Issues & Actions

Getting Your Business Voice Heard

The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce is a prominent and pro-active force in government affairs, speaking on behalf of the region's businesses. We add value to our business community and to the community at large by advocating policy initiatives that are critical to economic growth and job creation. Your Chamber has an aggressive Legislative Agenda as we advocate for business-friendly policies.

We have a full-time lobbyist who represents us in Richmond. Our lobbyist issues legislative alerts and newsletters throughout the year and generates letters and testimony as the voice of business.

The Legislative Advocacy Committee meets each month to examine business-related issues, formulate positions and sponsor events. The committee is involved in a number of activities including: candidates' forums, Legislative Wrap-Up, Coffee with Your Legislators, Lobbying Day in Richmond, Lobbying Day in Washington, D.C., and issues conferences. The committee also works to better shape and affect policy that affects the business climate by tracking local government actions.

Your Chamber has been instrumental in establishing the Virginia West Business and Legislative Coalition (VAWest), a coalition of 15 chambers in Western Virginia. VAWest is a forum for leadership and advocacy for issues that affect the broader region.

The Transportation Advocacy Group develops and promotes an agenda of multi-modal regional transportation projects and issues with the USDOT, VDOT and elect officials. The Chamber has been an active advocate for I-73, I-81 widening, passenger rail, and other projects.

A trained and available workforce is one of the most critical issues facing business. The Chamber's Workforce Education Advocacy Group brings together educators and business leaders to develop and implement programs such as Business Dinners, Job Shadowing, and internships.

With all of our efforts, Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce continues to be instrumental in strengthening the climate of business success in the region.