2 Calloway County n Tour of Briggs and Stratton

6 McCracken County n Paducah Area member meeting (6) Board member hosted by Vanguard Contractors Malcolm Bryant 3 showed Booth a hotel under con- Daviess County n Owensboro area member (4) Board member Randy Shu- struction on maker (second from left) along Owensboro’s river- meeting hosted by Atmos with Ken Perdue (right) led Booth, front. (7) Brad Energy Phillips, Lochmueller and board Richardson (Hardin member Linda Vitale (CSI Padu- County Chamber) cah) on a tour of Logan Aluminum and Dennis John- in Russellville. (5) Board member son (Hardin Memo- Jim Morehead (left) treated Booth rial Hospital) visited and others to a tour of Jim Beam after a luncheon. 7 4 Distillery, followed by a tasting.

W amber membership and our large netw you and your employees can save from day one.

As a Kentucky Chamber member, you’re connected to big savings on big benefi ts for your small business, starting with special discounts on coverage from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.* As an employer, you can give your employees health care coverage from Anthem and they’ll be connected to savings, too — thanks to our large networks. We make sure when your employees visit a network doctor their cost is lower, even before they satisfy their deductible. So your employees can get the care they need to stay healthy. And healthy employees make for a healthy business.

Talk to your broker, call the Kentucky Chamber at 800-431-6833 or visit www.anthem.com/chamberadvantage for more information.

* Discount only applies to Kentucky Chamber members who do not already have Anthem health coverage. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 35379KYAENABS 1/13 2 New to the Chamber SMALL/MEDIUM 73 companies ‘Best Places to Work’ MEMBER COMPANIES COMPANIES B. L. Spille Construction Blackstone Media IN JANUARY, the Kentucky Society for Human Bluegrass Medical Group Air Hydro Power Resource Management (KYSHRM) and the Ken- City of Ludlow Alure Salon and Day Spa ARGI Financial Group tucky Chamber of Commerce announced the win- Commonwealth Capitol Group DDS Engineering Associations International ners of the Ninth Annual Best Places to Work in Benefit Insurance Marketing Duncan Machinery Movers Bowling Green Technical College Kentucky. Evergreen Life Services CLARK Material Handling Company The 2013 Best Places to Work in Kentucky Good Health Ideas Connected Nation awards ceremony presented by Fisher and Phillips, Group CJ Creative Lodging Solutions LLP, will be Tuesday, April 16, at the Lexington Con- Joseph & Joseph Architects Dean Dorton Allen Ford, PLLC Kentucky Health Resources Alliance Fellon-McCord vention Center. Winners from across the state have M. D. Billing Services, LLC Greater Louisville Inc. been selected in two categories: small/medium-sized National Thoroughbred Racing Association Hospice of Hope, Inc. Payne Electric Company Integrity IT employer (companies of 25-249 U.S. employees) and Kentucky Bank large-sized employer (companies of 250 U.S. employ- tendee list. As a new added perk of sponsorship in RunSwitch PR Woodford County Chamber of Commerce KESA, The Kentucky Workers’ ees or greater). The 2013 list of winners has the most 2013, our sponsors will also receive an ad in our an- Compensation Fund nual Best Places to Work in Kentucky Magazine, Learning House in the history of the program, with 73 com- NEW BOARD MEMBERS Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau panies making the prestigious list. This which can be upgraded for a discounted John L. Gohmann is the Luckett & Farley year’s awards ceremony stands to be one price. MassMutual Financial Group: Regional President for the ng of the most exciting yet. The Kentucky The release of the Best Places to Work in al Assurance Financial Group, LLC Lexington Market of the Mountjoy Chilton Medley LLP Kentucky Magazine will coincide with the Chamber is proud to announce that 63% PNC Financial Services Nephrology Associates of Kentuckiana, of the winners are Kentucky Chamber awards ceremony in April. This full-color PSC Group. Park Community Federal Credit Union members. Those that made the list are indi- publication will include winner profiles, arti- People Plus, Inc. cated in bold. cles by industry experts, and advertisements. Craig Richard is the Peoples Exchange Bank With a statewide audience of nearly 75,000, the President and CEO of River Road Asset Management, LLC Greater Louisville Inc. Strategic Marketing SPONSORSHIPS AND ADVERTISING magazine reaches those that are business-centric in (GLI). Sturgill, Turner, Barker & Moloney, PLLC The 2013 Best Places to Work in Kentucky Kentucky. Symbiotix, Inc. For more information on sponsoring and/or ad- Tenmast Software awards ceremony brings a unique opportunity for vertising for Best Places to Work in Kentucky con- The Heritage Nursing and our sponsors. With an audience of celebrating em- E. Joseph Steier (Joe) Rehabilitation Facility ployees representing some of the top companies in tact Andrea Flanders at 502-848-8723 or Traditional Bank, Inc. Steier, III is the President, [email protected]. To register for the WDRB/WMYO Television Kentucky, this is a great time to be seen and identi- CEO and Co-Founder of fied with the Best Places to Work in Kentucky brand. awards ceremony, visit bestplacestoworkky.com. Signature HealthCARE in Key sponsorship benefits include a table of 10 at Follow Best Places to Work in Kentucky on Twit- Louisville. the awards ceremony, recognition on the Best Places ter @BestPlacesKY or at Facebook.com/Best- to Work website, exhibit space and complete at- PlacesKy. Bill Thomason is the President and Chief LARGE COMPANIES Executive Officer of Keeneland in Lexington. Allconnect Edward Jones iPay Solutions, A Division of Republic Bank Baptist Health LaGrange Exceptional Living Centers ProfitStars Somerset Community College Baptist Health Lexington Farm Credit Mid-America ISCO Industries, Inc. Stantec NEW STAFF MEMBERS Baptist Health Louisville First Federal Savings Bank Kentucky Orthopedic Rehab Team Stites & Harbison PLLC Big Ass Fans Frankfort Regional Medical Center (KORT) Total Quality Logistics Rick Paynter has been Blue & Co., LLC Genentech Masonic Homes of Kentucky, Inc. Trilogy Health Services, LLC hired as the Chamber’s Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. Harrison Memorial Hospital Neace Lukens, An AssuredPartners - Home Office Bottom Line Systems, Inc. Harshaw Trane Company Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center Marketing Manager in its Central Bank Heritage Bank NPAS, A Subsidiary of Parallon Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP Business Education Computer Services Inc. Hilliard Lyons Business Solutions department. Corning Incorporated Hosparus Inc. ORR Corporation Crowe Horwath LLP Independence Bank Pikeville Medical Center

