One Strong Voice

Posted by Amy Clickner on March 18, 2013

A strong government relations program and strategy are important to any economic development organization.  At the LSCP, this is so critical that it rose as one of our seven primary strategies during our last organizational strategic plan.

Not only do we have an active Government Relations task force but we work closely with the Marquette County Ambassadors on legislative issues.  We have instituted policies and procedures for taking appropriate stands on current issues that directly impact our mission.

Building strong relationships and networks are key to our strategy.  One such partner is the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, which the LSCP became affiliated with nearly two years ago.  Because issues in the northern lower peninsula and the U.P. are typically very similar, we felt that by collaborating with others in that region a stronger voice would be created.

Each year Alliance members create a legislative agenda.  The agenda is comprised of issues that should be addressed regionally to maximize the political influence of this 14-county alliance and 6,500 members. The alliance is made up of the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce, Benzie County Chamber of Commerce, Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce, Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce, Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce, Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce and the LSCP.  Together we have identified legislative areas that should be monitored and advocated to elected officials on the local, state and federal levels.

When deemed appropriate and in support of  Alliance positions and recommendations, member advocacy and grassroots activities will be developed and promoted using this legislative agenda as a basis for taking position on legislative policy.  In addition, the Alliance members make regular trips to Lansing to visit our elected officials and appropriate state department staff.

Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance’s top legislative priorities for 2013:

• Education – Equitable funding for Northern Michigan schools and continued reforms in   curriculum. We also believe additional funding and access to workforce training is necessary based on local company’s needs.
• Infrastructure Investment – Energy generation and transmission for the region to have access to reliable and affordable energy. We also advocate for continued road funding along with expansion of our regions broad band connectivity.
• Regulatory Reforms – Regulators and Legislators need to finish implementing the recommendations made by the committees set up of the Office of Regulatory Reform. The biggest changes still needed involve regulations through the Liquor Control Commission and DEQ permit timing and approval process.

Partners of the LSCP receive the Northern Michigan Business Magazine via email or on our website on a bi-monthly basis.  This publication includes interviews with elected officials, economic development stories, business tips and more.

For more information on our efforts and connection with the Alliance, visit their blog at nmbusiness.com, the Government Relations section of our website (www.marquette.org) or contact the LSCP at 906.226.6591.