COLUMBUS - "We are talking about a diverse group of key decision-makers, and when they unite, they can steer the future of Lawrence County onward and upward."

These bold words were how Dr. Bill Dingus described the group of 107 elected officials and education, governmental and business leaders who traveled to the Statehouse Thursday for the Greater Lawrence County Area Chamber of Commerce's 10th annual Legislative Day.

Pat Clonch, executive director of the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation and the Chamber, said the visit to educate legislators about local concerns was a success and makes the seven months of preparation worthwhile.

"This year was definitely the biggest we have ever had. We had three issues that had great interest," she said. "How many small counties in the state can go to Columbus meet with the governor and other legislators with such a united group?"

After being introduced by State Senate President Doug White, Gov. Bob Taft spoke to the group in the atrium at the Statehouse during lunch.

"Thank you all for coming. We are no better than the information we get from you," the governor said. "It is important for you to communicate your issues and concerns from Lawrence County."

Taft talked about the continued importance of trying to ratify a solid budget and provide money for education because it "is clearly the future of the state."

"Education is a big priority of mine," he said. "I do not know of any other county that has taken advantage of the school building assistance program as well as Lawrence County. It is not just about building buildings, but improving the quality of education."

Visitors to the capitol divided into three discussion sessions that focused on transportation, worker's compensation and the Legislature.

State Sen. John Carey Jr., State Reps. Todd Book and Clyde Evans, Gordon Proctor, director of the Ohio Department of Transportation, and James Conrad, administrator/CEO of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation led their respective sessions.

In the Legislative session, Carey, Evans and Book talked about how ordinary citizens can go a long way in influencing the legislative process by writing their legislators and including a return address.

Education issues the state still faces even after the DeRolph ruling was a key focus as well as what it will take to balance the budget.

"In any budget you can find a reason to vote for it and a reason not to vote for it," Carey said. "When it comes time to vote, you have to weigh if the good outweighs the bad."

The House passed a budget in April, but the debate in the Senate continues over a temporary sales tax, funding offices such as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Ohio Historical Society and Mental Health agencies, Carey said.

Carl Darling, lead manager for Dow Chemical, chaired the Workers' Compensation session and updated the entire group about the meeting because Conrad could not attend the luncheon.

Since Conrad began in 1995, they have made "great strides in the Workers' Compensation Bureau in Ohio" and have helped reduce a $1.9 billion deficit in those funds, improved customer service, efficiency and workplace safety, Darling said.

The Chesapeake Bypass was the focus of most of the discussion in the transportation session that got heated, as many people are worried about future funding of the project that has overrun expected costs.

South Point Mayor Bill Gaskin has gone on every trip since the event began. He remembers when Ray Howard drove everyone on the old Hecla Water bus, and said the trip remains just as important today.

"It is always good to meet with your state representatives and see what is going on," he said. "That way everyone can put a face to who they deal with."

Matt Ward, economic development director for Ironton, has been on both sides of the trip after working for Carey and Evans in the House of Representatives for several years. Ward said the trip is a tremendous

opportunity and the envy of other counties.

"In all honesty, this Lawrence County trip is the model for the whole state. Every other county would like to be able to do this," he said. "Because of this, the county's reputation is tremendous up here in Columbus."