• POSTPONED: August Government Affairs & Member Advocacy Committee Meeting

**In lieu of the August meeting, committee membes will receive a copy of the July/August Area Report. If you are not currently on the committee email list, but would like a copy of the report, please email Amy Kreiner.

We are pleased to invite you to participate in the upcoming Talbot County Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs & Member Advocacy Committee meeting! Your engagement with this committee offers an invaluable opportunity to directly shape local policies and improve communication between our Chamber, its members, and our elected officials. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider joining or attending:

1. Advocate for Your Business:

One of the core purposes of the Chamber is to advocate on behalf of local businesses, and the Government Affairs & Member Advocacy Committee plays a key role in this effort. This committee offers a direct platform for business leaders like you to share the challenges you’re facing, whether it’s related to legislation, regulations, taxes, or other issues. By participating, you’ll ensure that the Chamber has a clear understanding of the issues impacting your business, and together, we can work to develop solutions and advocate for changes that benefit the broader business community. Your feedback is crucial in helping us tailor our advocacy efforts to better serve your needs.

2. Increase Communication with Elected Officials:

Participating in this committee fosters a stronger, ongoing dialogue between the Chamber, its members, and our elected officials*. This is your chance to help build a bridge of communication that allows for a deeper understanding of business needs and priorities, ensuring that your concerns are represented at all levels of government.

3. Stay Informed on Key Legislation:

The Government Affairs & Member Advocacy Committee keeps members up to date on the latest legislative initiatives, local government decisions, and business-related laws that could impact your company. The committee will closely monitor action alerts and updates from the Maryland Chamber of Commerce's Legislative Committee and share their weekly legislative tracker, which is also available on our homepage under the Legislative Updates tab. Whether you want to be prepared for changes or provide valuable input, this is the place to stay informed.

4. Build Strong Relationships:

This committee is a great way to connect with local government leaders, policymakers, and fellow business owners. Networking with decision-makers and community influencers can open doors to valuable partnerships and opportunities.

5. Shape the Future of Our Community:

Your participation will help steer important conversations that affect not just your business but the broader community. By collaborating with like-minded professionals, you can contribute to shaping policies that create a better environment for everyone.

6. Gain Insight and Share Expertise:

The Government Affairs & Member Advocacy Committee offers a platform for sharing ideas and learning from others. Whether you're an expert in a certain field or new to the process, this is a welcoming environment where you can grow and share your knowledge.

Meeting Details:

• Date: Second Thursday of each month
• Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Location: Talbot Chamber offices, 101 Marlboro Ave., Suite 53, Easton, MD 21601

We encourage you to join us for this productive meeting and to consider becoming an active participant in the Government Affairs & Member Advocacy Committee. Your involvement will help strengthen communication channels between our Chamber, our members, and elected officials, making a lasting impact on our community.

If you would like to attend or have any questions, please contact Susie Hayward, Committee Chair, at SusieHayward1@gmail.com or (443) 786-1955. We look forward to seeing you there!

During Legislative Session, Elected Officials may be unable to attend and may provide written session updates for the committee chair to share in their absence.