Reason #4 - Influence.

As a Chamber member, you have influence over public policy decisions impacting business and the quality of life in Corvallis.  The Chamber monitors policy at the City, County, and State levels, working to ensure a fair and balanced environment to conduct your business.

The Chamber's Government Affairs Committee meets monthly to review public policy, meet with elected officials, and plan important informational programming, such as the Legislative Affairs Breakfast, Advocacy Reception, and government-focused Forums.

If you would like to be part of the Government Affairs Committee, contact Erin at the Chamber - (541) 757-1505, or ewiedeman@corvallischamber.com .

Every once in a while we receive an inquiry regarding the US Chamber of Commerce - or occasional rages about US Chamber actions, wanting to know if we are part of it all. While it may be tempting to make the assumption that your local Chamber is in lockstep with a national organization, that is certainly not the case for us. We do not belong to the US Chamber, and are in no way affiliated with them.  We do not participate in their activities, and quite frankly they don't care about ours. But that's because we are local, and we care about what happens here in Corvallis and Benton County - in our local business community, not in a far-flung state. 

Be assured that our political interests are local -  based only in encouraging a strong local economy, arguing for fair business regulations, and wanting to ensure Corvallis continues to be a great place to work and conduct  business.  We tackle local issues for our local business members, and we like it that way.

Our Government Affairs Committee (GAC) works to provide information and  resources to the local business community to make working with the City of  Corvallis and Benton County more understandable.  We enjoy a collaborative relationship  with our local government leaders, and are working toward the common good for  our community.  In fact,  members of the City Council and County Commission serve as representatives to our Board and GAC and they are incredibly helpful as we strive to better understand local government.

The GAC also helps facilitate some of our Chamber Lunch Forums with state officials and others who provide information on programs and proposals that matter to local businesses.  They are a great way to get information, and to network and increase your client or customer base at the same time!
 
If you are not a Chamber member, we hope that you will consider joining the Corvallis Chamber to lend your voice to the work that we do on behalf of the Corvallis business community.   We believe the business community is a vital part of  our city, and that we are stronger working together.