A recent move by the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce will strengthen the business community's voice in government affairs, officials said Tuesday.

The chamber has entered into a partnership with the Business Alliance for a Sound Economy (BASE) for government affairs services.
 
“Streamlining regional efforts was a key objective in the Garner Report [an economic development analysis commissioned by New Hanover County], and we are pleased to be coordinating advocacy with BASE,” said Connie Majure-Rhett, Wilmington Chamber president and CEO, in the release. “The strategic partnership between the two organizations will enable the chamber to increase its proactive engagement in policy, which fosters economic prosperity.”

She said the issues business leaders in the Cape Fear region need to address don't stop at county lines.

"We need to work even more closely with our fellow counties ... I think that's incredibly important in Raleigh, and BASE already has a relationship in those counties," Majure-Rhett said.

At one time, the chamber had a larger staff and was able to dedicate an employee to government issues, Majure-Rhett said. She did not disclose the financial details of the partnership.
 
BASE interim CEO Tyler Newman said, “With our strong foundation in southeastern North Carolina, we look forward to working with the chamber to enhance regional partnerships and advance public policy priorities.”

BASE, which describes itself as an organization focused on encouraging investment in Southeastern North Carolina, represents individual business members, and also provides government affairs services to several regional trade associations. They include Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association, Brunswick County Home Builders Association, Brunswick County Association of Realtors, Jacksonville Board of Realtors and Topsail Island Association of Realtors.