With the economy being the lowest seen in decades, Chambers now more than ever are seen by small businesses as being an affordable and necessary asset in their marketing plan. The reason for that is simple, when money is tight businesses have to budget and use the most affordable marketing opportunities that can supply ‘The best bang for their buck’. As seen in our steady retention rates, the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce without a doubt provides this for our members. We are a Chamber that prides ourselves on offering more complimentary benefits, which are included in your membership, than many other Chambers.
Let’s take for example a typically small business of 4 employees. Their membership investment would be $270 per year with the Wilsonville Chamber – equaling only about $22.50 per month. That member is able to be listed in our online and printed Business Directory (over 19,000 copies were distributed last year in our region); utilize our Hot Deals feature, Job Openings feature, and online Event Calendar. They can also list for free advertisements and announcements in our weekly email updates and monthly newsletters that reach over 700 local business people (not to mention the hundreds of co-workers that this is forwarded to).
In addition to that, they have the opportunity to attend over 70 events through the year that focus on networking, gaining referrals, business education, personal growth, and community involvement. All of these are also included in that annual fee. If someone was to pay for these events at a typical organization it could equal over $400 in registration fees alone! So clearly the benefit of Chamber membership is multiple times the cost that you pay. We also have a special arrangement through our membership software that allows you to upload the most current information about your business to be used by GPS units and a partnership through Office Depot that offers discounts on the basic office essentials that you need everyday – all as complimentary aspects of you membership.
If you are a small business, or even a medium or large business, don’t forget to use the most cost effective marketing in Wilsonville – your Chamber membership! There are many ways to take advantage of promoting your business – one way to learn about them all is to attend our Chamber 101 Membership Orientation session on Thursday, November 3rd. This quarterly free event provides a full overview of Chamber programming and walks you through how to utilize the many benefits that your membership includes. Contact Brandi Hereford, Membership Director, to learn more or register for Chamber 101 at Brandi@WilsonvilleChamber.com or 503-682-0411.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
August GAC Meeting
Your chamber’s Government Affairs Committee was active this August, conducting two different panel interviews of candidates running for state and local elected positions. On August 19, the board of directors voted unanimously to endorse the following candidates?
Senator Larry George
Senator George is the founder and co-owner of a number of successful companies. He started and ran one of the largest political consulting firms in the state of Oregon, and was elected in 2006 to represent Oregon Senate State District 13.
When asked by the chamber to identify his top priorities, Senator George listed three items:
Core-functions budgeting. “The Oregon state budget has grown from $48.1 billion (2007-09) to nearly $60 billion (2009-10) – a 24% increase. Yet, during this time we have made real cuts to K-12 education. We need to fund core functions of state government before we fund pet-programs.”
Re-connect to the federal tax code, especially as it relates to accelerated depreciation for Oregon's growing businesses.
Addressing the role of public employee unions in the political process. “Public employee unions are given about 1.5% out of each employee’s check to conduct organization and political activities. The amounts to $620 average per employee, or over $30 million per year for state employees alone. This does not include teachers, local government employees, or federal employees. This is creating an environment where anyone who opposes new programs, new spending, or maintaining the status quo can be overwhelmed by opposing campaign dollars. This lack of balance and transparency is forcing Oregon to an extreme position that is anti-business and anti-growth.”
Representative Matt Wingard
Representative Wingard is a third-generation Oregonian who runs his own public relations consulting firm in Wilsonville and has served in the Oregon State Legislature since 2008. He has been an active member of the Wilsonville and Sherwood Chambers of Commerce and has served on the Clackamas County Economic Development Commission and the Portfolio Options Committee of the Oregon Public Utility Commission.
During much of his career, Rep. Wingard has fought the increase of regulation, taxation and litigation coming out of Salem. “I continue to believe that Oregon's misguided public policy choices are the major impediments to reducing unemployment and raising revenues for public services,” he told the Chamber.
