The Howard County Chamber is recognized statewide as an advocate for business in the public policy arena. Chamber leadership meets regularly with the Howard County Executive to discuss key administrative and policy issues. We also meet with the Superintendent of Howard County Schools and serve on his School Advisory Council and Business Education Partnership.

The Chamber publishes a public policy action paper or White Paper annually. This document, Issues for Legislative Action, is the result of research and data gathering by a group of dedicated volunteers and Chamber staff and reflects the issues most critical to the Howard County business community as a whole. Throughout the years, this process has helped the Chamber create a laser beam focus to drive its grass roots advocacy efforts. More importantly, it has fostered collaborations that have helped Howard County continue to progress as a business community that recognizes the critical role of business climate and quality of life. For example, the County’s Equal Business Opportunity Committee, now called the Committee for Business and Economic Diversity, operating under the Economic Development Authority, was inspired due to needs identified in the Chamber’s White Paper process.

The Chamber’s Public Policy and Community Affairs related programs include:

• Annual Legislative Breakfast – Held each November, this event attracts over 200 business professionals and elected officials and is the kick-off for the Chamber’s public policy advocacy program for the upcoming year. Howard County elected leaders are the featured speakers and panelists. Click Here for Chamber Calendar
   

• White Paper Subcommittee – These dedicated professionals research and draft the Chamber’s Issues for Legislative Action, and then monitor legislation at the county, state, and federal levels.
   

• Town Hall Meetings – Throughout the year, the Chamber will host a series of Town Hall meetings to discuss timely issues relevant to the business community. These meetings are open to all Chamber members and help to facilitate discussion between the business community and government officials. Click Here for Chamber Calendar

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