Chamber Initiatives
Through the Public Policy Committee, Chamber members take an active role in the public policy arena. Key opportunities include agenda-setting meetings and events such as the annual Legislative Breakfast and Dinner, Mayoral Lunch and Debates for Waterbury Mayor and 5th Congressional District. These events provide Chamber members venues to meet, build relationships, and discuss important business issues with elected and appointed officials on the federal, state and local levels of government.
Each year before the start of the year’s Legislative Session of the General Assembly, the Chamber's Board of Directors, on behalf of the membership, endorses a legislative agenda formally presented to legislators. (Legislative Agenda) In addition, the Public Policy Committee develops a Waterbury Mayoral Scorecard to track the Mayor’s progress on issues that impact the business community. Lastly, every two years, with the election of mayor in the City of Waterbury, the Chamber's Board of Directors endorses a municipal agenda.
Sample message to legislators in support of a bill:
Dear (Local Legislator),
I would like to use this opportunity to thank you for all of your hard work on behalf of the local business community. Initiatives that positively impact doing business in Connecticut are crucial to the future well-being of our economy and your work is commended.
I am writing to ask that you, as an official representing me in the statehouse, please consider my support for (BILL #). Connecticut continues to be one of the most expensive places to do business and lags behind nearly every other state in job creation. The passage of this bill would represent a step toward improving Connecticut’s business climate.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sample message to legislators in opposition to a bill:
Dear (Local Legislator),
I would like to use this opportunity to thank you for all of your hard work on behalf of the local business community. Preventing the passage of bills that are detrimental to doing business in Connecticut is crucial to the future well-being of our economy and your work is commended.
There are many bills that are potentially harmful to businesses throughout our state and I am writing to ask that you, as an official representing me in the statehouse, please consider my position in opposing (BILL #). Connecticut continues to be one of the most expensive places to do business and behind nearly every other state in job creation. We cannot afford to lose any more jobs to other states. The passage of this bill would further negatively impact the ability to do business in Connecticut.
Thank you for your consideration.
Each year before the start of the year’s Legislative Session of the General Assembly, the Chamber's Board of Directors, on behalf of the membership, endorses a legislative agenda formally presented to legislators. (Legislative Agenda) In addition, the Public Policy Committee develops a Waterbury Mayoral Scorecard to track the Mayor’s progress on issues that impact the business community. Lastly, every two years, with the election of mayor in the City of Waterbury, the Chamber's Board of Directors endorses a municipal agenda.
Sample message to legislators in support of a bill:
Dear (Local Legislator),
I would like to use this opportunity to thank you for all of your hard work on behalf of the local business community. Initiatives that positively impact doing business in Connecticut are crucial to the future well-being of our economy and your work is commended.
I am writing to ask that you, as an official representing me in the statehouse, please consider my support for (BILL #). Connecticut continues to be one of the most expensive places to do business and lags behind nearly every other state in job creation. The passage of this bill would represent a step toward improving Connecticut’s business climate.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sample message to legislators in opposition to a bill:
Dear (Local Legislator),
I would like to use this opportunity to thank you for all of your hard work on behalf of the local business community. Preventing the passage of bills that are detrimental to doing business in Connecticut is crucial to the future well-being of our economy and your work is commended.
There are many bills that are potentially harmful to businesses throughout our state and I am writing to ask that you, as an official representing me in the statehouse, please consider my position in opposing (BILL #). Connecticut continues to be one of the most expensive places to do business and behind nearly every other state in job creation. We cannot afford to lose any more jobs to other states. The passage of this bill would further negatively impact the ability to do business in Connecticut.
Thank you for your consideration.