“Oregon has earned and maintains its reputation as a difficult place to do business. Many businesses who appear to thrive in Oregon have received government credits, grants or other subsidies. We cannot create new jobs over the next 10 years without a more broadly based pro-business attitude in Oregon.
Rep. Wingard also stressed that implementation of a rainy day fund is high on his list of priorities in the Legislature. “If Salem will limit budget increases to 6.5% annually and save the rest, services will never again need to be cut during economic recessions.”
Wilsonville City Council
Richard Goddard
A 16-year resident of Wilsonville, Richard Goddard is an engineering manager for PGE with an extensive business background. He currently serves on the Wilsonville City Council – was appointed this year – and previously served four years on the city’s Planning Commission.
Goddard brings a strong economic development background to the Council. He has worked with regional partners and development agencies in his career, has recruited companies and personally responded to dozens of site selection inquiries. “These companies are looking for a skilled work force, a supportive regulatory environment, and adequate land,” Goddard told the Government Affairs Committee. ‘We need to form a citizen committee to streamline the permit process and the development code.”
Goddard said “there is a perception that we are unfriendly to business, so the first step is to recognize that perception. We have not actively participated in economic development circles. We are not tuned in to other partners in the region. Instead of focusing on all the problems that will prevent a company from locating here, we need to look at the benefits they can provide to our community.”
Goddard committed to reaching out and seeking input from our community and business leaders and acting upon that input. He pledged to make sure the city spends dollars in a way that reflects the priorities of our community. “I have a strong sense of stewardship and a sincere interest in leaving Wilsonville a little better than I found it.”
Wilsonville City Council
Scott Starr
A 16-year resident of Wilsonville, Starr has been very active in our community. He served as board chair of the Wilsonville Chamber. For three years he was on the Wood Middle School Site Council, was a board member of the Wilsonville High School Booster Club for eight years and served 14 years as a Wilsonville Youth Sports and Willamette United Soccer Coach. Starr is chair of Wilsonville Young Life, which works with our middle school and high school youth.
Starr has been meeting with city leaders and chamber executives to improve communications, opportunities and the businesses environment. He is running because he wants to improve the city’s connectedness to the spirit and will of the community, reestablish personal property rights, help encourage private sector job growth, and reduce spending and size of government.
During the candidate forum Starr stressed the importance of creating a welcoming environment for businesses. “To attract businesses here, we need to have the right processes so we are best in class. We need to demonstrate that the city will work with prospective businesses. We don’t need to put in a lot of incentives but neither have we hung out the welcome sign.”
Starr believes this election will be a turning point for how Wilsonville governs. Adjustments must be made in response to the current events, and it is incumbent upon the business community to support them. “If we don’t adjust, we are not going to continue to enjoy the quality of life we have known.” Starr stressed the need to accommodate our citizens in this economy. “One of my biggest concerns is the urban renewal budget and how to get spending under control. I will be much more conservative on how we spend our money.”
Senator Larry George
Senator George is the founder and co-owner of a number of successful companies. He started and ran one of the largest political consulting firms in the state of Oregon, and was elected in 2006 to represent Oregon Senate State District 13.
When asked by the chamber to identify his top priorities, Senator George listed three items:
Core-functions budgeting. “The Oregon state budget has grown from $48.1 billion (2007-09) to nearly $60 billion (2009-10) – a 24% increase. Yet, during this time we have made real cuts to K-12 education. We need to fund core functions of state government before we fund pet-programs.”
Re-connect to the federal tax code, especially as it relates to accelerated depreciation for Oregon's growing businesses.
Addressing the role of public employee unions in the political process. “Public employee unions are given about 1.5% out of each employee’s check to conduct organization and political activities. The amounts to $620 average per employee, or over $30 million per year for state employees alone. This does not include teachers, local government employees, or federal employees. This is creating an environment where anyone who opposes new programs, new spending, or maintaining the status quo can be overwhelmed by opposing campaign dollars. This lack of balance and transparency is forcing Oregon to an extreme position that is anti-business and anti-growth.”
