Message from CEO Nancy Hoffman Vanyek, ACE
The current stimulus proposal working its way through Congress includes relief funding for 501c3 non-profit organizations. That does NOT include chambers of commerce. That means NO government relief for the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber. That jeopardizes my livelihood and our team.
I need EVERY person, TODAY to call or write their congressman and senator.
Don’t know who your legislators are? Contact me, and I’ll help you find them. Explain the impact our make on our community. Explain our value to your business.
Stop what you’re doing right now and do this. This is serious and we could be too late. If they cut a deal and don’t fix this language, it will go to vote and the process moves forward. Fight for your chamber! Today we’re all advocates first.
My sample letter is below and you can also get some sample language is here:
Start by emailing or calling. We have included links below to each office's contact information.
Congressman Brad Sherman - https://sherman.house.gov/contact
Congressman Tony Cardenas -
[email protected]
or https://cardenas.house.gov/contact-me/email-me
Congressman Adam Schiff - https://schiff.house.gov/contact
Senator Kamala Harris
-
https://www.harris.senate.gov/contact/email
The Greater SFV Chamber thanks you!
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Congressman XXXX:
The Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce urges you to include significant emergency financial support for 501 (c)(6) associations within federal stimulus or aid packages considered in Congress. As it stands today, only 501 (c)(3) organizations are included in the current recovery package.
This emergency financial aid package leaves out the more than 4,000 chambers of commerce across the United States; many of which are the backbone of their communities serving small businesses and entrepreneurs across America as well as providing critical community support services. Currently, these chambers are first responders to the business community, providing essential services in an effort to retain businesses and jobs in our country.
This legislation also leaves out the 62,000 other professional associations that aren't being considered for emergency financial support. The association industry employs 1.3 million people and generates $116 billion in revenue.
It is not news that chambers, associations and nonprofits are suffering major financial harm due to the unprecedented coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Without swift action, harm will be irreparable, and many chambers and other associations will shutter permanently and be unable to assist employees or provide essential services to their communities during this time of immense tribulation. We understand you are exploring various options to provide aid to Americans, and we are extremely grateful for your commitment to the health and safety of our nation.
The chamber of commerce community urges you to include the following in relief measures under consideration: $25 Billion in Capital Assistance to Associations and Nonprofits
Associations and nonprofits - both (c)3 and (c)6 organizations - have suffered major financial losses as a result of event and conference cancellations in the recent past and near future. Thousands of organizations depend on event revenues to survive and, due to massive revenue losses, will be forced to cease operations. According to Professional Convention Management Association’s most recent Meetings Market Survey, the average revenue of associations’ largest meeting is $1.1 million and meetings revenue overall accounts for roughly 35% of total annual revenue. Extrapolating these figures over the entire sector, we join the American Society of Association Executives’ (ASAE) request of $25 billion in emergency funding to the association, chamber and nonprofit communities so they can continue to support America’s workforce and pursue their missions in public service. We hope you will support that as well.
This support does not just help chambers, associations and nonprofits nationwide keep their doors open. It is essential to protect employees’ wellbeing and enable the entities to continue to pursue essential missions in the interest of the economy, the public, and society as a whole.
Below you will find data regarding the chamber, association, and nonprofit sectors’ economic impact:
- There are more than 4,000 chambers of commerce in the U.S.;
- There are more than 62,000 trade and professional organizations;
- There are more than 1.3 million 501(c)(3) religious and charitable organizations;
- Membership organizations, which include chambers and associations, employ more than 1.3 million people;
- Associations generate $116 billion in revenue; and
- Nonprofit organizations’ collective share of GDP is over five percent.
Thank you for your continued support of our country during this challenging time.
For information on the value and impact of chambers in your district, please feel free to contact me at XXXX.
