The Chamber is proud to provide key legislative programs as another benefit of membership. The Governmental Affairs Council (GAC) provides a basis for the Chamber to act on local, state, and federal governmental issues. GAC members review and take positions on a range of business related legislation and issues and vote to approve any legislative positions that align with the board-approved public policy platform. The GAC meets on the second Friday of every month in the Chamber “Bourns” Boardroom. This meeting is open to the public. GAC programs and events include:

Candidate Academy
This four-week, one-night per week training seminar was designed to educate and prepare citizens interested in running for public office. The program features a distinguished speaker lineup to discuss topics such as what to expect when running for office, campaign management, marketing, as well as significant issues facing the region.

Candidate Forums
It is the Chamber’s duty to keep the community informed about the candidates and issues affecting our region. The format of the Candidate Forums is as follows: each candidate is given three minutes for an opening statement, followed by a series of pre-composed questions. The candidates are given a brief time to address the questions, and the forum concludes with closing statements.

Capitol Connection
Hosted in conjunction with the California Chamber of Commerce, this annual advocacy trip to our state capitol gives business leaders the opportunity to meet with peers and state policy experts to advocate for priority legislative issues facing California business.

Legislative Roundtables
This quarterly luncheon gives members the opportunity to meet with legislators and other elected officials to find out how state policies affect their businesses. Previous speakers include Senator Bob Dutton, Assemblymen Bill Emmerson, Brian Nestande, and Kevin Jeffries.

Mayor’s State of the City Address
Both the City of Riverside and the Chamber organize this milestone event. Highlights include a video that illustrates the status of the city, the annual Hero Award presentation, and an address by Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge.

Please see the Chamber Calendar for additional information on meeting and event dates, times, and locations.

Governmental Affairs Council Chair
Sharon Tyrrell
Capree Escrow, Inc.

Please see the listing of 2009-2010 GAC Voting Members and Past Meeting Agendas for additional information.

Governmental Affairs Council Staff Contact
Angel Rodriguez
Governmental Affairs Manager
(951) 683-7100 ext. 210 or arodriguez@riverside-chamber.com


Sharon Tyrrell(Chair), Capree Escrow, Inc.
Sally Andriamiarisoa, Riverside Community Health Foundation
Roderic O. Ballance,Bud’s Tires and Wheels
Larry Becker, La Sierra University
Chris Carlson, Riverside Community College
Judy Carpenter, Riverside Medical Clinic
James Cuevas, JJC Project Management Group, Inc.
Tom Donahue, (Chair),Marriott Riverside
Howard Golds, Best Best & Krieger
Annor Gowdy, Brickley Environmental
Brian Hawley, Luminex Software, Inc.
Mark Hedges, Umanagelt & Associates
Darcy McNaboe, Village Enterprises
Rick Miller, Riverside Unified School District
Patty Moorman, Bourns, Inc.
Rita Norton, Arc of Riverside County
Brian C. Pearcy, (Chair), Law Offices of Brian C. Pearcy, APC
Scott Peterson, TKE Engineering, Inc.
Douglas Plazak, Reid & Hellyer
Ron Redfern, The Press-Enterprise Company
Oliver Rocroi, O’Reilly Public Relations, Inc.
Adolfo Saladana, State Farm Insurance
Howard Saner, Riverside Physician Network
Ruthan Smith, Riverside Medical Clinic
John Standiford, Riverside County Transportation Commission
Kenneth Stream, Gresham Savage Nolan & Tilden
Bennie Tinson, Altura Credit Union
Don Tucker, Farmer Boys – Corporate Office
Mike Vanderpool, (Chair), Security Bank of California
Lars Walton, University of California, Riverside
Mark Wyatt, California Baptist University