Voice of Business: Insider takes the helm at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.

• Position: CEO Profile - Kevin Brinegar appointed president of Indiana Chamber of Commerce - Brief Article - Interview

There is a new voice for Indiana business. Kevin Brinegar, a veteran lobbyist and public policy expert for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, has been selected as its new president. Brinegar succeeds longtime chamber leader Chris LaMothe, who is leaving to become president of Carmel-based Oxford Financial Group. In a recent interview with Gerry Dick, aired on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Brinegar outlines his vision for the state's largest business advocacy organization.

Gerry Dick: Congratulations, Kevin. What is your vision and what do you hope to accomplish as chamber president, especially right out of the gate?

Kevin Brinegar: Well, I'm pleased that we are going to have minimal disruption and a seamless transition. To me that was one of the important things because we do have so very much on our plate. Clearly the key issues include reassessment mitigation, tax restructuring and the state's financial crisis. And how those are solved effectively to better position Indiana to compete in the global economy. We must also stop the bleeding of some of the business opportunities that we are losing in this cloud of uncertainty that hangs over Indiana regarding what the property tax environment is going to look like.

Gerry Dick: All right, let's talk about that and the sense of urgency, and the realities of a short session at the Statehouse.

Kevin Brinegar: I certainly believe that we need to make significant progress and if possible get it done this session. But I think the real key is to get it done this calendar year. Because right now, the property tax bills with the new assessed values that will cause the major burden shift are scheduled by order of the Tax Court to go Out in March 2003. That solution has to be crafted and I think waiting until January 2003, the next long session after the election, is too late. And I think by then we will be rapidly approaching the point where the state is literally running out of money and can no longer pay its bills.

Gerry Dick: OK. What's the key in getting that done and how will you position the chamber in this whole situation?

Kevin Brinegar: Well, I think the key is some of the...