About BusinessForce

What is BusinessForce?
BusinessForce is Florida’s largest regional political action committee. It operates in total compliance with all election laws and is governed by an Board of Directors composed of business and community leaders.It represents over 10,000 businesses and their tens of thousands of employees who are interested in promoting a pro-business environment, and, on a non-partisan basis, supporting candidates and elected officials in Orange, Seminole and Osceola Counties who support the free enterprise system and sound, responsible business practices in government.

BusinessForce Programs
BusinessForce Insider's Briefings
BusinessForce Insider's Briefings are not fund-raisers, but instead an opportunity to meet and hear throughout the year from Florida's top political leaders and decision-makers from both political parties in an informal, private session. Past speakers include U. S. Senators and Congressmen, and a host of key state legislators and top local officials.

BusinessForce Political Leadership Institute
The ground breaking BusinessForce Political Leadership Institute which is held at the Roy E. Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College in Winter Park seeks to improve the political leadership of our region by identifying, nurturing and mentoring a new generation of pro-business governmental leaders on a bipartisan basis and thereby strengthening the quality of governance. Annually, Institute participants attend an innovative two-day seminar in February to hear national leaders and experts discuss government, media, ethics, political campaigning, as well as important public policy issues.

Why Join BusinessForce?
Until now, each business person has had to go it alone in doing time-consuming independent research to properly evaluate state and local candidates or issues in our region. There was no real way of sharing information or goals with others before making decisions of support while also understanding and complying with often-complicated election laws. Now, with BusinessForce, businesses large and small will have a unified voice speaking out for good candidates and good government. Together we will make "the voice of business" a stronger force in our region for good government!

How Can I Join BusinessForce?
BusinessForce is open to any member, or employee of any member of the Orlando, Inc., (Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce) as well as any member chamber of the Chamber of Commerce Alliance or individual members of each Alliance Chamber.

BusinessForce is working to provide you with the political clout it takes to improve the business climate that affects whether you can do business successfully.

In considering what level you should join BusinessForce, there are three levels of membership tailored to an individual's needs:

• Dues check-off : Designed for prospective members who simply want to join and support the important work of BusinessForce in insuring well qualified, pro-business candidates are elected to public office, prospective members may simply indicate they wish to "check-off" a specified amount on their Chamber dues to be earmarked fro BusinessForce.
• Sustaining Trustee: Designed for prospective members who desire an additional level of involvement and networking in BusinessForce. Sustaining Trustees are asked to make a commitment to pledge $250 annually for three years. In return, Sustaining Trustees are invited each year to attend six special private BusinessForce events featuring leading political leaders discussing important national, state and local political issues. In addition, they will frequently receive the benefit of political research and polling on key current issues and political candidates.
• Board of Directors: Designed for prospective members who wish to be politically involved at the highest level in BusinessForce. The number of Executive Board members are established in the BusinessForce bylaws and are nominated by a special committee. Each must have a strong interest, in and knowledge of the political process. BusinessForce Board of Directors receive the same benefits as Sustaining Trustee but additionally have exclusive jurisdiction in making candidate endorsements and in the governance of BusinessForce.

How Successful is BusinessForce?
Since its creation in 1998, 80% of BusinessForce-endorsed candidates have won elections. Each election year, candidates and elected officials from throughout our region eagerly seek the coveted BusinessForce endorsement.

How Do I Get Involved with BusinessForce?
Contact Mike Ketchum at 407.835.2464 or michael.ketchum@orlando.org

Click here to join BusinessForce.

Click here to view Mike Ketchum's biography.