Representative Matt Wingard
Representative Wingard is a third-generation Oregonian who runs his own public relations consulting firm in Wilsonville and has served in the Oregon State Legislature since 2008. He has been an active member of the Wilsonville and Sherwood Chambers of Commerce and has served on the Clackamas County Economic Development Commission and the Portfolio Options Committee of the Oregon Public Utility Commission.
During much of his career, Rep. Wingard has fought the increase of regulation, taxation and litigation coming out of Salem. “I continue to believe that Oregon's misguided public policy choices are the major impediments to reducing unemployment and raising revenues for public services,” he told the Chamber.
“Oregon has earned and maintains its reputation as a difficult place to do business. Many businesses who appear to thrive in Oregon have received government credits, grants or other subsidies. We cannot create new jobs over the next 10 years without a more broadly based pro-business attitude in Oregon.
Rep. Wingard also stressed that implementation of a rainy day fund is high on his list of priorities in the Legislature. “If Salem will limit budget increases to 6.5% annually and save the rest, services will never again need to be cut during economic recessions.”
Wilsonville City Council
Richard Goddard
A 16-year resident of Wilsonville, Richard Goddard is an engineering manager for PGE with an extensive business background. He currently serves on the Wilsonville City Council – was appointed this year – and previously served four years on the city’s Planning Commission.
Goddard brings a strong economic development background to the Council. He has worked with regional partners and development agencies in his career, has recruited companies and personally responded to dozens of site selection inquiries. “These companies are looking for a skilled work force, a supportive regulatory environment, and adequate land,” Goddard told the Government Affairs Committee. ‘We need to form a citizen committee to streamline the permit process and the development code.”
Goddard said “there is a perception that we are unfriendly to business, so the first step is to recognize that perception. We have not actively participated in economic development circles. We are not tuned in to other partners in the region. Instead of focusing on all the problems that will prevent a company from locating here, we need to look at the benefits they can provide to our community.”
Goddard committed to reaching out and seeking input from our community and business leaders and acting upon that input. He pledged to make sure the city spends dollars in a way that reflects the priorities of our community. “I have a strong sense of stewardship and a sincere interest in leaving Wilsonville a little better than I found it.”
Wilsonville City Council
Scott Starr
A 16-year resident of Wilsonville, Starr has been very active in our community. He served as board chair of the Wilsonville Chamber. For three years he was on the Wood Middle School Site Council, was a board member of the Wilsonville High School Booster Club for eight years and served 14 years as a Wilsonville Youth Sports and Willamette United Soccer Coach. Starr is chair of Wilsonville Young Life, which works with our middle school and high school youth.
Starr has been meeting with city leaders and chamber executives to improve communications, opportunities and the businesses environment. He is running because he wants to improve the city’s connectedness to the spirit and will of the community, reestablish personal property rights, help encourage private sector job growth, and reduce spending and size of government.
During the candidate forum Starr stressed the importance of creating a welcoming environment for businesses. “To attract businesses here, we need to have the right processes so we are best in class. We need to demonstrate that the city will work with prospective businesses. We don’t need to put in a lot of incentives but neither have we hung out the welcome sign.”
Starr believes this election will be a turning point for how Wilsonville governs. Adjustments must be made in response to the current events, and it is incumbent upon the business community to support them. “If we don’t adjust, we are not going to continue to enjoy the quality of life we have known.” Starr stressed the need to accommodate our citizens in this economy. “One of my biggest concerns is the urban renewal budget and how to get spending under control. I will be much more conservative on how we spend our money.”
