How the Chamber Determines Its Position on Public Policy Issues

Public policy advocacy is an important part of the St. Charles Regional Chamber’s mission. The Chamber may consider taking a formal position on legislation, regulations, ballot measures, local government proposals, and other public policy issues that could affect Chamber members or the regional business community.

The Chamber does not endorse political candidates. When considering an issue, we follow an established process designed to gather information, encourage thoughtful discussion, document our decision, and ensure appropriate oversight.

How an Issue Is Introduced

A public policy issue may be brought to the Public Policy Committee by Chamber staff, a committee member, a legislator, a partner organization, a Chamber member, or another organization or political subdivision.

When a company, organization, or political subdivision asks the Chamber to consider an issue, it must complete the St. Charles Regional Chamber Policy Consideration Form.

The form should be submitted at least three months before the election, legislative vote, or other anticipated action. The Chamber’s Board of Directors may also choose to review an issue on its own initiative.

Submitting a request does not guarantee that the Chamber will take a position. It ensures that the issue can be considered through the Chamber’s established review process.

Why Three Months Is Requested

The three-month timeframe allows the Chamber to work within its regular Public Policy Committee and Board meeting schedules. It gives the Chamber’s President and CEO and Public Policy Committee Chair time to review the request, gather background information, identify speakers, and place the issue on an upcoming committee agenda.

The timeline also allows the committee or Board to request additional information before reaching a decision. If the Chamber adopts a formal position, sufficient time is needed to communicate and promote that position before the election or vote occurs.

Presenting the Issue

At the Public Policy Committee meeting, Chamber staff, the committee chair, or another presenter provides an overview of the issue. The presentation should address:

• The substance of the proposal;
• The timeline for action;
• The position the Chamber is being asked to consider; and
• The potential effect on Chamber members and the regional business community.

Whenever possible, the Chamber prefers to hear presentations representing both sides of an issue. This allows committee members to ask questions, consider different perspectives, and better understand the potential consequences of the proposal.

When representatives from both sides are not available, the Chamber may seek additional background information from other sources to support a balanced review.

Considering a Formal Resolution

A draft resolution outlining a proposed Chamber position may be presented to the Public Policy Committee. The resolution helps define the issue, the proposed action, and the reasoning behind a potential Chamber position.

During its discussion, the committee considers how the issue aligns with the Chamber’s priorities and mission, as well as its potential impact on Chamber members, businesses, economic development, workforce, infrastructure, public services, and the region’s long-term prosperity.

Following its review, the Public Policy Committee may vote to recommend that the Chamber:

• Support or endorse the issue;
• Oppose or not endorse the issue;
• Remain neutral;
• Monitor the issue as it develops; or
• Table the matter for additional information or further review.

Chamber staff then documents the committee’s recommendation and finalizes the proposed resolution. The committee’s action is a recommendation and does not become the Chamber’s official position until it is considered by the Board of Directors.

Review by the Board of Directors

For matters following the standard process, the resolution and committee recommendation are submitted to the Board of Directors for review and a vote.

The President and CEO and Public Policy Committee Chair provide the Board with a summary of the issue, the information presented, and the committee’s recommendation. Other Board members who attended the committee discussion may also offer information or observations.

The Board may accept the recommendation, reach a different conclusion, remain neutral, choose to monitor the issue, table the matter, or request additional information before voting. The position approved by the Board becomes the official position of the St. Charles Regional Chamber.

Addressing Time-Sensitive Issues

Occasionally, a legislative, regulatory, or other public policy matter may arise on a timeline that does not allow for consideration at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.

When timing does not permit full Board review, the Executive Committee may review and act on the Public Policy Committee’s recommendation on behalf of the Board, consistent with the Chamber’s bylaws.

Any action taken by the Executive Committee is reported to the full Board at its next meeting for ratification. This limited expedited process allows the Chamber to respond when timely action is necessary while maintaining documentation and Board oversight.

The Chamber still encourages organizations requesting consideration of a known election or scheduled vote to submit the Policy Consideration Form at least three months in advance. The expedited process is intended for issues that arise unexpectedly or require action before the normal review schedule can be completed.

Communicating the Chamber’s Position

Once a position has been approved, the Chamber communicates it as appropriate. Depending on the issue, this may include notifying members, elected officials, government agencies, partner organizations, voters, or the public.

The amount and method of communication will depend on the nature of the issue, the timing of the decision, and the action authorized by the Board or Executive Committee.

A Process Built on Careful Consideration

The Chamber recognizes that public policy issues can be complex and that members may hold different opinions. Our process is designed to provide consistency, encourage informed discussion, consider different perspectives, and ensure appropriate leadership oversight before the Chamber speaks on behalf of the organization.

By gathering information, evaluating member and regional impact, documenting recommendations, and involving the Public Policy Committee and Board of Directors, the Chamber can take positions thoughtfully, responsibly, and in alignment with its mission to advocate for a strong and prosperous regional business community.