Chamber Role

Chamber's Legislative Advocacy Benefits Members

One of the most valuable, and often overlooked, benefits of membership in the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce is our Legislative Advocacy program of work. The Chamber analyzes proposed legislation and takes positions on important issues, from support for regulatory reform in Sacramento to aggressively pursuing economic development opportunities in the city that could affect your business.

Though you might not find the time to attend our many events, programs and committee meetings, you can take comfort in knowing the Chamber is working diligently on behalf of your business.

Richard R. Luehrs, Chamber President and CEO, takes a personal interest in serving as the "voice of business." Luehrs functions as a member of our City's Economic Development Committee. He meets monthly with the Mayor, City Council members and Planning Department staff to discuss critical economic issues. What's more, 20 of the 24 members on this city-appointed committee are members with the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.

On March 7-8, 2006, Newport Beach Chamber representatives traveled to Sacramento as a part of the Orange County Business Council's delegation. While there, we met with legislators from "both sides of the aisle." From Assembly Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy to Senator Joe Dunn, we voiced your concerns throughout the capitol. We also met with our Newport Beach legislative representation, Assemblyman Chuck DeVore and Assemblyman Van Tran, and emphasized the needs of business. Points discussed with legislators included: the renewal of Measure M; identifying workforce housing; fair share education funding; and the backlog in nursing certification, among other things.

In addition to taking action on legislative issues affecting business on both the state and local levels, we encourage our members to take action by connecting with the appropriate government officials to express their opinions. Chamber staff is readily available to help guide you through the lengthy, and often complicated, legislative measures that affect your business so you can express your opinion. By participating in weekly conference calls with the California Chamber of Commerce, our staff keeps abreast on these important legislative issues.

In addition to efforts by our staff, the Chamber's Business and Community Political Action Committee (BACPAC) works to examine the specifics of proposed legislation and determine its impact on our business community. BACPAC also identifies qualified City Council candidates who share similar views as the Chamber.

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce serves as the leading business advocate for area businesses. We will remain steadfast in our efforts to shape a business community in which companies of all sizes will prosper.