Advocacy 101, Scott Rogers, Eau Claire Area Chamber

1. Moderator: Scott Rogers
Governmental Affairs & Workforce Director
Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, Eau Claire, Wis.

2. • Your name and role
• Your organization
• Why you’re here today

3. 1915 1916
Photo: UW Eau Claire

4. Catalyst for business growth
Convener of leaders & influencers
Champion for a strong community
 Source: Dave Kilby, Western Association of Chamber Executives

6. MACE Operations
Survey 2017

7. What’s right for your Chamber?
Taking your involvement just one more step…

8.  Incorporate it into your strategic planning process
 Survey your members
 Examples of questions
 How important is it to you that the Chamber be involved in representing the interests of the
businesses with government on issues that affect the business community?
 How effective is the Chamber…
 How important is it to you that the Chamber be involved in political action such as passing business
related ballot measures or getting business friendly candidates elected to public office?
 How effective is the Chamber…
 Identify champions on your board and membership

9.  Example of strategic planning objectives
Example
 “We will take visible action to champion a strong local and regional economy”
 “We will be a strong voice and take action on public policy and community initiatives that impact
economic prosperity”
 Set goals
Examples (From annual business plan, Governmental Affairs Committee, Eau Claire Chamber)
 Facilitate communication between government and the business community. Conduct monthly Eggs & Issues policy
breakfasts, as well as lawmaker and candidate events.
 Monitor local, state and federal issues that impact the economy of the Chippewa Valley.
 Maintain the Chamber’s Legislative Agenda to promote public policies that positively impact the local economy. Obtain
input from Chamber members through surveys and other means to assist the Board in establishing positions.
 Encourage the involvement of members in public policy and political affairs, including grassroots participation on key
issues, knowledge of opportunities to serve on boards and commissions, and education on the political process.
 Educate members on where political candidates stand on business-related issues through sponsoring spring and fall
candidate forums.

10. What’s right for your Chamber?
Taking your involvement just one more step…

11.  Facilitate communication and interaction
between business & government
 Inform members: Be a curator of
information. Social Media, Newsletter,
Blog, etc.
 Convene stakeholders on critical
community issues
 Governmental Affairs Committee
 Designated Governmental Affairs staff
member
 Relationship with state and US
Chambers
 Take positions on issues: Local, State
Federal
 Legislative agenda
 Meet with elected officials, testify at
hearings, etc.
 Calls to action to Chamber members
 Advocacy alliances
 Issue proposals and research
 State Capitol Day/DC Fly-in
 Surveys & polling

12.  Legislative scorecard
 Candidate forums and questionnaires
 Get Out The Vote programs
 Candidate training school
 Candidate recruitment
 Endorse Candidates
 Candidate fundraising
 Political Action Committee
 Independent expenditures

13.  Lack of resources and time
 Fear of losing members
 Members too divided
 Funding from Government sources
 Public officials on Chamber board
 Fear of failure
 Bylaws prohibit
 Not our mission

15. Catalyst for business growth
Convener of leaders & influencers
Champion for a strong community
 Source: Dave Kilby, Western Association of Chamber Executives

16.  Creating trust among elected officials is key. Lobbyists/Chambers don’t like surprises.
 Always be clear about your position. Elected officials do not like surprises.
 Gather data that supports your position (i.e. how many members, # of employees,
jobs created/saved/lost, cost of doing business, etc.)
 Be clear and concise in your messaging.
 Your position will be stronger if you can get a business person to tell their story—help
facilitate that.
 You represent the business community/job creators—don’t apologize for that.
 You have trusted business leaders/industry colleagues willing to help…don’t hesitate
to ask.
Shannon Full, Twin West Chamber of Commerce

17. Scott Rogers
Governmental Affairs & Workforce Director
Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
rogers@eauclairechamber.org
715-858-0616

18. 1915 1916
Photo: UW Eau Claire

19. Photos: TV 13 News, Market & Johnson

20. Scott Rogers
Governmental Affairs & Workforce Director
Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
rogers@eauclairechamber.org
715-858-0616