The Chamber is the Voice of Business, Not Partisan Politics.
The Bellingham/ Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s primary mission is creating a strong local economy.
One of the key components in achieving this directive is being the voice of business, through advocacy and support of important business issues and interests before all levels of government. There are other organizations that speak for particular industries and sectors in our community and do it very well.
For example, the Downtown Renaissance Network represents the voice of the downtown Bellingham merchants while the Whatcom County Association of Realtors informs and speaks on behalf of local Realtors. The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry can, and does, represent both.
Our Chamber is the only broad-based business organization that can stand up and say that we represent businesses of all sizes – in all industries – throughout our community. If the total voice of the business community is to be heard, the Chamber of Commerce is the organization that can summon the tones.
Does that mean The Chamber of Commerce is a platform for one political party or the other? No. In fact, the Chamber has made it a point to be as non-partisan as possible. Issues that impact how business is done in Whatcom County are created by individuals and organizations with influences in both the liberal and conservative camps; the Chamber strives to be an advocate for all business, regardless of political affiliations. Again, our primary goal is to create a strong local economy. That objective runs right down the center of the aisle.
In addition, by being the strong voice for all business, we help our members avoid becoming directly involved in controversy. While some people thrive on the excitement created by opposing points of view, not all are willing to take action. The Chamber represents the interests of the entire business community and has the resources available to do the day-to-day work with the city, county, state and federal governments, allowing business owners & companies to focus their efforts on running a successful business, thereby contributing to a stronger local economy.
The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce and Industry provides our business community with a strong voice in helping to create, keep up with, and remain informed about public policy issues that affect the way business is conducted in Whatcom County. By doing so, we aid in creating and sustaining a strong local economy. The Chamber is the eyes and ears — and voice — of business.
Drew Graham is the Development Director of the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
