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                                        The Purpose of Advocacy 

                                        The Chamber is not a government entity, but we know it is important to have a good relationship with local and state government officials and organizations. Engaging at this level enables us to be part of the decision making process when issues affecting local businesses are discussed.

                                        The Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is a standing committee of the Chamber. The members of the GAC advocate on behalf of Chamber members through participation in the development and implementation of policy, legislation, and regulation. Most of the committee's time is focused on City and County issues. 

                                        Members of the GAC must apply to be part of the committee, and are approved for membership by the Chamber Board of Directors. There is no consideration as to the political affiliation of any applicant or committee member

                                        Who Makes Decisions?

                                        The GAC's decision making authority is autonomous from the Chamber Board of Directors in most cases. 

                                        When the GAC chooses to take a position on an issue or endorse/not endorse a ballot measure or candidate, at least two-thirds of the committee must agree with the decision.There are times, however, when the GAC will refer an issue up to the Board of Directors. Those are:

                                        1. Any decision that passes by a margin of less than two-thirds will be referred to the Board.
                                        2. When the opinion of the Board of Directors is desired by the GAC.
                                        3. When an issue is referred to the Board by either the GAC or Chamber staff.


                                        Government Affairs Committee Members

                                         

                                        Bob Grant, Chair
                                        Bob Grant Construction

                                        Doris Johnston, Past Chair
                                        PacificCorp

                                        Eric Blackledge
                                        Blackledge Furniture

                                        Judy Corwin
                                        Corvallis Clinic

                                        Mike Corwin
                                        OSU Federal Credit Union

                                        Kelly Keizer
                                        Samaritan Health Services

                                        Pat Lampton
                                        Inkwell Home Store

                                         

                                        James Ramseyer
                                        Consumers Power

                                        Bond Starker
                                        Starker Forest

                                        Deborah Weaver
                                        Willamette West Real Estate

                                        Jock Mills, 
                                        Oregon State University

                                        Hal Brauner, Ex-officio
                                        City of Corvallis

                                        Bill Currier, Ex-officio
                                        City of Adair

                                        Jeff Davis, Ex-officio
                                        Linn-Benton Community College