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Chamber Fires-Up Business Advocacy to Support Local Economy 

First Ever City-Focused Legislative & Policy Agenda Released

MAY 3, 2011, ISSAQUAH, WA

“Why Business Matters” is how the document starts.

Next comes a series of well-researched, clear and focused policy recommendations aimed to improve the business climate in Issaquah and to support job growth and sustained economic vitality for the community.

The Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce has created its first-ever City-focused Legislative and Policy Agenda, communicating to City leaders the needs, goals, challenges and opportunities of businesses. The plan includes comments and policy recommendations on topics ranging from Economic Vitality, Regulation, Taxes and Fees, Signage, Transportation and more.

“As a partner with the City on our collective goals of supporting the local economy and encouraging job growth in the community, we are pleased to put forward these recommendations on behalf of our members and the Issaquah business community” said Matthew Bott, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce.

The document is the result of dozens of interviews with local business owners, combined with the policy and research work by the Chamber’s growing Government Affairs Committee. Chamber leaders publically unveiled the document to the Issaquah City Council at the Council’s May 2nd Meeting. The Chamber aims to encourage City leaders to place economic vitality, business recruitment/retention and support of the Central Issaquah Plan as the highest priorities at the Council’s upcoming (May 14th) Goal Setting Retreat.

The full Legislative and Policy Agenda can be found on the Chamber’s website at www.issaquahchamber.com/uploads/pdf/2011-2012-issaquah-legislative--policy-agenda.pdf

“We are laser-focused on proactive and effective business advocacy at the local level” said Kristi Tripple, Chamber Board Chair. “Our members, our community and our Strategic Plan each call for continued and enhanced advocacy for policies that will support, not inhibit, job growth and economic vitality in Issaquah. This Legislative and Policy Agenda will help ensure local policy makers are aware of ways we can continue to support our local economy.”

The Chamber, while well-known for outstanding tourism promotion activities, festivals, networking events, and business-district promotion initiatives, is working to simultaneously increase its business advocacy and political action functions in support of policies that will promote a strong local economy. These activities range from ongoing meetings with local government officials, organizing meet-ups with local business owners, speaking at City Council and City Commission meetings, to educating businesses and citizens alike on the important issues affecting the Issaquah economy.

“Issaquah is a wonderful place to raise a family, to start or run a business, and to enjoy our amazing natural surroundings” said Bott. “However, if the recession taught us anything…it is that this unique quality of life cannot be taken for granted. We must consistently work to support the local economy, local job base and local tax revenue that supports this quality of life. Business matters because it supports everything we hold dear in our community, and now is the time to re-double our collective efforts to encourage the generators of jobs, innovation, and economic vitality in our community.”

The Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce is business resource and advocacy organization for over 460 businesses within the greater Issaquah market. The Chamber works year-round to promote member businesses, support the local economy, represent business to government, provide networking opportunities and promote the Issaquah community. The Chamber also organizes the annual award-winning Salmon Days festival. For more information, visit www.issaquahchamber.org.

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Added on 05/03/2011

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