2008 Goals

Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
2008 Government Affairs Committee Goals
Adopted by Government Affairs Committee March 12, 2008

Key Actions to be accomplished by the Government Affairs Committee in 2008:

Communicate – not only the value of the GAC to our members but valuable information to
businesses throughout the Peninsula

Educate – our members and the business community on issues that directly impact their way of
life here on the Peninsula

Create – the reciprocal relationship between the GAC and members to become the “lead”
agency that they and the business community turn to for assistance in issues that directly
impact their livelihood

And here’s how we will do this:

Continue Committee Involvement and Advocacy in The County’s General Plan Update

GAC will monitor and evaluate opportunities to communicate the Chamber’s position on the update and implementation of the County’s General Plan to ensure consideration of Chamber policies with respect to housing, transportation, economic development and environmental protection.

GAC will educate its members and the business community on the County General Plan process and will inform members and the community on the progress of general plan updates.

Continue MPCC work and support for enhancement and improvement of sustainable water delivery on the Monterey Peninsula

GAC will participate in activities of local water agencies and purveyors, particularly as they relate to water rates, and local activities centered on the development of new desalination facilities, other water supply projects, or other efforts to increase the Peninsula’s water supply.

When possible, GAC will provide its members and the business community with information on
conservation (ie written materials, educational seminars etc)

GAC will review and evaluate proposals for regional water projects and provide leadership in informing and educating its members and the business community on proposed projects.

Actively support TAMC efforts to secure funding for necessary County transportation projects

GAC will continue its support and advocacy for broad support for activities of the Transportation Agency for Monterey County to secure funding for critical transportation projects.

Actively monitor relevant key local and state legislation or initiatives, and take action based on the potential impact to the local business community.

GAC will continue advocacy on key legislation or initiatives.

GAC will create a political report card highlighting key issues and Chamber’s positions on them.

Continue efforts to establish and maintain good relations with elected officials and key governmental and military staff, and continue efforts to collaborate with other community organizations on issues of mutual concern.

GAC will host the annual Elected Officials Luncheon event, and continue to look for ways to improve upon the event’s success.

GAC will create a city officials list, send out a quarterly calendar of GAC meetings to officials, and solicit commitment to attend and brief GAC on issues in their city.

GAC will explore the pros and cons of involvement with the Monterey County Business Political Action Committee and make a recommendation to the Board, if appropriate.

GAC will explore the feasibility of creating greater synergies with other Chambers on shared legislative issues and concerns.

GAC will enhance its relationship with the County of Monterey by collaborating on County policy issues in 2008.

GAC will explore ways to be more active collaborators with Peninsula cities.

Increase Government Affairs communications to members and the business community about issues of concern and the activities of Government Affairs Committee and the Chamber Board of Directors in order to increase awareness and perceived value of Chamber legislative advocacy efforts.

The GAC will increase its use of existing Chamber communication tools, including monthly email blasts, use of the Chamber website, and printed mailers to distribute updated information on GAC activities.

GAC will develop an electronic newsletter to deliver more and more frequent information regarding GAC activities and updates.

GAC will increase its presence in the media by meeting regularly with local media representatives, and setting up quarterly meetings/press conferences.

Increase active GAC membership and strive to have four Board of Directors, at a minimum, and four members at large to every meeting to allow the GAC to take timely independent action on certain issues consistent with adopted Chamber policies.

Identify “key” list of members and assign current GAC members to call for recruitment.

Send out regular email-blast invites to membership.

Invite one member of the Chamber’s Executive Committee to each GAC Meeting.