Ask the Pros

Patricia Torres Bruno, Senior Vice President/Chief of Public Policy, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
“The LA Chamber has identified workforce development and workforce housing as our top two priorities. Every industry is experiencing the challenges of filling positions in their companies. Business must be integrated with education institutions so that we are creating pipelines and pathways to careers. The Chamber is also focused on strategies to house our workforce. We are looking to house those that don’t qualify for affordable housing but are priced out of market housing, like are our first responders, teachers and middle class workers. We are looking at streamlining and reducing the red tape for housing production.”

Matt Garcia, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Dallas Regional Chamber 
“Texas just began the 88th Legislative Session in January. While there will be many issues that we advocate on, our top two policy priorities focus on economic development and community college finance. The DRC is advocating for a new economic development incentive tool to attract new and expand existing, large capital-intensive projects in areas such as semiconductor manufacturing, bioscience and energy-related projects. Additionally, the DRC has been very active in prioritizing career outcomes and economic mobility in community college finance.”

Katherine Grindberg, Executive Vice President, Chamber of Commerce of Fargo Moorhead West Fargo 
“Our top two priorities in Minnesota and North Dakota are advocating for innovative workforce solutions and promoting business vitality.”

Andy Johnston, CCE, IOM, Senior Vice President, Advocacy & Strategic Engagement, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce 
“Talent and housing. West Michigan leads the state in population and job growth. In turn, addressing housing availability and affordability is a top issue and our team is advancing state and local policy solutions. In addition, our chamber foundation is a supporting a regional collaborative, Housing Next. On the talent front, we are advocating for a variety of solutions, from child care and training grants to criminal justice reform and immigration.”

Kate Shanks, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Kentucky Chamber 
“The chamber will continue to advocate for creating a strong tax code for growth and removing barriers to work. In 2022, the chamber successfully advocated for legislation to eliminate the individual income tax over time. States with low or no individual income tax are experiencing faster economic and population growth. In 2023, the chamber will advance legislation to reduce individual income tax further. The chamber will also continue tackling its low workforce participation by addressing industry-specific workforce challenges after a successful 2022 session focused on broad-based workforce policies.”

Andrea Woodard, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy, Greater Des Moines Partnership 
“While the Greater Des Moines Partnership has six featured priorities for the 2023 state legislative session, workforce readiness and child care policies appear to be rising to the top of the list in terms of feasibility and opportunities to make an impact for our investors and members.”

David Zoller, Manager of Government Affairs, Baton Rouge Area Chamber 
“Louisiana is in an election year for our legislature and statewide offices, which is occupying a good portion of our time as we engage in the broader discussion of the state’s future and what policies we are looking to see to improve our education system, taxes, infrastructure and business climate, in general. These discussions are shaping the path forward and are helping influence the next administration. Legislatively speaking, several incentive programs are about to lapse and are up for renewal, which will be a battle as Louisiana is about to face a potential budget shortfall. Along with the renewals, we aim to start the conversations on new incentives for targeted industries and create a framework to incentivize work-based learning opportunities.”

Patricia Torres Bruno, Senior Vice President/Chief of Public Policy, Los Angeles Area Chamber
“Local officials have ended the emergency orders for COVID, however, they are permanently adopting policies like renter protections. The business community would like to be a partner with our elected officials to advance policies that support workers and also help business thrive. These objectives are not mutually exclusive.”

Matt Garcia, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Dallas Regional Chamber 
“The DRC works each day to create a business-friendly environment in Texas for all people to live, work and do business. The DRC will play defense on issues that impact our ability to recruit businesses and talent to the Dallas region.”

Katherine Grindberg, Executive Vice President, Chamber of Commerce of Fargo Moorhead West Fargo 
“We will be playing defense on various mandates that diminish the business climate. Currently, we are focused on an expansive paid sick and family leave proposal in Minnesota.”

Andy Johnston, CCE, IOM, Senior Vice President, Advocacy & Strategic Engagement, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce 
“Changes in the Michigan legislature have made right-to-work repeal a top concern, with the potential to significantly impact our economic future. In addition, we will be playing defense on labor law changes. In particular, we’re keeping an eye on potential changes to the state’s minimum wage and paid medical leave laws that would have profound impact on employers.”

