2002 Position Statements


Metropolitan Partnership for Energy

The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce endorses the mission of the Metropolitan Partnership for Energy (MPE), a non-profit collaboration of local governments and utilities. The mission of the MPE is "To protect and enhance quality of life by providing energy leadership, expertise and education, and by developing regionally cooperative programs for the wise, efficient and sustainable use of energy."

Submitted By: Governmental Affairs
Approval Date: 11-21-2002

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North East Independent School District Bond Issue

The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of educating the community?s children. These children represent the future workforce of San Antonio and its economic strength. The North East Independent School District (NEISD) needs adequate facilities and other educational opportunities to continue delivering a well-rounded education to their students. Therefore, The North East Area Business Council of The Chamber urges all NEISD residents to vote in this important election and endorses the passage of Propositions 1 through 4 in the December 14, 2002 NEISD bond election.

Submitted By: Northeast Area Business Council
Approval Date: 11-21-2002

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Air Quality - "Early Action Compact"

The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce supports local elected bodies signing the "Early Action Compact," an agreement between local governments within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the *Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), by the December 31, 2002 deadline. Signing of the agreement does not admit or acknowledge that the MSA is in "non-attainment." The Chamber will continue to study and assess the clean air issue and supports the Compact provision that reserves the right for all participants to withdraw from the agreement at any time during the study period.

Submitted By: Governmental Affairs
Approval Date: 10-24-2002

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Southside Initiative - Limited Annexation

The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce supports the City of San Antonio?s Southside Initiative to provide a development overlay for comprehensive planning and managed growth to the southern sector of Bexar County. In addition, The Chamber will continue to study and assess the development plan during the three-year limited annexation period for the six identified areas on the Southside of San Antonio.


Submitted By: Governmental Affairs
Approval Date: 10-24-2002

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Toyota

The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce affirms its support for the Toyota Motor Corporation and the presence of a truck manufacturing facility in San Antonio. The Chamber encourages the State of Texas, its agencies and elected officials, Bexar County Judge and Commissioners Court, and the City of San Antonio elected and appointed officials to meet Toyota's requirements and negotiate positive terms to help facilitate Toyota's selection of San Antonio as their preferred site.

Submitted By: Executive Committee
Approval Date: 10-24-2002

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Trinity Glen Rose Groundwater Conservation District

The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce supports the voter confirmation of the Trinity Glen Rose Groundwater Conservation District (TGR) in the November 5, 2002 Election. The Chamber believes the confirmation of the District is necessary to regulate the proliferation and pumping of potential new water wells in Northern Bexar County. The District would carry out its mission to provide those rules and regulations and enforce conservation preservation, protection, recharge and the prevention of waste within this portion of the Trinity Aquifer.

Submitted By: Governmental Affairs
Approval Date: 10-24-2002

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Cibolo Canyon Resort Project - Annexation Agreement

The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce re-affirms our support for the environmentally responsible Cibolo Canyon Resort Project and the presence of the Professional Golfer?s Association in San Antonio in partnership with the Lumbermen?s Investment Corporation (L.I.C). The Chamber encourages the City of San Antonio to negotiate the positive terms outlined in the Mayor?s Letter of Intent (fifteen-year non-annexation agreement), dated August 12, 2002.

Submitted By: Governmental Affairs
Approval Date: 09-25-2002

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Countywide Citizens Watershed Master Plan

The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce supports the recommendations of the Countywide Watershed Citizens Master Plan Committee, which are aimed at providing more effective and efficient management and delivery of flood control, storm water and water quality services in the region.

Submitted By: Governmental Affairs
Approval Date: 05-23-2002

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North American Bank and The Border Environmental Cooperation Commission

The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce urges strengthening NADBank’s institutional structure and that its office and operations remain headquartered in San Antonio, Texas.

Submitted By: Governmental Affairs
Approval Date: 05-23-2002

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Reauthorizing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The Chamber supports the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and encourages Congress to strengthen its support for local school districts in educating the nation's children who have disabilities. The Chamber encourages the federal government to pay the percentage of the average per-pupil expenditure that was authorized under the original bill in 1975.

Submitted By: Government
Approval Date: 04-24-2002

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Relocation of U.S. Army South(USARSO) to San Antonio

The Chamber supports the move of Headquarters, U.S. Army South from Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.

Submitted By: Military & Industries Council
Approval Date: 03-28-2002

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Establishment of WNBA Franchise in San Antonio

The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce supports the establishment of a Women?s National Basketball League (WNBA) franchise in San Antonio. The WNBA has been actively engaged in education and community service throughout its existence. A WNBA presence will not only provide a positive impact on education, but will also maximize use of the SBC Center.

Submitted By: Executive Committee
Approval Date: 02-28-2002

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Location of The National Vaccine Facility in San Antonio, Texas

The Chamber supports the creation of a National Vaccine Facility in San Antonio, preferably at the Brooks Technology and Business Park (BTBP), but with final site location determined in conjunction with a strong pharmaceutical vaccines business partner.

Submitted By: Executive Committee
Approval Date: 02-28-2002

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Westside Multimodal Terminal

The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce recognizes the extensive amount of planning and community involvement allocated towards the Westside Multimodal Terminal Plan and supports the proposed Alternative Plan 3C. Continued support for the project is contingent upon: 1. The terminal significantly reducing downtown bus traffic and pedestrian crowding at bus stops (in an effort to promote downtown tourism); 2. Additional information concerning the expected economic impact surrounding the terminal should be presented to interested community organizations; and 3. The funding mechanism for the project must be thoroughly reviewed and endorsed by a designated Chamber committee/group.

Submitted By: Executive Committee
Approval Date: 02-28-2002

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Information Technology & Security Academy (ITSA)

The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce enthusiastically supports the creation of an Information Technology and Security Academy (ITSA) as an essential tool for creating the high-skill workforce San Antonio needs.

Submitted By: Technology
Approval Date: 01-24-2002

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