Many people join the chamber because they want more customers or they want to network (so they can get more customers), but there are some that pay their dues faithfully knowing all of the pro-business legislative initiatives that the chambers help with. What legislative activities is your chamber a part of?
What legislative activities is your chamber a part of?
Chamber Legislative Activities
The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce creates a legislative agenda each year, which they publish to their website so that the community is aware of their priorities. They create different priority lists for state and county. For items on these lists, they often give oral and written testimony on the city, county, and state levels.
They work with legislators on issues and initiatives that are important to the economy including:
- taxation
- business climate
- planning and zoning
- transportation
- workforce development
They also have a legislative speaker series and provide quick links on their site so the community can find the appropriate officials in one space.
Bringing businesses to their area is also part of their mission. They created an economic profile document to assist in marketing the area to attract new jobs and “creating a commercial hub of business and innovation.”
The St. Pete Chamber of Commerce hosts a Legislative Reception each year for members of their county’s legislative delegation. Representatives speak about their efforts at the most recent house session. Some of the topics discussed at this year’s reception included:
- area infrastructure
- economic empowerment
- tangible resources directed to the community
They also addressed how innovation may change the community through things such as driverless cars and how they could eventually change the way cities are designed.
Issues of water quality and mental health screenings were also part of this year’s discussion.
No matter what your chamber legislative initiatives are, having a consistent message is key to your success. Download our free Best Practices in Government Affairs: Consistent Messaging Checklist to ensure your messaging is what it should be. You want your chamber’s voice to be heard at a legislative level by decision makers and by your members in regards to legislative initiatives.
