Congressman Stops By For Lunch

Friday - April 9: The Wellsville Chamber-of-Commerce had a special luncheon last week with U.S. Congressman Charlie Wilson (Dem.- 6th District)as the guest of honor and keynote speaker. The luncheon was held at the Riverside Roadhouse on Wells Ave. It was a packed house with State, County & Local politicians, various business leaders, and many members of the Western Reserve craft and trade unions.

Wilson addressed the crowd on two topics that are of deep interest to all of us in the Wellsville area. The first is the national economic recovery efforts and the second subject was the Congressman's latest knowledge of the Ohio River Clean Fuel plant being planned by Baard Energy for the area. Progress in both areas have been stymied by the current economy that has slowed economic growth and national well being for many across the country.

The Congressman stated that "we know a major portion of the economic recovery is going to come from small business. It is all part of the engine that is going to drive this recovery into the future". National leaders feel that 60 to 80% of jobs in the future will come through small businesses. The Small Business Association (SBA) has stated businesses have to have access to credit or they will most likely fail.

With that in mind they have been working in the Nation's Capitol to remove much of the red tape the SBA was regulated with in the past. With the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act there was $21 billion earmarked for small business loans. Additionally another $30 billion in bank bail out money is earmarked for this program when those loans are repaid. That's $51 billion that is specifically dedicated to helping small businesses to keep their doors open while struggling to get by. Wilson advised there is presently "immediate loans of $35,000" available to small businesses as part of this goal to get people back to work. Using the Roadhouse as an example, Wilson said the more people working the more they will be likely to patronize other area small businesses. If folks have a pay check coming in they will be more inclined to go out for lunch or take the family out to dinner.

He also noted that Columbiana County has received $35.7 million in stimulus money from ARRA bill.

The Honorable Congressman than moved on to Baard's Ohio River Clean Fuels. Advanced energy is at the top of the priority list to move this country to being energy independent. Converting coal to liquid fuel with carbon sequestion could be a big part of reaching that independence. Wilson stated that the (Wellsville) area has all the tools right here with the river and the God given coal available in the region. He said the Port Authority's crane at Wellsville's Intermodal Park is second to none and frequently recommends it to companies shipping via the river.

In December 2008 Baard applied for loan guarantees with the Department of Energy (DOE). However there have been some "frivolous lawsuits" filed by the EPA and other groups. The DOE is reluctant to award loan guarantees when there are law suits pending. Wilson reported that just the week before the luncheon the appeal on the water permit was settled in favor of Baard. The appeal filed against the air permit will be heard in June.

Wilson stated that he, fellow Congressman Tim Ryan and others are doing everything in their power to get Baard's proposed plans moved forward. He has been dealing directly with DOE Secretary Chu and pledges to continue working on it. On a recent plane ride on Air Force One Wilson was able to speak directly to the President and explain more fully what Baard's proposal entails. Although he said he wasn't bragging, the ORCF is now on the Whitehouse's radar. He feels that one of the Administration's priorities is to drive jobs and getting this project approved would certainly do that in our area. He thinks that with a better understanding of the project he feels the Obama Administration is willing to look at changing the rules for clean coal.

Wilson also advised he speaks to John Baardson, CEO of Baard Energy, at least once a month. Baardson told him "right now it's just a matter of financing". Wilson said he can't speak for Baard but they have "lots of money already in this project. It's not going to Timbuktu" from what he has gleaned from Baardson. He also stated that he is committed to people of the area and will fight everyday to see this project through. He said "we will never give up on this project".

In line with the ORCF Wilson told of his bill he introduced in the House of Representatives to give college students a $5,000 rebate on their student loans. Wilson said it's a way of keeping jobs in the area and having people trained to move into jobs at Baard will accomplish that. Additionally there are hordes of baby boomers getting ready for retirement. Helping getting people trained to step into some of those jobs is important and his bill is aimed at that goal.

In closing his talk Wilson agreed to answer some questions. One of those questions was how did he keep his sanity with all that is going on in Washington these days. The Congressman said he felt like the football player that took a hit so tremendous it twisted his helmet around to where he was looking out the ear hole!

The next regular monthly luncheon for the Chamber is scheduled for Thursday, April 29. We'll have to get a location for you.

ole nib