With billions more in federal stimulus funds waiting to be allocated, nearly 300 participants from the Sacramento region leave for Washington, D.C. this week for the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s annual Cap-to-Cap effort. The group will be in the nation’s capital April 25-29, participating in well over 200 meetings with elected officials and government agencies.

While their main mission will be to secure more American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds, the delegates—who represent businesses and jurisdictions in the six-county region—will also advocate on four top priorities: flood protection and water resources, transportation, economic development and health care. These issues have the greatest impact on the region’s businesses and have received ongoing attention by Cap-to-Cap delegates over the years.

“Business and civic leaders attend Cap-to-Cap because the effort has a decades’ long track record of accomplishment,” said Matt Mahood president & CEO. “The advocacy effort truly makes a difference for the region. Cap-to-Cap offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for business and civic leaders to meet their counterparts in the nation’s capital.”

With more than 200 meetings planned with elected officials and government representatives in Washington, D.C., the large turnout of Cap-to-Cap delegates bolsters the region’s advocacy efforts there year-round. In all, the Metro Chamber has 12 policy teams prepped for the Cap-to-Cap effort, each with a series of issue papers that explain our region’s concerns to national leaders. Teams include aviation, small business, clean and green, natural resources and workforce, among others. All of the issues papers can be viewed at metrochamber.org/captocap.

Delegates this year will be reporting on their activities through social networking sites Facebook and Twitter. The Facebook fan page is Cap to Cap, A Sacramento Metro Chamber Event. You’ll find information about the event, photos and delegate chatter. You can also follow “CaptoCap” on Twitter for the latest updates.