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INSIDE THE BELTWAY
L o ok i ng ah e ad
With the negativity of this election cycle
occupying the Internet, airwaves, and even
the streets – it’s easy to move to complacency.
Instead of complacency, now is the perfect
time to develop and build relationships with
the winners of November’s General Election
in order to get them to understand your
perspective on votes they will take in the city
council, county commission, state legislature
or Congress.
Here are som helpful tips to developing
a strong relationship with your elected
officials:
Send a note congratulating the
official on their election or
re-election with a brief paragraph
about your business.
Schedule an introductory meeting
with the elected official in your
store, or distribution center. Show
them something new – a new department,
a new product, a new section, or a new
technology. Discuss issues they might have
the opportunity to vote on, or influence
with their position (if you need ideas, we
are happy to provide them). Introduce them
to your associates – especially the store
manager. Take photos!
Send the elected official and the staff
member who accompanies them a
follow-up note, thanking them for
the visit and reiterating those items you
discussed at the store.
Communicate with the official and
the staffer every quarter. Let them
know about a new department,
remodel, new jobs you have created or a new
product or a policy issue. Also, ask what
issues they are most interested in.
Send materials created by your
state or national association.
This demonstrates the direct link
between your business and your state or
national association.
Then when CGA or FMI lobbyists reach out
to officials in Washington, or Sacramento,
it allows us to expand your reach on an
ongoing basis.
When you have an “ask,” make sure
it’s clear. If you would like them to
co-sponsor legislation, sign a letter,
or vote in favor or against something, make
sure it’s clear and has been communicated
to them and their office both in writing and
verbally. If you are sending a letter or email,
make sure the “ask” or request is in the
first sentence.
After there is a vote or hearing on
an issue that impacts your business,
contact the elected official and
let them know how much you appreciate
their understanding of your business. Or,
if they didn’t vote your way, let them know
you would like to discuss why you, your
associates and your customers are on the
other side of the issue. Maybe you can get
them next time!
Always stay positive, even if the vote
did not go your way.
■
The elections provide a great opportunity to build
relationships with your elected officials.
JENNIFER HATCHER
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
FOOD MARKETING INSTITUTE
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