14 2009 GREATER PHOENIX ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LIVING HERE public affairs T he Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business for more than 3,400 area members. By listening to the business community and communicating their concerns to elected and non- elected government officials at the local, county, state and federal levels, the Chamber has a positive impact on the business climate in the Valley of the Sun. Get involved All Chamber members are encouraged to participate in the GPCC's Public Affairs and Issues Committees, which shape the organization's stand on important issues. There are many ways to get involved and to help steer the course of legislation affecting everyone who does business in metropolitan Phoenix. AZBusinessVoice. com is a great place to get started at the grass roots level. It's an interactive Web site that educates, alerts and organizes businesses through regular updates on state and local government issues. You can sign up to be instantly alerted to important developments that can affect your business. Make your views known Personal contact with government officials is essential to letting lawmakers know where the Chamber ( and its members) stand on the issues. The Chamber is in constant contact with elected officials, and offers opportunities throughout the year for its members to speak directly to their legislators on the issues that are essential to a healthy business climate. The Chamber's Public Affairs team often appears before state and local government committees ( including the State Legislature, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and Phoenix City Council) to deliver testimony on important issues. A direct ' Voice' of Business Chamber represents its many members in political arena From left, Senator Barbara Leff, Senate President Bob Burns, and Senator John Huppenthal, Senator Thayer Verschoor and Master of Ceremonies Chip Scutari at the 2008 Legislative Wrap Up. photos: Greater Phoenix chamber of comerce

2009 GREATER PHOENIX ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LIVING HERE 15 public affairs presence at these meetings is critical, as the absence of the business community can send the wrong signal — one of disinterest. During the Legislative session, the Chamber's Public Affairs team tracks each and every bill that could have a potential impact on Arizona business. Its Legislative Bill Tracking Chart is updated weekly and provides an overview and the status of current business related legislation. The team also identifies and summarizes a number of key bills that are of particular importance to the business community. Protecting your interests The Chamber plays an active role in protecting the interests of business through engaging political decision makers and public policy experts on critical issues. Its 2009 Public Policy Agenda defines the short- term and ongoing policy initiatives of the Chamber and serves as a guide for its efforts to advocate on behalf of member businesses at all levels of government. It's available from the Chamber office or at www. phoenixchamber. com. Getting involved in the Public Affairs Committee gives business people access to educational, networking and activism opportunities. Membership in one of the Issue Committees helps the Chamber develop specific policy recommendations in the areas of health care, the environment, education, transportation, economic development, water and agriculture policy, employee relations and tax and fiscal issues. The GPCC offers a number of exciting Public Affairs events that not only highlight critical issues affecting business, but also bring national issues to the forefront of our community. From the annual Governor's Reception to the Legislative Wrap- Up event, these programs are the premier place to meet and mingle with fellow business leaders as well as government officials. PAC some power The Chamber established its own Political Action Committee ( PAC) in 1978 to identify and help pro-business candidates gain election to state, county and local offices. Having pro- business candidates in office helps improve the business climate in our community. The PAC has retained its " Super PAC" status, which allows the Chamber to support candidates to the maximum level allowed by law. The GPCC is the only chamber in Arizona whose PAC has achieved this distinction. The PAC identifies key races that could impact the business community and then interviews candidates to determine which will receive the Greater Phoenix Chamber PAC endorsement and be eligible for a campaign contribution. The Chamber PAC is proud to support candidates from both political parties who best represent the interests of the business community. To make your contribution to the Chamber PAC, visit www. phoenixchamber. com or call 602- 495- 6464. It is said that decisions are made by those who show up. The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce offers business people many different ways not only to show up, but to make a positive impact on the future of our state and its business environment. LEFT: Former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano speaks at a Chamber function. ABOVE: From left, Senator Leff, Senate President Burns, and Senator Huppenthal. A direct presence at these meetings is critical, as the absence of the business community can send the wrong signal. photos: greater phoenix chamber of comerce