NAM-ACCF Study: Cap-and-Trade Legislation Will Cost 2.4 Million Jobs Making the Grade: 2009 Legislative Scorecard Released Don't Miss the South Carolina Business Manufacturing Issue Recognition Opportunities Available for Manufacturers Take Part in USC Manufacturing Survey

As South Carolina’s National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) affiliate, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce encourages you to join the NAM Speak Out, and contact your members of Congress regarding healthcare, cap and trade and card check. Click here to learn more.

NAM-ACCF Study: Cap-and-Trade Legislation Will Cost 2.4 Million Jobs
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the American Council for Capital Formation (ACCF) recently unveiled a comprehensive study on the impact of The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, also known as the Waxman-Markey Bill (HR 2454). The bill aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cap the amount of carbon emitted by U.S. industry. The legislation mandates a cap-and-trade program and other provisions governing fuel choices available to businesses and consumers. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a slim margin (219-212) earlier this summer. The Senate is expected to release its version of climate legislation in September.

The NAM-ACCF study assesses the impact of the Waxman-Markey Bill on manufacturing, jobs, energy prices and the overall economy. The study estimates the legislation will cost 2.4 million jobs by 2030, with South Carolina losing nearly 29,000 jobs by 2030. Other key findings include an estimated cumulative loss in gross domestic product (GDP) up to $3.1 trillion, residential electricity price increases up to 50 percent by 2030 and gasoline price increases (per gallon) up 26 percent by 2030.

Jay Timmons, executive vice president of the NAM, said, “Unfortunately, this study confirms the Waxman-Markey Bill is an anti-jobs, anti-growth piece of legislation. Further, leaders of countries such as China and India have made it clear they have no intention of reducing their own emissions. Waxman-Markey would give an edge to overseas competitors, discouraging domestic investment and the creation of American jobs.”

Click here to read the study.

Making the Grade: 2009 Legislative Scorecard Released
During the 2009 legislative session, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce tracked key business roll call votes that directly impacted the business climate and competitiveness of the state. After tracking each vote according to the South Carolina Chamber’s position on each issue, a final composite score was assigned for each legislator. The scores are listed in the Chamber’s 2009 Legislative Scorecard. Many of the issues tracked have a big impact on the manufacturing industry, including the Employee Free Choice Act/secret ballot, energy policy, healthcare, port restructuring and tax reform. Did your legislators support business-friendly legislation? Find out by clicking here. 

Attend a Grassroots Meeting near you to discuss legislative priorities. Feedback from these statewide meetings will be used to form the business community’s 2010 legislative agenda. Only a few meetings remain, but it’s not too late to register. Click here to learn more, or e-mail grassroots@scchamber.net.

Don't Miss the South Carolina Business Manufacturing Issue
The September/October edition of South Carolina Business magazine will focus on manufacturing. As South Carolina’s National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) affiliate, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is working with NAM on a must-read article that educates manufacturers about the proposed cap-and-trade legislation's effect on global competitiveness. Plus, learn how the misnamed Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) would hurt employees. And, there is a technological evolution happening within South Carolina’s manufacturing community that’s making it easier and more affordable to train the workforce. Don't miss this exciting issue! For more information, contact Stefanie Caraviello at 803-255-2635. To advertise in South Carolina Business, contact Deidre Macklen at 803-318-3923.

Recognition Opportunities Available for Manufacturers
The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce offers many opportunities for manufacturers to receive recognition throughout the year. The South Carolina Chamber’s premier manufacturing event is the Salute to Manufacturing, co-hosted by the Silver Crescent Foundation, September 22 at the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (SIMT) in Florence. On October 8, the Chamber along with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) – SC State Council and the publishers of SC BIZ magazine will join to honor and recognize the Best Places to Work in South Carolina. In October, the Chamber and the South Carolina Diversity Council recognize the state’s top companies in the field of diversity with the Excellence in Workplace Diversity Awards. The state’s top human resources professionals will be honored February 9 during the Human Resources Professional of the Year. And in March, the annual Safety Awards luncheon honors companies that have achieved a commendable lost workday case rate during the previous calendar year. Click here for more information on Chamber applications and recognition.

Take Part in USC Manufacturing Survey
The Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, in partnership with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and other groups, is conducting a "State of the State" survey of management accounting decision tools utilized by manufacturing industries in South Carolina. The survey will provide a benchmarking device for state manufacturers by identifying best practices used to understand and control costs. To access the survey, click here.