Chamber will continue to stand for business

Special thanks go to Brent DeHart who spearheaded the Chamber’s efforts and traveled the state. We will remain diligent in our efforts to support those of you who risk all you have to pursue an entrepreneurial dream. We know long term that these tax policies will not achieve the desired result of sustainable funding for important
services so, we will continue efforts to educate and inform and also to encourage individuals to run for elected office.

We need employers to engage in efforts to educate their employees on issues that directly impact their jobs. We were up against over 7 million dollars from the public employee and teacher unions and we must do a better job of getting facts to our employees so incomplete and misleading campaign sound-bytes do not always win.

We have already seen efforts to find more ways to increase revenue for the state, and this effort will not stop until the people of Oregon unite and say “no more”. We need a holistic and balanced approached to funding government services, which requires adjustments on the expense side of the ledger. In addition, we need better leadership at the legislative level that will establish and fund priorities without using political games and holding certain services “hostage” because they move voters emotionally.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce will continue to be passionate in our advocacy for our business community. Truth does prevail and basic economics prove that a strong private sector foundation is needed - and in fact critical - if the desire of those in political power want a healthy state. However, it makes very little sense to make business the target of damaging tax policy and then turn around and want to make job creation a priority. We all need to continue to press elected leaders on the logic and wisdom of that approach.

A basic premise in life will once again ring true: actions will speak louder than words. And, outcomes will speak for themselves.

Rest assured, your chamber is here for you and we will continue to shine a bright light and lead with integrity, hope and a vision for a brighter day for Oregon.