As members of the second largest Chamber of Commerce in San Diego County (with over 1600 member companies), you and I have a plethora of opportunities to be active members, and the first step is easy. Visit www.carlsbad.org, and you'll get the idea of how you can start being an active member of the chamber.
I define "active membership" to mean consistently attending one or more of the regular events held by the chamber, including: Sundowners and the Annual Business Expo on Sept. 12 (for networking); Social Media & Lunch Bytes workshops (for education); First Friday Breakfasts (for networking and education); Table for 8 (for small group networking); the State of the City Annual on Aug. 26 (for information); and, SCORE Consulting (for business development) … just to name a few!
But one of the most effective ways to take your networking efforts within the chamber to the next level, many times referred to "Netweaving", is to join one of the half dozen standing committees.
Once again, I refer you back to the "Calendar" page and to the website to get a glimpse of the various types of committees and when they meet during the month. Or you can always contact the chamber, either by phone 760-931-8400 or in person at 5934 Priestly Drive to learn more. You can also "like" the chamber on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CarlsbadChamber) or follow it on Twitter (@ChamberCarlsbad).
For the remainder of this column, I'd like to focus on the Government Affairs Committee.
First, however, I'd like to point out that about 40 percent of chamber members state they join because they want their business interest to be represented on legislative and regulatory type issues. They lack the time and/or experience to represent themselves in this arena. Additionally, they see the value of joining efforts with other companies from various industries to help continue their viability as a company doing business in Carlsbad.
The Government Affairs Committee provides that very opportunity, for you to be an active member and "link shields" with like-minded professionals. The committee's mission is, "To represent the interests of the business community in local, state and federal legislative issues and to communicate those interests to members, the community and elected officials."
As we hit mid-year, the committee has been busy at its monthly meetings representing interest important to the business community at large, including:
• Rallying chamber members at large to help oppose SB 468 (while it was being heard at a Senate committee). If passed in its original form, this legislation would have had widespread detrimental impacts on jobs and major transportation projects.
• Was briefed on federal legislation by Congressman Brian Bilbray's Senior Policy Advisor, Gary Kline.
• Received an overview of the Little Hoover Commission by Commissioner Mitch Mitchell of San Diego Gas & Electric and formed a task force to monitor and engage the efforts of the Little Hoover Commission that are consistent with the committee's mission.
• Introduced to the issues surrounding the state budget and its' impact on Carlsbad Redevelopment efforts.
• Received an overview of the prospect of the federal government's "take over" of 401(k)s and IRAs.
• Received and discussed reports from representatives of area legislators and formed a task force to monitor and legislation consistent with the chamber's mission.
• Was educated regarding the Carlsbad Citizens' Academy and CityStuff programs, and the California Forward Organization.
The following are the dedicated Government Affairs Committee members who will continue to engage, on your behalf, these and new issues that arise throughout the year: Chuck Hunter (co-chairman), Michelle Herrera (secretary), Don Christiansen, Donna Cleary, John Coates, Dale Condy, John Culea, Jack Cumming, Mike Doerr, Lelion Elledge, Belynn Gonzales, Kolan Hairston, Mike Howes, Marie Joyce, Cliff Kaiser, Ralph Morgan, John O'Reilly, John Osborne, JR Phillips, Jennifer Polk, Stan Prowse and Amber Starbuck. The committee benefits from the guidance of Chamber President and CEO Ted Owen and the assistance of the Chamber's executive vice president and chief operating officer Toni Padron!
It may seem like a lot of people, but with the full load of issues to tackle each month, we always have room for those who want to be active members and know at the end of the day, they've helped make a difference that benefits more than just them!
Personally, my wife Tracy and I made the decision to be active chamber members since we joined about 4 years ago. Moreover, we each joined committees from the get go. We can tell you, without a shadow of a doubt, that our decision has been a key ingredient to the success of our business!
