Advocacy

Accelerating Competitiveness

Public policy lays an essential foundation for equitable economic development and is critical for cultivating a vibrant quality of place, attracting and retaining top talent, and directly impacting a community’s competitiveness. Our Business Advocacy team plays a vital role in policy development, policy execution, strategic growth initiatives, and political activities, convening and mobilizing an array of stakeholders across the city, region, and state.

What It Means to Advocate

Develop Strong Policies

Through the Indy Chamber’s Business Advocacy department, Indy’s regional business community can align behind shared priorities that benefit all. The organization’s Legislative Agenda is the product of ongoing conversations with thousands of employers across the region. The agenda identifies strategies to elevate the Indy region’s economy to compete at a higher level.

Engage in Political Activity

The Business Advocacy Committee (BAC) serves as the political voice of the Indy Chamber’s membership and the electoral engagement arm of the organization. Endorsing and contributing to local and statewide races, the BAC supports bi-partisan candidates who seek to advance the policy priorities of the Indy Chamber. The Chamber also engages in issue-specific public campaigns such as supporting/opposing referenda campaigns or coalition leading.

Execute on Policies

Government affairs and lobbying are key components of the Business Advocacy team. As the Chamber’s policy development process identifies strategic public policy priorities to advance the region, an effective advocacy execution ensures those priorities are implemented into law through its lobbying operation and elected official relationships.

Convene Regional Partners

Through the Accelerate Indy (AI) Collaboratory, the Indy Chamber is equipped to convene regional partners, generate insights, and guide operational strategy to advance solutions to regional challenges and catalytic investments. Review the AI Collaboratory’s work on the 65/70 Inner Loop Project below.

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Advocacy & Legislative Affairs, Indy Chamber News, Public Policy • Aug 22nd, 2024

Indy Chamber Announces 2024 Candidate Endorsements

Indy Chamber’s Business Advocacy Committee releases endorsements for statewide and legislative races. Ind. (Aug. 22, 2024) – The Indy Chamber’s Business Advocacy Committee (BAC), which serves as the organization’s political... read more

Meet Your Advocacy Team

Chelsea Cottman

Business Advocacy Coordinator

Jenna Bentley

Vice President, Government Affairs

Taylor Hughes

Chief Strategy Officer & Chief of Staff

Business Advocacy Backed by Success

Through the Business Advocacy Committee, our mission is to advance the implementation of Indy Chamber priorities and initiatives through political involvement. We engage in the political process by supporting thoughtful, collaborative leaders to represent the Indy Region and proactively recruiting candidates to empower the next generation of leadership.