Advocacy

Be an integral part of helping to influence policy and guide economic development in the City of Visalia and surrounding areas. Make you voice hear on critical federal, state and local issues that directly affect our business community.

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Visalia Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Council (GAC)

The composition of the council consists of members who debate and take positions on federal, local and state issues, as well as helping craft position statements for the future of growth and economic development in Visalia. This team meets on a monthly basis under the leadership of the Visalia Chamber of Commerce Vice-President of Governmental Affairs, Mr. Jim Laber. 

Mission Statement:
Influence the political process in a manner which promotes policies and programs that stimulate economic growth with particular emphasis on local issues.

Guiding Principles:
The Council encourages elected officials to work with the business community to bolster the economy and improve our regional competitiveness nationally and globally. We encourage cooperation and partnerships among government, education, business and civic groups. Each year the Chamber's Government Affairs Council outlines focus issues based on the following guidelines.

The issues addressed by the Council are those that:

• Involve or pertain to the business community as a whole
• Impact more than a substantial portion of the Chamber membership
• Influence the overall economic development of the area
• Impact an entire business sector such as manufacturing, services or tourism/retail
• Impact the entire business climate

Public positions and support statements are given when the issues meet the above guidelines. For those issues that don't meet the above guidelines, we offer assistance by providing appropriate networking contacts with other stakeholder organizations, government agencies, representatives or community leaders.

Affiliations:

The Visalia Chamber of Commerce GAC works closely with the California Chamber of Commerce, it’s staff and pool of lobbyists to compile information critical to forming positions and opinions.

How to Get Involved:

Do you have an issue of concern or interest to you and your business that you believe the Government Affairs Council should explore in depth? Or would you like to be a part of this critical team, please call or email the Visalia Chamber of Commerce office for more information or to request an application/nomination form:
(559) 734-5876
info@visaliachamber.org