The Kentucky Forest Industries Association continues to work with other small business groups throughout the state through the Small Business Caucus.  All KFIA members are invited to attend a Small Business Empowerment Forum to address changes in State Taxes, Workers’ Comp, and Health Insurance through legislative initiatives in the state legislature.

Local state Senators and Representatives will be present to hear concerns from local small business and we need our membership to express the concerns facing the wood industry.  Kentucky small business worked together to force changes to the tax codes passed in 2005.  KFIA and the Small Business Caucus invite you to a critical meeting that every small-business owner must attend. Presenters will give you the facts you need to make informed decisions and fight for relief on the top three cost drivers facing every Kentucky small-business owner:  

STATE TAXES – The Special Session changed the way your business taxes are figured, providing relief to many businesses, but still leaving some impediments to entrepreneurship.  The Alternative Minimum Tax continues to negatively affect many small businesses.  Incentives are needed to keep investment in small business alive.  Learn how you can help make these a reality.

WORKERS’ COMP – The court system has eroded the hard-won workers’ comp reforms of 1996. Employers are citing workers’ comp costs as a significant barrier to doing business and the silent killer of jobs in Kentucky. A road map to return to the reforms of 1996 will be given. Help reduce costs and delays in the system, which will benefit workers and employers alike.  Legislators need to hear that this is specifically a huge problem for our logging industry in Kentucky.

HEALTH INSURANCE – Learn about the small business health insurance programs that were passed in the 2006 General Assembly and new proposals to help the small business community afford health insurance premiums.

There is NO COST TO ATTEND. Please notify other business owners and encourage them to attend the meeting in your area.  Contact KFIA at (502) 695-3979 or email bob@kfia.org for more information or to register to attend.  The dates are listed below and a packet with directions and instructions will be sent as confirmation.

Wed, August 29 - Breakfast  - Owensboro - Owensboro Chamber of Commerce

Wed, August 29 - Lunch - Madisonville - Fortner's Gas

Thur, August 30 - Breakfast - Bowling Green - Bowling Green Board of Realtors

Wed, Sept 12 - Breakfast - Pikeville - Landmark Hotel

Wed, Sept 26 - Breakfast - Lexington - Lexington Convention Center

Thur, Oct. 11 - Breakfast - Ft. Wright - Robke Chevrolet

Fri, Oct 19 - Breakfast - Louisville - Neil Huffman Nissan