Advocacy

The Bedford Area Chamber’s Advocacy efforts focus on creating an atmosphere in which business can succeed, create jobs and the region can flourish. As the primary voice of business we work with local, state and federal policymakers on issues that improve the business environment.

The mission of the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee is to develop legislative positions and propose legislative changes that will benefit Chamber members, preserve a healthy regulatory business climate and promote growth within the Town of Bedford and Bedford County.

The BACC Government Affairs Committee works as a unified voice on issues that affect the business community. Meeting each month, the committee discusses business-related issues, formulates positions and sponsors events. The committee is involved in a number of activities including the Annual Legislative Wrap Up Breakfast; Annual Town Hall Meeting; Chamber Day at the Capitol-Lobbying day in Richmond; candidates’ forums; and various roundtables related to healthcare, transportation, broadband, education and more.

In addition to our role as a policy advocate, we are a community partner, participating in regional coalitions that advocate for issues that affect the broader region.

The Bedford Area Chamber is a member of the Virginia West Business and Legislative Coalition (VA West), a coalition of 15 chambers in Western Virginia. The coalition provides a focused business voice on key legislative and transportation issues and serves as a key facilitator of dialogue between lawmakers and the business community in Central, Southwestern and Southside Virginia.