Latest news with #Chamber
CBC
5 hours ago
- Business
- CBC
Yukon Chamber of Commerce to put forward a motion to dissolve
The chamber has been a small business advocate for 40 years. It says there are now numerous industry groups and associations all competing for membership fees.
Politico
6 hours ago
- Business
- Politico
Chamber drops six figures on megabill ads
With Daniel Lippman AIR COVER: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is rolling out a six-figure ad blitz to provide backup for key Republican lawmakers for their support of the House-passed reconciliation package — and knocking several Democratic frontliners for their votes against the bill. — The business lobby is going up with billboards and digital ads thanking 10 House Republicans for voting last week to extend the 2017 tax cuts: Pennsylvania's Mike Kelly, Oklahoma's Stephanie Bice, Ohio's Mike Carey, Utah's Blake Moore, Indiana's Rudy Yakym, South Dakota's Dusty Johnson, California's Davd Valadao, Michigan's Lisa McClain and Arkansas' French Hill and Bruce Westerman. — The campaign will also include ads preemptively thanking Senate Finance Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Senate Environment and Public Works Chair Shelley Moore Capito ( for their support of the bill. — On the flip side, the Chamber is cutting ads going after a handful of House Democrats in battleground seats for voting against the bill, which the Chamber's ads argue is tantamount to supporting 'the largest tax increase in American history.' Those spots will run in the districts of Reps. Marcy Kaptur and Emilia Sykes of Ohio, Gabe Vasquez of New Mexico and Derek Tran of California, according to a spokesperson. — The ad buy reiterates messaging from the reconciliation bill's supporters that will surely continue through next year's midterms. It is meant to counter the deluge of ads that are already hitting Republican lawmakers over the reconciliation bill's cuts to programs like Medicaid. In addition to the Chamber, which has also been holding events with local affiliates and GOP lawmakers in their districts, groups like the Business Roundtable and Americans for Prosperity have dropped millions in ad support for the package. — 'There is a lot of misinformation being spread about this legislation,' Chamber senior political strategist Ashlee Rich Stephenson said in a statement. Extending the 2017 tax cuts is one of — if not the — top policy priorities for business groups like the Chamber, which said the ad blitz is likely to expand and is aimed at 'educat[ing] the public on why the bill is good for the economy and for creating more jobs with higher wages,' even as deficit hawks on the right call for steeper spending cuts. TGIF and welcome to PI. What's going on out there? You can add me on Signal, email me at coprysko@ and be sure to follow me on X: @caitlinoprysko. BURR LOBBYING FOR TOBACCO COALITION: Former Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) has continued to add new lobbying clients since his cooling-off period to lobby the Hill ended at the beginning of the year. — Among the newest clients for the former ranking member of the Senate HELP Committee is the Coalition for Smarter Regulation of Nicotine. Though the group has a barebones online presence, lobbying disclosures show it is backed by tobacco giants Altria, Japan Tobacco International, Reynolds American and Reynolds parent company British American Tobacco. — Burr and a pair of former staffers who have joined him at DLA Piper began lobbying last month on FDA regulation and enforcement policy on behalf of the coalition, according to a disclosure filing. — A spokesperson for the coalition, whose members also sell e-cigarettes, told PI that the group's aim is 'to advocate for urgent reform of FDA regulation of tobacco and nicotine products, in the face of a mass-scale illicit market crisis.' — Cheap, black market vape products have flooded into the U.S. from China in recent years, cutting into sales of FDA-approved products and triggering calls from the tobacco and vape industries alike for a crackdown on illicit vapes, as well as an overhaul of the FDA process for approving and bringing more new products to market — objectives the coalition spokesperson echoed. CHIP SHOT: 'Since the start of this year, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has been thrust into an unexpected new role — chief lobbyist for his company — forcing him to carry its hopes, suggestions and pleas directly to President Donald Trump,' The Information's Qianer Liu and Wayne Ma report. — 'Many of Huang's conversations with Trump have happened at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's residence and private club in south Florida, and Huang has made far more visits there than have been publicly reported, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter.' — 'Indeed, these tête-à-têtes in Palm Beach have become frequent enough for one Nvidia executive to remark on Huang's absence from the company's Santa Clara, Calif., headquarters 'We see a lot less of Jensen,' the executive said. 