Government Relations Task Force

The Government Relations Task Force has been created to help the Lake Superior Community Partnership create a strong voice for positive impact on state and federal policy issues that affect business and our community.  Understanding that the private and public sectors need to work together in order to diversify our economic base and cultivate an environment that is conducive to sustainable development drives our efforts.

The Lake Superior Community Partnership believes that taking stands on appropriate policy matters, and promoting those positions, are important ways in which we serve our constituents and our cause.  We must not only serve our communities, we must advocate for our communities.  We will use our voice strategically and thoughtfully.

Policy Agenda 2019/2020

Procedure for Public Policy Support:

Guiding factors in the determination of public policy positions will include the following:

1. Only the board of directors, by a majority vote of those present at a regularly scheduled meeting, can decide on an official policy stand by the Lake Superior Community Partnership. If a timely decision is necessary, the CEO has the option to poll the board in between regularly scheduled meetings. In this instance, a majority of the board seated will constitute a quorum.
2. Suggestions for taking a policy stand can come from any member.  These suggestions should be sent in writing to the Chair of the Board of Directors and to the CEO.
3. The Chair and the CEO can bring the suggestion to the board meeting for discussion, or can refer the issue to the Government Relations Task Force.
4. The Government Relations Task Force may also poll the membership via e-mail to determine interest and potential impact of an issue being considered.
5. The criteria used by the board will be based on the following.  We will consider taking an organizational stand IF:
   1. The issue directly or indirectly affects our constituents and/or our organizational mission.
   2. The issue draws on our expertise and knowledge as an organization.
   3. Along with the policy stand, we develop a realistic plan for how to implement the policy stand, communicate our stand to the appropriate people, and make use ofthe stand in our work, and adopt this plan at the same time we finalize our position.
6. Letters to officials, letters to editors, and open letters to the public on this stand will be signed by the Chair of the Board of Directors or Chief Executive Officer.
7. Public policy stands expire after one year from adoption unless the board acts to extend the period.

Policy for Endorsing Candidates for Office

While the Government Relations Task Force supports various public policies, actively pursues opportunities to meet with legislators and staff when they are in the area as well as  opportunities to meet with political candidates, the LSCP and Government Relations Task Force DOES NOT endorse candidates for office.

However, the Task Force will seek opportunities to bring candidates to the area prior to the General Elections to provide the LSCP and its Partners the ability to listen and speak with candidates, helping them to make informed decisions as they go to the polls. It will also provide the LSCP an opportunity to build a relationship with all candidates, one of whom will hold office after the election.

Policy Issues

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