A group of 24 Silicon Valley Business leaders journeyed with the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce to Washington D.C. May 18-19, 2006, to lobby elected officials on issues of critical importance to the business community. Issues such as transportation, health care costs, taxes, education and infrastructure funding were addressed. During the two-day trip, the group met with key decision-makers such as Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressman George Radanovich and Washington, D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams.

While a private tour of the West Wing was definitely a highlight, the delegation of Chamber members who attended the legislative trip agreed that it was a success on all levelsÑespecially considering that the schedule put them face-to-face with legislators from New Mexico, Illinois, Tennessee and Montana, as well as California. This schedule allowed attendees the opportunity to address 16 key figures on legislative initiatives important to the Silicon Valley, including education and workforce preparedness, free trade, healthcare and insurance, competitiveness, R&D Research and investment and transportation infrastructure.

During a White House briefing on Thursday, May 18, senior staff acknowledged and agreed with Chamber President/CEO Pat Dando that California, as a donor state, should be entitled to more of its fair share of federal funding. Later that day, a private conference with DC Mayor Anthony Williams offered his advice and insight into the challenges that accompany building a stadium and bringing a professional baseball team to town.

Thursday night, attendees were treated to dinner at the Historic Hay Adams Hotel, sponsored by Lockheed Martin. Steve Chaudet, Lockheed Martin Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs gave the keynote speech, an insightful, sometimes whimsical prediction for the upcoming federal election, based, he said, on 30 years of experience.

On Friday, a breakfast meeting at the US Chamber of Commerce with Stephen Galvan, Chief of Staff and COO of the Small Business Administration (SBA) led to encouraging discussions on new tax incentives and offers to support the Chamber's upcoming Healthcare Summit on diabetes, obesity and chronic, preventative disease.

Lunch Friday afternoon at Union Station included a gathering with members of the Jacksonville, Fla., Chamber of Commerce, where discussions of this fall's City-to-City trip included a common goal shared by both Chambers - the destination. New Orleans is expected to provide first-hand insight into business and community roles before, during and after a significant disaster. Both chambers expect to bring back leadership stories that will help in formulating more effective preparedness plans.

For information on next year's trip, contact Jody Hansen, Vice President Public Affairs & Communications at jodyh@sjchamber.com, or (408) 291-5262.