'He's traveling to Florida a lot.'' — 'Huang's direct approach to dealing with Trump is a marked break from the past, when Huang generally left it to his lieutenants — and his lieutenants' lieutenants — to handle the company's relationships with the U.S. government. Generally, they engaged in traditional lobbying efforts, speaking regularly to bureaucrats and policymakers in an effort to shape public policy that favored Nvidia.' FORMER FDA POLICY CHIEF RETURNING TO K STREET: Kim Trzeciak, who served as the FDA's deputy commissioner for policy, legislation, and international affairs during the Biden administration, has joined Capitol Hill Consulting Group as a senior vice president. — Trzeciak joined the FDA in 2022 as its top policy official, where she oversaw the agency's policy and legislative strategy and led engagement with Congress and the rest of the federal government as well as state, local and tribal governments and international partners. — She previously worked on the Hill as a top aide on the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee and for the late Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), with stints at Glover Park Group (now FGS Global) and as an in-house lobbyist at Mylan in between. — Trzeciak will be registering to lobby at CHCG, which represents a number of health care clients like Purdue Pharma, generic drugmaker Teva, Cigna, the Association for Accessible Medicines and dialysis giant Davita. WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT: 'Federal authorities are investigating a clandestine effort to impersonate White House chief of staff Susie Wiles ... after an unknown individual reached out to prominent Republicans and business executives pretending to be her,' people familiar with the matter tell The Wall Street Journal's Josh Dawsey. — 'In recent weeks, senators, governors, top U.S. business executives and other well-known figures have received text messages and phone calls from a person who claimed to be the chief of staff, the people familiar with the messages said.' — 'But the messages weren't from Wiles—and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the White House are trying to figure out who is behind the effort and what the goal is, according to some of the people. FBI officials have told the White House they don't believe a foreign nation is involved, some of the people said.' — Wiles, who 'is widely viewed as President Trump's closest adviser' and 'has a deep bench of contacts in Republican circles,' reportedly 'told associates that her [personal] cellphone contacts were hacked, according to some of the people, giving the impersonator access to the private phone numbers of some of the country's most influential people.' Jobs report — Molly Fromm is now vice president and general counsel at the Nickles Group. She previously was general counsel and parliamentarian for House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.). — Growth Energy has added Jared Henderson and Emma Keiser as directors of government affairs. Henderson was most recently a senior policy adviser for Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Keiser was most recently a legislative assistant for Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). — Sam Alleman is now director of coalitions for the Human Rights Campaign. He previously was national LGBTQ+ engagement director for the Harris campaign and is a DNC and Planned Parenthood Action Fund alum. — Prominent conservative attorney Kannon Shanmugam is joining the Harvard Corporation. He's a partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison and is a George W. Bush DOJ alum. — Matthew Creegan will be director of media relations at General Motors. He previously was head of executive comms at the Ford Foundation. — Gautam Raghavan is now a partner in the nonprofit and social impact practice at True Search. He previously was director of presidential personnel in the Biden White House. — Jordan Brewer is joining the State Department's Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy as a special adviser. Brewer was previously manager of government affairs at the Cato Institute. — Josué Estrada is now COO at the Center for AI Safety. Estrada was previously chief operating officer at both Salesforce and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. — Alyssa Penna is now director of federal policy at United States of Care. She most recently was an analyst at CMS' Office of Legislation. — Jenna Sumar and Kevin Lowery are launching a creative studio, Collection Media. Sumar previously was chief official videographer for the Biden White House. Lowery previously was creative director at Weymouth Watson and is a Stacey Abrams alum. — Cambridge Global Advisors has added Patrick Lechleitner, Elaine Duke, Katie Tobin, Ryan Scudder, Paul Thomas, Tim Devine and Morgan Ryan. — Cindy Dyer is now chief program officer at the McCain Institute. She most recently was U.S. ambassador-at-large to monitor and combat trafficking in persons. New Joint Fundraisers MARSHALL VICTORY FUND (Steve Marshall for Senate, Fighting for Alabama PAC) New PACs ALABAMA CONSERVATIVES (Super PAC) ALABAMA STRONG PAC (Super PAC) AMERICAN MADE AND POWERED (Super PAC) BRINGING VIRGINIA BACK PAC (Super PAC) Dems 2025 (Hybrid PAC) FIGHTING FOR ALABAMA PAC (Leadership PAC: Steven T Marshall) Justice Unites Liberty, Integrity, and America PAC (Leadership PAC: Julia Hashemieh) NESTPOINT PAC (PAC) Power of the People (PAC) United States Working Class Republican Caucus (Hybrid PAC) New Lobbying REGISTRATIONS Continental Strategy, LLC: Avangrid Continental Strategy, LLC: Lkq Corporation Cornerstone Government Affairs, Inc.: National Disability Rights Network Dlg Partners (Fka Dragon List Global): White Star Capital USA Inc. Dutko Worldwide, LLC: Pattern Inc. Fgs Global (US) LLC (Fka Fgh Holdings LLC): Johns Hopkins University Fgs Global (US) LLC (Fka Fgh Holdings LLC): Sidley Austin LLP (On Behalf Of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.) Foxhound Advisors: Bell Geospace Foxhound Advisors: Medexpert Goodrx, Inc.: Goodrx, Inc. Icebreaker Strategies, LLC: Community Development Foundation Porterfield, Fettig & Sears, LLC: General Catalyst Group Management, LLC S-3 Group: Oshkosh Corporation Snyder Gressard Strategy: Alaska Wilderness League Snyder Gressard Strategy: League Of Conservation Voters Snyder Gressard Strategy: Oceana Snyder Gressard Strategy: Tides Center Theyfeartruth Federal Government Of America: Theyfeartruth Federal Government Of America Tusk Strategies, LLC: Somos Healthcare Providers, Inc. New Lobbying Terminations Venable LLP: It'S Electric Inc. Venable LLP: Newrange Copper Nickel LLC
