GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC POLICY – 2011 Economic Development Division   PURPOSE   Evaluate local, state and federal legislative and public policy issues, inform the Chamber membership on their relevancy and make recommendations for action to the Board of Directors.   GOAL   Acquire, maintain, and impart a high level of knowledge on issues deemed important to Chamber members.   OBJECTIVES   Provide speakers on issues of importance for First Friday Coffee quarterly;   When pertinent, publish monthly legislative update in Inside Commerce;   Partner with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce on weekly legislative conference calls (January - May);   Work closely with other committees through the Council of Chairmen to determine critical issues and do necessary research to satisfy those committees.   GOAL   Actively seek to affect government and public policy issues.   OBJECTIVES   Publish annual legislative priorities for distribution to local, state and federal representatives;   After careful evaluation, recommend positions on legislative and public policy issues to the Board of Directors;   Sponsor at least two annual meetings with local, state and national elected officials;   Host an annual event to promote the Cape Girardeau area at the state level;   Provide information and actively pursue local appointments to statewide boards and commissions through existing communications produced by the Chamber;   Participate in the political process to influence funding for the University.