March 2012 - Burlington Chamber of Commerce

The Partnership’s Role in
Political Advocacy
In February, nearly 50 delegates and 25 students from
Southeast Iowa descended upon Des Moines for the
annual Great River Region Days advocacy event. The
delegation consisted of both business leaders and local
elected officials, Jason and Hutcheson, these events Executive always provide Director a great
forum for interesting Economic discussion. Development Upon return, however,
we often ask ourselves Greater Burlington several questions. Partnership Was it worth it?
Did we make a difference? Did our presence influence
legislation?
The answers to these questions are not easy to quantify.
Ultimately, however, I believe these trips are absolutely
essential. The interactive sessions allow members of our
delegation to build relationships with policy makers and
state department heads. The meetings also give us an
opportunity to tell the emerging story of our region. This
year, that story included evidence of the area’s economic
momentum.
It is important for legislators to hear from the business
community. The world is extremely complex, and policy
makers cannot be experts on every topic. They depend
on feedback whether it comes from comments at a
hearing in the Capitol Building or at weekend policy
forums.
During this year’s Great River Region Days event, a
session was held regarding the use of Tax Increment
Financing (better known as TIF). Our audience included
mayors and city administrators along with business
owners that depend on the appropriate use of this local
economic development tool. The discussion (held in a
room adjacent to the Capitol Rotunda) helped provide
page 4
Just a
Thought
additional context to the larger debate. In fact, Debi
Durham, the director of the Iowa Economic Development
Authority, sat in on our session just to listen.
These advocacy efforts do make a difference.
Policy engagement at the state and federal level is
important, but our most critical role is in the local
communities we serve. For that reason, you should
expect a strong advocacy effort from your Chamber of
Commerce. Not long ago, a local resident was quoted
in The Hawk Eye insisting that ‘one call from the
Chamber’ was more powerful than popular opinion.
While I disagree with the general assertion, The Greater
Burlington Partnership does indeed have an impact on
local policy. There are several good reasons.
1. The Partnership represents 675 members with more
than 18,000 employees. Those are real numbers, and
they provide the organization with strong credibility.
2. The organization picks its battles. It would not
be wise to engage in every controversial issue.
Sometimes small victories must be conceded to
advance the greater cause.
3. Mutual respect is a must. There will always be
disagreements on matters of policy. When issues
become personal, they become a distraction to the
debate.
4. Partnership staff stays connected. Our organization
is often seen as a credible source for information and
guidance on policy matters. Building relationships
with local decision makers enhances that credibility.
Employers within any community need a strong
advocate. In Greater Burlington, your Chamber of
Commerce is unapologetic about filling that role.
Jason Hutcheson, Executive Director
Economic Development
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