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Building My Relationship With Congress PDF Print E-mail
Grassroot Efforts - SAF Members in Action
Up until a few years ago I would have never thought about developing a personal relationship with any of my representatives. My experiences at SAF's Congressional Action Days (CAD) taught me that it is not only possible but really not that hard at all. It just takes a little persistence and a little time. It all started with going on the "Hill visits" at CAD and then taking the next step to follow up on those visits with a personal letter. Then the next time I attended CAD there was a familiarity about the visits and they got to know me on a first name basis in some offices.

I found that if you offer to be a "resource" for your representative, they appreciate it and sometimes take you up on it. I have received phone calls from one of my Senators and just recently a personal visit to my business by my Congressman all because I offered to be available to them and invited them to come see us. Although I am not always in agreement with the outcome or policy that comes out of Washington DC, participating in the process is a right and privilege that we all should take advantage of. It can be rewarding.

Kevin Priest is the Chairman of the Government Relations Committee and is the President of The Cleveland Plant & Flower Company. He recently hosted Congressman Patrick Tiberi (R-12-Ohio) for a tour of his Columbus distribution center.

Comments

avatar Chris Drummond
+1
 
 
I agree, Kevin, a successful grassroots effort is all about long-term relationships and educating members of congress. The way an issue appears from an "inside-the-belt way" point of view is often different from reality. Most senators and representatives genuinely want to hear your story and understand how current legislation will affect you. However, if your only contact with them is an angry email or phone call when they disagree with you, then you will never succeed. When I disagree with a member of congress, the dialog is direct and clear but always respectful.

It can be time consuming and sometimes frustrating, but I agree that it is rewarding.
Friday 21 August 2009, 06:06
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