June 20, 2003

New disclosure rules for lobbying in state procurement . . .

Governor Pataki has issued an executive order addressing efforts to influence procurement contracts with state agencies, authorities and other entities.

Key provisions include the following:

It applies to contracts for goods, services and real estate valued at more than $15,000, and involving any state agency (including SUNY and CUNY), or any public benefit corporation, authority or commission with at least one member appointed by the Governor. It is applicable to solicitations for bids made 60 days or more after effective date of the Order (which would be August 15, 2003.)

All bids or proposal documents submitted to affected agencies by contractors must list every person or organization retained or authorized by the contractor to attempt to influence the procurement process on the contractor's behalf, and whether those entities have a financial interest in the proposal.

Covered agencies must make a "determination of responsibility" before awarding a contract; violations will preclude bidders from securing state contracts for a five-year period, unless it is determined that it is in the "best interest of the state" to do so notwithstanding prior violations.

Agencies must record any contacts that reasonably appear to be an attempt to influence the procurement process by persons other than those specified by a contractor in their bid or proposal documents.

All contracts will include a certification by the awardee that it has fully complied with the Executive Order. Agencies can terminate contracts if such certification is found to be intentionally false or incomplete.

Agency employees are subject to unspecified disciplinary action if they fail to comply with the requirements of this Order.

The Office of General Services is directed to issue written guidance within 45 days regarding implementation of this Order.

New action on Association Health Plans . . .

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill yesterday that would allow small businesses to buy association health plans through their trade groups. Observers have said the bill is expected to be hotly contested in the Senate. In CANYS’ continuing effort to keep you informed of this legislation that could affect your chamber and health plans you may offer, below are some articles you might find educational. If you have trouble with any of these links, please visit www.canys.org.

• ABC News/AP report on House passage of bill
• Philadelphia Enquirer/AP report on House passage of bill
• Entrepreneur.com article on AHPs (including additional links)
• N.F.I.B.'s "Coalition Supporting Access & Choice Through AHPs" supporting position
• Coalition to Protect Your Healthcare opposing position
• National Funeral Directors Association supporting position
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners opposing position

Report from U.S. Chamber's "Institute" . . .

My introduction to Chamber Institute at Notre Dame was a wonderful professional experience for me and is going to benefit our Chamber and community in the future. Those CANYS members with whom I spoke for some insight before attending Institute were right: it is an amazing idea and resource-generating week. It was riveting to hear how other Chambers are working to continue to be the voice of business, with businesses reluctant to spend and an ever-changing business climate. The class instruction was very relevant to what is happening in Chambers across the country. We discussed how to deal with big box retail, loss of manufacturing jobs, and the new economy. Overall it was a great experience and I look forward to returning to Notre Dame for my second year. I would like to thank CANYS for the 2003 scholarship. --- Michael Horton, Schuyler County Chamber of Commerce

Tell us about it . . .

Joe Sullivan, Interim President at the Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce wants your help: have any other chambers recently completed a bylaw review? Do any chambers have bylaws that Joe could use as examples for potential changes at his chamber? If you have any advice on the bylaw review process, or wouldn’t mind sharing your chamber bylaws with Joe, e-mail him at president@fultoncountyny.org, or fax your bylaws to 518-725-0643.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is looking for a President. The President is responsible for the overall operation of a 1,000 member business organization to ensure the mission and vision of the chamber is accomplished. Essential functions include implementing Board policy, providing direction in effective planning for the chamber and its programs, anticipating emerging and long-term challenges and opportunities, developing the annual budget for board approval and being responsible for the oversight of all chamber finances in accordance with the budget. The President also serves as program director for administering the “I Love New York Matching Funds” program in compliance with New York State guidelines, among other duties. Interested candidates should complete and send an application to the Search Committee by 7/14/03. Inquires relating to the position should call 585-343-7440, extension 30, and your call will be returned by a Search Committee member.

The Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry is currently searching for a President. The President directs the activities of the Chamber in both a management and community leadership position. Responsibility for a full range of Chamber activities including membership development and relations, community involvement, administration and financial management. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership by exhibiting organizational and administrative skills, communications and interpersonal skills by working with diverse groups of employees, board members, committee members, government officials and community stakeholders. The preferred candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree or the combination of experience and education to perform the duties of this position. Strong interpersonal and written communication skills are required. The anticipated salary range for this position is $40K to $50K plus benefits, based upon qualifications and experience. E.O.E. Interested candidates will respond with a cover letter and resume by 6/30/03 to: Fulton County Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Presidential Search Committee, 2 North Main Street, Gloversville, NY 12078.

Got a question you’d like to ask other CANYS members? Job opening in your chamber? Send it to maggie.moree@bcnys.org. Special note: the next edition of the CANYS Chamber Connection will come out on July 11th. Happy Independence Day!