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Mission Statement
To monitor activities of the city, county, state, and federal governmental entities and enhance the working relationship between the Chamber and governmental leaders to ensure a business friendly environment.
What We Do
The Governmental Affairs Committee acts as a liaison between Bay County’s public officials and the Chamber’s membership. In addition to following local, state and federal issues and building relationships with different government entities, the Committee also listens to and acts on the requests of the general membership. The committee conducts many functions including:
- Trip to Tallahassee: Chamber leadership travels to the state capital at least once during the legislative session to promote the Chamber’s state legislative agenda. Small groups also travel to the capital as needed to address issues that arise. Contact with Federal elected officials and, at times, travel to Washington DC helps to promote our Federal agenda.
- Roundtable Discussions: Several times throughout the year the Governmental Affairs Committee host roundtables with elected officials and other events that allow our members to learn about and discuss issues important to the business community. Some notable guest speakers have included both national and state congressmen and senators.
- Grassroots Advocacy: Periodically, Governmental Affairs will send out Governmental Action Alerts and Governmental Affairs Updates to the membership to spread awareness on what our officials and the committee are doing for the community and encourage individual action among members. Past alerts and updates are listed in the Newsfeed. In addition, city and county commission meetings are monitored to keep abreast of any issues that could affect businesses.
Legislative Agenda
Every year the Governmental Affairs Committee surveys the membership, researches current policy and creates a federal and state legislative agenda for the year. The issues tackled in the agenda are presented to local, state and federal officials and have made an impact on policy in Bay County.
Contacting Governmental Officials
Writing your local officials about issues affecting you and your business is crucial to the democratic process. The Bay County Chamber encourages its membership and citizens of Bay County to be active in communicating with our local representatives.
- Florida House of Representatives – Click here to find and contact your Representative
- Florida Senate – Click here to find and contact your Senator
- United States House of Representatives – Click here to find and contact your US Congressman/Congresswoman
- Senators of the United States Congress – Click here to find and contact your US Senator
Other Governmental Links
Bay County, Florida: http://www.co.bay.fl.us/
The State of Florida: http://www.myflorida.com/
The U.S. Government: http://www.firstgov.gov/
The Florida Legislature: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/
Bay County Supervisor of Elections: http://www.bayvotes.org/
Bay County Department of Emergency Management : http://www.co.bay.fl.us/166/Emergency-Management-Division
Bay County Tax Collector: tc.co.bay.fl.us
Bay County Clerk of Courts: baycoclerk.com
City of Callaway: www.cityofcallaway.com
City of Mexico Beach: www.mexicobeach.com
City of Panama City: www.pcgov.org
City of Panama City Beach: www.pcbgov.com
City of Springfield: springfield.fl.gov
City of Lynn Haven: www.cityoflynnhaven.com
City of Parker: www.cityofparker.com
The committee meets on the first Wednesday of every month and is open to all Chamber members. To become a member of this committee contact Aimee Bright at [email protected] or (850)215-3759.