|
| For Immediate Release |
Contact: Andy Deloney |
April 13, 2009
|
517/377-3931 |
MRA Capitol Day 2009
One way in which restaurateurs can make sure they are represented appropriately at the State Capitol is by attending the tenth annual MRA Capitol Day on June 2. As MRA members, you need to be there to explain to legislators how decisions they make on a wide variety of issues – taxes, labor costs and regulations, youth employment laws, etc. – will affect your business!
Last year’s Capitol Day event featured the largest ever number of attendees ever. The need for a huge turnout this year is greater than ever.
Who should attend?
Restaurant owners, operators and top management staff are all encouraged to attend. Each individual who attends helps convince Michigan legislators of the important role the restaurants play in our economy, and demonstrates that our membership is truly paying attention to legislative issues on the state level.
Why attend this year?
It is crucial that MRA members attend this year. With Michigan’s economy and employment picture continuing to be about the worst in the nation, and with the critically important issues being discussed which affect food and beverage business owners, policymakers need to know these issues and the decisions they make on them affect your ability to compete, survive, make a profit and provide jobs.
Direct grassroots contact from constituents can have a tremendous impact on the political process. Legislators are more likely to act on a request when they have had direct impact from their constituents. Informing the Legislature of the importance of restaurants to our state’s economy – and the importance of them understanding our position on the issues affecting the economy – is especially critical in this era of term limits.
What happens at Capitol Day?
The day will begin with a presentation by MRA’s lobbyists, who will brief attendees on the most pressing issues that the restaurant industry is facing. After the issues presentation, the lobby crew will share some insight as to how to effectively lobby lawmakers and truly make a difference at the state level.
Following this presentation and lunch (provided by the MRA), attendees head of to meet with lawmakers. The MRA will handle the scheduling of meetings with your specific legislators before the event, so there’s no worry about which legislators you will be speaking with.
Finally, in what has become an annual highlight of the Capitol Day festivities, there will be a fantastic reception sponsored by the MRA. The reception offers participants the opportunity to meet and socialize with state lawmakers, administration officials, department heads and other key policy makers in the state.
How do I register?
You can register by contacting Matt Groen of the MRA, toll-free at 800.968.9668 ext. 3934 or via e-mail at mgroen@mramail.org. There is a nominal fee of $15 per attendee.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice heard on issues that matter to you in the restaurant and hospitality industry at the state Capitol!
What else can I do to be involved?
In addition to Capitol Day, MRA members can be active year-round in efforts to shape pro-industry public policy by participating in MRA’s member-lobbyist efforts. Any member can be an effective lobbyist!
It’s simple, all we need to know is what issues you care about the most and how active you want to be. Want to write an email or two? Want to guide legislators on a tour of your operations? No matter how much or how little you want to be involved, MRA can assist you.
Contact Matt today at 800.968.9668 ext. 3934 or via email or to find out how you can be involved. Or visit the Capitol Day page.
The Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice community. Founded in 1921, the MRA represents more than 4,500 Michigan foodservice establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 423,600 people and creating more than $13.1 billion in annual sales. For more information please call 800-968-9668.
|
