The voice for business 

The Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to offer its membership fulltime advocacy staff dedicated to working with local, state and federal elected officials to influence pro-business policies that impact your bottom line.

As a member of the Chamber, Advocacy Center resources are included in the cost of your membership investment. Here are some of the resources you can begin taking advantage of immediately:

• Advocacy eNews – Updates on the hottest community and legislative issues
• Action Alerts – Emails alerting members to take action
• Face time with Elected Officials – Invites to exclusive meetings with policy makers
• Research and Issue Support – Assistance with issue research, scheduling stakeholder meetings, legislation and ordinance evaluation etc.
• Member Issue Forums – Access to informational presentations about controversial policy issues
• Taskforce Participation – Gauges interest on specific issues and invites participation in discussion about the topic
• Muskegon Business Political Action Committee – Donations supporting pro-business state candidates and policies

If you are interested in learning more about the Advocacy Center or would like to sign up for any of the resources above contact Janessa Stroud, Vice President of Government Affairs at 231-724-3183 or jstroud@muskegon.org.

Government Affairs Committee

The Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce advocates on behalf of business. A healthy business climate allows businesses to grow and prosper which in turn nurtures the health of our community, region and state. 

With member support, the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce speaks out and facilitates activities in a number of areas including education and workforce development, environmental and health care policy, transportation, energy policy and more. Our role changes based on the leadership required for each effort. Whenever possible we speak with a unified voice from the business community in an attempt to guide public and private resources toward the long-term community vision. All of this is possible through the support of the Governments Affairs Committee.

The Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee works with our elected officials on the local, state and federal levels of government to influence pro-business policies that support economic growth. Participation in the political arena from all citizens in the community is essential for dynamic growth in Muskegon. To learn more about the Chamber's advocacy efforts, visit the Government Affairs Committee webpage.

2010 Annual Survey Results Coming Soon!

2009 Annual Survey Results

Economic Promotion Tops Members' List of Chamber-to-do's

A 2009 Government Affairs survey polled members on issues from taxation to tourism and education to the environment. Nearly 10% of the membership responded to the survey offering their opinions on what issues that are a high priority and where the Chamber can speak as the voice of business to help impact these issues.

64%of respondents believe tourism and economic promotion is a high priority for the Chamber. Alternative energy research and development follows closely behind with 63% of respondents designating it as a high priority, and not surprisingly, next on the list is the elimination of the Michigan Business Tax, coming in at a close third with 55% feeling it is a high priority. 

Top 10 High Priority Issues
1 Tourism and Economic Promotion
2 Alternative Energy Research and Development
3 Elimination of MBT Surcharge
4 Repeal of MBT
5 Streamlining Government
6 Elimination of PPT
7 Access to Higher Education
8 Statewide recycling
9 Ensuring Secret Ballots in the Union Selection Process
10 Investment in Early Childhood

We couldn't agree with the survey results more. The results of the Government Affairs Survey will help guide the Government Affairs Committee and staff prioritize legislative agenda items for the remainder of 2009.

Currently we are meeting with elected officials to express your concerns about economic matters, looking for access to capital and identifying other business development resources. We continue to seek out funding solutions to maintain our transportation systems and other infrastructure elements critical for business.  We are advocating for government reform, requesting more education dollars to retrain our workforce, working to keep safe reliable energy and keeping the rising cost of health care manageable. 

Thank you to everyone who took the time to take the survey. For more information about business advocacy or the work being done on any of the above issues, please contact Janessa Stroud at jstroud@muskegon.org or 231-724-3183.

Click here for complete survey results.   

Candidate Information Workshop

Civic participation is the cornerstone of democracy. Every year the Chamber hosts a non-partisan Candidate Information Workshop to educate interested individuals about public service and campaigning. Are you ready for the challenge?     

Realities and Rewards - Hear from successful candidates who will share their personal experiences about public service.

Educate Yourself - Learn about community issues ranging from economic development to criminal justice from distinguished panelists.

Commitment - Learn how careful planning and execution makes for a successful campaign.  Is it your time to participate? Are you ready for the challenge?

Let us help you decide...Stayed tuned for 2009 info.

Contact Your Elected Officials

Local Elected Officials

Muskegon County Elected Officials

Muskegon County Board of Commissioners

State of Michigan Legislature

        Michigan State Senators

        Michigan House of Representatives

Federal Elected Officials

       United State Senators

       United State Representatives

Muskegon Business Political Action Committee

The Muskegon Business Political Action Committee (MBPAC) is an independent, non-partisan committee that exists for the purpose of financially supporting and endorsing candidates and legislators, policies and positions on a state level.  In the future we may consider contributing to local and federal legislative efforts that are aligned with the interests of the greater Muskegon business community.

Click here for more information.