3 Presented by 18th Annual Kentucky Chamber Day

Premier Kick-off of the Legislative Session Kentucky ChamberChairmanJimBooth Ali Crain,DeAnnaHermann,Harriett Whitaker Dr. Pearse Lyons andSteveSt.Angelo and ShelleyGoodwin More than1,200attendedKentucky ChamberDayonJan.10. Louisville MayorGregFischer andRep.JeffHoover Bill Goodman Chris HermannandKelly Nuckols Dave Adkisson Senate President Robert Stivers

Gov. Steve Beshear

Former Gov. Martha Layne Collins and Bill Collins

Jim Booth and Rep. Rocky Adkins Legislators and Chamber address pension reform at Kentucky Chamber Day ON JAN. 10, the business community celebrated the start of the 2013 Kentucky General Assembly with its 18th Annual Kentucky Chamber Day dinner, presented by Fidelity Invest- ments. The governor and legislative leaders entertained a sold- House Speaker Greg Stumbo out crowd of more than 1,200 business leaders from across the state. Each speaker mentioned legislation that held personal in- terest for him during this legislative session, ranging from edu- cation to drug abuse. But one item remained constant throughout the night – pension reform. Lawmakers were Sen. John Schickel, Laurent Rawlings adamant that now is the time to reform Kentucky’s ailing public and Rep. Adam Koenig employee pension system. And bipartisanism didn’t end there. Each speaker expressed a renewed willingness to end political banter and work across party lines for the betterment of the Commonwealth. Chamber President and CEO Dave Adkisson introduced the Chamber’s Legislative Agenda – a list of key priorities for the busi- ness community during the 2013 session. It should come as no surprise that at the top of that list was fixing the dire financial con- dition of Kentucky’s public employee pension system. Adkisson urged legislative leaders to continue the bipartisan spirit of the Josh Branscum, Former Gov. Ernie Fletcher pension task force and implement reforms this legislative session. and Steve Branscum Other “to-do” items for the Chamber this year include es- tablishing one tax identification number for businesses to file with the state for all permits, tax forms, employment forms, etc. Senate Minority Leader Adkisson also highlighted the need for expanded drug testing in R.J. Palmer workers’ compensation claims and creating a clear definition of an independent contractor for businesses. In the area of education, the top long-term goal of the Chamber, Adkisson urged lawmakers to raise the drop-out age from 16-18 while improving career and technical education for students. The Chamber also supports modernizing teacher eval- uations and rewarding excellent teachers with pay incentives. Kathy Gallin and John Williams, Sr.

