Business Advocacy Council

The Business Advocacy Council (BAC) is another benefit of partnership and provides a basis for the Chamber to act on local, state, and federal governmental issues.

The Chamber is proud to provide key legislative programs as another benefit of partnership. The Business Advocacy Council (BAC) provides a basis for the Chamber to act on local, state, and federal governmental issues. BAC members review and take positions on a range of business related legislation and issues and vote to approve any legislative positions that align with the board-approved public policy platform.

The BAC meets on the first Thursday of every month at 7:30am in the Chamber Lobby Conference Room. This meeting is open to all partners, while appointed council members have voting authority.

If you are interested in a formal appointment to the BAC, contact Lorraine Clarno by clicking the “Email Us a Question” icon to the right or her at call 503.350.2006.

Download a Powerpoint Presentation from Business Matters: The Voice of Business

Public Policy Board Handbook

2016 Successes:

    • Defeated Measure 97
    • Passed the local Beaverton Public Safety Bond Levy
    • Washington County Vehicle Registration Fee for roads maintenance
    • Beaverton local TLT 4% tax for operations of the soon-to-be Beaverton Center for Performing Arts
    • Passed Measure 98 – CTE for all students and lowering drop out rates

2017 – Current Issues

The Beaverton Chamber has joined “Brighter Oregon”, a strong and growing coalition to encourage the legislature to address long term government growth reduction and responsible tax reform. We strongly encourage our members and partners to join by signing on as both businesses and individuals. 

WITH WEEKS LEFT IN THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION, OREGON DEMOCRATS PITCH ‘GAME-CHANGING’ TAX PLAN

June 8, 2017 | The Oregonian | by Hillary Borrud

“Lawmakers have been searching for ways to cut costs and raise revenue to close a looming $1.4 billion budget shortfall, in order to maintain current programs and services. Although Oregon’s economy is booming, the state’s public employee costs and other spending have outpaced growth in revenue.”

Read the full article here. 

Appointed Council Members for 2017

  • Dianne Danowski Smith, Publix NW – Co-Chair
  • Rhonda Reister, Beaverton Round Executive Suites – Co-Chair
  • Gary Carlson, Law Firm of Gary Carlson & Associates
  • Rebecca Carey-Smith, PGE
  • Randy Ealy, City of Beaverton
  • Keith Hobson, Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation
  • Jim McCreight, Past Board chair
  • Christine Moore, Beaverton Valley Times
  • Ron Reichen, Precision Auto body
  • Steve Smelley, PayneWest Insurance
  • Patrick Wheeler, past board chair
  • Lorraine Clarno, BACC President/CEO