CEO Corner
By:
Steve Gilmore
CEO
Under the leadership of Chamber President Ray Phelps the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce created an Economic Vitality Committee that will be looking at ways to grow our local economy. The committee is made up of representatives from our business community, city, county, and state economic development officials. Leading this committee is Chamber Board Member Bob Bennett, CPA and newly appointed Wilsonville City Councilor Richard Goddard, who actually was a member of the committee prior to his appointment, representing Portland General Electric.
The Committee met recently and determined that the most important place to focus their efforts was on business retention and expansion of existing business, rather than focusing on business recruitment. Business retention activities tend to achieve high returns on investment, because the vast majority of job growth is derived from existing businesses.
The Economic Vitality Committee determined that a business retention and expansion survey should be completed this fall that will set a benchmark to identify business issues, identify growth and employment opportunities, and provide valuable resources to existing companies in Wilsonville to help them achieve success.
The Chamber will be mailing out a survey to every business in Wilsonville asking a variety of questions. If a business identifies issues that are detrimental to their success or provide an expansion opportunity, the Chamber will act immediately and do everything possible to find the necessary resources to help that individual business. Our government partners are ready to assist us in this effort and their expertise will be very helpful.
The survey will also be used to help the Chamber develop a strategic long-term business retention plan that will have a positive economic impact to the South Metro Region for years to come. The Chamber is excited about this new initiative and the opportunity that it provides to grow the economic vitality of our region. Please call me at (503) 682-0411 or email me at steve@wilsonvillechamber.com if you have any questions.
Steve Gilmore
CEO
Under the leadership of Chamber President Ray Phelps the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce created an Economic Vitality Committee that will be looking at ways to grow our local economy. The committee is made up of representatives from our business community, city, county, and state economic development officials. Leading this committee is Chamber Board Member Bob Bennett, CPA and newly appointed Wilsonville City Councilor Richard Goddard, who actually was a member of the committee prior to his appointment, representing Portland General Electric.
The Committee met recently and determined that the most important place to focus their efforts was on business retention and expansion of existing business, rather than focusing on business recruitment. Business retention activities tend to achieve high returns on investment, because the vast majority of job growth is derived from existing businesses.
The Economic Vitality Committee determined that a business retention and expansion survey should be completed this fall that will set a benchmark to identify business issues, identify growth and employment opportunities, and provide valuable resources to existing companies in Wilsonville to help them achieve success.
The Chamber will be mailing out a survey to every business in Wilsonville asking a variety of questions. If a business identifies issues that are detrimental to their success or provide an expansion opportunity, the Chamber will act immediately and do everything possible to find the necessary resources to help that individual business. Our government partners are ready to assist us in this effort and their expertise will be very helpful.
The survey will also be used to help the Chamber develop a strategic long-term business retention plan that will have a positive economic impact to the South Metro Region for years to come. The Chamber is excited about this new initiative and the opportunity that it provides to grow the economic vitality of our region. Please call me at (503) 682-0411 or email me at steve@wilsonvillechamber.com if you have any questions.
CEO Corner
By:
Steve Gilmore
CEO
The Wilsonville Chamber recently sent a letter to the Joint Policy Committee on Transportation, which is comprised of local elected officials and they act as an advisory board to of our regional government Metro on transportation issues, in support of increased funding for freight transportation projects. JPACT was considering changing the allocation formula for how $20-24 million in federal transportation funds are spent. In the past the majority of these funds have been used for active transportation projects and only about 10% historically had been allocated for freight projects in the metropolitan area.
A coalition of business groups and individual businesses strongly advocated for this formula to be altered to provide more balance in how these funds are allocated. The final business proposal requested 60% for active transportation and 40% for freight allocation however this effort was not ultimately successful. On a 7-6 vote the freight distribution was increased to 25%, and not 40%. This is a mixed result however it is a small step forward in the right direction. This decision will provide an additional $2-3 million dollars more every year for freight projects, which will help with some of our most congested freight corridors. With the change of policy elected officials are becoming more aware of the need for additional road funding, however the reasonable proposal brought forth by the business community was not ultimately accepted. Two of Wilsonville’s representatives, Washington County Commissioner Roy Rogers and Clackamas County Commissioner Ann Lininger, were strong advocates for the more balanced approach to funding. Their support on this important issue is appreciated and if you have a chance please thank them for their support.
