The business community needs YOU!

By Jack Camper
jcamper(at)tucsonchamber.org
President/CEO, Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

Ever wonder how some of the decisions that ultimately affect commerce in this community get made?  Sure, the City Council or the County Board of Supervisors usually has the last vote on most matters, but how do the issues come before them in the first place?

In almost all instances, a standing board, committee or commission begins the debate about pending problems or potential changes, puts a plan together and makes recommendations to the appropriate local government body.  With more than 140 such organizations between the city and county — each with between six and 35 members on average — the opportunity for input into the process is significant.  In a couple of cases, the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce has a standing seat on select boards that I usually fill myself.  In the vast array of other commissions and committees, we have no real representation.  And in many cases, the business community desperately needs it.

Most of these committees are composed of well-intentioned Tucson-area residents who want what is best for our community.  Unfortunately, it is entirely likely that they are not well-versed on issues affecting commerce nor even terribly interested in how best to support the community’s lifeblood:  its local businesses, both large and small.  When you examine the makeup of important committees, many times, you are left with the uneasy feeling that critical plans are being developed (for City Council/ Board of Supervisors review) by key members of neighborhood associations.  And while I believe those members have every right to voice their opinions, I do not embrace the idea that they can speak for both their neighborhood and our business interests in a fair and balanced way.  In short, business needs its own voice.  As Chamber members critically interested in the well-being of our economy, you are the very best voice we can get.

Most positions in these boards are appointed by Council members or Supervisors who select from their own ward or district.  These appointments typically have specific term-lengths that need replacements periodically.  This is where you come in.  In order to be selected for a specific appointment, the elected official must know that you are interested and that you’d make a good commission/committee member.  If you are applying for boards/commissions that TMCC deems to be critical, the Chamber can write a letter of recommendation for you and can lobby for your appointment.  We would offer the feedback from our Business Development and Governmental Affairs committees should you need more in-depth understanding of a specific matter being discussed in your committee/commission.  In this way, you could be a true conduit for the business community to our local elected officials.

Robert Medler and Paula Stuht from the Chamber staff have been compiling a list of committees/commissions/boards that the Chamber would like to someday have representation on.  Not all of them have current openings and some of them may never have openings (no term limits were set on that particular committee).  Regardless, if the Chamber sees a strong business connection, we will push to find ways to get business representation.

In the coming month, Paula and Robert will post a table on our Web site that will be the Chamber’s “wish list.”  I ask that you take the time to scan it and see if there are any areas of interest for you as a business person and a Chamber member.  If so, I ask that you call Robert (792-2250, ext. 129) or Paula (ext. 134) and let them know.  In the meantime, visit the City and the County’s Web sites to review the entire list of possibilities (County: www.pima.gov/cob/bcc/Index.htm; City:  www.ci.tucson.az.us/clerks/boardscommissions.php).  We need you, now more than ever, to get involved and give business a voice.