Advocacy Is a Team Sport

Some policy challenges are bigger than any one business, organization or community. That’s where partnerships become an important part of Chamber advocacy.

The Bend Chamber regularly works alongside other chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, industry groups, community partners and statewide and national business organizations. These relationships allow us to combine expertise, broaden our reach and make sure Bend’s perspective is represented in larger policy conversations.

Our role depends on the issue. Sometimes the Bend Chamber leads, bringing local businesses and partners together around an issue emerging here in Bend. Sometimes we join a broader coalition when businesses across Oregon are experiencing the same challenge. And on issues that affect the broader region, we may work alongside organizations throughout Central Oregon to present a more unified voice.

The Regional Business Alliance is one example of that approach, bringing together business organizations and employers across Central Oregon to strengthen the region’s collective voice with policymakers.

Partnership also brings different kinds of expertise to the table. A construction or housing organization may understand the practical implications of a proposed development policy. An economic development partner can speak to business recruitment and expansion. An individual employer can explain what a regulation would mean for their operations and employees.

Partnership also doesn’t mean every organization has to agree on every issue. Effective coalition-building is often about identifying where interests align and working together toward a shared goal. When Bend’s business community can speak with a coordinated voice, that voice carries further.