By Robert Palmer, Attorney, Nyemaster Goode, P.C.
It’s tempting to put politics aside once the campaign signs are stored away and the advertisements stop. For many, elections feel like the culmination of months of heightened political discourse. But for businesses, the end of the election is just the beginning. This is when critical conversations take place, shaping policies that can significantly affect your bottom line. Legislative sessions are where regulations are debated, priorities are set, and decisions are made that ripple through every sector of the economy.
Why Government Affairs Matter
Government affairs is about more than lobbying—it’s about being part of the process that shapes your business environment. It’s about advocating for policies that foster growth, understanding upcoming changes in the law, and staying ahead of regulatory developments that could impact your operations.
In short, it’s about ensuring that your voice is heard when it matters most.
Decisions made at the State Capitol don’t occur in isolation. They directly affect businesses of all sizes and often have long-lasting consequences. Consider these questions:
- How would a proposed tax policy impact your company’s operations or future growth?
- What would new workforce regulations mean for your ability to hire and retain talent?
- How could changes to infrastructure investment plans affect your supply chain or expansion goals?
For many businesses, the answers to these questions reveal a clear truth: staying informed and engaged isn’t optional. It’s essential to your success.
The Legislative Process: A Timeline for Action
The Iowa Legislative Session begins on January 12, 2025, and runs for approximately four to five months. During this time, hundreds of bills will be introduced, debated, and refined. While only a fraction will reach the governor’s desk, those that do often carry significant implications for Iowa’s business community.
As the saying goes, “The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is now.” With the session fast approaching, there’s no better time to begin preparing. By acting early, you can ensure that your voice is part of the conversation before decisions are made that could impact your business.
For Chamber members and business leaders, this period represents a crucial opportunity to influence policies that matter most to your industry, community, and family. Effective advocacy doesn’t start in January; it starts long before. Success in government affairs hinges on relationships—building trust, understanding shared goals, and maintaining open lines of communication with policymakers. By fostering these connections and engaging in pre-session discussions, you can position yourself and your business to make a lasting impact.
How the Chamber of Commerce Plays a Role
As a proud member of the Chamber of Commerce, I have seen firsthand how effectively this organization can bridge the gap between businesses and lawmakers. Chambers serve as the collective voice of local enterprises, advocating for policies that foster economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen our communities. Recognizing the value of these efforts, I collaborated with Katherine and other leaders to launch the Civic Connect Committee in 2024. This initiative is built around the “3 E’s”: Educate, Engage, and Encourage.
First, the Civic Connect Committee educates members about the legislative process—how laws are formed, how they evolve, and how changing regulations can affect business operations. Expanding this knowledge base prepares members to interact more meaningfully with policymakers. Second, the committee engages these members by offering opportunities to connect directly with lawmakers, share insights, and express concerns. Providing these avenues encourages members to become active participants in shaping policies that influence their success. Finally, the initiative encourages advocacy by equipping members with the tools, resources, and confidence needed to make their voices heard and influence decision-making processes.
By participating in the Civic Connect Committee, Chamber members gain access to invaluable resources, firsthand insights, and stronger ties to policy leaders. Over time, this involvement not only enhances the relationship between the business community and government but also contributes to more informed, responsive, and productive policymaking.
Practical Tips for Getting Involved
Advocacy can seem daunting, but there are straightforward steps you can take to make your voice heard this legislative session:
- Stay Informed:
Knowledge is power. Follow legislative updates through resources provided by the Chamber, news outlets, and professional networks. Knowing which bills are advancing allows you to anticipate potential impacts and opportunities. - Build Relationships:
Relationships are at the heart of effective advocacy. Attend legislative breakfasts, town halls, or Capitol visits hosted by the Chamber like the Legislative Breakfast planned for January. These face-to-face interactions with lawmakers are invaluable for sharing your perspectives and building trust. - Join Committees or Groups:
Collaborating with others amplifies your voice. Participating in initiatives like the Civic Connect Committee allows you to meet like-minded professionals, gain insight into advocacy strategies, and collectively address shared challenges. Your industry likely has associations or other trade groups which provide a forum for advocacy discussions. - Communicate Clearly:
Policymakers juggle numerous issues and stakeholders. When engaging with them, be concise and solution-oriented. Clearly explain how a particular policy will affect your business and propose actionable solutions. - Leverage Expertise:
You don’t have to navigate government affairs alone. Seek guidance from industry organizations, Chamber resources, or legal professionals who specialize in legislative advocacy to ensure you’re strategically positioned.
A Call to Action
The legislative process might seem distant or intimidating, but the truth is, it’s designed to include voices like yours. Your experiences as a business leader provide valuable insights that can shape better laws and policies. By staying engaged, you not only protect your business interests but also contribute to a thriving economic environment for our community.
As we approach the 2025 Legislative Session, take stock of the issues that matter most to your business and begin laying the groundwork for effective advocacy. Whether through the Chamber of Commerce, the Civic Connect Committee, or your own initiatives, there are countless ways to ensure your voice is heard. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and create a stronger future for Iowa’s business community.
Robert Palmer is a Chamber Board member and an attorney with Nyemaster Goode, P.C. (Nyemaster). As Iowa’s largest and one of its oldest law firms, Nyemaster brings over a century of experience and the expertise of more than 90 attorneys to provide comprehensive legal services for businesses of all sizes. Robert’s work emphasizes the importance of civic engagement, helping businesses navigate legislative processes and advocating for policies that promote growth and innovation.