n WOMEN IN chambers
I
t’s hard to run a business.
The rules are always changing, the
regulatory compliance is often over-
whelming, and it can feel like no one
has your back.
Enter the chambers of commerce. One of the oldest
forms of business networks, these organizations work on
the state and local level to support and advocate for busi-
nesses.
With a complicated landscape that includes a new gover-
nor who is openly at odds with much of the federal govern-
ment, looming regulation, the risk of a new recession and
pressing issues around workforce development, the role of
local chambers in California may be more vital to the busi-
ness community than ever.
There are roughly 50 chambers in the Capital Region,
and we counted over 30 led by women. We asked a dozen of
these leaders (doing our best to bring in a mix of voices) to
tell us where they see the region headed.
*Interviews have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.
It’s no secret that there are tensions between the state and
federal governments. What issues are you or your members most
paying attention to?
“Trade and immigration. … Uncertainty around immigration policy
creates uncertainty for businesses and the workforce. California
is home to more than 10 million immigrants, of which almost 40
percent are small-business owners.”
— Pat Fong Kushida, Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce
“We’re going to be paying attention
and getting involved in the census
2020 outreach. We need to make sure
everyone is counted, so that resources
are allocated appropriately. There is
potential for our state to lose out on
funding if this doesn’t happen.”
— Cathy Rodriguez, Sacramento Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce
“Reducing the tax burden on business-
es and removing regulatory barriers at
all levels.”
— Wendy Gerig, Roseville Area Chamber of
Commerce
58
comstocksmag.com | March 2019
“Truckee
is
not
alone
in
being affected by the housing-
affordability crisis. Anything this ad-
ministration can do to assist in paving
the way for developers, businesses
and individuals to create new, achiev-
able housing is crucial. And the new
legislation that establishes a new test
for determining who is an employee
could have significant implications on
businesses in our area that utilize in-
dependent contractors.”
— Lynn Saunders, Truckee Chamber of
Commerce
“The legalization of cannabis.
There are still so many conf licts
and unknowns and lack of infra-
structure in place for this new and
rising industry, it’s still a difficult road
to traverse. I think we’ll all be watch-
ing and working closely to smooth out
some of the edges in this newly bur-
geoning industry.”
— Azizza Davis Goines, Sacramento Black
Chamber of Commerce
“To ensure a healthy and vibrant
community, we’re always monitoring
issues at the federal, state and local
levels that impact affordability, foster
a strong business climate and a ready
workforce. That’s why our 49th annu-
al Cap-to-Cap Program is set to bring
together regional leaders to work with
federal leaders, addressing regional
priorities directly.”
— Amanda Blackwood, Sacramento Metro
Chamber of Commerce