QC Chamber joins Iowa Chamber Alliance in D.C. for conversations with federal lawmakers

Last week, the Quad Cities Chamber joined the Iowa Chamber Alliance (ICA), a coalition of the largest chambers of commerce from across Iowa, for conversations with federal lawmakers in Washington D.C. Topics included addressing uncertainty in the business community (immigration, trade), promoting housing investment and an overhaul of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). 

A constant theme throughout the conversation was the need to provide certainty to businesses to make long-term investments. There is agreement among chambers of commerce across the state that onshoring manufacturing and other industries is a laudable goal, and one that we support. However, the constant shift of policy has led many businesses to pull back on such investments to better understand what the long-term trade environment will look like.  

Similarly on immigration, the Quad Cities Chamber and ICA have long promoted a dual approach to immigration – securing the border and creating legal pathways for work and/or citizenship for those who want to work in the United States. With President Trump’s efforts to secure the border, we believe now is the time to address issues with legal immigration. However, uncertainty arises once again, when policies like a $100,000 fee on new H1B visas force local Quad Cities companies to go back to the drawing board and develop new long-term growth strategies. 

The government shutdown was apparent with agency meetings canceled and House members back in their districts after Speaker Johnson adjourned the House until October 13. Negotiations continue with WIC payments, military salaries and FAA delays over the coming weeks, placing additional pressure on all sides to get a deal done. 

Wrapping up the trip was the annual “Taste of Iowa” reception. This year, the Quad Cities Chamber brought a local favorite – Whitey’s Ice Cream to share with more than 100 guests.