Chamber’s Advocacy Policy

Overview:
The purpose of this policy is to formalize the precedent set by the Marana Chamber of Commerce (MCC) leadership throughout its 35-year history. This policy adopted by the Board of Directors serves as a stable guiding document for the President/CEO in ever-changing political environment.

This policy is subject to review/revision in the routine policy review session and will be adapted as necessary to continue to fulfill the mission of the Marana Chamber of Commerce and serve the best interest of the organization’s diverse membership.

Policy Issues
The Marana Chamber of Commerce President/CEO and Board of Directors are responsible for monitoring critical issues throughout the legislative and policymaking process. When asked to support or oppose policy, bonds, initiatives, the practice is that the President/CEO will give the full Board of Directors the information and opportunity to support or provide feedback. If there are no concerns from the Board of Directors, the President/CEO will sign on. If there is a concern, there will be an Executive Committee Meeting called to determine next steps.

Political Candidates & Campaigns
The Marana Chamber of Commerce (MCC) has the official position of community education for political campaigns and candidates for elective public office. The community education component can be accomplished via candidate forum, published questionnaire, etc. and will be focused from a business and commerce perspective.

• Organization:
  The MCC will not directly or indirectly participate in, or intervene in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. The MCC shall not endorse any political candidate.
• Board of Directors & Staff Members:
  Marana Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Policy is not intended to restrict free speech on political matters. Individuals within the MCC can speak their mind and endorse candidates as long as they aren’t doing it as an official representative of the Marana Chamber of Commerce, at MCC Events and/or in MCC Communications (digital or printed).

Political Candidates & Campaigns Guidelines
The MCC honors and admires community members who step up to the calling of leadership by running for elected office. To comply with the MCC's Advocacy Policy, political campaigns and candidates may be Chamber members with full benefits, but they may not be Community Investor Members, sponsors, or paid advertisers.

This ensures advocacy is focused on the broader business community and on policy versus individual candidates. This restriction does not limit the Chamber’s ability to host nonpartisan educational activities such as candidate forums, questionnaires, or informational sessions conducted solely from a business and commerce perspective.