WHILE TECHNOLOGY has created nearly countless ways to communicate with one another, there is no substitute for face-to-face communication. Over the past two years I’ve had the privilege of meeting directly with members of Congress and their staffs to educate them about the issues that matter most to private clubs through NCA’s robust advocacy activities spearheaded by Vice President of Government Relations & General Counsel Brad Steele. This capability has created strong connections that allow NCA to reliably count on the support of key government officials.
Last month, scores of private club leaders capitalized on the same opportunity to meet directly with Congressional offices and forge new relationships with them by communicating our industry’s story and needs. NCA joined forces with CMAA’s 30th Leadership/Legislative Conference and held the first-ever joint Capitol Hill Day, welcoming many of our industry’s leaders to see firsthand the power of advocacy. NCA was pleased to secure Congressman Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) to speak to the attendees and give them an inside look at the latest developments on Capitol Hill as well as to answer questions from club leaders. The congressman highlighted many issues that we are working on today, such as health care reform, tax reform and improving the H-2B visa system.
Following Rep. Smith, Brad Steele participated in an advocacy panel featuring representatives from CMAA and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, and then along with CMAA’s Melissa Low, presented “Advocacy 101: What to Expect on the Hill.” They discussed a range of advocacy matters from who and what is in a congressperson’s office to how to deliver your club’s story on the most critical matters. By the end of the session, attendees were ready to take on Congress and up to Capitol Hill they went.
The meetings were impactful. Capitol Hill Day’s high turnout showcased to Congress the private club industry’s strength and unity in tackling our most pressing concerns. They provided many faces to the issues impacting clubs, built new relationships, and in some cases allowed our leaders to connect with Congressional offices over specific clubs and individuals associated with them. With continued effort, these connections will grow our presence in Washington. All the work that we do on Capitol Hill could not be done without your support. Capitol Hill Day is an example of how clubs can help create meaningful change. Another example is supporting ClubPAC, NCA’s political action committee. ClubPAC allows our industry to establish and grow relationships with members of Congress and get the necessary face-to-face time that private clubs need.
After all, clubs are in the relationship business, and it’s critical that we develop relationships with our elected officials. By sitting at the table, picking up the phone, or simply shaking a hand and telling our story, the private club