Mission: To ensure local, state and federal government policies and community decisions are conducive to a strong regional business climate and adequately support quality economic growth and community.
Policy Analysis: Develop Chamber policies and resolutions based on sound research
- The Chamber engages member businesses through GA Advisory Group, surveys and task forces to evaluate particular impact of proposed government policies at all levels of government: City, County, State, and Federal
- Chamber President and advisory group members analyze the impact of these proposed policies on member businesses and the region. Specific attention placed on issues related to quality of life, cost of doing business, regional mobility, and economic development
Issue Awareness: Build upon existing policy education initiatives for Chamber members
- Chamber sponsors annual Get Out the Vote initiatives to increase business community turnout for local, state and federal elections. Activities include:
- Surveying candidates on issues of interest to the business community and distributing that information to Chamber members;
- Briefing local candidates on Chamber priorities prior to elections;
- Hosting candidate forums allowing Chamber members to meet candidates and directly ask questions of personal and professional concern;
- Assist members in mobilizing employees in casting ballots during early voting
- Chamber hosts annual Small Business and Local Issues roundtables that highlight issues of growing importance in the community and how member businesses may influence policy outcomes.
- High-level elected officials speak at annual Chamber policy events allowing exclusive access to policy makers. Speakers to include Senators, Representatives, The Business Council of NYS among others.
Advocacy: Mobilize businesses to promote Chamber positions at all levels of government
- Chamber members and leaders develop positions on policy with business perspective:
- Annual Legislative agenda including issues ranging from economic development and education to transportation and workforce development
- Annual Congressional agenda including issues such as education, research and transportation funding
- Local policy positions developed on an as needed basis addressing economic development, transportation, and taxes
- Chamber-sponsored events provide members access to elected officials:
- Exclusive pre-legislative session reception allowing Chamber members to interact with Legislators and key senior staff
- Annual trip to Washington, DC including a regional delegation of business leaders as a part of the Business Council of NY’s, New York Business in D.C. annual event to meet with Senators and members of Congress
- Chamber leaders maintain continuous contact with elected officials to encourage them to vote in a pro-business manner
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