Government and Economic Relations Committee

Mission Statement:

To enhance the economic development and business opportunities for Branford Chamber of commerce members and the Branford business community, both for profit and not-for-profit, at large. To achieve this goal the Committee will work with government entities, elected and non-elected, on a town, regional and statewide basis; as well as local, regional and state business and trade associations.

Main Objectives:

• To maintain and enhance relationships with policy and decision makers.
  
• To create an annual Branford Chamber of Commerce Legislative Agenda that contains Branford specific initiatives and Shoreline regional items that are part of the Shoreline Regional Government Relations Legislative Agenda with particular relevance to Branford.
 
• To create an annual Branford Chamber Economic Development Agenda that states the Chamber's position on key economic development issues that upon which the Town, State and regional government agencies, and this committee itself, should be focused.
 
• To support and collaborate with other shoreline Chambers to meet common objectives.
 
• To actively participate in the Town of Branford's economic development process from both a strategic planning and advocacy perspective. This includes membership participation on the Economic Development Commission.
 
• To coordinate, publicize and participate in Candidate Forum, the Legislative Breakfast and the Branford State of the Town Breakfast.
 
• To maintain an effective Town Relocation Guide.
 

Activities of the Committee:

Legislative Forums: each year the committee provides a forum for chamber members and the entire community to meet with their State Senator and State Legislators. Typically held as a breakfast meeting these events combine a balance of pre-determined questions and general questions from the audience. This insightful session are designed to ensure that the membership is "tuned" into legislation that may impact their business.

Debates: The Chamber regularly sponsors debates for those individuals running for First Selectman or the State legislature on alternate years. These events may take a variety of formats but are always moderated by an individual knowledgeable in the field. Our goal is to produce an event that allows are membership to determine which candidate best meets their particular needs.

Celebration of Success: The committee, as part of their economic development mission annually selects approximately ten business that have demonstrated outstanding outcomes. This may be in the form of increased sales, facilities expansion and or community service work. Major corporations like Alcoa Howmet, SETON, Wilson Arms, Hearth at Gardenside, Premier Subaru, as well as smaller businesses like Blue Plate Radio have been recognized at a special breakfast complete with a keynote speaker.

Special Events: the committee regularly engages in the coordination of special events and programs. This may take the form of a work force study, working with the Town regarding a study of issuing surrounding Main Street or providing a forum for elected officials like the Governor or Lt. Governor to speak.

LIAISON WITH TOWN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION:

One member of the Committee who is also a member of the Board of Directors shall have a seat on the Towns Economic Development Commission (EDC). As a voting member of this body it is this person's responsibility to act as liaison between the EDC and the Chamber representing both the needs of Branford and the business community.

DEVELOPMENT OF GOVERNMENT and ECONOMIC AGENDAS

Each year the Chamber creates both a Legislative and on occasion an economic agenda. These are shared with local Legislators, Chamber membership and well as the Town of Branford.

Legislative Agenda  (PDF)

Economic Agenda  (PDF)

Shoreline Government Relations

Two members of the committee are picked to serve on the Shoreline Government Relations Committee. This group combines Chambers extending from East Haven to Old Saybrook. The coalition acts as a group to address issues of mutual importance.

Detailed information about the organization may be found:

CT Shoreline Chambers Government Relations Committee