As a member of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, you may or may not know that one of the reasons your chamber is effective on so many levels is because it has an adopted strategic plan in place.
The 2009-11 version is now in full swing, along with the associated work plan. Each chamber committee has been tasked with goals and action items that collectively help ensure the strategic plan is implemented, and the overall mission of the chamber is furthered. One could call it a divide and conquer mentality.
The Government Affairs Committee, or GAC, is busy evaluating its assigned goals, core strategies and action items to determine the most effective approach to fulfill them. The overarching goal is to provide member businesses knowledgeable and influential advocacy before government, in an effective and timely manner to ensure a friendly business environment at local, county, state and federal levels.
This can be achieved through advocacy and education by reviewing proposed local, state and federal laws that impact business. It also can be achieved by enhancing the chamber's role as an effective political advocate for the business community through a relevant Public Policy Guide that provides direction to the GAC and board of directors and by informing members through the newspaper, Web site and legislative alerts.
More specifically, the associated work plan goals and action items for the GAC include:
• Providing support to the Palomar Airport Study Group.
• Creating a more effective use of the internet and chamber's Web site to inform members on public policy issues.
• Establishing a stronger relationship with federal elected officials, including a possible trip this year to Washington, D.C.
• Creating a list of commissions, boards and committees that exist in the city, chamber and other government offices.
• Encouraging participation in the Carlsbad Citizen's Academy and Leadership North County programs.
• Establishing periodic joint meetings with area elected officials, the committee and chamber's board of directors.
• Scheduling quarterly meetings with elected officials and area business executives.
• Expanding the committee's activities and methods to encourage broader business community participation.
As you can see, the members of the GAC have a lot of opportunities to roll up their sleeves. If you think this is something you would like to be a part of, contact the chamber at (760) 931-8400.
Councilman deserves kudos
On another note, kudos to Carlsbad City Councilman Keith Blackburn for taking the time to visit many of the City Stuff mock council meetings in May and June, including one for yours truly.
He made a positive impression on 29 third-grade students and their teacher, not just by appearing, but by taking the time to explain the policy making process in a way they could really understand. To top it off, he took a group picture with them to capture what was sure to be a memorable experience for any third grader.
The 2009-11 version is now in full swing, along with the associated work plan. Each chamber committee has been tasked with goals and action items that collectively help ensure the strategic plan is implemented, and the overall mission of the chamber is furthered. One could call it a divide and conquer mentality.
The Government Affairs Committee, or GAC, is busy evaluating its assigned goals, core strategies and action items to determine the most effective approach to fulfill them. The overarching goal is to provide member businesses knowledgeable and influential advocacy before government, in an effective and timely manner to ensure a friendly business environment at local, county, state and federal levels.
This can be achieved through advocacy and education by reviewing proposed local, state and federal laws that impact business. It also can be achieved by enhancing the chamber's role as an effective political advocate for the business community through a relevant Public Policy Guide that provides direction to the GAC and board of directors and by informing members through the newspaper, Web site and legislative alerts.
More specifically, the associated work plan goals and action items for the GAC include:
• Providing support to the Palomar Airport Study Group.
• Creating a more effective use of the internet and chamber's Web site to inform members on public policy issues.
• Establishing a stronger relationship with federal elected officials, including a possible trip this year to Washington, D.C.
• Creating a list of commissions, boards and committees that exist in the city, chamber and other government offices.
• Encouraging participation in the Carlsbad Citizen's Academy and Leadership North County programs.
• Establishing periodic joint meetings with area elected officials, the committee and chamber's board of directors.
• Scheduling quarterly meetings with elected officials and area business executives.
• Expanding the committee's activities and methods to encourage broader business community participation.
As you can see, the members of the GAC have a lot of opportunities to roll up their sleeves. If you think this is something you would like to be a part of, contact the chamber at (760) 931-8400.
Councilman deserves kudos
On another note, kudos to Carlsbad City Councilman Keith Blackburn for taking the time to visit many of the City Stuff mock council meetings in May and June, including one for yours truly.
He made a positive impression on 29 third-grade students and their teacher, not just by appearing, but by taking the time to explain the policy making process in a way they could really understand. To top it off, he took a group picture with them to capture what was sure to be a memorable experience for any third grader.