COVID 19 Updates

Chambers of commerce across the country continue to call on congressional leaders to support the inclusion of chambers and other 501(c)(6) organizations in federal stimulus programs.  

Lawmakers have taken notice, and as Congress drafts the next largescale relief package, and chambers must continue to communicate with their elected officials and local media. 

Congressmen Chris Pappas (D-NH) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) continue to provide leadership in the House, following the letter they submitted to Speaker Nancy Pelosi last month. There was also a similar letter in the Senate, led by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) Joe Manchin (D-WV). Many other lawmakers have voiced their support as well, including:

• John Cornyn (R-TX)
• Ted Cruz (R-TX)
• Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA)
• Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)
• New Jersey’s Congressional Delegation
• Mike Johnson (R-LA)
• Email me at wburns@acce.org if you have other examples.

We’ve also seen great examples of chambers showcasing the community leadership they are providing during this crisis and raising awareness of how chambers were left out of the Paycheck Protection Program.

• ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly: Chambers of commerce are locating economic lifeboats for their members, but they can’t climb in
• Pennsylvania Chambers: 'Mini-news outlets' for businesses: chambers of commerce press for paycheck protections amid COVID-19 pandemic
• New Hampshire Chambers: Chambers of commerce scramble to support small businesses even as they fear for their own survival
• Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce: America's Chambers Of Commerce Need Relief
• Buffalo Niagara Partnership: America's chambers of commerce need relief

Continue to urge your federal lawmakers to support chambers of commerce in the next stimulus package, and please share your stories of community impact using the hashtag #ChamberStrong. Keep up the great work, and let ACCE know how we can support you.