Message From the Chair:
Advocacy Is Not an Option
 Jay Byers
Senior Vice President, Public Policy
Greater Des Moines (IA) Partnership
The past two years have been marked by economic uncertainty and political polarization. During this tumultuous period in our country’s history, many Americans have questioned institutions and reevaluated their beliefs. I like to think we’ve learned a lot. As a chamber of commerce professional, I have learned that advocacy is not an option. It is essential.
With cities strapped for cash, state budgets in chaos, and proposals debated on Capitol Hill that could alter the entire economy, it is essential that chambers of commerce consider government affairs a core function. The private sector employer community needs information about public policy that will impact their business and they need skilled professionals to represent them in the halls of government at every level. There is an absolute mandate for the work we do everyday, and we need to be good at it.
It is because our work is so important that I am proud to chair the ACCE Government Relations Division. One of the best resources any professional can have is a broad, well-connected network of peers, and the GR Division is my extended peer network.
Beyond being a forum for advice and counsel, the GR Division is a great source of information. The Policy Clearinghouse Blog is regularly updated with articles and information to help keep me informed about politics and policy in other states. Also, we are in the final stages of planning a three part DIALogue webinar series on State Fiscal Health, Government Performance, and Smarter Investments with the Pew Center on the States. This informative series is intended for chamber professionals and volunteer leaders and will be a great way to frame state agenda setting for 2011. Look for dates and registration details later this month.
Whether or not your chamber has a PAC or endorses candidates, the next couple of weeks leading up to the election will be busier than usual for many of us. Still, I urge you to keep an eye out for program announcements and information from ACCE. We’re doing a lot that you will not want to miss.
From the Policy Clearinghouse Blog
The ACCE Policy Clearinghouse Blog has moved. You can now find the most recent state and local public policy news and information on the ACCE website.
Recent posts from the Policy Clearinghouse Blog:
Cleveland Gives Preference to Sustainable Businesses
The City of Cleveland passed a first of its kind sustainable business procurement ordinance. The measure provides a 4% bid discount to Green Plus certified sustainable local companies bidding for city contracts.
Oklahoma Governor Opposes 744
Opponents of Oklahoma State Question 744, a controversial constitutional amendment that would tie education spending to the average per pupil expenditure of Oklahoma's six neighboring states, got a boost in September when Governor Brad Henry signed on as honorary chairman of the One Oklahoma Coalition.
Increasing Demand for Corrections Reform
Spurred by research, like the Pew Center on the States' 1 in 100 Report, leaders from the public and private sectors are calling for a reevaluation of sentencing guidelines and prison spending. This post features articles by Kentucky Chamber President and CEO David Adkisson and Sue Bell Cobb, Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court.
Fight Over 4 Continues In Florida
Chambers across Florida continue the fight against Amendment 4, a ballot measure that would have voters - not the representatives they elected - approve any amendments to the local land use plan. Read more about the important fight for Florida’s future.
Other interesting posts from around the blogosphere:
From Stateline.org:
Four states to weigh calls for constitutional conventions
Every so often, voters in some states get to decide whether to write a new constitution. With Iowa, Maryland, Michigan and Montana set to take their turn next month, some worry that calling a convention amidst an angry political environment could do more harm than good.
From ChamberPost.com:
Making the Marine Transportation System a National Priority
Both the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's President and CEO Thomas Donohue and President Obama have called for doubling U.S. exports within five years, but to do so, we’ll need a reliable and cost-effective marine transportation system. Why we shouldn’t ignore this vital piece of national infrastructure.
For more policy-focused commentary and links, check out the Policy Clearinghouse Blog
 ACCE Convention 2010
Post-Convention Resources
In case you missed a session or couldn’t make it to Milwaukee, here are links to the presentations from workshops in the Government Relations programming track.
Monetizing Government Relations
Speaker: David Kilby, President, WACE
Monetizing Government Relations Presentation
Passing the Bond
Speakers: John Nations, Mayor, Chesterfield, Missouri
Roy Williams, President and CEO, Greater Oklahoma City (OK) Chamber
Passing the Bond MAPS3 Presentation
Making the Most of Your PAC
Speaker: David Brown, President, Greater Omaha (NE) Chamber
Making the Most of Your PAC Presentation
New Media for Advocacy: 201
Speakers: Harry Gold, CEO, Overdrive Interactive
Brian Sampson, Executive Director, Unshackle Upstate
Click to access the presentation
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