PUBLIC AFFAIRS EVENTS

Every day government officials at all levels make decisions that impact the local economy and the ability of businesses to succeed. As the voice for the business community, the Fayetteville Area Chamber of Commerce promotes and lobbies for the interests of our members to help our business community grow and prosper.

Your Chamber works full time to represent the interests of business in the development of public policy by monitoring legislative issues and advocating the interests of our business members to government officials on the local, state, and federal levels.

Public policy directly affects our community's economic development. By having the Chamber advocate for business interests, and by continuously monitoring the political process, our members are better equipped to make a difference and more effectively aid in our community's economic development.

Your Chamber offers you many opportunities to voice your position and to obtain information, which will educate you about government initiatives.

Candidates' Forum:

Fayetteville and Cumberland County need elected officials who are business friendly and fight for the best interests of our community. The Candidates' Forum is a great venue to find out exactly who the business friendly candidates are, and what they propose to do for our community. A panel of Chamber members questions each candidate regarding his or her stance on a variety of issues. Candidates do not have any advance notification of the questions, which are gathered from Chamber members as well as members of our community.

Capitol Connection:

Each year, shortly after the beginning of the legislative session, Chamber members travel to Raleigh to meet with our state delegates as well as other elected officials and department heads. Through the course of breakfast and lunch meetings, Chamber members have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one discussions with our elected officials, to discuss current issues as well as upcoming legislation and how it may impact our community.

Eggs 'n Issues:

Designed to provide a timely update from our legislative delegation, this event gives our members the opportunity to network with our state delegates, to voice their concerns, and learn about pertinent governmental issues. This event features a question and answer segment, where Chamber members have the opportunity to ask questions of our state delegates.

The Short Session of the General Assembly, which meets during even numbered years, is intended primarily as a budget adjustment session, making necessary changes to the two-year budget passed during the preceding Long Session. During these sessions, Eggs 'n Issues is held prior to the start of the session, and serves as means for our members to gain insight into the budgetary issues our legislators expect to face. Two Eggs 'n Issues are held during the Long Session, and serve to allow our members the opportunity to voice their concerns about local issues prior to the start of the session, and also allow our members the opportunity to discuss voting records with our legislators at the conclusion of the Long Session.

Elected Officials Appreciation Dinner:

Our elected officials play a crucial role in helping us ensure a business friendly community, and enhancing the economic development of our area. The purpose of the event is to thank our elected officials for all they do to make Fayetteville and Cumberland County a great place to live, work, and do business! Our attendees include city, state and federal officials, as well as business leaders from throughout our community. Moreover, it gives members an opportunity to speak one-on-one with their elected officials about issues that are of concern to them, within a casual setting. This event is held in late summer.

Political Roundtables:

To be effective in today's business climate, you need to understand how government works and how it can impact your business. The purpose of these roundtable discussions is to keep our members "in the know" regarding issues facing our community at the local, state, and federal levels. These roundtable discussions are held once a month, and are open to the full membership.

Washington Issues:

Each year in early fall, Chamber members travel to Washington, DC to meet with our North Carolina Senators and Congressmen. Through the course of private meetings as well as a Congressional Dinner with these elected officials, Chamber members are given the opportunity to discuss topics of local concern in an intimate setting. This opportunity ensures our message is heard, and helps to encourage political activism.