Kate Shanks, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Kentucky Chamber 
“The chamber will fight legislation that forces new mandates on businesses to protect employers' rights. We'll also fight policies that worsen the litigation climate driving up costs for businesses and citizens.”

Andrea Woodard, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy, Greater Des Moines Partnership 
“With workforce consistently listed as the top need for The Partnership’s membership, a strong focus has been on elevating policies that ensure Iowa is a welcoming place for talent and business. We closely monitor legislative proposals on this topic, considering various strategies and approaches on a case-by-case basis. We educate our investors and members on what specific bills could mean for them, while providing feedback to our elected officials.”

David Zoller, Manager of Government Affairs, Baton Rouge Area Chamber 
“As I mentioned, the renewal of three incentives will need a coordinated defense from our allies across the state. We are seeing more opposition than in the past, with one group considering the incentives a cost they believe should be spent differently. Others oppose particular incentive programs because they do not support the industries that receive credits. It will take piecing together a solid coalition to ensure the programs are renewed while maintaining their value.”

Patricia Torres Bruno, Senior Vice President/Chief of Public Policy, Los Angeles Area Chamber
“In Los Angeles, we have largely new elected officials for citywide seats, city council and LA County Board of Supervisors. Early outreach and education will be important to shape messaging and the narrative about business.”

Matt Garcia, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Dallas Regional Chamber 
“The DRC is part of a coalition called the Metro 8, which represents the eight largest chambers in the state of Texas. These eight chambers represent 20,000 companies, account for nearly $1.4 trillion in GDP. While the DRC works several priorities for our region, our two main issues, economic development and community college finance, are both supported by the Metro 8. We will be advocating on these priority areas with our Metro 8 partners to further amplify the importance and leverage the statewide influence to our legislators.”

Katherine Grindberg, Executive Vice President, Chamber of Commerce of Fargo Moorhead West Fargo 
“Last session we started bringing awareness to the voting record of our elected officials on key legislation through publishing a legislative review guide.”

Andy Johnston, CCE, IOM, Senior Vice President, Advocacy & Strategic Engagement, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce 
“Strong local leadership is key to a vibrant community. As the political arena has become increasingly divisive, and as national issues are pushed down to the local level, we have been engaging more in local elections. We are working to identify, encourage and support candidates for local office that will focus on governing. We believe this is key to advancing our agenda and ensuring future success.”

Kate Shanks, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Kentucky Chamber 
“The Chamber is growing its grassroots advocacy. We have added a full-time grassroots coordinator to build coalitions and engage local chambers in advocacy. Additional tactics include hosting listening tours, bringing local chambers and businesses to the Capitol for Small Business Day and utilizing technology platforms with expanded capabilities. We know we must be creative to create more engagement opportunities for companies. We also launched the Center for Policy and Research to study emerging issues and formulate the business community's response.”

Andrea Woodard, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy, Greater Des Moines Partnership 
“The Partnership is a nonpartisan regional organization representing 11 counties, 6,500 members and 400+ investors. We diligently work to showcase the region as more than simply an urban center, but an entire region – urban, suburban and rural. Our policy priorities are aimed to help investors and members throughout the region be successful.”

David Zoller, Manager of Government Affairs, Baton Rouge Area Chamber 
“We are looking to increase our social media presence on advocacy issues while continuing to engage our investors directly on issues that impact their businesses.”

Patricia Torres Bruno, Senior Vice President/Chief of Public Policy, Los Angeles Area Chamber
“We have highlighted the important role the LA Chamber provides to local small businesses and businesses owned by women and of people color. These points resonate strongly with our elected leadership. They have this perception that as a business organization we are not interested in helping small businesses, but in fact the LA Chamber is one of their biggest advocates.”

Matt Garcia, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Dallas Regional Chamber 
“As a former staffer, I find it equally important to develop the relationships with staff members in a legislator's office. There is no better advocate for your priorities than a team member of a legislative office. During our state session, I work to bring in lunch to each office that represents our delegation. This provides an opportunity to get to know each other better over a meal, brainstorm on ideas and have a few laughs.”

