Government Affairs

Programs & Events Overview

The Chamber and the Economic Development Council educate and promote positions on issues to each membership primarily via email communication, but as time allows we utilize our printed pieces and regular meetings as well. In addition, the Chamber and Economic Development Council manages several events and programs throughout the year. These include:

• Politics in St. Johns: The Series: A series of four events held each election year before the primary in locations around St. Johns County. The purpose of these events is to bring candidates for all local offices, State House and Senate seats in our county, and the U.S. Congress seat in our county to the businesses and the citizens of St. Johns County. The event focuses on "hob-nobbing" instead of formal debates and speeches, which allows attendees to educate themselves and make their own judgments about the candidates. One event is held in each of the four quadrants of the county during the evening hours to encourage the maximum amount of participation. Each candidate that registers to attend is given a table at which to display campaign materials and use as a "home base" so those attending can find them easily. All candidates and other elected officials attending are introduced to the crowd. Each event is attended by the primary media serving that specific area.
  
  
• Legislative Agenda: The focal point of the Chamber's government affairs program is the State Legislative Agenda developed in November of each year. The agenda is a document developed by staff and the Chamber Board of Directors with input from the Economic Development Council and its Executive Committee, Membership Services Action Team, Government Affairs Advisory Group, Florida Economic Development Council, Florida Chamber of Commerce, Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, and our local government bodies. Input from our members is encouraged. The State Legislative Agenda is presented each year by our Chairman to the St. Johns County Legislative Delegation during their annual meeting in St. Johns County. The meeting is broadcast on the local Government TV channel, and is open to the public. The Chamber also takes the agenda to Tallahassee during the regular state session, and reminds each legislator of our position as key bills and votes arise.
  
  
• Delegation Appreciation Dinner: An annual event held in conjunction with the State Legislative Delegation meeting held in St. Johns County. Each of the six delegation members and their staff is invited to have dinner with the Chamber Board, EDC Executive Committee, local elected officials, and other special guests at a unique location in the county. Delegation members are encouraged to address the crowd with their priorities and plans for the upcoming regular and/or special session. In the past federal elected officials have also attended, including Congressman John Mica and Senator Bill Nelson.
  
  
• Legislative Trip to the State Capitol in Tallahassee, FL: Each year the Chamber takes a group of Leadership St. Johns class members and alumni, Chamber leadership, elected officials and other interested Chamber members to Tallahassee for a day-long trip. The day is spent networking with State Representatives, Senators and their staff, attending a legislative briefing by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and advocating our legislative agenda to key contacts at the capitol. This trip coincides with St. Johns County Day at the capitol during which a proclamation is read on the floor of the House designating that March day as St. Johns County Day.
  
  
• Legislative Trip to Washington, D.C.: A delegation from the Chamber participates in Congressman John Mica's Annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In in May of each year. The Congressman sets up a day-long trip for each Chamber in his district. In the past the trip has included a personal meeting and tour of the Capitol with Congressman Mica, legislative briefings with high-ranking Representatives and Senators, lunch with Cabinet members such as Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao and other notable members of Congress including Congresswoman Katherine Harris, and the chance to lobby for some of our federal issues. Over the past few years, our Chamber delegation to Washington has helped to secure funding for the Castillo de San Marcos and has ignited the effort to change the Jacksonville postal code in the northwest part of the county to an alternate designation.
  
  
• Legislative Briefing: During our state session, the Economic Development Council invites local and state leaders to address the membership during one of our monthly breakfast meetings. Topics range from the general (session outlook) to the specific (Hometown Democracy). Local and state elected officials are invited to attend as well. These meetings are well attended by the local media and our members.
  
  
• Candidates Guide: As part of Politics in St. Johns: The Series, candidates for public office are asked to complete a one-page questionnaire. Questions asked range from what are your top three priorities to how do you view your role as a public servant in partnership with the business community. The answers to these questions are printed in our Guide to the Participants which is given to those attending events in the series, and the answers are reprinted online before each election. The answers are printed in their entirety exactly as they are provided, and give our members and the public a chance to educate themselves on the candidates.
  
  
• Florida Chamber of Commerce Federation: The Chamber is a partner in the state chamber's Federation. We inform our members of the Florida Chamber's positions on legislation affecting Florida's business community. Being a member of the Federation allows us to benefit from scientific research, the development of a sound legislative agenda representing the business viewpoint, and organized grassroots action when needed.
  
  
• City and County Governments: Members of our Chamber Board, Economic Development Council Executive Committee and staff meet with county and city leaders on a regular basis. In addition, the Chamber and EDC work with the School Board, Industrial Development Authority, and Airport Authority on different projects. The Chamber and EDC have formally approached local governments on issues including impact fee reform, the incentives ordinance, availability of workforce opportunity sites, fiscal management, the panhandling ordinance, and road renaming concerns.