Tierra Kavanaugh Turner and John McCarthy Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson, Gov. Steve Beshear and Former Gov. Paul Patton House Minority Leader Jeff Hoover chamber in the news Medical center seeks ‘amplified voice’ in policy decisions

KENTUCKY CHAMBER NEWS BY NICK TABOR, Kentucky New Era Even so, Jennie Stuart's focus – health – is HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. — In hopes of am- one of the chamber's permanent top priori- A Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Publication plifying its voice in state policy decisions, Jen- ties. February 2013 nie Stuart Medical Center has rejoined the In the short term, it will advocate for a Kentucky Chamber News is published six times Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. statewide ban on smoking in indoor public per year by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce The company sees its identity and commu- places. This state’s high smoking rate ranks Publisher: Dave Adkisson nity role evolving. Its subsidiary, Fairview among the worst detriments to public health, Editor & Designer: Jessica Fletcher Physicians Network, has opened two practices and it drives up health-care spending for 464 Chenault Rd. since 2011, and a gastroenterology practice will everyone, Phillips said. Frankfort, KY 40601 join the network next year. Jennie Stuart CEO The chamber's advocacy in Medicaid is- kychamber.com Eric Lee sees chamber involvement as a natural sues is crucial to Jennie Stuart. In late 2011, For address changes and subscription step. the state contracted with private companies to Eric Lee, CEO of Jennie Stuart Medical Center information, call Member Services at “We have to take a more global view,” Lee says re-joining the Chamber was a natural step in take in federal Medicaid subsidies and dis- 502-848-8739. For advertising information, said. “Not just of a tall hospital building on taking a more global view. Lee recently attended a burse them to hospitals and doctors’ offices. contact Andrea Flanders at 502-848-8723. meeting with Chamber leaders at Planters Bank in 18th Street, but we're now a Western Kentucky Hopkinsville. But for the past year, those companies have VALUABLE CHAMBER SERVICES regional entity that has the interests of the en- lagged far behind in distributing the pay- ChamberAdvantage tire medical community, not just the hospital, ments. More problems have followed. 502-848-8724 at stake. The state must also decide whether to ex- Group health insurance underwritten by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Jennie Stuart cancelled its membership sev- pand its Medicaid program under the Afford- eral years ago, before Lee took over, in a period able Care Act, and Gov. Steve Beshear has said Certificates of Origin 502-848-8724 of cost-cutting measures. bership and marketing. he'll make a decision in the next few months. Trade document required by some customs Perhaps previous administrators thought in- Elizabeth McCoy, president of Planters When the chamber lobbies for business in authorities volvement in the local chamber was more im- Bank, is the chamber's vice chair of member- general, the results benefit non-members as Office Depot Discount Program portant, Lee said. But the company is now ship and marketing. The chamber tries to pro- well, Phillips said. But he applauds Jennie 502-848-8724 trying to reach more patients outside Christian mote a general “pro-business attitude” in state Stuart for contributing. Office products and services with free County. policy, she said. “They want to become actively engaged in next-day delivery And after spending the last year as chairman For industry-specific lobbying, Jennie Stu- that process,” he said. “They want to make Small Business Navigator of the Christian County chamber's board of di- art belongs to the Kentucky Hospital Associa- sure that their voice is heard. They don't want 502-848-8791 rectors, Lee appreciates chambers of commerce tion, and Planters has the Kentucky Bankers to sit on the sidelines and let other people [email protected] General guidance on state requirements and in a new way. Association. The chamber has a broader focus, speak for them.” a variety of resources available to small Some of the state's largest health-care com- McCoy said. It tries to curtail excessive spend- Membership costs start at $350 per busi- businesses panies – Baptist Health of Kentucky, Norton ing – as in the pension system, Medicaid and ness plus $8 for every Kentucky-based em-

UPS Freight Healthcare Inc., St. Elizabeth Healthcare, and prisons – to leave more for areas like education. ployee. But some businesses pay as much as 866-443-9303, ext. 4082 Owensboro Medical Health System – belong to “We do that on behalf of all businesses in $50,000 for the highest level of involvement. [email protected] Offering Kentucky Chamber Members discounts the chamber. But smaller companies like Jennie the commonwealth,” Phillips said. He explained --- Reprinted with permission starting at 70% on LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) Stuart also have a big presence, said Carlos that every business benefits from a healthier and services from the Kentucky New Era Phillips, the chamber's vice president of mem- better educated workforce. From the front PENSION: Adkisson says session will be a failure if reforms aren’t enacted

