REPRESENTING BUSINESS ISSUES
Politics: Why You Should Care Medford, OR | September 2021 | John Watt I confess I am a recovering politician! Being a politician is a necessary evil in our society. Somebody must do it. As far back as 450 BC, Pericles, a Greek Statesman and General, once said, “Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.” I served as a Representative in the Oregon Legislature in the 1990’s. After my service, I started a public affairs business to represent and lobby for the needs of businesses large and small. But this article is not about me, it’s about you, the business owner or manager. Why should you care about politics? I know what you will say... • “I don’t have time; I’ve got a business to run.” • “They won’t listen to me anyway.” • “I wouldn’t know who to talk to, even if I took the time.” • “I’m from Southern Oregon, they don’t care about us down here.” • “They only listen to special interests.” • “I can’t afford a lobbyist.” Those are just a few of the reasons I’ve heard over the last 20 years. You know what? The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County has been actively looking out for the best interests of business for over 100 years. Today, the Chamber’s mission is “Helping Business Succeed.” With everything that is going on in government right now, the Chamber seeks to be the catalyst for business growth, a convener of community and business leaders, and champion of the region it calls home. One of the four strategic objectives is to represent business issues. How does the Chamber do that? • Employ a full-time lobbyist to track 4,000-6,000 bills that are introduced over the course of a legislative session. Taking direction from the Chamber board, the lobbyist advocates for legislation that benefits your business and opposes bills and issues that are detrimental to a healthy business community. • Have a 30-member Legislative Action Team to provide advocacy direction at the ground level. Made up of Chamber members, for Chamber members. • Convene TRADCO, the Chamber’s transportation
Pericles, a Greek Statesman and General
committee. Made up of Chamber members and regional transportation representatives to ensure our transportation infrastructure continues to move Southern Oregonians with peak efficiency. • Maintain a separate member-created Chamber PAC (Political Action Committee) to be more effective in advocating for pro-business candidates and issues critical to your business success. • Represent Southern Oregon business issues face-to- face with legislators at Chamber Day at the Capitol. • Conduct a monthly video conference during the legislative session with the Southern Oregon delegation. Legislative Hotline is where your business can leverage the relationships built and maintained by The Chamber to gain access to your state, and to let your concerns be heard. The Chamber of Medford & Jackson County understands that business is the key to maintaining a strong and vibrant economy. Why should you care? Because the health and future success of your business, and the business community in Southern Oregon depends on it……get involved today. Find out how at The Chamber n
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The Business Review | September 2021
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