For first time, Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce will endorse political candidates

This year for the first time, the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce is planning to endorse candidates − although it'll steer clear of the Joe Biden-Donald Trump donnybrook.

David Robinson, the chamber's director of advocacy, said the plan is to endorse state legislature candidates before the Aug. 20 primary, then follow by announcing choices for Volusia County Council, Volusia School Board and Daytona Beach City Commission ahead of the Nov. 5 general election.

Endorsements will go to "candidates who align with the chamber's mission of fostering economic growth, innovation and prosperity," according to a chamber news release.

The chamber's Advocacy Task Force will evaluate candidates' platforms, experience and vision for the future of the region. Candidates will be asked to respond to questionnaires and be interviewed.

"The Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in advocating for the interests of our business community and promoting economic development in the greater Daytona Beach area," said the task force’s chairman, Michael Sznapstajler, an attorney who practices environmental law with the Cobb Cole firm in Daytona Beach. “As such, the chamber aims to contribute to the election of leaders that will drive sustainable growth and opportunity for all residents.”

The chamber news release included the logos of trustee pillars AdventHealth, Brown & Brown Insurance and Halifax Health, as well as trustee visionaries Daytona Beverages, FPL, Foundation Risk Partners and ICI Homes.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Daytona Chamber will break tradition and endorse political candidates