How does the Chamber utilize government relations to promote a pro-business environment in our community? The Chamber continuously works within the legislative arena on our members' behalf, including:

• Identifying, researching, and analyzing potential local, state and federal legislative policies that impact business
  
  
• Developing members' concerns into a pro-business legislative platform formally presented to lawmakers
  
  
• Educating public officials about the business community and directly advocating policies that promote business success
  
  
• Tracking emerging legislative issues and developing response strategies and research data
  
  
• Producing reports and updates that help members to track legislative action
  
  
• Producing voting records that reveal how legislators voted on key business issues
  
  
• Producing nonpartisan candidate profile guides to provide information about candidates and elections, helping members and their employees to make informed voting decisions
  
  
• Providing members with contact information for public officials so members can make their voices heard
  
  
• Facilitating a broad range of opportunities for meaningful interaction between members and elected officials, including legislative caucuses and receptions, candidate forums, candidate interviews, and legislative guest speakers
  
  
• Initiating and promoting cooperative efforts on issues of common interest to other business-oriented organizations
  
  
• Responding to inquiries by members, citizens, and the media about legislation and its impact on business
  
  
• Providing public presentations on advocacy and the legislative process

It's Good for Business!

How does having a strong voice in government benefit Chamber members? The Chamber's government relations efforts contribute to the success of area businesses by:

• Enabling the Chamber to actively pursue governmental policies that promote a strong business climate and encourage business growth
  
  
• Keeping members well-informed about public policy matters that impact the business community, empowering members to respond quickly and effectively
  
  
• Enhancing the Chamber's visibility and influence with local, state, and federal elected officials
  
  
• Maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of the business community's legislative efforts through the cooperative use of resources
  
  
• Serving as an informational resource to members and the public on legislative matters