Business Advocacy & Governmental Relations

Everyday our businesses are affected by all kinds of laws and government regulations at federal, state, and local levels. In addition, minority-owned businesses often encounter many unique challenges, including lack of understanding in how government works and access to resources that can assist them.

Having a seat at the table, an organized representative body and a well-versed voice in the conversations on issues is critically needed.

VietAmCham understands the importance of a unified business voice on issues that impact our members.

With a team of experienced association executives, business attorneys, and issue experts, VietAmCham maintains long-standing and positive relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and other business associations -- including the US Chamber of Commerce and numerous regional and local chambers of commerce, to effectively find balanced solutions to complex issues while advocating for a strong economy.

The Chamber’s Advocacy and Governmental Relations Committee focuses on promoting a healthy business environment at the local, state and federal levels and has had a successful record of advocating for our business members across the country. 

The Chamber hosts candidate forums and meet-and-greet events to foster civic engagement and issue awareness among its members as well as to present them the opportunity to engage diectly with elected officials.

The Chamber also endorses business friendly candidates during elections.

 An update from Thomas Donohue, President and CEO, US Chamber of Commerce

I am excited to share with you the news of a historic Campaign for Free Enterprise that the US Chamber of Commerce is launching today. 

The American Free Enterprise Dream Big campaign is one of the most important and necessary initiatives in the Chamber's nearly 100-year history. As a nation, we face major policy challenges-but none greater or more important than reviving the economy, restoring the seven million jobs lost to the current recession, and creating the 13 million more jobs that will be needed over the next decade. 

A recent survey by the US Chamber found that while people support free enterprise, they do not clearly see how it benefits them as individuals. Respondents also expressed concern about the future of the free enterprise system and believe that the private sector will and should take the lead in the nation's number one challenge-job creation. 

At the US Chamber, we believe that the values of individual initiative, hard work, freedom of choice, and the free exchange of trade, capital and ideas can lead America back to prosperity. Only free enterprise will create the innovation, the opportunities and the jobs our nation needs. That is why we are launching this campaign. 

Here are some of the Campaign's core components and ways for you to get involved:

• National Advertising Campaign: View our innovative national advertising campaign built to inspire Americans to celebrate the role of free enterprise in meeting our nation's next great challenge-creating 20 million new jobs in the next decade. View and share the ads.
• American Free Enterprise Pledge: Sign your name to proclaim your support for, and intention to help strengthen, the free enterprise system. Sign our pledge.
• Dream Big Video Competition: Participate in the online video competition that invites Americans who personify free enterprise-business owners, startup entrepreneurs and future business owners-to tell their stories of how free enterprise allows them to pursue their dreams. Stay tuned towww.FreeEnterpriseAmerica.com for information about submitting videos.
• Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award Program: Apply or nominate a small business owner for this recognition program, held in conjunction with America's Small Business Summit, that honors successful business owners and entrepreneurs who have contributed to the vibrancy of American free enterprise. Stay tuned to www.FreeEnterpriseAmerica.com for information on submitting nominations.
• Free Enterprise Forums: Take part in a series of bipartisan community-based discussions on the role of free enterprise in job creation and innovation to help spread the free enterprise message throughout the country. Stay tuned to www.FreeEnterpriseAmerica.com for additional information about events in your area.

You have a critical role to play in this historic endeavor. We are all free enterprise, and each one of us must become involved in preserving America as the great land of opportunity. 

We encourage you to get involved in these activities as often as you can. Please join us by signing the American Free Enterprise Pledge today and encourage others in your community and across the country to get involved.