From Springfield to Salem: Chamber Day at the Capitol
On Thursday, May 8, the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce hosted Chamber Day at the Capitol and invited representatives from local Chambers to participate. Gathering at the State Library of Oregon in Salem, attendees heard from OSCC staff, legislators, and other business representatives on key issues that are likely to impact the business community.
Representing the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce were President and CEO, Vonnie Mikkelsen, Senior Director of Advocacy & Economic Development, Paige Walters, and Springfield Chamber Board Treasurer and Chair of the Chamber Leaders Advisory Board, Stacy Koos.
Paige Walters (left), Vonnie Mikkelsen (middle), and Stacy Koos (right)
Presentations
- JL Wilson, Oregon State Chamber of Commerce – 2025 Session Progress Report
- Representative David Gomberg (D-Otis) – State Budget
- Senator Chris Gorsek (D-Gresham) – Transportation plan
- Libby Batlan, Oregon Health Care Association – HB 3838 and Workforce Standards boards
- Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) – Advanced Clean Trucks Rule (ACT)
- Angela Wilhelms, Oregon Business & Industry – Oregon competitiveness agenda
Speakers presented on the challenges from the past few weeks, including the record number of bills introduced, volume of placeholder bills, and tight timelines, all which contributed to a disorienting session. What was clear was an overarching theme emerging among Chambers and membership: concern over affordability. Examples of bills that threaten affordability remain on the Springfield Chamber’s policy agenda– such as House Bill 3838, which aims to create new labor standards boards in the home health care sector– confirming the Springfield community is in alignment with the business community across the state.
Following the presentations, Mikkelsen, Walters, and Koos scheduled brief check-ins with Representative John Lively and Senator Floyd Prozanski to share updates, reflections, and priorities coming out of this year’s legislative session.
(Left to right) Vonnie Mikkelsen, Rep. John Lively, Stacy Koos, and Paige Walters
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce remains committed to its members and will continue to champion their priorities through advocacy efforts like attending Chamber Day at the Capitol. To learn more about the Springfield Chamber’s advocacy work, visit the Business Advocacy page or stay up to date on The Bottom Line.
More About the Springfield Chamber’s Business Advocacy Efforts
As a trusted convener and provider of business resources, the Springfield Chamber is committed to fostering policies and incentives that contribute to our competitive position in private sector job creation, retention, and economic growth. The Chamber recognizes the systemic interdependencies of a healthy economy and provides an ear and a voice for local business at the confluence of government, commerce, and community. Through a robust platform of member advocacy services, the Chamber advocates for business by increasing visibility, dialogue, and representation at local, state, and federal policy circles around issues of impact and interest to their members.
