On this episode of the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce podcast Business LO, Chamber Member Heather Graves Ramsey interviews government affairs expert Paul Glass about how government affairs committees engage members, build relationships with elected officials, and advocate on issues affecting businesses, including regulations, permitting, fees, taxes, transportation, insurance costs, business retention, and land development. Glass emphasizes that “business friendly” means officials listen, understand business impacts, and apply consistent processes; he urges business owners to pay attention via chamber communications and city agendas, bring concerns first to the chamber, invite officials to visit businesses, and follow up to maintain accountability. He also advises prospective candidates to prepare for major time demands, fundraising, public scrutiny, and family impacts. Chamber CEO Liz Hartman shares chamber updates with What You Need to Know in LO, including September ticket sales for the October 3rd Wine Walk, booking 2027 networking hosts, rebooting the Downtown Business Group, and upcoming affinity group meetings, including Women’s Lakeside Leaders on September 23, 2026.