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.

Latest Public Policy News

Legalities of Local Preference Policies discussed at Chamber

The Salem Chamber was packed in early January 2012 for an ongoing debate around one core question – is it legal for local municipalities to have policies in place to give contract preferences to local businesses?

The answer according to state law is no, says Paul Dakopolos with Garrett, Hemann, Robertson PC.

“There are all these laws that regulate how contracts can be awarded,” said Dakopolos referring to ORS Chapter 279 and the applicable...
Chamber Board Unanimously Supports Airport Master Plan

Imagine Salem with no airport and without the correlating 2,195 local jobs that are tied to Salem’s airport infrastructure, according to data provided by the City of Salem.

Now imagine the Salem area community without over $65 million in local wages and over $241 million in local business sales generated by our current airport.

Without question, Salem’s airport is a primary component and an asset as the City of Salem continues to develop...
Chamber Digs into Parks Master Plan

Salem city residents currently have the pleasure of enjoying 71 parks that cover 1,180 acres of land. But what does the overall vision and strategy look like for the current system and any future expansion of that system?

Mark Becktel, Parks and Transportation Services Manager for the Public Works Department presented the latest process being undertaken by the City of Salem and a group of volunteer residents that make up the Parks Master Plan Committee. For...
Chamber Check-up - Status Report on Local Money Measures

Chemeketa Community College, the City of Salem, and the Salem-Keizer School District presented detailed overviews of bond projects accomplished to date and those slated for completion in the coming years.

Over 40 businesspeople were in attendance to openly discuss the progress of the bonds and the information presented.

Monthly Public Policy Sessions are open to all members and take place on the first Thursday of every month from 7-8:30am. If you're interested in…
Oregon Needs Strong Business Leadership

Guest Opinion

Jim Rasmussen, Salem Chamber Board & Create Jobs PAC Chair

Oregon Needs Strong Business Leadership to Solve State’s Problems

As Oregonians, we face one of the nation’s highest unemployment rates, our economy is stagnating under regulations and global forces and we struggle meeting the needs of the less fortunate even as requests for assistance grow.

The good news is there’s a solution to help solve these…
Boardman 2020 Plan Moves Forward
Boardman2020.pdf
2011 Final Legislative Report
View the report in detail prepared by the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce (OSCC). The OSCC includes over 70 local Chambers of Commerce from around the state.

View the report here: FINAL%20REPORT%202011%20Session%20-%20OSCC.pdf
Downtown Vision Hot Topic at Salem Chamber

About 40 business managers and active members of the Salem Chamber took part in an open discussion with leaders of Go Downtown Salem and the Salem Downtown Partnership at July's Public Policy Session on July 7. T.J. Sullivan, Interim Director of Go Downtown Salem and Eric Kittleson, Acting President of the Salem Downtown Partnership's property owners board discussed their ideas and vision for leading downtown forward.

As of last night, Salem City Council passed parameters and…
Emotions Highten as Legislature Prepares to Adjourn

Emotions Heighten as Legislature Prepares to Adjourn

Realizing that with only days, if not hours, remaining in the 2011 session, the week of June 13-17 saw two separate efforts to win legislative action through protest.

Tuition Equity Supporters of SB 742, the “Tuition Equity” bill (see March 7 and April 4 Updates), blocked corridors on the third floor of the House office buildings…
Oregon Legislature Winds Down

Legislature Winds Down

The legislature has indicated that it will attempt to adjourn by the end of this week, but may go into the first of next week if remaining issues (primarily remaining budget issues) cannot be resolved.

Legislature Conquers Redistricting: Major hurdle to final adjournment is addressed

The Oregon Legislature has reached a compromise on the redrawing of House and Senate legislative districts, removing one more…

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.