Katherine Grindberg, Executive Vice President, Chamber of Commerce of Fargo Moorhead West Fargo 
“First and foremost, be genuine, respectful and truthful. Keep in mind who their constituency is and what their priorities are.”

Andy Johnston, CCE, IOM, Senior Vice President, Advocacy & Strategic Engagement, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce 
“Treat them like people! Be a friendly, helpful and trustworthy source of information and insights that help them understand the issues your business community is facing. Do your homework and be engaged in both the process and their career.”

Kate Shanks, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Kentucky Chamber 
“Transparency and honesty are essential. Legislators must trust us when considering our positions. We also respect and value the differing viewpoints and perspectives of legislators. Additionally, we help legislators develop policy. We form workgroups of our members with the expertise needed to address complex problems so that legislators know they can rely on us to help them tackle the most challenging issues.”

Andrea Woodard, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy, Greater Des Moines Partnership 
“In addition to spending time at the Iowa Capitol and getting to know the 44 legislators in our region, we work with our contract lobbyists who build relationships statewide. Additionally, we belong to a network of 15 of the largest chambers in the state, collaborating with our partners and their strong relationships. We also talk to our own investors and members about the importance of relationship building outside of the legislative session and the value of engaging with both parties and outside of your immediate footprint. We’ve had an opportunity to host the second annual Iowa Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game in 2023, which will give us the chance to connect with more legislators while also elevating the importance of bipartisanship and civility.”

David Zoller, Manager of Government Affairs, Baton Rouge Area Chamber 
“You always have to understand the person to build the relationship - finding a connection outside the legislative process makes it easier when you need to have hard conversations on controversial issues. Without a second thought, the most important thing to remember is that legislators have to vote with their constituents, and they are the ones that will have to defend the votes they take. Each legislator has a unique district, and understanding where they come from is critical to any advocacy success.”

Patricia Torres Bruno, Senior Vice President/Chief of Public Policy, Los Angeles Area Chamber
“Advocacy is incredibly important to shape policy outcomes that are more business- friendly. It is critical to build relationships with elected officials and their staff before reaching out to their office with a request on policy. Focusing on outreach, education and building relationships is key to being successful in your advocacy efforts.”

Matt Garcia, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Dallas Regional Chamber 
“Utilize the network of peers within ACCE. I attended my first ACCE Government Relations conference this past November and learned so much from my experience there. It was great to share ideas and best practices, but also know that many of the chambers in the room were dealing with similar issues and were willing to share strategic insight.”

Katherine Grindberg, Executive Vice President, Chamber of Commerce of Fargo Moorhead West Fargo 
“Find government affairs colleagues from whom you can get advice and ask questions. I’d recommend ACCE’s Government Relations Roundtable!”

Andy Johnston, CCE, IOM, Senior Vice President, Advocacy & Strategic Engagement, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce 
“Chambers exist to be advocates for business, so go for it! We like to say it is better to stand for something and lose members, than to stand for nothing and lose members. Start with an issue your members care about and start local. By starting with a local issue, you are likely to make the biggest difference, and one that your members can see!”

Kate Shanks, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Kentucky Chamber 
“Ensure a solid foundation from which to work by creating a robust internal process for setting the agenda. Every year, we revise our legislative agenda and we rely on seven policy councils to recommend policy positions to the board. We work on complex and controversial issues, but our process ensures our priorities align with the state's business leaders.”

Andrea Woodard, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy, Greater Des Moines Partnership 
“First, focus. What is the most important issue (or two) that your members are seeking for support? Second, build relationships. Elected officials are our neighbors and connecting with them on a personal level leads to open dialogue that can drive smart and creative policy solutions. Third, collaborate with others. We are stronger by working together to accomplish goals that further our communities.”

David Zoller, Manager of Government Affairs, Baton Rouge Area Chamber 
“You must build meaningful relationships and ensure you are viewed as an expert in the subjects you advocate. Finding ways to partner with elected officials outside of advocacy work and providing them with a platform is mutually beneficial to the chamber and elected officials.”