2008 Government Affairs Committee Highlights

• Reviewed legislation and recommended positions on policies and legislation that affected our business community. Took an active position on 6 bills and several issues:
  
  - Supported AB 2678 (approach to increased energy efficiency in new construction) and SB 1608 (ADA compliance standardization reform).
  
  - Opposed SB 1115 and SB 1717 (both bills would have unraveled earlier Chamber-supported Workers’ Compensation reforms), AB 2716 (mandated sick leave for all CA employees not covered by a union contract).
  
  - Actively supported “self-help” transportation funding Measure Z.
  
  - Actively opposed SWRCB Draft Cease and Desist Order proposing drastic reductions in available water supply; testified before State Water Resources Control Board.
  
  - Supported TAMC request for federal funding of local projects in biennial federal transportation authorization.
  
  - Urged City of Monterey to conduct broader and more effective community and stakeholder outreach before banning polystyrene food packaging.

• Annual Leadership Luncheon for 145 interested members featured a full panel of regional government officials including 4th District Supervisor Ila Mettee-McCutchon, City of Carmel-By-The-Sea Mayor Sue McCloud, City of Del Rey Oaks Mayor Joseph Russell, City of Monterey Mayor Chuck della Sala, City of Sand City Mayor David Pendergrass, and City of Seaside Mayor Ralph Rubio.

• Designed and implemented the Chamber’s first-ever official candidate endorsement process.

• Enhanced MPCC’s extensive public policy statements by updating Environment public policy statement.

• Designed and implemented a new GAC website page, chock full of valuable information, including links to all governmental sources and offices throughout the County and State.
  
  
• Continue to recruit a variety of highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals from all industries within our communities to GAC committee to ensure that we have a balanced perspective of the true needs of our business communities. Strengthened the committee with additional representatives from education, construction, real estate and hospitality.
  
  
• Organized and chaired monthly Council of Monterey Business Associations to ensure open and timely communications between City of Monterey’s business, military and government leaders.

2007 Highlights