ROME — Rome Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Congressional Candidates Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at Delta Lake Inn on Fish Hatchery Road.

Check-in is at 7:30 a.m., with a buffet breakfast to follow at 7:40 a.m. The program will begin at 8 a.m.

Presented in cooperation with the Professional and Business Women of Rome and held during National Business Women’s Week, the Congressional Candidates Forum will feature Francis Conole, of Syracuse, Democratic candidate, and Brandon Williams, of Syracuse, Republican candidate for the 22nd Congressional District.

Cost is $32 per person. To make a reservation, call the chamber at 315-337-1700 or email info@RomeChamber.com.

“What transpires in Congress – the decisions made by our elected representatives — affects our daily lives and the ability of chamber members to successfully conduct business,” said Rome Chamber President William K. Guglielmo. “The chamber does not interview candidates and make endorsement recommendations. The forum is intended to provide attendees with an opportunity to meet the candidates, gain a better understanding of their positions on relevant issues, and make informed decisions on Election Day.”

Those who have questions for the candidates may submit them in advance to info@RomeChamber.com or write them on the 3-by-5-inch cards that will be available at the forum. Personal questions are not permitted; only questions concerning what the candidates’ thoughts/views on how they will conduct business of their elected office will be allowed. No distribution of campaign materials, including flyers, cards, T-shirts, etc. will be permitted.

The PBW will also honor two women with the Yellow Rose of Challenge award for the positive impact they have on the community.

“Representatives of the Professional and Business Women of Rome will moderate the forum,” Guglielmo said. “As in previous years, the forum is being held during National Business Women’s Week and the PBW will be honoring two local women with the Yellow Rose of Challenge Award for the positive impact they have on our community. Also, high school students from the government class at Rome Free Academy will once again be attending, hosted by chamber members, in an effort to provide them with first-hand information as to how the election process works.”

Business sponsorships for the forum are available by contacting the chamber. Rome Free Academy government students attending may also be sponsored for the $32 admission price. If sponsoring five or more students, cost is $27 per person.