Government Relations

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The Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Divisions mission is to advocate for pro-business public policy and a regulatory climate supportive of business growth, economic viability and sustainability for all types and sizes of businesses in the El Paso area.

Its goals are to (1) Develop and manage advocacy agendas and issues in a comprehensive advocacy network and (2) Increase participation of the business community in the political process.

Implementation

Develop and manage advocacy agendas and issues in a comprehensive advocacy network.

•  Advocate for Chamber issues and consensus-driven initiatives, as identified in Chamber developed federal, state and local legislative agendas, in the areas of armed forces, border infrastructure and safety, business development, economic development, education, workforce development, health care, quality of life, transportation, water, future progress of and planning for the El Paso community.

•  Monitor federal, state, local and private organizational publications to benchmark progress of Chamber visibility and the Chamber's influence on policy making.

•  Increase visibility and effectiveness in Austin and Washington, D.C. through increased education of business community on all pertinent issues; publication of Chamber positions through Federal, State, local and internal print and electronic publications; and continued advancement of Chamber lobbying trips. Chamber positions will be published when issues are introduced.

•  Focus participation in statewide and national organizations that are aligned with Chamber priorities. Participation in each organization will be measured based on effectiveness of the state or national organizations

•  Host El Paso Days in El Paso event, inviting State elected officials to El Paso to introduce them to and educate them on El Paso area assets, issues and needs, while also increasing the business community's opportunities to interact with elected officials.

•  Attract interim committee hearings from Austin to El Paso before 81 st Legislative Session that are aligned with Chamber approved current state agenda.

Increase participation of the business community in the political process.

•  Increase Chamber monitoring and member education on public policy activities and voting records of elected officials through expansion of the Prosperity Project and Voting Issues Guide for Federal, State, City, County, and School Board public policy business issues.

•  Increase voter registration and turnout among Chamber business members in each election through the Prosperity Project and other public policy education initiatives.

•  Develop and maintain close relationships with key elected officials and agencies through meetings with Federal, State, County and City elected officials and staff. Develop a standing elected official education program on current Chamber accomplishments and issues in order to keep officials engaged in the workings, progress and importance of Chamber initiatives.

•  Improve process of private sector Chamber nomination and appointment to federal, state, and local public committees and boards. Position availability will be published. The number of individuals nominated will depend on availability of positions and subject matter experts.

•  Increase opportunities for Chamber member interaction with elected officials and government agencies through monthly activities such as Lunch with Council and Commissioners, outreaches, receptions, and other hosted events.