 At the Greater Arvada Chamber, we are committed to serving as a powerful voice in the region when it comes to policy and regulation impacting businesses. We also firmly believe that this work, from elected official engagement to policy testifying and education, should be accessible for everyone in our business community, not a select few decision-makers. That’s why we have recently reframed our policy efforts as an Advocacy Network. The Chamber’s Advocacy Network currently counts over 130 business leaders who have signed up to engage in this critical function of our organization and community. Through strategic initiatives, impactful programs, and a commitment to education and advocacy, the network has made significant strides in shaping an informed, business-friendly legislative landscape.  Our Advocacy Network Process
1. KAPS Council and Policy Pillars This year, the Greater Arvada Chamber is represented by 21 business and community leaders on its Advocacy KAPS Council. KAPS stands for Kick-Ass Problem Solvers and this council works diligently towards its vision: Arvada businesses are the voice that influences pro-industry legislation and opportunity in Arvada, Jefferson County, Adams County, and Colorado. Each year, this council agrees to policy pillars that set a general tone and clarity for legislative and policy discussions that impact all our businesses. These guidelines (detailed here) are principles designed to support a non-partisan pro-business approach to advocacy and lead to a focused and robust conversation. Our legislative session’s policy pillars are: Business Regulation, Workforce and Education, Housing, and Childcare. This council meets monthly (twice monthly during session) to review proposed legislation, vote on proposed Chamber bill positions, assist with elected official engagement, support the education of other business leaders on legislative changes, review proposed ballot questions, help develop our Community Impact Forums, and more. 2. Elected Official and Policy Engagement One of the most notable achievements of the Advocacy Network has been improving engagement between elected officials and the business community. In 2024, through events and programs, the Chamber saw a 90% local elected official participation rate. This consistent dialogue ensures that the concerns and priorities of businesses are well-communicated and addressed within the legislative process. The Greater Arvada Chamber hosts two major programs each year for elected officials to engage directly with the business community. The first is a Candidate Bootcamp that alternates between city council and county candidates. In 2024, political candidates for county commissioner and the state legislature attended the bootcamp, which was divided into two parts, each offering valuable insights that will help candidates better address the concerns of the business community. The first part included tours of two prominent local businesses. The second session was a classroom setting that focused on economic insights and featured panels of business owners from both small and large enterprises. The Chamber also hosts several Advocacy After Hours events each year as an informal opportunity for business leaders to interact face-to-face with our local and state elected officials. During the election season, we invite all local candidates to attend for a special Meet and Greet edition of the event. “I’ve learned more about my community representatives in one hour than I have in the 5 years of living here,” said one attendee. One of the most impactful versions of elected official and policy engagement that we can influence is business testimony on developing legislation. To date, the Chamber has successfully recruited 51 advocates who are willing to testify on key issues, significantly amplifying the business community’s voice in policy discussions. We have also developed programs and materials to assist with effective testimony, including designing a Housing Advocate Workbook and Program. Promoting opportunities to testify have contributed to shaping critical decisions affecting the local economy and regulatory environment. In 2024, the Chamber provided an Arvada Housing Strategic Plan Letter of Support at the deciding City Council Meeting. And in 2023, the Chamber provided business input on a state bill that favorably died based on powerful community storytelling. Additionally, the Chamber has a dedicated lobbyist who attends Advocacy KAPS Council meetings and has been instrumental in advocating for over 20 bills per legislative session. This proactive approach to policy advocacy ensures that the interests of the business community are represented and considered at the highest levels of state government. 3. Educating Businesses on Policy Implications and Impact Understanding policy changes and compliance requirements is essential for businesses to thrive. The Chamber updates the Advocacy Network with monthly emails that include programming and events, blogs, elected official profiles, and other content to keep the community informed. Each year, the Greater Arvada Chamber keeps our business community up-to-date with a running list of relevant proposed bills and our position on our Bill Tracker. Once bills are enacted into legislation, we will design business guides and session recaps on the most impactful new policies. We host end-of-session policy forums and an annual employment law overview for businesses to know the most critical regulatory updates. As urgent compliance deadlines approach, we will issue alerts to our network. Beyond business and non-profit leaders, the Greater Arvada Chamber has made significant strides in educating the broader community on how policy decisions influence economic growth and stability. Each year, an average of 500 business and community leaders attend Community Impact Forums hosted by the Chamber. These forums provide valuable insights into policy trends, economic forecasts, candidate platforms, and key legislative initiatives that affect businesses and residents alike. Additionally, the Chamber’s annual Voter Guide has garnered thousands of views, helping community members make informed decisions during election cycles. By providing accessible and accurate information, the Chamber fosters greater civic engagement and encourages voter participation in shaping the future of the local business environment. Projected Outcomes by 2026 Looking ahead, the Chamber’s Advocacy Network is poised for even greater impact, with ambitious yet achievable goals set for 2026:
“When You Play a Part, We All Thrive.” That is how we conclude our brand promise and it drives our engagement strategy across the Chamber. The Greater Arvada Chamber’s Advocacy Network is a successful example of this goal. A true business-friendly regulatory environment is one where all stakeholders are connected. That doesn’t mean we all agree on every piece of policy! But we believe the process and outcomes of legislation that impacts our business community should be accessible and transparent. Through our Advocacy Network, we hope to continue to grow in our legislative engagement and impact to help the community at large thrive. For more information about this program, contact Kami Welch ACE, IOM, President & CEO Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce [email protected]. Kami Welch is the President & CEO of the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce. A 15-year Chamber veteran, Kami has earned a reputation for developing strategic, innovative business and community growth opportunities. Kami is a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Talent Pipeline Fellow, Board Chair for the Western Association of Chamber Executives, board member for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, and Past-Chair of the Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce. She is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management (IOM). Kami also sits on community boards for non-profit organizations that focus on children, education, homelessness, and domestic violence. Kami loves living in Colorado with her husband and two children, where they enjoy hiking, skiing, and exploring.
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