Champaign County's Business Empowered PAC

Each year it becomes more costly to do business in the State of Illinois. Between the state increasing more than 300 taxes and fees on businesses just three years ago and Gov. Blagojevich’s proposed Gross Receipts Tax and payroll tax, the business community needs to stand up and have their voice heard on issues that will have a direct impact on their bottom line.  

This is why, more than one year ago, an in-depth study was commissioned to investigate the merits of the Chamber establishing a political action committee (PAC). The study found that it would be in the best interest of the Chamber members to form a PAC. 

As the Chairman of the PAC Board, I am pleased to inform you that as of December 3, 2007, the Champaign County’s Business Empowered PAC is an established and active committee with the Illinois State Board of Elections.

This is exciting news for the Chamber and its members as it will allow us to influence elections by publicly endorsing and providing contributions to state and local candidates who share our business and legislative positions and understand the local business environment. Rest assured our PAC is non-partisan; policies which are good for business bear no party affiliation.

By taking the proactive approach of forming the Champaign County’s Business Empowered PAC, the Chamber will be joining our fellow Chamber PACs across the state in helping to shape good business policies at the local and state levels.

With that in mind, your help is crucial to the future success of Business Empowered.

I ask that you strongly consider investing in Business Empowered by making a financial contribution. To guarantee success, we need many individuals and businesses to come together to operate as a single, cohesive group. There is power in numbers and our effectiveness will hinge on the support from a wide number of Chamber members. To make a financial contribution, please fill out and mail in this form.

 Again, for the good of our business community, please consider a personal contribution and/or one from your company. To make a monetary donation, or for any additional questions, contact Andrew Flach, the Chamber’s Public Policy Manager at 217.359.1791 or andrewf@champaigncounty.org.

I am looking forward to working with you to make a difference in our communities.

Sincerely,

Mark Randall
Director, Chamber Board
Chair, Business Empowered PAC Board

What is Business Empowered?

Business Empowered is a political action committee (PAC), which is a group of individuals organized to promote and support policy issues as well as candidates running for public office at the state and local level. Nationwide, there are more than 4,000 active PACs.

Why did the Chamber of Commerce establish a PAC?

By establishing a PAC, the Chamber is allowed to influence elections by publicly endorsing and providing contributions to candidates running for public office who share our business and legislative positions and understand the local business environment.

Will the Chamber’s PAC be too small to be effective?

A PAC does not need to be large to make a difference. Champaign County’s Business Empowered PAC will focus its resources on local and state elections whose candidates will have the best opportunity to make a positive impact on the local business community.

Why should I contribute to the PAC?

Contributions to the Champaign County’s Business Empowered PAC are completely voluntary. However, by contributing to the PAC, you will be assisting with the election of candidates that share the views of the Chamber. The PAC will help the Chamber to be a stronger advocate for business by increasing visibility to lawmakers and other elected officials, a major step to ensuring a favorable legislative environment.

Resource Links:
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- - - - - - - - - - Chamber Member Government Offices Chamber Member Political Organizations Champaign County Departments, Officials, and Other Information 2008 Primary Election - Candidate Filings (Champaign County) City of Champaign City of Urbana Village of Fisher Village of Mahomet Village of Rantoul Village of Savoy Village of St. Joseph Champaign County Local Government Information Center IRS Tax Info for Businesses