Introduction to Chamber Public Policy & Advocacy
The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce Public Policy & Advocacy Division acts on local, state and occasionally the federal level to support legislation that is vital to the Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg region. 

Public Policy & Advocacy is a primary objective for the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce.  The Chamber is working on issues impacting both our business climate and the quality of life in our city, region and state for YOU.  Recognizing today’s professionals have many responsibilities and duties; we are working on your behalf.  You reap your public policy and advocacy member benefit without even doing anything.

However, there is strength in numbers when advocating for issues.  Recognizing that, the Chamber has established its own grassroots advocacy network and issues alert system, the ChamberActioNetwork (CAN).  This network allows Chamber members to be briefed on issues impacting our business and quality of life initiatives and come right to your email.  It allows you, the busy professional, concise information so you can take part in the political process.  For more information on the CAN, click here. 

The more involved you are the better!  Elected officials rely on receiving communication from constituents to make decisions on critical issues.  The St. Petersburg Area Chamber is here to make it is easy as possible to be informed and active. 

The Business & Quality of Life Policy Agenda

While there are many issues impacting our businesses and community, the Chamber has created a concise document outlining both our priority and watch issues in the Business & Quality of Life Agenda.  The Chamber’s positions, policy activity and advocacy campaigns are guided by the agenda. 

The Chamber firmly believes that when a community’s business environment is healthy and prosperous, so to is its quality of life as they are truly hand in hand.  This agenda is formulated by our members, their feedback and the work of the Public Policy Committee and staff.  The final document is approved by the Board of Governors.  Once approved, it is examined throughout the year to remain current.

Click here to view the 2008 Business & Quality of Life Policy Agenda

Partnerships

Creating and maintaining strong partnerships is essential to effective policy efforts.  The Chamber strongly values our partnerships with the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the United States Chamber of Commerce. 

In addition, we have many local partners—organizations who are fighting for the same things we are—like other local chambers of commerce, the St. Pete Downtown Partnership and the Tampa Bay Partnership. 

Public Policy & Advocacy FAQs:

        Public Policy Committee

The Public Policy Committee is comprised of Chamber members representing small and large business as well as non profit organizations.  The Committee meets monthly and as needed when special issues arise.  Members apply for a seat on the committee and serve one to three year terms.  The Committee is charged with the role of serving as an advisory and recommending body to the Board of Governors.  The committee also diligently works on the Business & Quality of Life Policy Agenda and executing all determined priorities.  Committee members works in collaboration with the Public Policy & Advocacy staff. 

        The St. Pete Chamber PAC