Calgary Herald
8 hours ago
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Alberta's goal of $25B from tourism 'very doable' by 2035
Alberta's lofty tourism goals are aiming to chart a path for continued success in the sector. Article content The province's long-term tourism strategy aims to grow Alberta's annual visitor economy from around $10 billion to $25 billion by 2035. Article content Over the period of January to September last year, the province saw tourism revenues climb by 10 per cent over 2023 — from $10.5 billion to $11.5 billion. Article content Article content At a Friday event hosted by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Sport Minister Andrew Boitchenko and Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Joseph Schow discussed tourism's future in Alberta. Article content Article content 'It brings business to local communities, and I think that's a big part our (Alberta's) diversification,' said Boitchenko during a fireside chat with Schow hosted by Chamber president and CEO Deborah Yedlin in the Fairmont Palliser's Crystal Ballroom. Article content According to the provincial government, growth in Alberta's tourism sector outpaced every other province, advancing at a rate more than three times the national average for the first three quarters of 2024. Article content 'We need to understand that in the world, tourism is the fastest growing industry — outgrowing other industries by three times or so,' said Boitchenko, who was granted the tourism and sport portfolio two weeks ago. Article content Article content Boitchenko also expressed enthusiasm for rail projects in the province, having been born in Ukraine and seeing how convenient Europe's rail system is. He immigrated to Canada as a teenager. Article content Boitchenko did not provide any update on possible funding for refurbishment at Calgary's Olympic Oval, a new field house or improvements at the aging McMahon Stadium, which is set to host the Grey Cup next year. Article content However, he did note the importance of partnerships with the private sector and other orders of government for larger projects. Article content A 'big part' of what Boitchenko aims to do is advocate for the federal government to help with constructing and maintaining facilities.
Hans India
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Kamal Haasan Stands Firm On Language Comments Despite Karnataka Film Ban And Political Backlash
Veteran actor and politician Kamal Haasan has firmly rejected calls for a public apology regarding his controversial statements about the Kannada language's origins, declaring he will only express regret if proven factually incorrect. The 70-year-old actor's stance has intensified a linguistic controversy that has drawn political leaders, cultural organizations, and film industry figures into a heated debate across South India. Speaking exclusively to media outlets, Haasan emphasized his commitment to democratic principles and personal integrity, stating that interference with his beliefs would not be tolerated. He stressed his faith in India's democratic framework and judicial system while dismissing threats against him as nothing new in his decades-long career. The dispute began during a promotional event for Haasan's upcoming film "Thug Life," where he made remarks that have since sparked widespread outrage in Karnataka. During his speech, which began with the Tamil phrase "Uyire Urave Tamizhe" (meaning "My life and my family is Tamil"), Haasan suggested that the Kannada language originated from Tamil. The actor was addressing the presence of Karnataka actor Shivarajkumar at the event, explaining their professional relationship within the context of South Indian cinema. However, his specific claim about Kannada's linguistic origins proved inflammatory, triggering immediate backlash from pro-Kannada groups and political figures. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has taken decisive action by implementing a complete ban on the release of "Thug Life" throughout the state. This decision followed an ultimatum demanding Haasan issue a public apology, which he has categorically refused to provide. The ban represents a significant economic and professional consequence for the actor, potentially affecting the film's commercial performance and his future projects in the Karnataka market. The Chamber's action demonstrates the serious nature of the linguistic sensitivities involved in this controversy. Political leaders from both major parties in Karnataka have condemned Haasan's remarks, though with varying degrees of intensity. The ruling Congress party suggested that the actor lacks awareness about Kannada's historical significance and cultural importance to the region. