The Chamber's Government Affairs Committee and Board of Directors hosted a welcome reception for new Congressman, Brian Bilbray, on Wednesday, August 16.
"This is a great opportunity for us to establish a relationship with our new congressman. We didn't really have an open line of communication with Duke (Cunningham) before," said Ted Owen, President and CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. "We are going to plan a trip to Washington to discuss some of our issues with him," Owen told Bilbray and the attendees.
Approximately 50 guests attended the reception to enjoy hors d'oeuvres, a glass of wine and candid conversation with the newly elected Bilbray and his staff (Chief of Staff, Steve Danon; Legislative Director, Amy Smith and Deputy District Director, Dan Dufresne).
Bilbray and his staff met prior to the reception with incoming chair Paul Thompson; vice-chair of public policy, Gina McBride and director of government affairs, Michael Babowal to discuss future goals between his office and the Chamber.
In the past, the Chamber has made lobbying trips to Sacramento. With several issues currently facing Carlsbad such as transportation, Palomar airport and Camp Pendleton issues, it would appear as though another lobbying trip to Washington, D.C. is appropriate.
"My office is always open to you," Bilbray told the attendees. "With my past experience in local government, I feel that having an open line of communication with the City Council and the Chamber of Commerce is a must. As a Carlsbad resident and a business man, I know that the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce is a well run and strong organization. I look forward to working with you all."
The congressman was scheduled to visit with the Chamber from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., but stayed until 8:15 p.m. to answer business related questions to everyone who attended the reception. The government affairs committee is planning a welcome reception for all of Carlsbad's elected officials early next year.
"This is a great opportunity for us to establish a relationship with our new congressman. We didn't really have an open line of communication with Duke (Cunningham) before," said Ted Owen, President and CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. "We are going to plan a trip to Washington to discuss some of our issues with him," Owen told Bilbray and the attendees.
Approximately 50 guests attended the reception to enjoy hors d'oeuvres, a glass of wine and candid conversation with the newly elected Bilbray and his staff (Chief of Staff, Steve Danon; Legislative Director, Amy Smith and Deputy District Director, Dan Dufresne).
Bilbray and his staff met prior to the reception with incoming chair Paul Thompson; vice-chair of public policy, Gina McBride and director of government affairs, Michael Babowal to discuss future goals between his office and the Chamber.
In the past, the Chamber has made lobbying trips to Sacramento. With several issues currently facing Carlsbad such as transportation, Palomar airport and Camp Pendleton issues, it would appear as though another lobbying trip to Washington, D.C. is appropriate.
"My office is always open to you," Bilbray told the attendees. "With my past experience in local government, I feel that having an open line of communication with the City Council and the Chamber of Commerce is a must. As a Carlsbad resident and a business man, I know that the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce is a well run and strong organization. I look forward to working with you all."
The congressman was scheduled to visit with the Chamber from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., but stayed until 8:15 p.m. to answer business related questions to everyone who attended the reception. The government affairs committee is planning a welcome reception for all of Carlsbad's elected officials early next year.