Chamber Commentary: Serving as the "Sane Center" for our Communities

​As we enter election season, what strategies or steps is your Chamber taking to model, encourage, and facilitate civic dialogue that is respectful and productive in your community?  Chamber leadership shares how they believe can Chambers become the "sane center" in our communities in these discussions.

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We have integrated elements of fostering civic dialogue and bridging political divides into all the Chamber’s “People & Policy Matter” goals. Some efforts occur in small groups as we model productive and respectful conversations (while never shying away from the difficult issues) during Coffee with Candidates Forums, chamber-hosted weekly videoconferences between our membership and state legislators, and as part of the Candidate School programing for those considering running for office. Candidates are asked about their role to bridge divides for effective, cross-aisle government solutions on our Candidate Questionnaires. We then publish results to our membership. When considering our endorsements, we reflect on the campaign messages and statements issued by the candidates. Recently we partnered with the Mike Mansfield Center for Democracy and hosted a 200-person community town hall on democracy and civility. Supporting legislation that takes the edge off polarizing structures is important to us. The Billings Chamber recently endorse local and state initiatives that would examine city and county government structure and statewide voting policy. While most issues can be quickly twisted into a polarizing debate, chambers are uniquely positioned to maintain the sane center between business, community residents and government.

John Brewer
President/CEO, Billings Chamber of Commerce​

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In the pivotal year of 2024, our community will participate in six crucial elections – from special elections to the presidential election in November. At the Columbia County Chamber, our commitment to the community lies in education – specifically, equipping our candidates with a deep understanding of the Chamber’s legislative agenda and empowering voters with comprehensive insights into where each candidate stands on these vital issues.

Earlier in the year we published our inaugural voter’s guide and have plans to host one, if not two, candidates forums dedicated to fostering informed discourse. Our ultimate aim? Ensuring that candidates grasp the paramount concerns facing our business community and take meaningful action, thus enabling voters to make informed decisions that resonate with our collective vision for progress.

Russell Lahodny, IOM
President and CEO, Columbia County (GA) Chamber

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