Business Advocacy

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce includes a membership of over 1,200 businesses that employ over 30,000 residents in the region. We are the largest, most influential organization advocating for business in the Mid-Willamette Valley.

"The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce continues to prove itself as the go to organization for business advocacy in our region. The value to business is unmatched by any other as it relates to representing business interests with local and county government in the Salem area. An investment in the Chamber and their advocacy work is an investment in the future of the Salem area's business climate." -- Darr & Kathy Goss, Capital Valuation, Ltd.

The Salem Chamber:

Advocates for businesses of all shapes and sizes with local elected leaders. If your business is facing a challenge operating in the Mid-Willamette Valley, we're here to help.

Mobilizes employers. Sound public policy is a crucial component of a healthy private sector business climate. Interested employers are encouraged to join in the Salem Chamber's mobilization efforts by participating in opportunities to testify and share your story as a job creator with local City Councilors and Salem area Legislators. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with interest.

Customizes communications. If you're interested in receiving timely legislative updates, city council reports, and ongoing information about the Salem Chamber's advocacy efforts, join over 350 business members that receive customized public policy updates via email from Salem Chamber staff.

Leads community initiatives. The Salem Chamber has a proven track record of success in leading the way on important community issues appearing on your ballot including:

- Passage of the 2008 Streets & Bridges Bond

- Passage of the 2006 City of Salem Fire Department Facilities & Equipment Bond

- Passage of City of Salem annexations

- Opposition to oppressive tax measures 66 & 67

Innovates by hosting an annual Citizen/Candidates Academy for residents interested in running for office and launching a free text message service available exclusively for Salem Chamber members to keep up with the latest employer mobilization needs.

Reports on the latest public policy issues facing the Mid-Willamette Valley through blog postings highlighted below.

Coordinates timely public policy sessions open to all members which take place on the first Thursday of every month from 7am - 8:30am at the Salem Chamber.

Click here for our next Public Policy Session on the Calendar

Participate in the process by adding your name to the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For additional information on the Chamber's business advocacy efforts, please contact Jason Brandt; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 503-581-1466, ext. 304.

Chamber endorsements support strong local economy

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce is an organization that will continue to take stands that support a healthier local economy. We care deeply about improving opportunity for Oregonians and supporting an environment throughout the state that embraces job creation.

Latest Public Policy News

Special Open House April 1 for Riverfront Park Apartments

You are cordially invited to a special open house on Monday, April 1 at 5pm at the Salem Riverfront Carousel to see the vision being put together for the former Boise Cascade property. Monday's open house focuses on an upscale apartment complex being proposed for the site.

The invitation to the event on Monday is provided through the link below:…
Salem Chamber Partners with NFIB on "Small Business Day at the Capitol"

The challenge is simple - more small businesses are needed in the halls of the Capitol building. Naturally small businesses are busy tending to their operations with little to no time to attend a day engaging elected leaders.

The Salem Chamber wants to challenge you to make an exception and make sure elected leaders understand what you need in order to be successful, create jobs, drive profit, and churn the local economy.

Small Business...
Third Bridge Alliance Presentation Slides

Please see the following pdf for important factual information regarding the ongoing third bridge discussion for our regional economy:

ThirdBridgeAllianceSlides.pdf
Salem Chamber Mobilization Team Takes Action

A special thanks to the following individuals who are standing up for small businesses. The Salem Chamber's 2013 Mobilization Team will be active participants in Oregon's Legislative Session and look forward to providing their feedback as business managers and owners on important policy issues that impact the ability of the private sector to create jobs.

To view the list of participants taking part in this grassroots effort, click on the following pdf:…
BOLI Warns Employers: Don’t Waste Money on Required Posters

2013 editions of all employment posters available free from BOLI

PORTLAND – Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) is warning employers

throughout the state to beware of solicitations that they receive offering required employment

posters for sale. BOLI’s Technical Assistance for Employers (TA) Program, which provides a

range of resources and educational seminars to Oregon employers, provides online access to all

required posters as well as selling…
Salem Chamber supports third bridge option

Last night, Salem City Council heard public testimony on plans for the third bridge option. Chamber president John Miller testified in support of the project on behalf of the Salem Chamber.

Read the Chamber's letter of support
Protect Oregon homes

Watch video on Measure 79
Prepare your business for Health Care Reform

Join TJ Sullivan from Huggins Insurance, Christine Moehl from Saalfeld Griggs, PC, Jason Beyrouty from AKT Benefit Advisors LP, and Jane Berg from Benefits Consulting Northwest, at the Chamber for a special two hour seminar regarding the impact of health care reform. Learn how to help your business adapt for 2014 and find options for your HR department.

FREE for Chamber members. $20 for non-members. Seating is limited - register now to reserve your…
Chamber endorsements support strong local economy

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce is an organization that will continue to take stands that support a healthier local economy. We care deeply about improving opportunity for Oregonians and supporting an environment throughout the state that embraces job creation.

Please read carefully through this special publication created for the November 2012 election. The Salem Chamber has taken strong stands in support of state measures and candidates that will be appearing on the ballot. A…
Measure 79 would block new tax on home sales

Home ownership is a cornerstone of safe, healthy and vibrant communities. It also influences the local business and economic climate.

Housing and home ownership has been hit hard by the economic downturn. Many Oregonians have lost their homes or been unable to purchase a home.

Measure 79 on the Nov. 6 ballot is a strategic step to protect homeowners from an additional tax on the sale or purchase of real estate. In past legislative sessions, the concept...

Public Policy Co-Chairs

These three business leaders devote their time and energy to ensure the Salem Chamber is on point in following and mobilizing on the issues of concern to local businesses. Please contact them or Salem Chamber staff as issues arise that you feel should be addressed.

Public Policy Procedures

Guiding Principles for the Salem Chamber's Public Policy Efforts

1. Preserving the competitive enterprise system of business by creating a better understanding and appreciation of the importance of the business community and a concern for its problems; creating a more intelligent business and public opinion regarding city, county, state, and national legislative and political affairs; preventing controversies which are detrimental to business and the community; and creating a greater appreciation of the value of competitive business.