This issue at Metro just represents a tip of the ice berg on the issues that the business community faces not just in Oregon but nationally on transportation funding. The Wilsonville Chamber will continue to be a strong advocate for freight and surface transportation funding because it is the lifeblood of our economy.
Steve Gilmore
CEO
The Wilsonville Chamber recently sent a letter to the Joint Policy Committee on Transportation, which is comprised of local elected officials and they act as an advisory board to of our regional government Metro on transportation issues, in support of increased funding for freight transportation projects. JPACT was considering changing the allocation formula for how $20-24 million in federal transportation funds are spent. In the past the majority of these funds have been used for active transportation projects and only about 10% historically had been allocated for freight projects in the metropolitan area.
A coalition of business groups and individual businesses strongly advocated for this formula to be altered to provide more balance in how these funds are allocated. The final business proposal requested 60% for active transportation and 40% for freight allocation however this effort was not ultimately successful. On a 7-6 vote the freight distribution was increased to 25%, and not 40%. This is a mixed result however it is a small step forward in the right direction. This decision will provide an additional $2-3 million dollars more every year for freight projects, which will help with some of our most congested freight corridors. With the change of policy elected officials are becoming more aware of the need for additional road funding, however the reasonable proposal brought forth by the business community was not ultimately accepted. Two of Wilsonville’s representatives, Washington County Commissioner Roy Rogers and Clackamas County Commissioner Ann Lininger, were strong advocates for the more balanced approach to funding. Their support on this important issue is appreciated and if you have a chance please thank them for their support.
This issue at Metro just represents a tip of the ice berg on the issues that the business community faces not just in Oregon but nationally on transportation funding. The Wilsonville Chamber will continue to be a strong advocate for freight and surface transportation funding because it is the lifeblood of our economy.
President Talking Points- Richard Goddard Introduction
The Chamber congratulates Richard Goddard as the newest member the City of Wilsonville’s City Council. Richard works for PGE and is a member of our Chamber. I thought it appropriate for the Chamber to provide Richard with this opportunity to introduce himself to the Wilsonville business community. Richard took the oath of office on July 19th.
_____________
My appreciation to the Wilsonville Chamber and its members for the opportunity to introduce myself. To share a little about myself and my background. My wife and I have lived in Wilsonville for over 16 years raising our three sons and two dogs. We have volunteered in the schools and coached in their youth sports. I have served and chaired on the Wilsonville planning commission and been active in economic development efforts in the region. I currently serve on the chamber’s Economic Vitality committee.
We have a lot to be proud of in Wilsonville. We have good schools, good parks and great neighborhoods. We also have dedicated public safety employees and first responders that are committed to the wellbeing of our community. Mostly importantly, we have a diverse population of citizens that work hard every day to keep Wilsonville a wonderful place to live, work, and play. An important part of a livable community is a vibrant business community. In Wilsonville, we have a business community that has been dedicated to economic vitality and creating opportunities for our citizens. We are fortunate to have active and committed business owners, large and small, that operate businesses in this community but who have also become a fabric of Wilsonville through their support and volunteerism.
While I have announced my campaign for City Council in the November general election, I appreciate the opportunity the Council has given me to begin working now to serve the citizens of Wilsonville. There is much work ahead. I have attended many public meetings over the last few months to understand the important issues facing our community. I have also met with numerous elected officials, business leaders, and private citizens to listen to their views of what makes Wilsonville great, where they see opportunities for improvement, and how I can help as a member of the City Council. I look forward to continuing these conversations in the months ahead as I have gained tremendous insight and perspective by seeking and hearing from the citizens of this community. These valuable conversations have confirmed my belief that by working together we can take Wilsonville from good to great.
