Home / News & Events / Events / Advocacy & Policy Events

Advocacy & Policy Events

Overview

Connecting with Elected Officials & Exploring Issues

Throughout the year, we offer opportunities for our members to connect with elected officials and engage in issues that impact our business community.

Legislative Updates: Twice a year, we host members of WNC’s delegation to the NC General Assembly to share their thoughts on the legislative sessions in Raleigh and issues impacting our community.

Raleigh Legislative Visit: We work hard to ensure the needs of Western North Carolina are being heard at our state’s capitol. Each year, the Chamber leads a trip for our region’s business leaders and local officials to Raleigh to meet with state legislators.

Intercity Visit: Join business and community leaders from across Western North Carolina as we travel to a selected city to experience first-hand the best practices and lessons learned from top businesses and public sector leaders.

Quick Links

Engage with Elected Officials

Throughout the year, Asheville Chamber members have opportunities to engage with our local and state elected officials. These events allow us to stay informed on public policy issues and share business thoughts and concerns with our legislators.

Legislative Update, Dec. 3, 2024 – Get first-hand insights from elected officials at our Legislative Update for business leaders and professionals. Our panelists of current and newly elected representatives will share their perspectives on upcoming legislative priorities including how public policy will support our community’s recovery and its impact on other issues of interest to the business community. This is a valuable chance to connect with policymakers and other business leaders and to understand how recent changes in government may shape the business environment. Register

Raleigh Legislative Visit

During our Raleigh Legislative Visit each spring, business leaders join us in presenting a comprehensive voice of WNC business. Together, we can have more impact on business-friendly legislation. As a delegate on the trip, you’ll connect with business leaders from across our region while helping ensure needs of WNC are heard at our state’s capital.

About 50 representatives from eight regional chambers will participate in the two-day trip to discuss issues with legislators and state agencies vital to our regional business environment. The Raleigh Legislative Visit typically includes meeting with the North Carolina House and Senate leadership, observing a Republican and Democratic political strategists’ debate, as well as an evening reception with the WNC legislative delegation at Second Empire.

Hosted by the Asheville Area Chamber, in conjunction with Black Mountain/Swannanoa, Haywood County, Henderson County, Madison County, Blowing Rock, McDowell County, Cashiers, and Brevard/Transylvania Chambers.

Dates and Registration to come for 2024

Intercity Visit

The Intercity Strategic Leadership Visit takes business and community leaders to another community to experience first-hand the best practices and lessons learned from top businesses and public sector leaders. This visit is an incredible opportunity to make key connections with the area’s most influential civic and business leaders, while developing a strategic vision to make Asheville an even better place to live, work and play.

Join us in Spring 2024 – Destination and dates TBD

Policy on Tap

Policy on Tap, sponsored by Allen Stahl + Kilbourne, is a discussion series highlighting topics that matter to our business community. Join us once a quarter for cold brews and policy news. We’ll delve into issues like infrastructure and affordable housing with insights from key leaders and experts.

Check our events calendar for upcoming events.