Members React to Tariffs, Trade War Threat
On Monday, we sent a survey to our members gauging their reactions to the $200 billion in tariffs proposed by the President on certain goods. Most of the respondents (67%) believe the tariffs would affect their business in some way, with only 7% saying they thought the tariffs would not impact them. More than a quarter of respondents (26%) are unsure whether the proposed tariffs would affect their company. 

The majority of members who responded (56%) oppose or strongly oppose the tariffs, whereas 26% support or strongly support them. The rest (18%) remain undecided, waiting to see how the policies and negotiations play out.

While opinions varied on how beneficial the tariffs are—and whether they will prove a winning long-term strategy—there is concern that the tariffs could trigger a trade war with some undesirable consequences. On a scale of 0-10, with zero being “not concerned” and 10 being “very concerned” that the tariffs could result in a trade war that might negatively impact our economy, the average response was 7. 

Sentiments ranged widely, with some saying the tariffs would be beneficial to their industry and help correct unfair trade practices. Other members were staunchly opposed, saying that tariffs are bad economic policy and that retaliatory tariffs could damage their business. Still others expressed appreciation for President’s efforts to aid American companies but were not convinced tariffs are the right approach.  

If you haven’t completed the survey yet, we encourage you do so. We want to ensure we have an accurate understanding of our members’ perspectives on this important issue. 

Contact: Mike Jackson
Legislature Begins SQ 788 Fact-Finding Mission
This week, the bipartisan, bicameral legislative task force met for the first time to hear recommendations from four pro medical marijuana groups . The task force expects to gather enough information from various stakeholders, including the business community, to create a “permanent regulatory framework for medical cannabis in Oklahoma.” For an overview of what each group presented to the task force, click here

Over the next few weeks, the task force will hear from representatives of various sectors on everything from zoning ordinances to employment and labor laws. The State Chamber of Oklahoma will speak on behalf of the business community at one of the upcoming task force meetings. We’re honored to represent our members in ensuring this new industry is implemented safely and with proper consideration for the concerns of Oklahoma’s job creators.

If you’re interested in providing input on this issue, please read on for how you can get involved in one of our medical marijuana working groups. 

Contact: Adria Berry

Defining Issues and the DC Experience
Trade, tariffs, cyber-security, education and energy policy. They’re some of the defining issues of our age—and they can make or break a business’ ability to prosper.

At our signature DC Fly-In event, you’ll hear from our Congressional delegation and national thought leaders on pivotal issues impacting businesses now. We’ll also examine how the midterm elections and recent Supreme Court activity could shape the future of our state and nation. 

While the scenery never disappoints, our DC Fly-In also delivers engaging sessions, high caliber networking and a deeper understanding of the dynamics impacting business and politics today. 

Members: $150 
Non-Members: $250

*Special Dinner Event: $200

*This event is not included in your registration fee and requires purchase of a separate ticket.


State Chamber Medical Marijuana Working Groups 
Our first working group for State Chamber members to discuss State Question 788 is scheduled for next Thursday, August 2 from 1:30–3 p.m. at the State Chamber (330 NE 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104). The goal of this first meeting is to 1) review and analyze materials given to the legislative task force so far and 2) create a checklist and prioritize items that the business community wants to see in any future legislation that is introduced. 

If you plan on attending this working group, please email Toni Schwarz . We will email an agenda and materials to attendees before we meet. If you have any materials you would like to share with the group, please send them to Adria Berry , Vice President Government Affairs, so she can distribute them by email.  
Register for Age of Agility Summit
The State Chamber and Oklahoma Achieves are excited to announce our partnership with America Succeeds, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Enterprise Institute and other national sponsors to host the Age of Agility Summit.
 
This event will present insights and perspectives from business, education and policy leaders on what the Future of Work means for restructuring the way we deliver education - helping us crowdsource strategies and solutions to take action within our state.

The Age of Agility Summit will be Thursday, August 30 at the 21C Museum Hotel in Oklahoma City. See the event agenda .

For more event details, sponsorship opportunities and to register,  click here .
 
Contact:  Lindsey Sparks
Member Spotlight
Sunni Pouncil, a Realtor for UR Unique Home powered by eXp Realty, is launching a work-life benefit called Employer-Assisted Housing (EAH). With EAH, you can help your employees meet their housing needs while at the same time helping your business recruit and retain workers, improve employee loyalty and productivity, generate positive publicity and improve the bottom line.

Sunni’s team includes a nonprofit organization and a few lenders. Collectively, they have the expertise to provide you an overview of EAH. They focus on three types of EAH benefit options: homebuyer workshops conducted by Sunni and her team, one-on-one counseling provided by certified housing counselors and employer-provided financial assistance. Your company can offer one or all of these benefits, and your involvement and financial commitment can be as little or as much as you desire. Learn more .
In the News
Become an Event Sponsor
Our Event Sponsorship Program offers pre-purchased registrations to our four membership-wide annual events (Legislative Reception, Annual Meeting, Golf Classic at Karsten Creek and Public Affairs Forum) plus recognition as an event sponsor at these events.

It's a great way to get your company's name in front of hundreds of Oklahoma's most distinguished business leaders.

Click here  for more information or if you have additional questions, please contact Emily Duren .
State Chamber of Oklahoma | www.okstatechamber.com
PO Box 53217 | Oklahoma City, OK 73152

Need assistance? Please contact info@okstatechamber.com . Do not reply directly to this email.