Members of the network have access to the following support:
- Tailored economic reports highlighting the contributions of immigrants to a metro area, congressional district, or state;
- Communications and messaging guidance to frame immigration as an economic issue and an opportunity for growth;
- Policy analysis of federal, state and local immigration legislation and its projected impact on chambers through webinars and individual engagement;
- Plug-and-play advocacy opportunities and campaigns coordinated by the Council’s policy teams in the field (e.g., national fly-ins and days of action, etc)
- Best practices in local immigrant integration and economic development strategies; and
- Online resources and toolkits that highlight the work of chambers of commerce in communities across the country.
Chamber Network Updates
COVID-19 resources for chambers of commerce and small businesses
On a local level, chambers of commerce are already leading the way as a resource for their members. From promoting local small businesses to analyzing the federal stimulus package, answering FAQs, connecting members and sharing best practices, chambers of commerce having proved to be the first line of defense for our local small businesses. If you’re interested in learning more about strategies and what other chambers of commerce are doing during these uncertain times, feel free to reach out to the Council team.
Additionally, many states are stepping up to provide small businesses with the resources they need to get through these challenging times.
More Than 50 Chambers of Commerce Call on Congress to Protect Dreamers
Ahead of SCOTUS arguments on November 12th, 2019, the Council – then NAE – organized more than 50 chambers of commerce to call on Congress to pass bipartisan legislation to create permanent protections for Dreamers. In an open letter, the business leaders recognize the important role Dreamers play in keeping our workforce young and competitive, contributing to the tax base, and creating jobs for all Americans. Read the entire letter here.
LA Chamber Hosts Annual Global Talent Chamber Convening
In April, NAE and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) hosted leaders from 16 chambers of commerce in Los Angeles, CA for our 3rd-annual Global Talent Chamber Network Convening. Over the course of the one-day conference, business leaders shared lessons about how to get involved in immigrant integration and advocacy work locally. We also visited Koreatown Youth and Community Center to learn about innovative ways the business community can support financial inclusion, education, and housing services for immigrants.
Chambers Join Eight State Compacts on Immigration
Since February 2019, we’ve supported business and industry leaders in Iowa, Texas, Florida, Utah, Colorado, Michigan, Ohio, and Maine as they launch State Compacts on Immigration, with hundreds of signers—including dozens of chambers—across the eight states. Each compact offers a set of guiding principles calling for smart, common-sense immigration policies that support economic growth and keep each state’s economy competitive. If you’re interested in championing a Compact in your state, please reach out to the Council team.