Enhancing economic development efforts is a main focus for the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce this year, according to a public policy agenda the chamber announced Thursday.
 
The organization’s board of directors on Wednesday approved the 2016 agenda priorities, the announcement said. 
 
“The scope of the Wilmington Chamber’s Public Policy Agenda is evidence of the numerous opportunities and challenges that currently exist regarding economic development,” said current chamber chairman Mitch Lamm in a news release. “We will continue to focus on supporting initiatives that will encourage a pro-business environment and oppose those that are harmful to the area’s economic climate, especially in regards to rebuilding our dwindling manufacturing sector.”
 
According to the announcement, the main focus areas are:
 
REGIONALISM

• Utilize Wilmington Region Economic Scorecard to embrace transformational opportunities in entrepreneurship and innovation
• Seek opportunities to build productive regional partnerships, especially with counterparts in Brunswick and Pender counties
• Encourage collaboration between state and local elected officials on issues of regional importance
• Continue to spearhead community initiatives like collaborative efforts on crime

INFRASTRUCTURE

• Monitor major transportation initiatives: Surface Transportation Act (federal), implementation of Strategic Transportation Investment Plan (state), Highway 74 study (regional), Wilmington MPO (local)
• Support Cape Fear Public Utility Authority efforts to expand the water and sewer system and build customer base
• Continue to advocate for sustainable funding sources for beaches, inlets and waterfronts
• Encourage continued investment in Port of Wilmington and Wilmington International Airport

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

• Promote adoption of Garner’s Pathways to Prosperity as a guide for economic development strategy in the New Hanover and Wilmington Comprehensive Plans
• Monitor efforts to enhance state and local business recruitment incentives
• Promote tools to enhance the desirable, traded-sector film production industry
• Oppose efforts that do not streamline the New Hanover County Special Use Permit process

EDUCATION

• Expand Project Lead the Way’s Gateway to Technology STEM Program as funded by Cape Fear Future
• Support the efforts of New Hanover County Schools and Cape Fear Community College to open a Career Technical Education (CTE) High School on the north campus of CFCC