Selling the Value of Government Relations Kristofer T. Johnson President & CEO Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce

Selling the Value of Government relations If not us, who? Chambers role- Being the Voice for Business Through advocacy & education 3 Levels Local State Federal

Educational Programming Unique programming that businesses can only participate in via membership in the Chamber State of the Cities, Counties, State, Congressional District, etc State Capitol & Washington DC visits

Special Events Boise- Educate members on important events while connecting business leaders to decision makers State of programs generate 30-40% net profit with sponsorships sold out months in advance CEO Speaker series- 900 + attendance. Local CEO tells their story in their words to decision and community leaders

Special Events Continued from Boise, Tulsa, Tri-Cities Legislative receptions- 25-50% profit Recognize and thank elected officials at the local, state and federal level. 200-600 attendees Limited sponsorships generating big $$$

Bellevue (WA) Chamber (From a newsletter article about the importance of our Public Affairs Committee)  The Bellevue Chamber is a leader in Eastside public policy discussions affecting the business community and is committed to ensuring that our members’ concerns are heard on a wide range of issues at the local, regional, state and federal levels of government. Businesses know that the chamber is championing business issues on their behalf, but it is our members’ involvement that determines the direction our policy positions take.

Bellevue (WA) Chamber Cont. (At our Member Orientation, at I say)  Basically, I'm your lobbyist and I'm watching out for your business and your bottom line with government at all levels. You're busy spending your valuable time growing and building your business, networking and making new connections -- all of which is what fuels our regional economy.  While you don't have a lot of time to meet with elected leaders to share why you want them to hold the line on business taxes, fees and regulations, your chamber membership is working for you and providing that service so you can do what's important -- run your business.  In addition, I work with our government officials on a regular basis, but it's equally important for them to hear directly from businesses in our community.  The Bellevue Chamber provides a number of opportunities to directly connect you with your elected leaders so they can hear your concerns about how government programs impact the way you do business (Elected Officials Reception, Membership Lunches with Governor and Congressional Officials, Elected at Committees, Roundtables).

Tulsa (OK) Chamber- Sales Perspective The importance of GA in membership sales deals with key issues in a community. Lobbying for small business issues and updates dealing with specific challenges. Our members know they can call on GA for legislative information. Our lobbyist keeps our members updated on changes and additions of laws in Oklahoma and on the National level as well. Our members have a one on one chance to meet with officials through the functions that GA division have.

Tulsa (OK) Chamber Cont. Government Relations Perspective If we are not in front of the elected officials advocating for pro-business issues, someone else will be. Government Affairs brings real money to the community.  We look for appropriate funding in transportation, health care, education, economic development, etc. We consider ourselves our members advocate.  We advocate for pro-business legislation even if our member do not get involved in the governmental process. We provide information and educate our members on candidates.  We do not endorse.

Spokane (WA) Chamber The SRCC continues to advocate for the expansion of Fairchild Air Force Base and missions. Also partner in ongoing Statewide BRAC efforts. These efforts help to continue the economic impact FAFB has on Spokane Regional businesses.

Northern Kentucky Chamber Business Advocacy:  Strong representation on legislative issues in Frankfort and Washington, D. C.  The Chamber’s full-time staff lobbyist is actively involved in advocating legislation affecting business in Northern Kentucky during the annual General Assembly and throughout the year. Community Involvement:  Your membership investment provides increased employment opportunities, improved education, pro-business legislation and continued improvement of the quality of life for the region. Brent Spence Bridge:  U.S. Legislative Task Force of Chamber members met with congressional leaders to lobby for dollars to fund the replacement of the I-75 Brent Spence Bridge.

Seattle (WA) Chamber The Chamber’s Land Use Committee is working on some big issues, especially in the City of Seattle. We've just completed our work on the downtown zoning changes. In the coming months we'll be looking at the commercial code updates, the neighborhood business district strategy, Growth Management and SEPA issues and other issues that impact local development.” “The Chamber, representing the business community and the community as a whole, is a primary catalyst in ensuring that fences do not get so high that the business community, education, labor and government cannot talk to each other. We need to be able to communicate and work with the government to achieve many of the Chamber goals.” “An example of this cooperation is our Annual Leadership Conference held in Vancouver, B.C where we invite over 300 leaders of the educational, labor, business and government communities to a three day conference. One year the topic was on two species of salmon being put on the federal endangered species list. Why involve the business community? Because the challenge was not only saving the salmon, it was water and that would take all of our knowledge and expertise to solve.”

Questions?