The Public Affairs Council advises the CalChamber President and Board of Directors on key political issues affecting the business community, particularly ballot measure campaigns and the endorsements of the CalChamber political action committee.
The council includes government relations executives and chief executive officers whose companies are CalChamber members at the Advocate level or higher. It serves as a networking platform for these high-level representatives of CalChamber major member companies to share information and resources from colleagues around the state.
Public Affairs Council members convene via semi-annual conferences or conference calls as needed. At these gatherings, renowned political strategists and government leaders share their expertise on cutting-edge issues, providing an insider’s look at the political and legislative climate.
2024
November 2024 CalChamber Public Affairs Conference
A sell-out crowd gathered in Anaheim yesterday for the opening day of the CalChamber Public Affairs Conference, an annual event providing attendees a chance to mingle and exchange comments about state and national politics.
Photos by Matt Lara
CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera welcomes attendees to the CalChamber Public Affairs Conference.Pollsters Adam Rosenblatt (left) of Bold Decision and Robert Green, Pierrepont Consulting and Analytics LLC set the stage for the rest of the conference with a recap of their survey on California voter attitudes.An afternoon session on day one of the CalChamber Public Affairs Conference gives some of the large class of new legislators an opportunity to introduce themselves. (From left) Robert Moutrie, CalChamber senior policy advocate; Assemblymembers-Elect David Tangipa, Jessica Caloza, Maggy Krell, Alexandra Macedo, John Harabedian, Patrick Ahrens, Senator-Elect Jesse Arreguín, Assemblymember-Elect Anamarie Avila Farias.Christine Aurre, legislative affairs secretary for Governor Newsom, and Ben Golombek, CalChamber executive vice president and chief of staff for policy.
Presenting the perspective from the Governor’s office was Christine Aurre, legislative affairs secretary for Governor Gavin Newsom. The session was moderated by CalChamber Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff for Policy Ben Golombek.
The final session of day one featured CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera moderating a discussion with fellow CEOs of industry association partners.
CEO roundtable with (from left) Jennifer Barrera, CalChamber; Dan Dunmoyer, California Building Industry Association; Dave Puglia, Western Growers; Tom Bannon, California Apartment Association; Brian Maas, California New Car Dealers Association; Dustin Corcoran, California Medical Association.
Reviewing the past to gain understanding of the future was a recurring theme in presentations on the second day of the CalChamber Public Affairs Conference.
(From left) Discussing AI policy considerations are CalChamber Policy Advocate Ronak Daylami (moderator), Assemblymember Diane Dixon, Senator Brian Jones, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and Assemblymember Marc Berman.CalChamber Senior Policy Advocate Ashley Hoffman leads a discussion on antitrust competition and regulatory policy issues with (from left) Assemblymember Joe Patterson and Senators Anna Caballero, Steve Glazer and Thomas Umberg.Reviewing the national election results are (from left) Tara Palmeri, Puck News; Cassandra Pye (moderator), Lucas Public Affairs; and David Drucker, The Dispatch.(From left) CalChamber’s Adam Regele moderates a discussion on California’s clean energy goals with Assemblymembers Lisa Calderon, Sharon Quirk-Silva, Cottie Petrie-Norris, Senator Anna Caballero, Assemblymember James Gallagher and Senator Ben Allen.
In the final panel discussion, experienced ballot measure campaign strategists Brandon Castillo of BCFS Public Affairs, Courtni Pugh of Hilltop Public Solutions and Jim DeBoo of DeBoo Strategy commented on California voters’ response to this year’s propositions.
(from left) CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera, Courtni Pugh of Hilltop Public Solutions, Jim DeBoo of DeBoo Strategy, Brandon Castillo of BCFS Public Affairs.
2023
October 2023 CalChamber Public Affairs Conference
A record crowd gathered in Laguna Niguel on October 24 and 25 for the annual CalChamber Public Affairs Conference. The packed day-and-a-half agenda still provided many opportunities for attendees to mingle and share observations about state and national politics.
