Create an Opportunity to Develop a Relationship with Your Elected Officials

Date: November 06, 2019

Hosting an elected official at your business is a great opportunity to show them what the day-to-day operations of a small business involve.

Hosting an elected official at your business is a great opportunity to show them what the day-to-day operations of a small business involve. According to legislative staffers, site visits are extremely important for an elected official who is trying to understand constituents’ views on pending issues and legislation.  Site visits are also important for elected officials trying to be visible throughout the district.

When you are hosting a lawmaker at your business, you should do a little research:

  • Committee assignments
  • Professional background
  • Schools attended
  • Policy priorities
  • Key votes on your issues
  • Community affiliation
  • Potential family connections

NFIB organizes meetings throughout New Jersey and is always looking for hosts. Hosting an elected official at your business is not as daunting as it sounds. NFIB will coordinate with state and federal legislators and will take care of inviting other NFIB members.  The meeting usually lasts about 90 minutes. It includes a roundtable discussion with members and elected officials and usually ends with a tour of the business.

During election cycles, NFIB may ask for businesses to host endorsement events, which involves NFIB NJ PAC announcing support for a candidate. The event is usually a press conference at a small business. NFIB also conducts “Small Business Challenges” with legislators.  Small Business Challenges are an opportunity for legislators to get hands-on experience of the realities of running a small business. NFIB will coordinate all the details of the meeting: legislators, invitations, and other logistics. This is a great opportunity and an easy way to connect with your elected officials. If you are interested, please contact Grassroots Manager Margaret Parsons at (717) 232-8582 x 5 or [email protected].

 

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