Government and Public Affairs Committee
Purpose
This committee plays a pivotal role in whether the Board of Directors takes action to support local, state and federal initiatives. The Greater Vancouver Chamber is the largest business organization in southwest Washington and takes the weight of its voice seriously in conversations and debates about how to assure businesses continue to thrive across the region.
Nelson Holmberg
Government and Public Affairs Committee Chair
Operations
This committee plays a key role in shaping the Chamber's annual legislative priorities ahead of each legislative session. In collaboration with partners like the Columbia River Economic Development Council and Identity Clark County, the committee helps prepare a Joint Legislative Priorities list. This list ensures the Southwest Washington business community can effectively communicate its top concerns to our Clark County legislative delegation.
Beyond setting priorities, the committee leads our Legislative Outlook and Review events and joins the Chamber team for our annual ‘hill climb’ at the Capitol steps in Olympia. This event provides a valuable opportunity for the region's biggest business concerns to be directly heard by state legislators.
Meetings
The G&PA meets monthly or more frequently if legislative activity necessitates. Meetings are closed to the public at this time.
Term Limits
Members of the G&PA serve renewable one-year terms.
2025 Government and Public Affairs (G&PA) Committee
Nelson Holmberg
NW Natural, Community Affairs & Customer Acquisition Manager
Abbi Russell
Maul Foster & Alongi, Inc., Principal Senior Communications & Outreach Specialist
Allison Pauletto
Friends of the Children - Southwest Washington, Executive Director - SW WA Chapter
Anne McEnerny-Ogle
City of Vancouver, Mayor
Annie Herbert
Kaiser Permanente Administration, Govt & Community Relations
Ben Hoskins
1-800-GOT-JUNK, Franchise Partner
Eric Florip
C-TRAN, Manager of Communications and Marketing
Irene Toristoja
JT Marine Inc, Controller
Justin Wood
Clark County Association of REALTORS, Director of REALTOR Advocacy
Pat Kiely
Red Dog Fabrication, LLC, Owner
Paul Montague
Paul Montague Tax Preparation, LLC, Enrolled Agent
Ryan Hart
Port of Vancouver USA, Chief External Affairs Officer
Sean Philbrook
Identity Clark County, VP Programs
Timo Toristoja
JT Marine Inc, President
Todd Johnson
TRJ Planning Inc, President