Adkisson stated the time to act on pension reform is in the re- bond markets on notice we are serious about getting our state’s fi- After hearing testimony maining 26 days of the 2013 session. nances in order,” said Adkisson. “It is imperative that Kentucky from Chamber Presi- dent and CEO Dave Ad- “Kentucky’s business community and taxpayers expect action lawmakers enact these recommendations in their entirety.” kisson (right) on Feb. 6, now. If we don’t fix this pension problem in the 2013 General As- Adkisson pointed out that removing provisions like the re- the Senate State and sembly, we might have to rename our state. Instead of the Com- quirement to fully fund any future cost-of-living adjustments, or Local Government Committee passed the monwealth of Kentucky we’ll have to call it the Common Debt of the hybrid pension system for new hires would water down the pension bill (SB 2) with Kentucky,” said Adkisson. “We will be so far in debt it will be al- recommendations to the point they’re “essentially meaningless and a unanimous vote. most impossible to dig our way out.” present no significant savings to Kentucky’s taxpayers.” Unfunded liability in the current pension plan is now at $30 Tom Underwood, the state director for the NFIB fears if a vi- billion. A non-partisan interim legislative panel has proposed a able solution to the pension issue is not enacted now, small busi- seeking a fix to the state’s public pension problems, citing the fix, which Adkisson says should serve as the framework for legisla- nesses may end up footing the bill. threat that escalating public retirement costs pose to the ability of tion that should be passed in the regular session – not during a “Small business owners are hanging on by a thread right now, governments to provide basic services. special session. and they employ over half of Kentucky’s workforce. This is not an “If the 2013 Session concludes without the passage of mean- “At a minimum, these bipartisan recommendations must be area we want to hit with additional burdens,” said Underwood. ingful, pension reform, the business community will have no passed to get our pension system on a sustainable path and put the Since 2007, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has been choice but to call the 2013 Session a failure,” said Adkisson.

Kentucky Chamber Key Investors COMMONWEALTH PARTNERS CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORS

TRUSTEES AK Steel Corporation Farmers Capital Bank Corporation Kentucky Spirit Health Plan Mountjoy Chilton Medley LLP SRG Global UK HealthCare Alliance Coal, LLC General Electric Company Kosair Charities NACCO Materials Handling Group Steel Technologies, Inc. WellCare of Kentucky Armstrong Coal Company, Inc. Gray Construction Lexington Clinic Owensboro Medical Health System, Inc. Steptoe & Johnson PLLC Whitaker Bank, Inc. Brenntag Mid-South, Inc. Gray Kentucky Television, Inc. Logan Aluminum, Inc Passport Health Plan Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems Windstream Communications Century Aluminum of Kentucky, LLC JBS Swift & Company Louisville Bedding Company Pikeville Medical Center Sun Products Corporation Coca-Cola Refreshment Ky. Community & Technical College System Lourdes Hospital Planters Bank, Inc. Sun Tan City Columbia Gas of Kentucky, Inc. Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance MAHLE Engine Components Ralcorp Frozen Bakery Products Tiffany & Co. Dean Dorton Allen Ford, PLLC Kentucky League of Cities, Inc. Maker's Mark Distillery, Inc. Signature HealthCARE TKT & Associates, Inc. Doe Anderson, Inc. Kentucky Medical Services Foundation Marathon Petroleum Company LP Splash Analytics TKT-Nectir Global Staffing 6 Participation welcomed in Literacy Week activities

