Political Voice

Voice of the Local Business Community
The San Ramon Chamber of Commerce plays an active role in the San Ramon community. The chamber keeps abreast of city, county, regional, state and federal issues that may have an impact upon its members. Its representatives get involved in city commissions and committees in order to ensure that the business community has a political voice. This wasn't always the case. For many years, Chambers of Commerce were viewed only a step above a social club, a place for mixers and networking. While these are still important features of the chamber, it has been evident that in order for the business community to prosper, it needs to be involved. Through the Chamber's public policy committee, the San Ramon Chamber meets with elected and government officials and takes stands on issues relevant to the businesses it represents. By doing so the Chamber provides a common voice to its members who might otherwise go unheard on important issues. Business owners who live in other communities may not get to vote on issues that may severely impact their businesses and livelihood. The chamber advocates on their behalf whether it be for license fees, zoning changes or development agreements. It reviews the records of candidates for elected office, provides opportunities for dialogue on important issues and makes recommendations to its membership. The Chamber offers an opportunity for its members to be involved with the local community, and then helps effect change in a positive way.
- Ken Mintz

Community Economics means both People and Business Really Matter
Growth is not always bad nor is it always good. Clearly if our community accepts an industry that creates problems, it also accepts long-range negative consequences in excess of the new employment and currency it would bring.

The decision to grow businesses in one manner or another may have monetary impacts on community services and schools that exceed the economic profits of a development effort. Our business community takes pride in the fact that we seek full assessments and evaluate all the costs for growth and the Chamber is pleased to be at the forefront of these activities

Local businesses and citizens who care about the future of our community must continue to ask: "Will the growth of our business community bring long term living-wage jobs to our community citizens or attract outside people to move in to take the jobs it creates? "Does the community benefit as a whole fiscally, environmentally, and socially or are their hidden long-term negative consequences that are children will be paying?"

We can create jobs and positive growth by supporting local business and expanding within pre-determined boundaries. As a concerned group of business owners we put a collective human face on how we see the future of our community. We invite you to become involved in our efforts. Contact the Chamber of Commerce for information on how you can become a voice in these efforts.

Connect with our National Political Voice
Each month the Chamber assists our members and the local business community with information about issues relevant to your daily life. We also believe we need to have our voices heard in our Nation's Capital and be aware of what is happening in Washington. These informational links are vital political resources to see what bills are up in Congress, find out what others have to say about issues, and voice our opinions directly to our representatives. Click on one of the links to find out what's happening in Washington and voice your opinion.