Advocacy

The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce advocates on behalf of Chamber members and the business community at large in Berkeley, CA and the surrounding region.  The primary goal of all of the Chamber's advocacy activities is to improve Berkeley's business climate.  We endeavor to build a stronger local and regional economy and ensure that business is at the table in the process of making public policy decisions.  We believe we should take a leadership role on all issues that directly affect the business community in Berkeley.

Any Chamber member in good standing can bring an issue for consideration.  The standard process for getting the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce endorsement and/or support on an issue starts with the Chamber's Government Affairs (GA) committee which meets the first Monday of every month.  The committee will hear a request and submit a recommendation to the executive board which can make a decision as to whether and how to pursue specific issues.  When appropriate, the executive committee may engage the Full Board in the conversation.

The Executive committee may exercise the full range of the Chamber's advocacy tools up to and including engaging the Chamber's Political Action Committee.

 OUR POSITION

The Berkeley Chamber of Commerce is an entirely distinct and independent entity from either the State or National Chamber of Commerce. 

Our primary goals are the support of businesses and we recognize that our positions on some business issues may be different from these larger chambers.

A quick look at our Vision Statement should tell you what is important to us and to our membership.  

Our support for the environment and certified green businesses as well as our push to awaken the sustainable business model in all of our member businesses sometimes puts us at odds with the State and National Chamber - a position which we are happy to take when it is the right thing to do.