On Feb. 9, House Mike Hubbard created the Speaker’s Commission on Job Creation. The goal of the commission is to identify opportunities to boost private sector job growth through changes in state law and policies. A select group of business leaders have been asked to identify creative, achievable and immediate job-creation policy recommendations that can be considered by the Legislature this session. Hubbard has asked for a final report to be delivered to himself, Gov. Bentley and the House Committee on Economic Development and Tourism by April 15.

To generate these proposals, the Commission is hosting “Business Leadership Exchanges” throughout the state, inviting local business owners to share their ideas for how best to adjust state policies to make the state more conducive to business success. The commission had its third “Business Leadership Exchange” in Mobile on Monday  at Mobile Gas Auditorium at 6 p.m..  Business owners from Mobile and Baldwin Counties are encouraged to attend and share their ideas and recommendations on how to boost private sector job growth in the state.

Suggestions heard at previous meetings in Huntsville and Montgomery included cutting government red tape and bureaucracy which can hinder businesses from making a profit and subsequently hiring workers; changing regulations to require out-of-state subcontractors to be licensed; factoring in the importance of older workers (age 50-plus) when considering needs of home health care for an aging population; and considering the arts as part of the economic picture.

 Those who are unable to attend the meeting may submit ideas and recommendations by e-mail to ALjobscommission@gmail.com, or join the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/speakersjobscommission.