I welcome and am committed to seeking your thoughts and perspectives on issues before the city. Please feel free to contact me directly or send me an email at RichardGoddard2010@gmail.com.
Again, thank you Chamber and members for your support. I look forward to working with you to ensure that Wilsonville remains a vibrant place to do business.
Best Regards,
Richard Goddard
_____________
My appreciation to the Wilsonville Chamber and its members for the opportunity to introduce myself. To share a little about myself and my background. My wife and I have lived in Wilsonville for over 16 years raising our three sons and two dogs. We have volunteered in the schools and coached in their youth sports. I have served and chaired on the Wilsonville planning commission and been active in economic development efforts in the region. I currently serve on the chamber’s Economic Vitality committee.
We have a lot to be proud of in Wilsonville. We have good schools, good parks and great neighborhoods. We also have dedicated public safety employees and first responders that are committed to the wellbeing of our community. Mostly importantly, we have a diverse population of citizens that work hard every day to keep Wilsonville a wonderful place to live, work, and play. An important part of a livable community is a vibrant business community. In Wilsonville, we have a business community that has been dedicated to economic vitality and creating opportunities for our citizens. We are fortunate to have active and committed business owners, large and small, that operate businesses in this community but who have also become a fabric of Wilsonville through their support and volunteerism.
While I have announced my campaign for City Council in the November general election, I appreciate the opportunity the Council has given me to begin working now to serve the citizens of Wilsonville. There is much work ahead. I have attended many public meetings over the last few months to understand the important issues facing our community. I have also met with numerous elected officials, business leaders, and private citizens to listen to their views of what makes Wilsonville great, where they see opportunities for improvement, and how I can help as a member of the City Council. I look forward to continuing these conversations in the months ahead as I have gained tremendous insight and perspective by seeking and hearing from the citizens of this community. These valuable conversations have confirmed my belief that by working together we can take Wilsonville from good to great.
I welcome and am committed to seeking your thoughts and perspectives on issues before the city. Please feel free to contact me directly or send me an email at RichardGoddard2010@gmail.com.
Again, thank you Chamber and members for your support. I look forward to working with you to ensure that Wilsonville remains a vibrant place to do business.
Best Regards,
Richard Goddard
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wilsonville Chamber Endorses Tom Hughes
The Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce is making history this election season by endorsing business-friendly political candidates. We are pleased to announce that in July your board of directors approved the Government Affairs Committee’s recommendation to endorse Tom Hughes for Metro Council President. His leadership, strong record of economic development, and his ability to bring people together made him the best choice for the Wilsonville business community.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce. Oregon’s businesses are the economic engines and job creators for our region,” said Hughes. “I look forward to working with you to help grow our economy and create new jobs in Clackamas County.”
While both Tom Hughes and Bob Stacey, former director of 1000 Friends of Oregon, are impressive candidates, Hughes’ understanding of the interconnection between Metro and business issues such as transportation, urban growth, and livability will be critical to the economic vitality of the south metro region.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce. Oregon’s businesses are the economic engines and job creators for our region,” said Hughes. “I look forward to working with you to help grow our economy and create new jobs in Clackamas County.”
While both Tom Hughes and Bob Stacey, former director of 1000 Friends of Oregon, are impressive candidates, Hughes’ understanding of the interconnection between Metro and business issues such as transportation, urban growth, and livability will be critical to the economic vitality of the south metro region.
Governmental Affairs Committee
by:
Wendy Buck and Elizabeth Peters
This year, the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce will begin endorsing political candidates. This process not only provides recommendations to members of candidates who are friendly to small and large businesses, but it also allows those candidates to use the power of our name in their campaigns. Having the Chamber’s endorsement means a candidate has been thoroughly reviewed, interviewed, and tested as the right choice for business in our community.
