STATE-LOCAL CHAMBER RELATIONSCOSC/ASCP ConferenceSeptember 17, 2012Coeur d’Alene, ID

Just Because We’re on the Same Team

Doesn’t Mean We Always Get Along

So, what are the Characteristics of a Strong, Productive State-Local Chamber Relationship?

What They’re Saying• The state chamber works on so many issues, it would help if

they identify the 3-4 that they most need local support and focus efforts there

•  Just because a local chamber is “small” doesn’t mean they’re staff aren’t professionals.

• Our members need to know we are developing a state legislative agenda based on their, not simply stamping the state chamber

• If I was the king of chamberworld, the state chamber would speak for all the local chambers at the statehouse. Unfortunately its not that easy.

What They’re Saying• If I ran a state chamber, I’d pull together the CEO’s/Chairs

of the metro chambers 2-3 times per year to facilitate collaboration on the big issues.

• When there isn’t alignment, acknowledge it and stick to the areas of agreement.

• Local chambers carry some of the responsibility as well - they should actively working with the state chamber rather than waiting to hear the outcome.

• Big investors understand our roles.

What I’m Hearing• On the whole, relations are pretty good… really!• Competition for dollars is not the biggest issue• Most frequent challenges center on public policy but stem from communications (or lack thereof).

And Size Does Matter• Metropolitan regional chambers often have their own

lobbying horsepower and usually have well formed reasons when there is a difference of opinion.

• Smaller community chambers with significant economic development often do too.

• For big chambers, inclusion is more importance than ease.

Things are Peachy When…• There is mutual respect for ability and ability to influence.• Input is sought actively and early, particularly with metros.• Involvement is easy, particularly for small chambers• Focus is on the 85-90% in common.

Challenges Arise When…• Local chamber feels like an afterthought.• Agreement is assumed or implied • Lawmakers (or members) hear two different stories

So Ask Yourself…• Is your engagement with local chambers deliberate or afterthought?

• Do you engage your coalition of local chambers only when you need help or throughout the year?

• Do you spend as much time preparing for your chamber coalition meetings as you do for a policy committee?

• Do you provide easy ways for a local chamber to get involved in a meaningful way.

• Do local chambers believe their opinion matters?

Do you have a strategy for engaging local chambers?

Do you engage Metro Chambers on a different level?

How do you deal with policy disagreements?

If you were “them,” what would you want from the state chamber?

What would you like to tell anonymously local/metro chambers?