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded by emphasizing Kannada's extensive historical legacy, suggesting that Haasan's comments reflected ignorance rather than malicious intent. The Chief Minister's measured response contrasts with more aggressive demands from other political quarters. The opposition BJP has taken a stronger stance, demanding an immediate apology and characterizing Haasan's comments as disrespectful to the Kannada language and its speakers. State Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi has been particularly vocal, arguing that such statements hurt the sentiments of all Kannadigas regardless of the speaker's stature or reputation. In contrast to the Karnataka backlash, the Tamil film industry has rallied behind Haasan, with several prominent actors defending his position. Actresses Divya Spandana and Vinodhini Vaidyanathan have publicly supported him, contextualizing the controversy within broader discussions about Dravidian language families. These supporters argue that all South Indian languages share common Dravidian roots, suggesting that discussions about linguistic evolution should be viewed from an academic rather than emotional perspective. They have characterized the controversy as an unnecessary escalation of what should be scholarly discourse. The controversy highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding language identity in South India, where linguistic pride often intersects with regional political movements. Karnataka's strong Kannada identity movement has historically been protective of the language's distinct cultural and literary heritage. Haasan's comments touch on complex questions of linguistic evolution and historical relationships between Dravidian languages, topics that require careful scholarly treatment rather than casual public commentary. The intense reaction demonstrates how quickly academic discussions can become politically charged in India's multilingual landscape. The controversy comes at a significant time in Haasan's political career, as he is reportedly set to be nominated as the DMK's candidate for the Rajya Sabha. His political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam, maintains an alliance with the DMK, which could influence how this controversy affects his broader political aspirations. The incident may impact his political standing both within Tamil Nadu, where he enjoys support, and in his efforts to build cross-regional political alliances. His handling of this controversy could set precedents for how he manages similar sensitive issues in his political career. The standoff between Haasan and his critics appears likely to continue, with neither side showing signs of compromise. The film ban in Karnataka represents a concrete consequence that may influence how other states and industry bodies respond to similar controversies. This incident may also prompt broader discussions within the South Indian film industry about the intersection of entertainment, politics, and cultural sensitivity, particularly as regional cinema continues to expand its pan-Indian reach.
Belfast Telegraph
17 hours ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Phoenix Energy boss appointed NI Chamber president
He was ratified in the role at the Chamber's agm in Queen's University Belfast on Friday, and succeeds Cat McCusker, regional market leader at PwC Northern Ireland in the role. Nick Whelan, the group chief executive of Dale Farm, has been appointed vice-president. Mr Chada has worked at the energy company since 2017, and was previously the interim CEO of a division of Ulster Bank. With more than three decades experience, he has held roles in PwC in Edinburgh along with several positions in finance and banking in London. Mr Chada said: 'It is a tremendous honour to be appointed as NI Chamber president. I am deeply invested in this place. I want the best for Northern Ireland's economy and its people and believe vehemently in the opportunities that we have to shine. 'In a testing economic environment, it is not a small responsibility. Businesses face immense challenges, none less so than the impact of our changed geopolitics, particularly the potential implications of US trade tariffs, as well as increased cost burdens from increased National Insurance contributions, difficulties in recruiting and more red tape than we feel is necessary when it comes to trading with our nearest markets. 'Members have my commitment that NI Chamber will work hard to be ahead of the game, helping companies in all sectors to address challenges and find wider solutions where we can.' He added: 'I see Northern Ireland not just as a participant, but as a leader in global commerce. We have the talent, the creativity, and the resilience to rise to any challenge. 'To that end, my presidency will be dedicated to creating an environment where businesses of all sizes can flourish. 'I want us to think big, embrace competitive advantages like dual market access, find ways to be more cost competitive on this island, get behind high-growth sectors and turn our need to decarbonise into a compelling opportunity. 'And of course, I will advocate for the adoption of renewable energy practices, and support businesses in transitioning to low-carbon models. 'By working collectively, we can position Northern Ireland as a region that thrives on sustainable growth and create a legacy that will benefit generations to come.' Suzanne Wylie, chief executive of NI Chamber, said: 'Kailash brings a tremendous depth and breadth of experience to NI Chamber's Board of Directors. As President, his stewardship and leadership will be of immense benefit to our members. 'I know that he will continue to champion our collaborative approach and help us deepen engagement across government, business and academia. 'At NI Chamber, we have ambitious plans for the year ahead and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.'
