California Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jennifer Barrera today announced the creation of the CalChamber Small Business Policy Center, a new effort focused on mobilizing the power of small businesses in grassroots advocacy at the State Capitol.
Nick Ortiz, who joined CalChamber in February 2023, has been promoted to head the new center, assuming the role of Vice President of Small Business Advocacy today.
“Our small businesses and the hundreds of thousands of good paying jobs they create are a critical element of California’s economy,” said Barrera. “It is more important than ever that our policy makers hear and fully understand the issues and costs our small business employers face in keeping their operations profitable and growing. CalChamber’s Small Business Policy Center will be a game changer in our advocacy efforts, amplifying the voice of small business leaders in the State Capitol as legislation is being deliberated.”
“California needs to equip small businesses for success so our entire state economy can succeed,” said Ortiz. “I’m excited to be leading an effort that will give a larger platform and more seats at the table to our small business employers. Consistently providing lawmakers with input on the realities of doing business in our state and the impact that more regulation can have on the day-to-day workings and profitability of a small company will be a key focus of the CalChamber’s Small Business Policy Center. Our job is to be sure the lived experience of California’s small business owners is understood at the State Capitol.”
The CalChamber Small Business Policy Center is an addition to CalChamber’s continuing legacy of partnering with local chambers across the state to improve California’s business and jobs climate.
In California, 55% of workers are employed in businesses with fewer than 100 employees.
In addition to his new responsibilities with the CalChamber Small Business Policy Center, Ortiz will continue to manage the Big City Chambers Coalition (BCCC) and direct several other aspects of CalChamber’s grassroots advocacy efforts. Jennifer Johnson, who has been with CalChamber for 13 years, serves in the role of Director of Local Chamber Relations, reporting to Ortiz.
About CalChamber
The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) is the largest broad-based business advocate to government in California. Membership represents one-quarter of the private sector jobs in California and includes firms of all sizes and companies from every industry within the state. Leveraging our front-line knowledge of laws and regulations, we provide products and services to help businesses comply with both federal and state law. CalChamber, a not-for-profit organization with roots dating to 1890, promotes international trade and investment in order to stimulate California’s economy and create jobs. Please visit our website at www.calchamber.com.
