by Matt Senekeremian
The Fremont Chamber of Commerce provides many critical services for its members. One of those services is promoting business friendly policies through its government affairs committee. The Fremont Chamber of Commerce monitors and regularly takes positions on local, regional, state and federal policy initiatives, regulations, legislation, and ballot measures on behalf of our membership and in accordance with our Government Affairs Mission & Priorities. As a Chamber, we strive to help members understand and navigate the ever-changing government landscape and its effect upon the business community. The Government Affairs Committee currently consists of 13 members who meet monthly to make recommendations about pending legislation. Many people ask us about the importance of being involved in government affairs and why there would be any benefit to small business. We asked Vartan Djihanian, Western US Manager for the United States Chamber of Commerce.
Prior to COVID-19, what impact did Government Affairs have in supporting businesses large and small and what role did government affairs have in supporting small businesses during COVID-19?The business community has always played a critical role in advocacy. However, prior to the pandemic, some business owners viewed government affairs as merely an optional activity. After all, business owners are busy doing important things, like running a business, meeting payroll, and dealing with customers. But the unprecedented damage inflicted on the business community by the pandemic forced many business owners off the advocacy sidelines. Indeed, throughout 2020, many business owners, for the first time, contacted their local, state, and federal legislators to advocate for programs that would keep their businesses open and their staff employed. Whether it was for the Paycheck Protection Program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loans, or the various other federal stimulus efforts, the voice of the business community made a very strong impact towards approving legislation which kept our businesses alive and our economy afloat.
What advice do you have for small business owners and how they can support their local government affairs efforts?In the coming months, as Congress tackles some very important issues – like COVID-19 recovery, infrastructure, and immigration reform, it’s important for the business community to devote time and effort to maintaining good government. One of my favorite Presidents - President Theodore Roosevelt once famously said “voting is the very least” of the duties of good citizens – and he’s absolutely right. In order to preserve the free enterprise system and solve our nation’s most pressing problems, we must not only vote, but get politically active. For the business community that means:
These activities will go a long way toward making the needs of the business community heard at every level of government, and ultimately helping to grow our economy and create jobs.
“As a small business the government affairs get me direct access to our elected officials to make sure the needs of small businesses in their communities is heard. Having that opportunity is one of the biggest benefits we have found with our membership on the chamber “ -Jasmine Basrai
“I joined the Fremont Chamber of Commerce as a new business owner 38 years ago to grow my business. In that time, I’ve come to realize that one of the greatest assets the chamber offers member Businesses is its work to maintain and enhance a positive business environment in Fremont. This is why today I proudly serve as the government affairs committee chair.” - Dirk Lorenz
The Fremont Chamber of Commerce provides many critical services for its members. One of those services is promoting business friendly policies through its government affairs committee. The Fremont Chamber of Commerce monitors and regularly takes positions on local, regional, state and federal policy initiatives, regulations, legislation, and ballot measures on behalf of our membership and in accordance with our Government Affairs Mission & Priorities. As a Chamber, we strive to help members understand and navigate the ever-changing government landscape and its effect upon the business community. The Government Affairs Committee currently consists of 13 members who meet monthly to make recommendations about pending legislation. Many people ask us about the importance of being involved in government affairs and why there would be any benefit to small business. We asked Vartan Djihanian, Western US Manager for the United States Chamber of Commerce.
Prior to COVID-19, what impact did Government Affairs have in supporting businesses large and small and what role did government affairs have in supporting small businesses during COVID-19?The business community has always played a critical role in advocacy. However, prior to the pandemic, some business owners viewed government affairs as merely an optional activity. After all, business owners are busy doing important things, like running a business, meeting payroll, and dealing with customers. But the unprecedented damage inflicted on the business community by the pandemic forced many business owners off the advocacy sidelines. Indeed, throughout 2020, many business owners, for the first time, contacted their local, state, and federal legislators to advocate for programs that would keep their businesses open and their staff employed. Whether it was for the Paycheck Protection Program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loans, or the various other federal stimulus efforts, the voice of the business community made a very strong impact towards approving legislation which kept our businesses alive and our economy afloat.
What advice do you have for small business owners and how they can support their local government affairs efforts?In the coming months, as Congress tackles some very important issues – like COVID-19 recovery, infrastructure, and immigration reform, it’s important for the business community to devote time and effort to maintaining good government. One of my favorite Presidents - President Theodore Roosevelt once famously said “voting is the very least” of the duties of good citizens – and he’s absolutely right. In order to preserve the free enterprise system and solve our nation’s most pressing problems, we must not only vote, but get politically active. For the business community that means:
- Writing and calling your member of Congress.
- Developing a relationship with your elected representatives and their staff members.
- Meeting with state and federal elected officials in their district offices and in their capitol offices.
- Attending an event at the Chamber where elected officials are participating.
- Inviting elected officials to your place of business.
- Joining a policy committee.
- Volunteering and donating money to political campaigns.
- And finally, running for office.
These activities will go a long way toward making the needs of the business community heard at every level of government, and ultimately helping to grow our economy and create jobs.
“As a small business the government affairs get me direct access to our elected officials to make sure the needs of small businesses in their communities is heard. Having that opportunity is one of the biggest benefits we have found with our membership on the chamber “ -Jasmine Basrai
“I joined the Fremont Chamber of Commerce as a new business owner 38 years ago to grow my business. In that time, I’ve come to realize that one of the greatest assets the chamber offers member Businesses is its work to maintain and enhance a positive business environment in Fremont. This is why today I proudly serve as the government affairs committee chair.” - Dirk Lorenz
RSS Feed
