Government Affairs Committees

Budget, Finance and Legal

Staff Liaison: Robert Medler (520) 792-2250 X 129

Chair: Kasey Nye, Quarles & Brady LLP

The Budget, Finance and Legal Committee evaluates the various municipal budgets, advocates for funding of Chamber priorities and ensures regulations being passed are business friendly.  This committee also covers employment and tax regulation.  If you have an interest in ensuring business has a positive regulatory climate in Southern Arizona, this is the committee for you.

Committee meets the second Wednesday of each month at 8:00 a.m. at the Tucson Metro Chamber.

Candidate Evaluation

Staff Liaison: Robert Medler (520) 792-2250 X 129

Chair: Walter Richter, Southwest Gas Corporation

The Candidate Evaluation Committee interviews candidates and analyzes their background, qualifications and postures with respect to Chamber issues affecting the membership.  Members disseminate candidate positions to Chamber membership and report the results of the candidate evaluations to the Chamber’s Political Action Committee. 

This Chamber committee is by invitation only.

Healthcare Committee

Staff Liaison: Robert Medler (520) 792-2250 X 129

Chair: Donald Lipsy, Coventry Workers Compensation Services

The health of a company’s employees is integral to the success of that business. From doctor-patient rights, to availability of plans, to tort reform, this committee is responsible for evaluating federal and state policy impacting healthcare availability, quality and affordability.

Committee meets the third Thursday of each month at 8:00 a.m. at the Tucson Metro Chamber.

Infrastructure Committee

Staff Liaison: Robert Medler (520) 792-2250 X 129

Chair: Tom McGovern, PSOMAS Engineering

A strong business environment is built on the ability to have infrastructure ready for expanding existing companies or opening new businesses. Whether high-tech manufacturing, cutting edge biomedicine or a new retail store, businesses need readily available utilities and adequate transportation for their products and customers. The Infrastructure Committee is responsible for transportation, wet utilities and dry utilities. It is responsible for identifying, evaluating and making recommendations on pertinent issues within these public policy realms.

Committee meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 a.m. at the Tucson Metro Chamber.

Land Use and Natural Resources

Staff Liaison: Robert Medler (520) 792-2250 X 129

Chair: Brad Richards, Mr. Electric

The Land Use and Natural Resources Committee advocates for policies that support a strong economy. Members of this committee respond to Southern Arizona's diverse needs regarding land parcels for development, utilization of protected lands and use of natural resources for economic gain while respecting the rights of the regulated community. The committee supports implementation and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations in a fair, reasonable and consistent manner.

Committee meets the third Wednesday of each month at 8:00 a.m. at the Tucson Metro Chamber.

Public Policy Council

Staff Liaison: Robert Medler (520) 792-2250 X 129

Chair: Phil Dion, UNS Energy Corporation

Having a bird’s eye view of policy and political landscapes is an absolute must in today’s business climate. The Tucson Metro Chamber’s Public Policy Council coordinates the government affairs efforts of the Chamber. It receives recommendations from the various issue committees and staff to create action plans for advocacy of issues and positions. Members of this committee are selected by the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Government Affairs Department staff for their knowledge of public policy, their political connections and their awareness of issues and priorities

For more information on any of the committees above or to join, contact Robert Medler.