Illinois Chamber Infrastructure Council Charter
PURPOSE
Infrastructure is an essential foundation of our business community with far reaching impact across all strata of our state and society. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce's Infrastructure Council (IC) purpose is to work to protect and improve Illinois’ transportation, power and energy distribution infrastructure of oil, gas and electricity. The transportation initiative includes rail (both passenger and freight), waterway shipping, roads, bridges and airports.
The Council provides a forum and the means by which interested Illinois Chamber members can join together to undertake and advance such actions and policy to achieve the Council’s purpose. Transportation companies, energy producers (oil, electricity and gas), engineering organizations, construction firms, consulting organizations, financial firms, governmental agencies, service providers, industry suppliers and other interested parties work collectively within the IC to achieve a consensus on what public policy actions to pursue. The Chamber recognizes that these diverse organizations, from time to time, may have conflicting views but generally share a common concern about the quality of our state’s and nation’s infrastructure and energy systems. The IC’s role will be to look for solutions, build consensus regarding issues and formulate action plans that are directed at facilitating positive change. This Council’s fundamental responsibility is to the business community and entities that rely on sound infrastructure systems in order to support a vibrant and dynamic economic environment in the State of Illinois.
Organization
The Infrastructure Council’s organizational structure is as follows:
MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the Infrastructure Council (IC) consists of two distinct levels:
1-Council Members: The Council Members are the policy setting body which reviews the activities and positions of all IC committees and set the strategies & priorities of the Council.
The Council Members underwrite the IC with an annual investment, above their sustaining membership dues level.
Each Council Member organization may name more than one individual to serve on the Council; however, each member organization is limited to one vote for adoption of motions, actions and policy.
2-Illinois Chamber Members: All members of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce will benefit from the work of the Infrastructure Council. Chamber members, with a special interest in healthcare, may be added to the IC publications distribution list as a means to keep abreast of healthcare issues and related Illinois Chamber activities and will receive:
- Electronic updates and healthcare alerts throughout the year.
- Access to the Illinois Chamber’s IC webpage for ongoing information on important Illinois infrastructure legislative and regulatory issues.
- Access to output and newsletters, through the Chamber’s web site.
Members in this category are non-voting.
Infrastructure Council Members: The Infrastructure Council is led by a Chairperson who is appointed by the Illinois Chamber’s Board of Directors. The Chairperson is selected from the ranks of the Executive Committee members. The Chairperson is also appointed to serve on the Illinois Chamber Board of Directors. Generally the Executive Committee consists of members that are supporting the IC with an annual investment of $5,000 or more, above their sustaining Illinois Chamber membership dues level to help finance IC programs and activities.
Steering Committee (SC): The SC Committee shall be composed of IC members as elected by the Executive Committee. The SC may include:
- Chairpersons of each active standing committee
- Other representatives deemed necessary to carry out the IC’s purpose, as chosen by the Chairman.
Policy
The IC will develop policy statements and recommend positions regarding issues some of which may involve legislative advocacy. These positions will be reviewed with the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee of the Chamber’s board of directors. If approved by the Government Affairs Committee and the Chamber board, the subject policy will be the official position of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.
Expected Output
Meetings
- The IC shall meet on a quarterly basis
- The IC will host occasional events in tandem with the Chamber’s Economic Development Council (EDC) as infrastructure is a key component of economic development.
Publications
- A Council Newsletter, via e-mail, will be distributed at least monthly. This will keep all IC members apprised of actions and report on meetings.
- The IC will develop and distribute white papers, policy analysis and position reports on topics as the Council so decides. This may involve research, as necessary.
Staffing
The IC is supported by the current staff of the Illinois Chamber. A primary objective is to generate adequate annual revenue to sustain the actions and programs of the IC and fund the addition of a full time staff professional dedicated to the Infrastructure and Economic Development Councils. Meeting this objective will provide an additional resource to help in our advocacy role.
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