Published in the June 28 – July 11, 2017 issue of Gilroy Life

By Gilroy Chamber of Commerce

The Gilroy Chamber of Commerce received the President’s Circle Award from Allen Zaramberg, president/CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce. The award, first presented in 2009, recognizes local chambers for their Excellence in Business Advocacy, Helping Members Comply with Labor Laws and holding legislators accountable by publishing an annual vote record.

The Gilroy Chamber has received the President’s Circle Award four out of the past five years and was one of 29 local Chambers throughout California to receive it this year. To go one step further, the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce was one of only two chambers in Santa Clara County to receive the award, the other being the Silicon Valley Organization, formerly San Jose Chamber. President’s Circle award recipients published vote records of their state legislators on key business issues, generated letters to state elected officials on issues of interest to members and participated in the CalChamber compliance product resale program at an exemplary level.

The Chamber reviews local and state issues and legislation at monthly Government Relations’ Committee meetings which take place the second Friday of each month from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Topics of discussion include local policy issues, updates from the city, tourism statistics and updates from local politicians and agencies. The GRC receives presentations regarding issues such as homelessness, tiny houses, High-Speed Rail, and local streets and roads to name a few.

Marty Cheek