Welcome to California!

Over the past several years, the California Chamber of Commerce International Affairs Department has answered many questions, particularly for Consular Corp members newly posted in our state, about how the U.S. and California governments work, and what the CalChamber has to offer our international guests.

As a direct result of these inquiries, we have compiled this information into one handy information packet. In it you will find detailed information regarding the California Chamber of Commerce, our international activities, specific operations within the California government directed at international guests, and a guide to understanding the U.S. Government. We hope you will find this information useful as you transition into your new position.

If you have questions or comments, please e-mail international@calchamber.com .

All best wishes in your international endeavors.

1. About the CalChamber
   1. Helping California Do Business (About Us)
   2. CalChamber Facts
   3. CalChamber Staff
      1. Jennifer Barrera, President & CEO
      2. Executive Team
   4. Board of Directors
   5. Policy
   6. CalChamber Committees
   7. Sponsorship/Partnership Opportunities for Businesses
   8. Advocacy
      1. Return on Investment
      2. Major Victories
      3. Job Killers
      4. Job Creators
   9. Products and Services for Businesses
      1. CalChamber Store
      2. Human Resources / HRCalifornia
   10. Communications
       1. News Releases
       2. Daily Headlines
       3. Inside the Capitol
       4. Alert – weekly newsletter
2. About the CalChamber’s International Activities
   1. International Affairs
      1. Susanne Stirling (bio), Senior Vice President, International Affairs
   2. 2025 International Trade Overview
   3. CalChamber Trade Portals
   4. Council for International Trade Update (CITU)
   5. Partial Listing of International Forums
   6. California Coalition for Free Trade
      1. Membership Form
      2. Current Coalition Members
3. About California
   1. California: Quick Facts
   2. CalChamber: Economic Advisory Report
4. About our California Government
   1. Constitutional Officers & Legislature Pictorial Roster
   2. Executive Branch Organizational Chart
   3. Websites
      1. Governor Gavin Newsom
      2. California State Senate
      3. California State Assembly
   4. US and State District Maps
      1. Assembly
      2. Senate
      3. Congressional
   5. Primary Elections in California
   6. Contacting Your Legislators: Protocol
   7. How to Write a Lobbying Letter
   8. Guide to Reading a Bill
   9. California Initiative Process – CA Secretary of State’s Office
   10. Tips on Talking with the Media
   11. CalChamber’s Political Action Committees
   12. Secretary of State’s Political Reform Division
   13. Secretary of State’s bizfile
   14. California State Government Programs
       1. Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)
       2. California Energy Commission
       3. California State Senate Office of International Relations
       4. California Department of Food and Agriculture
       5. California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP)
       6. California International Trade Center powered by California Community Colleges
   15. California State Legislature’s Office Glossary of Legislative Terms
5. About U.S. Government
   1. United States of America: Quick Facts
      1. Branches of Government
         1. The Executive Branch
            1. The President’s Cabinet
         2. The Legislative Branch
            1. U.S. Congress
               1. U.S. Senate
               2. U.S. House
            2. How Laws are Made
      2. National Vs. State Governments
      3. Election of the President and Vice President
         1. Election of Representatives
         2. Election of Senators
      4. Judicial Branch & The Supreme Court
      5. Citizenship
      6. U.S. Government Glossary
   2. U.S. Government Information and Website Links
      1. California Congressional Delegation Pictorial Roster
         1. California Congressional Delegation Committee Assignments
      2. The White House
         1. U.S. Department of State
         2. U.S. Department of Commerce
         3. U.S. Trade Representative
      3. U.S. Senate
      4. U.S. House of Representatives
      5. U.S. Library of Congress
      6. U.S. Supreme Court

Welcome to California Introduction Letter

Consular Corps Contact Form

Foreign Consuls in California