2008 Spring Conference & Lobby Day

YOUR VOICE is what we need.

SPRING CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Monday, May 5, 2008 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Registration: Radisson Hotel, Lansing 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Committee Meetings (All are welcome to attend) 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Executive Board Meeting with working lunch (All are welcome to attend) 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Business Session Bylaw Changes Review of issue papers for Lobby Day 5:00 p.m. Informational meeting for first-time Lobby Day attendees 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Hospitality Room, Radisson Hotel 7:30 p.m. Visit Local Member Establishments LOBBY DAY SCHEDULE Tuesday, May 6, 2008 8:30 a.m. Registration/Continental breakfast 8:45 - 10:00 a.m. Greetings and Final Review of issue papers/talking points 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Legislative appointments* 11:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Walk to Capitol 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Legislative lunch (1st floor of Capitol, North Wing) 1:30 - 2:00 p.m. Legislative appointments* 2:30 p.m. Picture on the Capitol steps 2:45 p.m. MLBA member debriefing/place to be announced * Individual meeting schedules will be distributed.

Every business owner is a lobbyist for the issues he or she truly cares about. Business owners everywhere will speak up for what they believe is right --in conversations with their customers, through letters-to-the-editor or communicating with elected officials. While each individual voice is important, it is also important to show that you are not alone in your beliefs. Remember numbers equal votes in the political arena. While the MLBA has hired professional lobbyists on your behalf, this alone is not enough to succeed. For the best results, MLBA lobbyists need to show government officials that they are backed by a large group of politically active licensees -- that's where you come in. In attending Lobby Day, you are showing (and telling) our government that these issues are important to you. If you are currently involved in grassroots activities this should be the next step in your grassroots campaign. You are trying to build a relationship with your elected officials so they remember you and those within our industry when they have to vote on the issues that effect you. As a part of Lobby Day, the MLBA will make sure that you are fully prepared for your legislative meetings. We will make appointments with your legislators for you. You will be armed with important information, including information about the issues that licensees are currently facing and what you can do during your appointment to make sure it is a success. There is no charge for attending the Spring Conference & Lobby Day. Your attendance will help protect your rights as a licensee. Be there, May 5 and 6! Call the MLBA to register at (800) 292-2896.