Renew Your MGRC Membership for 2010

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Dear MGRC Member:

Your 2010 MGRC Dues Renewal information was mailed on November 3, 2009 and included the annual update letter (copy follows in italics), a dues renewal form, a copy of your listing for the 2010 MGRC Member Directory, and an invitation to become a 2010 Program Sponsor. Please review your directory information carefully. Your directory form must be returned and dues paid by December 15, 2009 (don’t miss the early payment discount for dues paid by November 30). You may also utilize the MGRC website to process your renewal and note any changes you need to make to the directory listing -- click here to renew on-line.

MGRC DIRECTORY
The directory is a valuable tool for legislators, staff and administration, and MGRC makes them available to these key contacts no charge. Our goal is to get this information about our members into the hands of the people that need it. It’s a great public relations tool for MGRC and its members.

We would like to have 100% of our membership pictured. If you don’t currently have a photo in the directory or you would like to update the one now being used, please make arrangements to have one sent to the MGRC office by November 30. If you are having a digital photograph taken, please have the camera set on the highest tiff setting, second best would be the highest jpeg setting – minimum 300 dpi, if possible. If you would like to continue using the same photo as shown in 2009, just note that on your directory form or on the website instructions. Your cooperation in attaining this goal is very much appreciated.

LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATION
It seems that every year legislation is proposed that would add restrictions and increased reporting requirements for lobbyists. Varying moods in the state and federal political climate or the illegal actions of a few players always lead to discussions of restricting lobbyist access to the legislative process. MGRC works diligently to assure that none of these negative proposals directed at our profession is successful. Your Board and our lobbyist, Bob Hentges, monitor these proposals very carefully and on occasion are called up to provide public testimony on your behalf. MGRC also notifies its membership if further assistance is needed.

MGRC PROGRAMS
Throughout the year MGRC offers membership meeting topics relevant to our profession. Our guest speakers include House and Senate legislative leadership, top legislative staff, and key commissioners from the administration, as well as political experts from the private sector. These popular meetings are a great way to stay updated on hot issues, exchange ideas and information, and network with fellow lobbyists. Our meeting sponsors help make it possible for us to keep registration costs down. Please be sure to thank our 2009 meeting sponsors as noted at the conclusion of this letter. If your company is interested in being a 2010 meeting sponsor, please see the enclosed form or contact the MGRC office for information. Sponsorships must be confirmed by November 30 to be included in the MGRC Directory listing.

MGRC also hosts the annual “Get To Know You” party near the beginning of the legislative session that gives MGRC members an opportunity to visit with members of the legislature and legislative staff, as well as others in the lobbying community.

CAPITOL ROOM 315
Another great benefit of MGRC membership is our work to secure and maintain a room for lobbyists in the Capitol. Room 315 is a popular resource that makes life a little easier and more convenient for MGRC members. The room provides lobbyists with workspace, telephone & fax service, wireless computer access, computer printers, a copier for small jobs, basic office supplies, locker rentals, as well as access to televised floor sessions and committee hearings.

WWW.MnGRC.ORG
One of our most popular member benefits is the MGRC website - www.MnGRC.org. You may order directories and labels, register for meetings, post positions available…all kinds of useful things. If you have any suggestions for things to add to the site, please let us know. We are really trying to encourage greater utilization of the master calendar feature to avoid booking events on a date someone else has an something planned. Please contact the MGRC office with your scheduled events.

MGRC MEMBERSHIP and BOARD PARTICIPATION
Thank you for your continued membership in MGRC. Your participation is crucial to maintaining a strong voice for the lobbying community. If you know of other governmental relations professionals who may be interested in MGRC membership, please invite them to call Sheryle Hazard at (651) 636-4158 for membership information or direct them to www.MnGRC.org.

Sincerely,

Geoff Bartsh    Eric Hyland
MGRC President        MGRC Vice President

Please thank our 2009 MGRC Meeting Sponsors:
Platinum: Flint Hills Resources LP; Leonard, Street and Deinard; Messerli & Kramer P.A.; and Pharmaceutical     Research and Manufacturers of America
Gold: Education Minnesota; Faegre & Benson LLP; Public Affairs Company; Tunheim Partners; and Winthrop & Weinstine, P.A.
Silver: Dorsey & Whitney LLP; Goff & Howard, Inc.; Insurance Federation of Minnesota; and Minnesota Auto Dealers Association