#bestchamber Practices-Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce Rescues the Lakeshore Art Festival; Editorial: Michigan needs to raise 1997 fuel tax; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations on Political Advocacy

The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce – which last summer rescued the 50-plus years of downtown Muskegon art fairs over the Fourth of July – has a specific vision of where the two-day event will be in the next three to five years. “We want this to become the Ann Arbor of the west,” said Muskegon chamber President Cindy Larsen. “If anyone is interested in art festivals, we want Muskegon to be No. 1 on their minds.” Read more at: mlive.com

Editorial: Michigan needs to raise 1997 fuel tax to save our roads

A bipartisan 2011 report found Michigan would need to more than double the $1.28 billion it spends per year on roads and bridges just to keep up with growing costs. Gov. Rick Snyder, supported by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, challenged the Legislature in 2011 to raise gas taxes and/or fees to come up with another $1 billion for roads. Read more: the Daily Telegram of Adrian, Michigan.

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations on Political Action: 

“Our chamber isn’t political.”

Neither are pro-business public policy statements. Issues are not partisan.

 --- Cholly Smith, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

#Lovemychamber - Return on Investment (ROI) from my annual chamber membership - Reason #20 - Political Advocacy in Government Affairs

Government Affairs - your local chamber of commerce is actively involved in protecting your business interests 365 days a year. Quantify those savings:

Example: The Las Vegas Chamber's work in Government Affairs led to the defeat of 4% union sponsored business tax that saved $250 million per year. $250 million/approx. 55,000 business licenses in Nevada - $4545 in new taxes saved per business.

Reasons to #LoveMyChamber - The Chamber Membership Value Proposition - Chamber of Commerce annual dues: Around $250. Value of the Chamber of Commerce Benefit Reason #20 - Political Advocacy on Your Behalf  $4545 - Return On Investment Features #1-#20 = $15,895; Total Return On Investment for Annual Chamber Membership - 6358 %.

Source: Mike Varney, former marketing VP, Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce (via Kyle Sexton)


Chamber of Commerce Questions and Answers on Political Advocacy

“It will jeopardize our tax status.”

Actually, it won’t. In1975, the tax code was changed to permit a 501(c)6 organization to administer and solicit funds for political activities. As a result, today many chambers are forming political action committees to endorse and support pro-business candidates.

Source: Cholly Smith, US Chamber of Commerce

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John Dussman is Midwest Manager for VillageProfile.com, working with chambers in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Missouri. More than 1500 U. S. Chambers of Commerce have trusted Village Profile to produce their Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Economic Development magazines and Chamber of Commerce Maps. Contact John at jdussman.vp@villageprofilemail.com or (800)-600-0134 x239.