Developing a strong workforce, providing incentives for employers and education for employees remain at the forefront of the Baldwin County Chamber Coalition's business legislative agenda for 2022.

The Baldwin County Chamber Coalition has released its business legislative agenda for 2022 with continued focus on infrastructure, workforce and education, economic development, healthcare, the environment and quality of life.

Baldwin County's five Chambers of Commerce represent 3,500 businesses and 74,000 employees in Coastal Alabama.

This is the fourth year the Baldwin County Chamber Coalition has presented its business legislative agenda to local legislators. Alabama's current legislative session began Jan. 11 and is slated to run through April 25.

"All of these are ongoing issues that we have been striving together to achieve over the last few years," said Christina Hellmich, director of workforce development with the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. "By providing one voice to our legislators, we do feel that we are being heard by our local legislators and we can continue to work together to support continued growth."

As far as infrastructure, the Chamber Coalition is looking to support legislation to improve broadband connectivity and provide improvements to Baldwin County's roads and bridges.

In workforce development and economic development, key factors for the Chamber Coalition are providing incentives for putting employees back to work.

As employers strive to fill positions throughout the country, providing incentives for employers and education for employees for Baldwin County's workforce is definitely at the forefront.

"We've got to help people get back to work," Hellmich said.

The legislative agenda includes supporting legislation and policies that increase funding and incentives for workforce development programs aimed at education.

They are also looking to encourage local administrators and officials to seek guidance from business leaders and Chambers of Commerce workforce experts, incentives to promote business, improve housing, provide training and improve childcare options for working parents.

The Chamber Coalition is also looking for legislators to support economic development incentives and tax credits, including the promotion of Opportunity zone investment; recruitment of large-scale businesses to the South Alabama MegaSite; ensure all Gulf of Mexico Securities Act (GOMESA) funding is dedicated to Coastal Alabama; and increase the number of trained and credentialed job candidates for businesses in Baldwin County.

In healthcare, the Chamber Coalition seeks to have legislators improve funding for access to quality healthcare, training and programming; and continue to advocate for mental wellness facilities in Baldwin County.

Environmental concerns include the restoration of natural resources, the promotion of eco-friendly business practices, and incentives for responsible residential development.

The Chamber Coalition is also looking for legislators to support the enhancement of public transportation.

"We are proud that we are all able to work together to provide stronger opportunities for our citizens," said Hellmich.