Local leaders learn how to do business

WWLP TV

Updated: Jun 27, 2012 9:58 PM

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WWLP) — Business leaders from western Massachusetts are in Washington D.C. this week hoping to learn how to do business, better.

All eyes are on the Nation's Capitol as we await a Supreme Court ruling on President Obama's health care law, but for some western Mass. business leaders this week is actually more about learning a thing or two about getting one-on-one time with lawmakers who can help make doing business a little easier.

22News and 42 members of the local Chambers of Commerce in western Massachusetts are here for Congressman Richard Neal's biennial symposium in Washington D.C.

They got in Wednesday evening and gathered for a reception at the Phoenix Park Hotel on Mass Avenue where they were greeted by the Congressman and learned what they could expect to get out of the trip; many of them hoping to be able to get honest answers from lawmakers.

According to Allan Blair, W. Mass Economic Development Council, “I'd love to get a sense of after the election, of where we're going with tax reform in particular because I really believe it's a divisive issue in the country that really needs to be resolved.”

Jeff Ciuffreda, Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce President, told 22News, “I think it's important for the Congressman to see us on his home turf if you will and I think it helps the business communities message that we're that serious to come down here and deliver it, they must be serious.”

Thursday the group looks forward to hearing from Senator John Kerry, Senator Scott Brown and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to name a few.

They're also looking forward to experiencing history, whatever the Supreme Court's decision is on health care.

22News will be here in Nations Capital to bring you coverage of all of it on air and on our website, wwlp.com.

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