THE BUSINESS OF CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE IS ADVOCACY

In order to be a strong and reputable representative of the private sector, vis-à-vis the public sector, a Chamber of Commerce should have the capacity to advocate the interests and concerns of its members; possess a strong organizations with a proper governance structure; and respond to its members needs by delivering required services and information. Lobbying and advocacy for a more conducive economic environment are a core activity of Chambers of Commerce. By actively engaging in advocacy, a Chamber of Commerce raises its profile among policymakers and enhances its reputation within the business community. Many Chambers of Commerce are not very successful in interest representation and advocacy, because of the interference and mistrust of government bodies, the political ambitions or closed shop mentality of the Chamber’s leaders, missing know-how and contacts, the fragmentation of private sector interests, and a prevalent informal and ad-hoc style of lobbying.  

The key to effective business advocacy is a laser focus on issues consistent with a Chamber’s mission and transparency in communicating those issues to both government and the membership. There is no question that advocacy is critically important to a Chambers’ membership. The key is to keep the focus of the government relations programme on issues that can bring in more jobs and growth. Economic development and job growth are seen by the political establishment as friendly, credible and non-partisan issues, which in turn fosters a strong working relationship between a Chamber and the elected leadership. A strong emphasis must be placed in the government relations programme on transparent communications with the members and the elected officials regarding the Chamber’s issues agenda. Chambers should publish a document that not only articulates the policy priorities of the Chamber, but also identifies the levels of engagement for the Chamber. The Chamber should  either lead, collaborate or support an issue based on the guidance of the government relations steering committee and the board. Identifying the level of engagement helps the membership better understand the agenda and helps determine the allocation of Chamber resources. Chamber’s  engagement should be limited to issues that are fully understood and where available resources can truly influence the outcome. Effective collaboration is an important element of a Chamber’s engagement strategy

There are many levels of engagement across the political and legislative spectra that can be made to fit just about any Chamber’s situation. Like few other activities, advocacy on the members’ behalf remains one of the most important and unique services that a Chamber can offer to enhance the value proposition of membership. In a time and marketplace when so many “virtual” organizations are increasingly competing with Chambers’ traditional programmes, such as B-2-B mixers, referral networks etc., a well-run government relations programme is more important than ever.

Now, more than ever, advocacy has to be a top priority for your Chamber. Advocacy in all its forms is, or probably should be, the basis of your organization’s strength, influence and relevancy. Now is not the time to cut back on advocacy; if anything, now is the time to refocus and redouble your efforts. Whatever is essential to your long-term success, should be enhanced, and not reduced in tough times.

Advocating a pro-business agenda to elected officials at every level is just as important now as ever, perhaps more so.

Your members need your support and will reward your advocacy with loyalty, even in the face of economic hardship. But for your advocacy efforts to pay membership renewal dividends, effective communication is vital.  Staying focused on the vision you have set for your community is the key to success.

For strategies, advice and support, look to AALEP : + 32 2 330 51 76 or aalep@numericable.be