The chamber underwent an extensive process in making this decision. Throughout 2009, volunteer leadership sought ways to utilize advocacy as a means of fulfilling its mission – To create and promote economic vitality for business in the south metro region. During the 2010 planning process in January of this year, the board set as its third highest priority to “improve the political voice for business through candidate advocacy.” On March 10, the members overwhelmingly approved bylaws amendments that paved the way for the chamber to endorse candidates. The board of directors approved a detailed endorsement policy, and a plan was created and approved by the Executive Committee for the 2010 election season.
Wilsonville will now join other area chambers that endorse candidates, such as Beaverton, Canby, Hillsboro, North Clackamas, Salem, Newberg, Vancouver, and Portland.
During July and August we will be hearing from candidates for seven races: State Senator, State Representative, Metro President, two Clackamas County Commissioner, and two Wilsonville City Councilor positions. These races were selected because they have the greatest impact on our member businesses.
A fair and open process has been established to evaluate every candidate who wishes to have the endorsement of the Chamber. First, a completed questionnaire must be received and reviewed in order for a candidate to be considered for endorsement. Completed questionnaires will be distributed to all voting members (Voting eligibility is determined by a Chamber member representative attending two meetings within the last six meetings and the current meeting) of the Government Affairs Committee in advance of review panels on July 14 and August 4 (held during a regularly scheduled meeting). All GAC members in good standing will participate in the review and discussion, and a private vote will be taken at the meeting. Candidates winning the majority of voting GAC members will be recommended to the board for endorsement.
This new step is an important way that the chamber can deliver greater value to our members. Many choose to be involved with the chamber because of its potential to represent their interests in the public policy arena. We know that successful business organizations have a strong advocacy component. Without a doubt, a chamber that can endorse candidates is able to become engaged in policy on behalf of its membership at a higher level.
Wendy Buck and Elizabeth Peters
This year, the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce will begin endorsing political candidates. This process not only provides recommendations to members of candidates who are friendly to small and large businesses, but it also allows those candidates to use the power of our name in their campaigns. Having the Chamber’s endorsement means a candidate has been thoroughly reviewed, interviewed, and tested as the right choice for business in our community.
The chamber underwent an extensive process in making this decision. Throughout 2009, volunteer leadership sought ways to utilize advocacy as a means of fulfilling its mission – To create and promote economic vitality for business in the south metro region. During the 2010 planning process in January of this year, the board set as its third highest priority to “improve the political voice for business through candidate advocacy.” On March 10, the members overwhelmingly approved bylaws amendments that paved the way for the chamber to endorse candidates. The board of directors approved a detailed endorsement policy, and a plan was created and approved by the Executive Committee for the 2010 election season.
Wilsonville will now join other area chambers that endorse candidates, such as Beaverton, Canby, Hillsboro, North Clackamas, Salem, Newberg, Vancouver, and Portland.
During July and August we will be hearing from candidates for seven races: State Senator, State Representative, Metro President, two Clackamas County Commissioner, and two Wilsonville City Councilor positions. These races were selected because they have the greatest impact on our member businesses.
A fair and open process has been established to evaluate every candidate who wishes to have the endorsement of the Chamber. First, a completed questionnaire must be received and reviewed in order for a candidate to be considered for endorsement. Completed questionnaires will be distributed to all voting members (Voting eligibility is determined by a Chamber member representative attending two meetings within the last six meetings and the current meeting) of the Government Affairs Committee in advance of review panels on July 14 and August 4 (held during a regularly scheduled meeting). All GAC members in good standing will participate in the review and discussion, and a private vote will be taken at the meeting. Candidates winning the majority of voting GAC members will be recommended to the board for endorsement.
This new step is an important way that the chamber can deliver greater value to our members. Many choose to be involved with the chamber because of its potential to represent their interests in the public policy arena. We know that successful business organizations have a strong advocacy component. Without a doubt, a chamber that can endorse candidates is able to become engaged in policy on behalf of its membership at a higher level.
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