Photos by Matt Lara
Kicking off day one of the CalChamber Public Affairs Conference on October 24 are pollsters Robert Green (left), Pierrepont Consulting & Analytics LLC; and Adam Rosenblatt, Bold Decision. Here they field audience questions about the 9th annual CalChamber survey of California voter attitudes, the People’s Voice.Offering perspectives on the complexities of goods movement in California at the CalChamber Public Affairs Conference on October 24 are (from left) moderator Adam Regele, CalChamber vice president of advocacy and strategic partnerships; Assemblymember Juan Carrillo (D-Palmdale); Assemblymember Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel); and Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank). Panelists commented on topics such as supply chain issues, state and local requirements affecting the location of warehouses, the infrastructure and other challenges raised by the transition toward medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles, and potential mitigation proposals.The opening session on October 25 — day two of the CalChamber Public Affairs Conference — gives some of the large class of “freshman” legislators an opportunity to review their experiences. From left are session moderator Preston Young, CalChamber policy advocate; Senator Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas); and Assemblymembers Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey), Juan Alanis (R-Modesto), Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) and Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach). All agreed there was far too much legislation introduced in 2023.Panelists at an afternoon session on artificial intelligence (AI) on October 25 at the CalChamber Public Affairs Conference are (from left) Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim), Senator Steve Padilla (D-Chula Vista), Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda), Assemblymember Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield) and moderator Ronak Daylami, CalChamber policy advocate. The discussion covered the opportunities and risks of AI, the risks of overregulation, and role of the Legislature in this space, plus how to balance the need for guardrails to protect Californians and avoid the dangers of stifling innovation/economic growth.Strategy and funding of ballot measure campaigns is the subject of a morning session on October 25 at the CalChamber Public Affairs Conference featuring (from left) moderator Marva Diaz, Marva Diaz Strategies/California Target Book; Jim DeBoo, DeBoo Strategic Affairs; Christy Wilson, Wilson Callahan Strategies; and Brandon Castillo, BCFS Public Affairs.Entertaining the luncheon audience on October 25 at the CalChamber Public Affairs Conference are (from left) discussion moderator Rob Stutzman, Stutzman Public Affairs; journalist Mary Katherine Ham, podcast host and author; and Democratic Party strategist and memoirist Lis Smith. The lively discussion about Washington D.C. politics ranged from voter perceptions of the presidential candidates to House Republican issues and predictions for the 2024 elections.Appearing at a CalChamber Public Affairs Conference session on October 25 to discuss the huge impact of California tribal communities on the state’s economy are (from left) moderator Ben Golombek, CalChamber executive vice president and chief of staff for policy; Assemblymember Greg Wallis (R-Bermuda Dunes); Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis; Assemblymember James Ramos (D-Highland); and Senators Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) and Marie Alvarado-Gil (D-Jackson). Besides gaming, tribes have made investments in water, health care and education, among other areas.
CalChamber President/CEO Moderates Conversation with Assembly Speaker Rivas
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) is featured in an afternoon session at the Public Affairs Conference on October 25. CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera moderates the discussion. Photo by Matt Lara
‘Varsity’ Legislators Present Mid-Session Perspectives at Conference
A panel discussion on October 24 at the CalChamber Public Affairs Conference gives attendees the opportunity to hear the perspectives of seasoned legislators about this year’s legislative session. From left are CalChamber policy advocate Ashley Hoffman (moderator), Senators Josh Newman (D-Fullerton), Anna Caballero (D-Merced) and Steve Glazer (D-Contra Costa), and Assemblymembers Heath Flora (R-Ripon) and Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine). Topics covered included the legislative process and effective advocacy. Photo by Matt Lara
2022
November 2022 CalChamber Public Affairs Conference
Legislators, policy experts and opinion leaders gathered at the CalChamber Public Affairs Conference on November 29–30 to share insights on the 2022 election results and California policy issues, past and future. See #PAConference22 for tweets posted during the conference.
Photos by Matt Lara
CalChamber Public Affairs Conference Offers Insights on Political Landscape
CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera (left) moderates a look at what’s coming in Governor Gavin Newsom’s second term in office featuring comments by Christy Bouma (right), the Governor’s legislative affairs secretary.Robert Green, Pierrepont Consulting & Analytics, and Adam Rosenblatt, Bold Decision, give conference attendees a look at the results of the People’s Voice, 2022, the eighth annual CalChamber survey of voter attitudes.Discussing the status of privacy laws in California and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) are (from left) Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills), chair of the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee; Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee; Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa); and moderator Ronak Daylami, CalChamber policy advocate specializing in privacy issues.Commenting on what happened in the 2022 elections are (from left) Matt Rexroad, Strategy Insights; Kate Maeder, KMM Strategies; Christy Wilson, Wilson Public Affairs; moderator Marva Diaz, editor of the California Target Book; and Andrew Acosta, Acosta Consulting.Panelists for the conference session featuring legislative veterans talking about the lessons they have learned in ferrying a proposal from concept to law are (from left) Assemblymember Tom Daly (D-Anaheim), Senator Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita), CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera (moderator), Senator Steve Glazer (D-Contra Costa), Senator Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge), and Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena).Luncheon speakers offering more perspectives on the 2022 elections are (from left) Mike Murphy, USC Center for the Political Future; Stephanie Cutter, Precision; and moderator Rob Stutzman, Stutzman Strategies.(From left) CalChamber Senior Policy Advocate Adam Regele moderates a panel on recycling and SB 54, the circular economy and recycling compromise legislation enacted this year, with Senator Brian Jones (R-Santee), Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton), Assemblymember Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel), and Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), author of SB 54.Speakers for the final conference panel examining the state budget are (from left) moderator Ben Golombek, CalChamber executive vice president and chief of staff for policy, Assemblymember Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield), Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Laguna Beach) and Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine).
