Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Industry Leaders Look Back at 2024 Legislative Days
Released Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 5:50 p.m.
During the 2024 Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Session Day at the Ohio Statehouse, the chamber awarded three scholarships. Ohio House Speaker Jason Stevens (R-Kit Hill) awarded the scholarships to Joshua Childers ($1,000), Olivia Kingley ($1,000) and Hannah Taylor ($2,500). Childers, a South Point High School graduate, will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Kingley, a Dawson Bryant High School graduate, will attend Marshall University. Taylor, a Fairland graduate, will study at Ohio University Southern Campus. (Ironton Tribune | Courtesy photo)
By Terry L. Hapney, Jr.
Ironton Tribune
Giving Lawrence County residents a chance to get to know their legislators and get an up-close look at Ohio’s legislative process is the purpose of the county’s annual “Legislation Day.”
Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Director Shirley Dyer said that in addition to local business leaders, two students from each Lawrence County high school make the annual trip from South Point to Columbus with chamber members.
“As (lawmakers) work on the bill, (the public) will know how to use the system,” Dyer said.
The chamber leases buses for the day-long trip, which typically features two breakout sessions on transportation and economic development, with tourism added this year.
Lawrence County Convention and Tourism Director Marty Conley said the meeting provides an opportunity for lawmakers and other government officials to discuss ongoing projects in the county with Lawrence County residents.
“They really understand what Lawrence County is doing, where it’s going, what it’s trying to do and what kind of help it probably needs,” Conley said.
Ohio’s deputy directors for development participated in the breakout session, where Deputy Director of the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation Jeremy Clay, Deputy Director of the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization Jessica Keaton, and Conley led a discussion focused on economic development.
Ironton-Lawrence County CAO Director Ralph Klein, Lawrence County Engineer Patrick Ratey and Ohio Department of Transportation District 9 Deputy Director Mike Dombrowski moderated the transportation discussion.
“We had breakout sessions during lunch discussions so everyone knew a little bit more about what was going on in the county,” Conley said.
Ohio Development Commissioner Lydia Mihalic was the luncheon keynote speaker and spoke about her recent visit to Lawrence County. The Legislative Day Trip came on the heels of Lawrence County receiving $12.7 million in state funding allocated for development projects, including the marina complex at Lock 27, work along the Ironton River, restoration of the Rona Theatre and development of riverfront parks at South Point and Burlington.
“Obviously, we’re excited,” Conley said. “We’ve had a community aspect to it, and shared excitement about what’s going to happen.”
Conley said Mihalik stopped by with Appalachian Governor John Carey during Ohio Tourism Day at the Ohio State Capitol.
“It’s face time,” Conley said. “When Director Mihalik came in, I said, ‘Hey, how are you?’ She said, ‘I’ve got my people here!’ She knew Lawrence County. It’s a great networking opportunity.”
“It’s probably one of the best,” Dyer said. “It’s very effective. It’s going to be very impressive for the people at the State House to see this huge bus with 40 people on it arrive.”
Dyer said a full tour of the state capitol allows Lawrence County youth to experience what they’ve learned in the classroom in Columbus and learn about their state.
Ohio House Speaker Jason Stevens (R-Kit Hill) also spoke at the event. This year marks the 30th year that Lawrence County has sent a group to the state capitol.
“People look forward to this,” Dyer said. “It’s a great event. They get a chance to talk one-on-one with their administration. Most of the senators who stop by for the meal will be sitting at the table with Lawrence County residents.”
The next Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Annual Legislative Day is scheduled for May 14, 2025.
“Mark that date on your calendar,” Dyer said.
