Next month, business owners and residents will join local economic leaders once again for a the Chamber of Commerce’s bus trip to Columbus.

Monday, April 23, 2001

Next month, business owners and residents will join local economic leaders once again for a the Chamber of Commerce’s bus trip to Columbus.

"Over the years, it has been very beneficial, and raised a lot of eyebrows," said Richard Slack, president of the Greater Lawrence County Area Chamber of Commerce.

Not only that, but the Legislative Day trips have opened many doors – something the Chamber will continue again on May 10, Slack said.

"It at least has gotten people there to say ‘Yes, there is a Lawrence County, Ohio,’ and we’re down here," he said.

This year’s Legislative Day will begin at 6:30 a.m. when the doors open on the bus parked at Ironton Hills. The bus will leave at 6:45 a.m. and arrive in Columbus at 9:45 a.m.

At 10 a.m., trip-goers will meet with Reps. John Carey and Bill Ogg at the statehouse. Ronald Keller, executive director of the Capital Square Review Advisory Board, is also expected.

"They will take us on the first leg of our journey through the statehouse," Slack said.

The group will meet with Sen. Mike Shoemaker at 11:15 a.m. The luncheon will follow.

Luncheon speakers this year include Ohio Department of Transportation director Gordon Proctor, Ohio Department of Development interim director Joseph Robertson, and Joel Potts with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Also, Legislative Day members will sit with at least one state guest at each table during the luncheon.

Chamber officials expect to also meet several key Senate and House leaders during the trip.

Slack said chamber members are encouraged to attend, because meeting with state leaders brings awareness of Lawrence County’s needs and opens lines of communication.

"Legislators have thought of us and it’s a result of going and saying this is who we are and what we are, what we need and our concerns," he said. "It’s an excellent trip."

The bus is scheduled to return to Ironton no later than 5:30 p.m.

For more information about the trip, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 377-4550.