CalChamber Public Affairs Conference Gives New Legislators Chance to Tell Their Stories
First-time legislators have an opportunity to recount their journeys to office in a panel discussion on November 29, the first day of the CalChamber Public Affairs Conference.
First-time legislators have an opportunity to recount their journeys to office in a panel discussion on November 29, the first day of the CalChamber Public Affairs Conference.Assemblymember-Elect Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) also was on the panel.
2021
October 2021 CalChamber Public Affairs Conference
See #PAConference21 for tweets posted during the conference.
Governor’s Top Advisers Share Anecdotes
CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg (left) moderates as Jim DeBoo, executive secretary to Governor Gavin Newsom, and Ana Matosantos, Cabinet secretary, talk about what it’s like to work in the Governor’s office at the CalChamber Public Affairs Conference on October 27. More photos. Photo by Matt Lara
First-Time Legislators Recount Experience at CalChamber Public Affairs Conference
An afternoon session on October 26, the first day of the CalChamber Public Affairs Conference this week, gives attendees a chance to learn more about some of the new legislators. From left are CalChamber moderator Adam Regele, Assembly Member Suzette Valladares (R-Santa Clarita), Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine), Assembly Members Akilah Weber, M.D. (D-San Diego), Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Nigel) and Megan Dahle (R-Bieber), and Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa). Photo by Matt Lara
Pollsters, Pundits, Public Officials Offer Insights on Past, Future Political Landscape
2019
October 2019 CalChamber Public Affairs Conference
Photos by Matt Lara
2018
November 2018 CalChamber Public Affairs Conference
CalChamber Public Affairs Conference Hosts Panel of Incoming Legislators
An opportunity to get better acquainted with members of the 2019 legislative freshman class was among the agenda items on the first day of the 2018 California Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Conference on November 27 in Huntington Beach.
CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg served as moderator of the “New Kids on the Block” legislative panel, which also included current Senator Ling Ling Chang, a previous Assembly member who took office following a special election in June. Read more and see more photos.
See more photos below.
See #PAConference18 for tweets posted during the conference.
Experts Examine Implications of Election Politics
Photos by Matt Lara
2017
October 2017 CalChamber Public Affairs Conference
Day 1 – Voter Attitudes, California 2018 Election, State Housing Crisis
Day 2 – National Elections, Media Comments, D.C. Insights, Legislative Review and Tech Caucus
2016
November 2016 CalChamber Public Affairs Conference
Mark McKinnon, the co-creator and co-host of Showtime’s hit documentary series The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth on this year’s presidential election, was the special guest luncheon speaker at the California Chamber of Commerce annual Public Affairs Conference.
Day 1 – Opening Session, 2016 Election Campaign Trail, and Incoming Freshman Class
Day 2 – Federal 2016 Election Campaign Trail, Panel Discussion with Legislative Caucus Chairs, Luncheon with Special Guest Mark McKinnon, Policy Panel: Tax Reform
2015
November 2015 Public Affairs Council Conference
With 2016 being an election year, the California Chamber of Commerce 2015 Fall Public Affairs Conference brought together insiders from both major parties to offer insights and predictions on key statewide and legislative races, plus the race for the White House and upcoming California ballot initiatives. The conference also featured one panel of state legislators giving a review of the 2015 legislative session, with a second panel offering a preview of 2016. Pollster and media pundit Dr. Frank Luntz gave the luncheon address on “Words that Matter.”
Lawmakers, experts, and journalists discussed election results, state policies, and political strategies at the California Chamber of Commerce 2014 Fall Public Affairs Conference.
Martin R. Wilson