The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is stepping up its advocacy efforts. Economic competitiveness and the business climate in the region remain a high priority, as the Chamber works to ensure the voice of the Springfield area’s business community is heard. The Chamber is actively weighing in on local policy and economic development priorities, engaging on federal issues, and ramping up efforts to advance their statewide policy agenda during the 2025 legislative session.
The new Policy Agenda, along with Guiding Principles and updated services for members, can all be found on the Springfield Chamber’s reimagined Business Advocacy page. In addition, the Chamber will continue to update members with more robust weekly Legislative Updates and increased Advocacy in Action alerts in The Bottom Line– the Chamber’s online news platform– and link to these in its weekly Member Connect newsletter and on social media platforms.
“We’re doubling down on advocacy to secure a competitive business climate that supports stable wage growth, economic resilience, and a stronger voice for local businesses in decisions that shape our economy,” states Vonnie Mikkelsen, President and CEO of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Policy Agenda
The Chamber’s expanded focus includes a Board-approved Policy Agenda, developed to provide a framework for their advocacy efforts in the upcoming legislative session. This agenda reflects the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to fostering a pro-business environment, supporting economic competitiveness, and engaging strategically on policy issues that impact members:
- Environmental Policies
- Infrastructure Investment
- Business Ecosystem
- Tax Environment
- Regulatory Processes
- Workforce Environment
Guiding Principles
The Chamber’s Guiding Principles provide a compass needle for their advocacy efforts, enabling efficiency in decision-making on representation and giving staff more opportunity to inform and act on time-sensitive issues. They advocate for business-friendly policy in support of private enterprise, entrepreneurial endeavors, and an economically competitive business climate, and have organized these principles as follows:
- Economic Competitiveness
- Workforce Readiness
- Taxation
- Quality of Life
- Transportation & Infrastructure
- Land Use
- Community Resiliency
Member services
The Chamber is making participation easier and more accessible – as a Chamber member, the level of involvement is up to them:
Stay Informed– Use The Bottom Line Advocacy section to read up on all the latest legislation the Chamber is watching.
- Bookmark the Business Advocacy webpage to keep up with frequent updates.
- Get the highlights in the weekly Member Connect newsletter and on the Chamber’s social media platforms
Participate
– The Chamber makes it easier than ever to submit testimony, sign letters, and join coalitions.
– Members can reach out to Chamber staff directly to sign up for the Chamber’s Advocacy bulletin.
– Participate in the Chamber’s topical, monthly Roundtable discussions.
With an even stronger advocacy focus, the Springfield Chamber is galvanizing their commitment to business and community by helping businesses shape the policies that affect them.
For more information about becoming a member of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, contact John Garbett, Director, Membership and Investor Relations – [email protected] or call 541-746-1651 ext. 204.
To view this article on The Bottom Line, click here.
