Unless you just returned from a long sabbatical abroad, you know a pivotal national election is just around the corner. In addition to two Presidential candidates with two very different visions for the future, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and a third of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate are up for reelection. Republicans seem positioned to hold on to the House, but control of the Senate is a veritable coin toss, with races in states like Massachusetts, Missouri, and Virginia likely to determine party control of the upper chamber.
Though many are frustrated with political gridlock and grandstanding, the fact remains that the average American has about as much opportunity to participate in, and influence, our political system as anyone anywhere in the world. Opting out isn’t a very good option; as they say, you are either at the table or on the menu.
So how can you participate? For one, vote. It’s not just a privilege, it is a responsibility. Secondly, take the time to establish a relationship with your elected representatives, their staff, and candidates for office. Educate them on our wonderful industry. Become a trusted source of perspective for them. Thirdly, volunteer to help the candidate you support, even through something as simple as posting yard signs. And finally, there is money. Like it or not, it takes money to successfully run for office, and helping a candidate financially is an especially powerful relationship tool.
For many years, the American Nursery & Landscape Association - Political Action Committee (ANLA-PAC) has been the primary green industry initiative to build and maintain Congressional relationships by helping to fund campaigns. ANLA-PAC is non-partisan, and seeks to support office-holders and candidates of both parties who support policies good for our industry.
During the depths of the Great Recession, many industry businesses – and associations – needed to focus on downsizing and restructuring. But now, with the economy slowly regaining its footing and with such an important election looming, ANLA-PAC has a small but very important window to provide “just in time” support for a carefully selected group of incumbents and challengers. Contributions in the “home stretch” – even modest ones – are often most remembered by office-seekers.
Federal election rules require that ANLA-PAC only seeks contributions from ANLA members. Contributions must be individual, not business or corporate. And, members first need to give us the permission to be asked for a contribution. If you are an ANLA member, and want to say “Yes!” to the opportunity to help your association build stronger political support for our industry, please follow
this link to the ANLA-PAC permission form. ANLA would like to hear from you today! Thank you.