If you feel that maybe the Chamber Government Affairs Committee is a good fit for you, please join us the first Wednesday of each month for 7:15 to 9 a.m. at the Chamber office.
I define "active membership" to mean consistently attending one or more of the regular events held by the chamber, including: Sundowners and the Annual Business Expo on Sept. 12 (for networking); Social Media & Lunch Bytes workshops (for education); First Friday Breakfasts (for networking and education); Table for 8 (for small group networking); the State of the City Annual on Aug. 26 (for information); and, SCORE Consulting (for business development) … just to name a few!
But one of the most effective ways to take your networking efforts within the chamber to the next level, many times referred to "Netweaving", is to join one of the half dozen standing committees.
Once again, I refer you back to the "Calendar" page and to the website to get a glimpse of the various types of committees and when they meet during the month. Or you can always contact the chamber, either by phone 760-931-8400 or in person at 5934 Priestly Drive to learn more. You can also "like" the chamber on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CarlsbadChamber) or follow it on Twitter (@ChamberCarlsbad).
For the remainder of this column, I'd like to focus on the Government Affairs Committee.
First, however, I'd like to point out that about 40 percent of chamber members state they join because they want their business interest to be represented on legislative and regulatory type issues. They lack the time and/or experience to represent themselves in this arena. Additionally, they see the value of joining efforts with other companies from various industries to help continue their viability as a company doing business in Carlsbad.
The Government Affairs Committee provides that very opportunity, for you to be an active member and "link shields" with like-minded professionals. The committee's mission is, "To represent the interests of the business community in local, state and federal legislative issues and to communicate those interests to members, the community and elected officials."
As we hit mid-year, the committee has been busy at its monthly meetings representing interest important to the business community at large, including:
• Rallying chamber members at large to help oppose SB 468 (while it was being heard at a Senate committee). If passed in its original form, this legislation would have had widespread detrimental impacts on jobs and major transportation projects.
• Was briefed on federal legislation by Congressman Brian Bilbray's Senior Policy Advisor, Gary Kline.
• Received an overview of the Little Hoover Commission by Commissioner Mitch Mitchell of San Diego Gas & Electric and formed a task force to monitor and engage the efforts of the Little Hoover Commission that are consistent with the committee's mission.
• Introduced to the issues surrounding the state budget and its' impact on Carlsbad Redevelopment efforts.
• Received an overview of the prospect of the federal government's "take over" of 401(k)s and IRAs.
• Received and discussed reports from representatives of area legislators and formed a task force to monitor and legislation consistent with the chamber's mission.
• Was educated regarding the Carlsbad Citizens' Academy and CityStuff programs, and the California Forward Organization.
The following are the dedicated Government Affairs Committee members who will continue to engage, on your behalf, these and new issues that arise throughout the year: Chuck Hunter (co-chairman), Michelle Herrera (secretary), Don Christiansen, Donna Cleary, John Coates, Dale Condy, John Culea, Jack Cumming, Mike Doerr, Lelion Elledge, Belynn Gonzales, Kolan Hairston, Mike Howes, Marie Joyce, Cliff Kaiser, Ralph Morgan, John O'Reilly, John Osborne, JR Phillips, Jennifer Polk, Stan Prowse and Amber Starbuck. The committee benefits from the guidance of Chamber President and CEO Ted Owen and the assistance of the Chamber's executive vice president and chief operating officer Toni Padron!
It may seem like a lot of people, but with the full load of issues to tackle each month, we always have room for those who want to be active members and know at the end of the day, they've helped make a difference that benefits more than just them!
Personally, my wife Tracy and I made the decision to be active chamber members since we joined about 4 years ago. Moreover, we each joined committees from the get go. We can tell you, without a shadow of a doubt, that our decision has been a key ingredient to the success of our business!
If you feel that maybe the Chamber Government Affairs Committee is a good fit for you, please join us the first Wednesday of each month for 7:15 to 9 a.m. at the Chamber office.