The governors, and therefore chapters, serve as a conduit for the flow of information to and from the membership and national organization. The governors, through their role in heading ACC chapters also represents the interests of cardiologist on state, local and regional legislative, regulatory and payer issues important to cardiovascular specialists. Chapters currently provide a forum at the state or regional level for ACC members to discuss legislation, regulation and socioeconomic issues that affect the cardiology community and ultimately the patients to whom they render cardiovascular care. Chapters enable the College to address issues that occur only within a state or region. ACC chapters provide four major opportunities: 1. A way of participation and communication for College members at the state level in College-related activities; 2. The emergence of "Grassroots" leaders thus ensuring the accomplishment of future Chapter and College objectives; 3. Representation by the College in state medical association policymaking bodies, councils or medical specialty societies; and 4. A more effective means of monitoring and responding to state or regional legislation as well as focusing state attention on national College programs and policies.