Statement on Candidate Events

The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has voted unanimously to forego hosting a candidate forum or debate in 2026.

In place of candidate forums this year, the Chamber will pursue other ways to inform its members, including a legislative event featuring guest speakers Novak and Rooney, tentatively scheduled for October 13. Other civic, educational, media, or community organizations may choose to host candidate forums or voter education events this year, and the Chamber welcomes fair, nonpartisan, and accessible efforts to help voters hear from candidates.

The decision followed review by the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee and Executive Committee after the Chamber received a request from a campaign to host a candidate event during the 2026 election cycle. Because the request involved election-season programming, the Chamber reviewed the matter through its normal committee and Board process before responding.

The Chamber has historically served, at times, as a nonpartisan convener of candidate forums for local, county, and state races. These events have been organized by the Chamber at its own expense and offered at no charge to candidates, attendees, or the community. The purpose of those forums has been to provide structured, civil opportunities for voters to hear directly from candidates and better understand issues affecting the community.

For 2026, the Board determined that the Chamber’s time, resources, and staff capacity are better directed toward legislative events, policy communications, and educational resources that align with the Chamber’s focus areas and mission.

This decision was not made in favor of or against any candidate, campaign, political party, or race. Rather, it reflects the Board’s responsibility to steward the organization’s resources, maintain the Chamber’s nonpartisan position, and focus programming where it can provide the greatest value to members and the broader business community.

The Chamber remains committed to helping members understand public policy issues, legislative activity, and decisions affecting employers in Columbia and Montour counties, while continuing to advocate for its members with public officials at all levels.

The Chamber continues to value civic education, civil public discourse, and access to meaningful information. That commitment remains unchanged. In 2026, the Chamber will advance that work through member-focused legislative programming, policy communications, and educational resources.