Norman Transcript: Norman Chamber members fly-in to Washington, D.C.
Norman Transcript - Sarah Kirby
Twenty-seven business and city leaders had one goal during their annual fly-in to Washington, D.C.: Remind federal legislators what matters to the city of Norman and hear what’s happening in the nation’s Capitol.
From March 2-4, the group of Norman Chamber of Commerce members — one of the biggest in recent history — met with U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin, U.S. Sen. James Lankford, U.S. Rep. Steve Russell and Sen. James Inhofe for policy briefings.
“It’s all about prioritization, and legislators are dealing with dozens of issues each day and hundreds of issues each year,” Norman Chamber President and CEO John Woods said, “so, it’s just having a voice saying ‘Hey, don’t forget this issue; make this a priority.’”
Woods said the Chamber members discussed issues on its federal legislative agenda, which included the authorization of the Federal Transportation Fund, which helps support infrastructure across the country.
Continued support for university research in relation to weather technology is a “recurring theme” in their conversations with lawmakers, Woods said, and he wanted to remind them why it matters on local, state and national levels.
“(The research) spurs private technology very successfully and produces real life-saving results. We want to make sure they are aware of it,” Woods said.
Their thoughts were met with productive and positive responses, Woods said.
“It’s always been a great event that’s always well received,” he said. “We had some great feedback and discussion on budgetary issues, military issues, tax policy and education policy, and we were able to share with them those issues we were concerned about, and we received positive feedback on the things that we think are important.”
And it wasn’t all work. In addition to policy briefings, their itinerary included time to mingle during a congressional breakfast reception and a nightcap reception. It’s something all legislators make time for, Woods said.
“If they have the time on their calendar, it’s a priority for all legislators of all parties and all backgrounds to try to meet with their constituents, because it’s the right thing to do,” he said. “It’s not uncommon; that’s something all legislators worth their salt make it an effort to do.”
The trip was generously sponsored by Fowler Auto Group. Platinum sponsors included Republic Bank & Trust and the University of Oklahoma. Gold sponsors included Arvest Bank, Hallbrooke Development Group, and Oklahoma Electric Cooperative. Silver sponsors included BancFirst, Equity Commercial Realty, INOK and OG&E.
Online: Norman Transcript