On February 25, 2010, The Oconee Pickens County Chamber Coalition (which is comprised of their local Chambers of Commerce) along with Duke Energy hosted an information gathering session which focused on the issue of cap and trade. The group learned that while everyone would benefit from a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, there is a cost to the consumer. Over one-half of the states rely on coal generation for most of their electric power and under the auction proposal of cap and trade, consumers in these states, which make up the nation’s industrial heartland, would pay more for electricity due to coal’s high greenhouse emissions. The group also heard there are several approaches that would address carbon emissions and would be less of a burden on the public. The goal of any approach is to build a bridge to a low-carbon economy.
The group also heard from South Carolina Chamber President Otis Rawl. President Rawl addressed several key legislative issues. First, Rawl said that this year’s state economic growth will be between 3 and 4 percent, followed by a spike of 4 to 5 percent beginning in 2011. Rawl continued to address the need to reform the State Employment Security Commission, where approximately $2.5 billion will likely be needed to repay Federal loans for unemployment benefits and rebuild the State’s unemployment fund.
In another issue Rawl addressed the increase in the State Cigarette tax. One proposed use of the money is to help small business owner’s provide employees with health insurance. Rawl also discussed tort reform to give the State a less litigious climate for businesses and to limit punitive damages.
Rawl also said that State officials are weighing a lawsuit against the Federal government in view of proposed changes in union organizing rules that would do away with secret balloting in the workplace. By keeping the ballot secret, this would curtail forced unionization and keep the right to work that is an enticement to industry.
Job Fair
Worklink at www.worklinkweb.com is hosting a job fair on April 20, 2010 at the Shaver Complex in Seneca. Job Fairs can be one of the best opportunities for job seekers. You can find out which industries are hiring, even in a period of high unemployment rates and layoffs. You can network with other job seekers, get ideas for job searches, make important contacts, and sharpen your interviewing skills. In some ways, job fairs are like quick job interviews. You must plan, prepare, and practice in order to bring your best career-game face to the court at the Shaver Recreation Complex on April 20, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
