About

COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES

Committees and task forces help to define policies of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo on the issues that are critical to the business of its members or organization. These groups are not alone in formulating policy—AmCham will often ask for views of its members on certain key issues through meetings, mailings, and surveys. These exchanges provide valuable insight to the members of our policy committees and task forces and to the Executive Director and the Board of Governors. According to the Article 18.5. [Committees] of the Bylaws, the Board is empowered to create committees (or task groups) of Members and Governors necessary for the effective and successful functioning of the Chamber.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMITTEES

AmCham Committees have three basic policy responsibilities:

1. Identify current and emerging problems;
2. Develop policies and positions on issues; and
3. Provide support on policy analysis and communication efforts.

A major responsibility of AmCham committees is to identify problems, both current and emerging, affecting the host country's economy. With the help of staff, as well as with other resources, committee members analyze problems and identify policy solutions. These policies are then recommended for further approval according to AmCham bylaws.

According to the Article 5.8. of AmCham Bylaws, the Chamber shall not be placed in or assume the role of a “lobbyist” on behalf of any particular Member by taking a stand on an issue of concern only to that Member. Also, according to Article 5.9. of the Bylaws, the Chamber shall avoid intervention in issues of a narrow, intra-industry nature, such as matters that concern only a particular group or segment within an industry.

MEETINGS

AmCham Kosovo committees shall meet every two months, however the committees may also organize events with prominent speakers about relevant and timely business and policy issues and sector developments.

CHAIRPERSONS

Committee chairs, in consultation with staff, decide on the dates, locations, and agendas for meetings. Chairpersons are also responsible for presiding at committee meetings and for seeking staff help as needed.

STAFF

AmCham staff who work with policy development committees are referred to as committee coordinators, exercising administrative functions and expertise in a specialized field. The Chamber looks to them for day-to-day attention to public issues.

REPRESENTING AMCHAM'S VIEWS

No committee chair or staff member shall have the authority of representing any Chamber's views as according to article 5.6. the President, Secretary-General, and Executive Director shall share the responsibility of representing the Chamber’s collective interests and views to the general public; to governmental agencies and the representatives of such agencies in Kosovo, the United States, and other countries; and to other third parties, whereas according to the Article 22.1. the Executive Director is responsible for promoting the public image of the Association by serving as the Chamber’s “ambassador-at-large,” liaising on behalf of its Members with other leaders of the Kosovo and international business communities, and with representatives of local and international government agencies.