Salem Chamber takes Political Action with Academy

September 4th, 2008

16 participants took part in this year's Citizen-Candidates Academy which is designed to give interested Chamber members and citizens at large the opportunity to hear from experts in the world of politics.

Every year, the Salem Chamber coordinates a two-day academy with a goal of connecting 16-20 individuals with the resources and tools they need to be successful when running for office. The 4-hour event is designed to connect participants with elected officials at different levels of government, media/public relations experts, lobbyists, and political consultants.

Pictured at right from left to right is Rick Kimball of the Salem-Keizer School Board, Vic Backlund, former state legislator, Marion County Commissioner Janet Carlson, and City Council President Brad Nanke.

The Chamber's Citizen-Candidates Academy took place on the evenings of August 19th and August 26th of 2008 and will be coordinated again to take place in the Spring/Summer of 2009 when it will be in its fourth year. According to participants, the event serves as a beneficial first-step for citizens interested in learning more about what it takes to run for office or to be involved with political campaigns.

The event continues to receive strong reviews by participants and has created a consistent opportunity for businesspeople to engage in the world of campaigns and politics.

Pictured above at left is Vice President of Associated Oregon Indsutries, J.L. Wilson. Wilson spoke on local and state resources for candidates and was one of the many featured experts on politics in Oregon.