Advocacy

The St. Paul Area Chamber leverages the collective voice of employers to promote economic vitality across the region.

Public Affairs: The Voice of the Chamber

Government Relations

Our commitment to our members is to ensure that business voices are heard in a broad array of policy debates at all levels of government. We actively engage with elected officials, providing them with accurate and trustworthy information, advancing our initiatives, and sharing the employer perspective on policy considerations. We are a non-partisan organization and conduct our interactions to reinforce that position.

View our 2021 Advocacy Areas of Focus.

Our Public Affairs team can help your organization with government relations through:

Committee or Public Hearing Testimony
Letters of Support or Opposition to Legislation
Attending Meetings with Elected Officials or Administration Staff
Assistance Forming an Advocacy Strategy or Plan

Get Involved

The St. Paul Area Chamber’s public affairs team serves as the voice of the region’s business community. We value your input and encourage you to be part of the discussion, as we work to create and sustain a favorable business environment. There are a number of opportunities to engage in the debate as a member of the Chamber:

Public Policy Committee

The Public Policy Committee engages in general public policy issues that affect business in the Saint Paul/East Metro area. The committee provides assistance to the Chamber in identifying the Advocacy Areas of Focus, coordinating local advocacy efforts, discussing issues affecting members and participating in policy-making.

Issue-Focused Roundtables

As issues arise, the Public Affairs team hosts meetings with elected officials and policymakers to discuss background and options with Chamber members.

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Events

Two signature events of the St. Paul Area Chamber of particular interest to public affairs professionals are the Breakfast with the Mayors (held in January) and the Leaders in Local Government awards (held in September). In addition, the Public Affairs team hosts the annual East Metro Elected Officials Meet and Greet in November.

Strategic Communications and Media Relations

The Public Affairs team provides thought leadership for the Chamber and our members by producing content and connecting with media. If you are interested in authoring an opinion piece for publication, or would like to be included in our list of members who are interested in speaking with media on the record, let us know.

The St. Paul Area Chamber has a variety
of members who can discuss:

• Areas of public policy
• Economic development and key industries
• Small business

• Leadership
• Diversity Equity and Inclusion

If you are a member of the media who would like to connect with one of our staff, please contact Shannon Watson.

If you would like to get involved, or have any questions, please contact a member of the Public Affairs team:

Shannon Watson
Vice President of Public Affairs
Direct: 651.265.2788
Cell: 651.285.8515 | Email

John Perlich
Manager of Public Affairs
Direct: 651.265.2778 | Email