U.S. Chamber of Commerce Recognized for Groundbreaking Grassroots Virtual March

Washington, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce received recognition today at the 2008 Public Affairs Council Grassroots Conference for structuring an online campaign to rally against the Card Check legislation pending before Congress that would eliminate the use of private ballots in union elections. This "virtual march" generated over 30,000 contacts with Capitol Hill in less than five days and the private ballot elimination legislation was ultimately defeated.

"This project showed that online business activists can be just as effective as those who campaign on the steps of the Capitol," said Chamber Senior Vice President for Political Affairs and Federation Relations and National Political Director Bill Miller. "Our members immediately understood that Card Check would let the unions overrun private employers, and our virtual march enabled them to register their concerns instantaneously. This gives us a powerful tool as we get ready to engage on the issue again this year."

The Chamber partnered with the Adfero Group to develop an inventive, online platform which allowed members and others from across the country to participate in a march on Capitol Hill without the added expense of traveling to Washington, D.C. Many Chamber members are small business owners, deeply affected by this and other issues. These members often can't attend grassroots events in the Nation's capital, because they don't have the time or finances to spare.

Unlike traditional write-in campaigns, the "virtual march" gave an exciting, personalized experience to individual activists that presented each of them with a unique online identity. It proved credible to Congress by letting them know that real people representing real districts were devoted to this cause.

"The Chamber combined modern technology with the desire of a new generation of business activists who are looking for more immediate ways to make their voices heard to achieve the success of the virtual march," continued Miller. "After this success, we plan to utilize this on-line grassroots networking plan in the future to advocate for the best legislative proposals and work to stop bad legislation."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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08-05