Advocacy and Public Policy
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is working on your behalf at the city, county, state, and federal levels to raise the collective voice of business and advance issues of importance to the business community. The Chamber works collaboratively with decision makers to find the best solutions to complex issues and create opportunities for input. In addition to our role as a policy advocate for business, we are a community partner and the source for creating broad-based coalitions around issues we all care about.
The Advocacy Division is made up of the Chamber Advocacy Council and the Legislative Council. Both councils are comprised of member volunteers and led by board-appointed chairs. Both groups discuss developing issues that fall within areas identified in The Chamber's legislative agenda, local public policy initiatives and/or strategic plan. The Advocacy Council focuses on issues that arise on a local level, while the Legislative Council monitors issues within the state legislature, and sometimes on a federal level.
The Advocacy Division is made up of the Chamber Advocacy Council and the Legislative Council. Both councils are comprised of member volunteers and led by board-appointed chairs. Both groups discuss developing issues that fall within areas identified in The Chamber's legislative agenda, local public policy initiatives and/or strategic plan. The Advocacy Council focuses on issues that arise on a local level, while the Legislative Council monitors issues within the state legislature, and sometimes on a federal level.
Connecting our members and the public to elected leadership is a priority of The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. Creating opportunities for open dialogue with key decision makers at the local, state and federal level is paramount to our advocacy and public policy focus. Here are examples of events that the Chamber hosts to connect these groups:
To see all of The Chamber's events and programming, visit our events calendar.
- Legislative Preview: Join Indiana state legislators at the start of the legislative session annually in January to hear their priorities and share your views.
- Dignitary Discussion Events: Hear from distinguished leaders who have shaped the political landscape. This event and the following are offered on a rotating schedule every four years.
- Elect Connect: A unique platform that bring Bloomington and Monroe County election candidates into thoughtful dialogues with our local businesses.
- Business in Local Government: Each year a mayor is elected, you can hear from them about the current cityscape and future plans.
- Governor’s Luncheon: In the governor’s second year in office, this event allows attendees to hear directly from the governor and be presented the State of the State as well as a moderated Q&A.
To see all of The Chamber's events and programming, visit our events calendar.
Advocacy Matters
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce champions the collective voice of business at all governmental levels, pushing for policies that bolster our thriving economy. Alongside our role as a business advocate, we serve as a community partner, spearheading coalitions around pivotal issues and offering resources to navigate the complexities of government.
The Advocacy Matters blog is updated frequently and helps bridge the gap between our members, the public, and elected leadership. The Advocacy Matters Newsletter, delivered monthly, stands as a beacon of business advocacy, keeping our members informed on current issues, policy developments, and other important happenings.
The Advocacy Matters blog is updated frequently and helps bridge the gap between our members, the public, and elected leadership. The Advocacy Matters Newsletter, delivered monthly, stands as a beacon of business advocacy, keeping our members informed on current issues, policy developments, and other important happenings.
This Year in Advocacy
Local Government
Policies
POLITICAL ENDORSEMENT POLICY
Why the Greater Bloomington Chamber Does Not Make Political Endorsements
The Chamber supports strong civic engagement for a healthy community and business climate. We work hard to provide nonpartisan information for civic engagement in the Bloomington/Monroe County area, including information about elections.
However, the Chamber does not endorse candidates for office at the local, state or federal levels. We are an independent organization that is separate from the Indiana Chamber and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which do make political endorsements.
Why doesn't the Greater Bloomington Chamber weigh in on local candidates? We believe our role as a credible source for unbiased, nonpartisan resources better serves our members and the community.
We do this in many ways. We support the nonpartisan work of Monroe County Election Central, which is responsible for conducting elections in this area. This includes assisting with voter registration, recruiting poll workers, and publicizing information about the election process (voter locations, deadlines, etc.). The Chamber also is a member of the Indiana Civic Health Alliance, a nonpartisan coalition to support more active civic engagement and to promote the recommendations of the 2019 Indiana Civic Health Index, including increased voter turnout and civic education efforts.
In addition, the Chamber provides opportunities to meet with local candidates through our Elect Connect forums, and informs members about candidates through our Advocacy Matters updates and newsletters throughout the election cycle.
Armed with information, you're equipped to make choices based on how your values and priorities align with candidates and issues facing Bloomington/Monroe County.
However, the Chamber does not endorse candidates for office at the local, state or federal levels. We are an independent organization that is separate from the Indiana Chamber and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which do make political endorsements.
Why doesn't the Greater Bloomington Chamber weigh in on local candidates? We believe our role as a credible source for unbiased, nonpartisan resources better serves our members and the community.
We do this in many ways. We support the nonpartisan work of Monroe County Election Central, which is responsible for conducting elections in this area. This includes assisting with voter registration, recruiting poll workers, and publicizing information about the election process (voter locations, deadlines, etc.). The Chamber also is a member of the Indiana Civic Health Alliance, a nonpartisan coalition to support more active civic engagement and to promote the recommendations of the 2019 Indiana Civic Health Index, including increased voter turnout and civic education efforts.
In addition, the Chamber provides opportunities to meet with local candidates through our Elect Connect forums, and informs members about candidates through our Advocacy Matters updates and newsletters throughout the election cycle.
Armed with information, you're equipped to make choices based on how your values and priorities align with candidates and issues facing Bloomington/Monroe County.
HOSTING POLITICAL FIGURES
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce supports strong civic engagement for a healthy community and business climate. The Chamber provides nonpartisan information for civic engagement, including information on candidates and issues facing Bloomington and Monroe County.
The Chamber does not endorse candidates for office at the local, state, or federal levels. The Chamber is an independent organization, separate from the Indiana Chamber and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which do make political endorsements. The Chamber hosts events featuring candidates and elected officials, attending or speaking, in an effort to inform members of local, state, and federal policies, and allows members the opportunity to share their political priorities with the candidates and elected officials. Views expressed do not necessarily represent the view of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber does not endorse candidates for office at the local, state, or federal levels. The Chamber is an independent organization, separate from the Indiana Chamber and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which do make political endorsements. The Chamber hosts events featuring candidates and elected officials, attending or speaking, in an effort to inform members of local, state, and federal policies, and allows members the opportunity to share their political priorities with the candidates and elected officials. Views expressed do not necessarily represent the view of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.
Contact The Advocacy Team
Christopher EmgeSenior Director of Government & Community Relations
[email protected] |