KENTUCKY CHAMBER members and (learning, work, recreation). All Kentucky childhood, elementary and secondary edu- others are invited to participate in the third educational organizations, school districts, cation and for adults.” Annual Kentucky Literacy Celebration postsecondary institutions, business enti- Everyone is invited to join by partici- Week March 4-8, 2013. The intent of this ties, communities and families are being in- pating in or hosting a literacy-related activ- event is to highlight literacy in Kentucky, vited to join in the statewide effort. It is ity. Businesses may sponsor activities that celebrate achievements and important that all of Kentucky’s residents bring awareness to literacy issues and their focus on challenges we still have opportunities to learn to relevance to workforce, economic and cul- face. Kentucky Literacy Cel- read and write. tural prosperity. The possibilities are limit- ebration is the result of col- Gov. Steve Beshear shared less. The goal is to have every Kentucky Kentucky Chamber Vice President of Public Affairs Bryan laboration among several the relationship between liter- resident engage in a literacy event, public Sunderland says an investment in broadband technology literacy/education institu- acy and the economy. “Each or private, to emphasize the importance of will keep Kentucky competitive. tions and Kentucky First year, illiteracy costs U.S. busi- all aspects of literacy. Participation could Lady Jane Beshear. nesses $225 billion in lost pro- include challenging staff to get a local li- Senate bill would This year’s activities include a focus on ductivity. In Kentucky, we’re making the brary card or starting a book club or in- businesses and their connections to literacy. effort to improve the statistics and boost teroffice library. increase investment The theme “Bridges to Literacy” highlights literacy levels across the state by putting an For more information, visit www.ken- in wireless broadband these connections to various aspects of life emphasis on increased reading in early tuckyliteracy.org/celebrate2013. ON FEB. 5, Kentucky Chamber Vice President of Chamber seeking Public Affairs Bryan Sunderland spoke at a news Fundraising underway for Leadership Institute conference to promote policies in Kentucky that feedback on tax will increase investment in wireless broadband tech- nologies. Along with Sen. Paul Hornback and recommendations members of Citizens for a Digital Future (CDF), THE KENTUCKY CHAMBER is in the Sunderland detailed the need for access to wireless process of surveying its members on the pro- and broadband in Kentucky. The Chamber believes posal from the Governor’s Blue Ribbon this legislation is necessary to remove regulatory Commission on Tax Reform. Because tax re- barriers that currently stand in the way of addi- form is a complex issue, the Chamber has tional investment. Wireless and broadband technol- posted a video explaining the proposal from ogy is important to keep Kentucky competitive in commission member John Williams, the race for jobs and to support and strengthen edu- founder and chairman of CSI in Paducah, cation. explaining the process and the details of how “Simply put, Kentucky must expand its wireless the commission arrived at the tax recom- and broadband infrastructure if we are to remain mendations. competitive and continue to provide Kentucky chil- The Leadership for School Principals Class of 2013 visited Kentucky Chamber headquar- The Chamber’s Board of Directors has dren with the best possible education,” said Sunder- ters the week of Feb. 5 as the second cohort completed the program. Above, participants not adopted a formal position on the recom- land. work on a team building activity. To date, nearly 100 Kentucky principals have benefitted Sen. Hornback announced the filing of SB 88, from the Institute, thanks to donations from Kentucky’s business community. The application mendations as a package. The Chamber sup- process for the Class of 2014 is now open, and the Leadership Institute Board of Directors ports some of the recommendations, yet has legislation designed to remove unnecessary barriers is hoping to raise enough funds to enable 78 principals to attend. Visit principalsleadky.com concerns about others. To view the video or to investment in wireless and broadband technolo- to find out more about the program. For information about how to donate, contact Kelly Wolf gies. His legislation includes special regulations to at 502-848-8725. access the survey, visit kychamber.com/tax- survey. ensure rural areas are not adversely impacted by the bill.

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7 FEBRUARY 2013 DEGREES THAT MAKE A news KENTUCKY’S PENSION CRISIS STATEMENT Commonwealth or Commondebt?

What does a degree say about you? If it’s from the right school – plenty. Earning your degree from Indiana Wesleyan University says that you value your education more than just the degree. And it says you are doing everything possible to secure a better future for your family and yourself.

With the option to take classes online or just one night a week at a nearby Indiana Wesleyan University Education Center, earning your degree is within your reach – without stretching you too far! Earn your degree in 18-32 months while being taught by instructors who are both academically and professionally accomplished. Register just once with no waiting in line. Books and materials are delivered to you and are included in the cost of the program. A degree from Indiana Wesleyan University makes a statement. A recognized leader in adult education for Associate Degrees Master’s Degrees over 27 years • Accounting* • Business Administration (MBA) • Business • Management • Christian Ministries • Ministry – Master of Divinity* • Computer Information Technology*• Ministry – Youth Ministry* Online/Lexington/Louisville • Criminal Justice • Ministry – Ministerial Leadership* • Nursing Florence/Shepherdsville

Bachelor’s Degrees *Online only. All other programs • Accounting offered both online and in classroom • Addictions Counseling* format. • Biblical Studies* • Business Administration Degree and program offerings vary by • Business Information Systems* location. Contact Indiana Wesleyan If we don’t fix this pension problem in the 2013 General Assembly, we might have to • Criminal Justice* University today for a complete • Management listing of available programs. rename our state. Instead of the Commonwealth of Kentucky we might have to call it • Marketing* INDWES.EDU the Common ‘Debt’ of Kentucky because we will be so deep in debt, it will be almost • Nursing – BSN for RNs 866-498-4968 impossible to dig our way out! Dave Adkisson Kentucky Chamber President and CEO