The committee structure is intended to have clear areas of focus to help clarify the role of the volunteer, and to help potential volunteers best identify an opportunity that fits. For example, all committees will typically meet monthly while councils will meet no more than 4-6 times in the year.

The committees were structured to allow for timely response to relevant community issues. From agriculture and sustainability to regulations and workforce housing, the goal is to represent member priorities and have a well-rounded, informed and educated committee system with diverse expertise and backgrounds.


What is the selection process?
Following the close of the application process, each applicant’s submission will be forwarded to the Chamber’s Executive Committee for individual review. Interest, experience and expertise are among the considerations for appointment, along with diversity of background to ensure multiple viewpoints. Chamber committees have a 25 percent turnover rate each year. The Chamber Board of Directors will approve the final appointments.


What are the expectations for serving on a committee?
Chamber committees’ success is rooted in the effectiveness of the committee members and their commitment to show up prepared and ready to engage in learning, idea generation and robust, respectful discussion.


I don’t see the committee or council I previously served on, what should I apply for?
Key areas of importance for the Chamber, including sustainability, diversity and technology, have been integrated into the Chamber’s advocacy committees and Business & Economic Council to ensure that emerging trends, key issues and legislation are prioritized. Under our volunteer structure these areas of interest will get addressed primarily through the Business & Economic Council, Economic Development Committee or Legislative Action Committee depending on the nature of the issue. Please know that the Chamber staff is happy to connect over the phone, email or in person to discuss volunteer opportunities further.


How do I ensure that I get reselected for the committee I am currently on?
Participation, preparedness and attendance. Chamber committees’ success is rooted in the effectiveness of the committee members and their commitment to show up prepared and ready to engage in learning, idea generation and robust, respectful discussion.

Each year Chamber committees have a 25 percent turnover rate policy to ensure room for new members and the fresh ideas and perspectives they bring.


How do you decide what topics are brought to committees?
Topics are often raised by our general membership. Chamber staff continually track issues important to our members and the community ranging from social issues to items being debated at the various levels of government. Then, the committee chair and vice chair provide ideas and guidance for committee agenda development. In addition, the Chamber Board of Directors reviews the work of the committees and decides if further action, such as adopting a policy or launching an advocacy effort, is needed to represent the needs of the membership.


Why are you requesting first, second and third-choice committee selections?
We are appreciative of having a committed membership willing to invest their time and expertise toward the betterment of the community. With such great interest we want to ensure that we are able to place you within a top choice while balancing committee group sizes. We typically receive several requests to volunteer for every position available.


How and when will I know if I was selected to serve on a committee or council?
The application period will open for two weeks in the fall. Review of applications will occur in early December and you will be notified in mid December by a Chamber staff member. Committee meetings will commence in January.


Committee Policies

  • Committee members are asked to consider issues on behalf of the Chamber’s 1,400 members rather than represent any individual interest or organizations.
  • All committee action is advisory only to the Chamber Board of Directors and does not become policy until and unless it is approved by the Board. A quorum is necessary for a committee to take action. All discussion, deliberations and decisions must remain confidential.
  • Members represent themselves, not their business or organization; therefore, no substitutes may attend a committee meeting in place of an absent member.
  • Committee members are limited to a maximum of three (3) meeting absences during a calendar year.
  • Guests are not allowed at committee meetings unless approved in advance by the committee chair
  • The committee membership roster is subject to annual review by the Chamber Chairperson of the Board. This review shall take place in December of each year, with new committee members, chair appointments, and carryover members presented to the Board for approval at its January meeting.