Advocacy & Policy

Chamber Legislative Committee:

The Committee reviews and monitors governmental developments at the Local, State and Federal levels. The Committee then advises the full Chamber Board of Directors of any positions which the Chamber of Commerce should take on developing issues.

Signature Events include:

• State of the State: In conjunction with the Chambers of Commerce of Currituck, Gates, Perquimans and Chowan Counties, our area State Representatives and Senators are invited to join us for lunch. At that time they discuss the upcoming session of the General Assembly and discuss issues facing the Northeast.

• Legislative Forums: We hold open forums for candidates in Elizabeth City, Pasquotank County, Camden County, State and National political races. Candidates may come and present their views and answer constituent questions.

• Business Climate Survey: This biannual survey asks business owners and managers what aspects of City and both county governments are working well and what needs improvement. These results are then shared with the governments and the public.

For more information on the Legislative Committee, please contact Jennifer Palestrant at jpalestrant@elizabethcitychamber.org

Chamber Education Committee:

The Chamber’s Education Committee strives to strengthen the partnerships between businesses and our local school systems, private schools, colleges and universities. Members of the committee come from Chamber businesses and from member educational Institutions.

Signature Events include:

• State of Education Breakfast – educational Institutions share information and updates about what is new with their organizations at this ticketed breakfast event.

• Groundhog Job Shadow Day – Area eighth graders are taken on tours of local businesses to explore career paths available to them.

• Teacher of the Year Celebration – Teachers of the Year are honored at this special ceremony.

• New Teacher Packets – Newcomer Packets are distributed to new teachers at each educational organizations. Member businesses can supply promotional materials and coupons for the packets.

• School Supplies Drive – August 1-31. Drop off barrels are located at local businesses to collect school supplies for needy children in the Camden and Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools.

For more information on the Education Committee, please contact Holly Staples at hstaples@elizabethcitychamber.org