Policy, Politics and Advocacy

Policy, Politics and Advocacy How to win friends and influence decisions

A day and half crash course for chamber professionals who are motivated to win in the public policy arena. November 10-11, 2016 – St. Paul, MN

By focusing on gaining the skills necessary for influencing public policy, the 2016 Advocacy Alliance Policy Conference will provide participants the ability to bring real solutions back to your membership.

By hosting sessions like the political bootcamp, implications of the election and candidate cultivation, the policy conference will provide best practices and the latest information on issues that directly impact advocacy from the chamber point of view. You will leave with the practical tools needed to turn your ideas into action.

The MACE advocacy alliance will highlight the ability of chamber policy efforts to impact change at all levels of government and to help shape public policy. The conference will also touch on issues that each chamber faces individually such as tracking issues, engaging help and social media. Giving attendees an action plan from the local to the federal level on issues and influencing decisions.

Hosted by Minnesota’s landmark Saint Paul Hotel, the 2016 policy conference attendees will be treated to a superb location, and old-world charm while being located in the heart of downtown St. Paul.

The conference is located in one of the country’s top hotels and will feature top speakers from around the country. Take advantage of this important opportunity and leave with the skills to define change and move toward a goal. 2016 Policy Conference Agenda

Wednesday, November 9

3:00 – 6:15 pm: MACE Board Meeting/Retreat – Summit Room

7:00 pm: MACE Board Dinner: Sponsored by the Canadian Consulate

Just blocks from the hotel. Herbies on the Park, 317 Washington St., is located in the historic Minnesota Club building, overlooking Rice Park. Expect an inviting and lively environment featuring upscale tavern fare and handcrafted classic cocktails.

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Thursday, November 10

7:30 am: Registration/Breakfast -

8:00 am: Opening & Welcome: Scott Meske, Chair Elect – MACE, President Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce

8:15 am: What the election means: Keynote Speaker: Jack Howard – Senior Vice President of Congressional Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce will give insights into what happened throughout the elections and what that means to the business world.

9:45 am: BREAK

10:00 am: Implications far and wide: Speaker: Chris Tiedemann of Weber Johnson Public Affairs. An overview an analysis of state elections and policy implications for IA, MN, ND, SD, NE, and WI.

11:00 am: Creating Relationships: Open forum format with simple tactics for creating relationships with new state administration, new mayors, or new legislators.

12:00 Noon: Lunch

12:30 pm: Luncheon Speaker - What works and what doesn’t: Speaker: Bill McCoshen of Capitol Consultants. An insightful analysis of lobbying and public policy. The strategies successful chamber leaders have used, both good & bad.

1:30 pm: Workplace Legislation Landscape: Speaker: Doug Loon and Cam Winton of the MN Chamber of Commerce. Speaking about Mandatory Paid Leave, ADA Lawsuits, Minimum Wage, Non-Discrimination, these and other employee issues have surfaced locally and are trickling across the region. Educate yourself on the issues and see real life examples of chamber responses.

2:30 pm: BREAK

2:45 pm: Political Bootcamp: How to elect better public officials. What can we do today and in the near future to create a better public policy environment?

- Membership Development and Political Action – John Godfread - Candidate Recruitment – Creating a candidate school - Political Scorecards – Using programs without endorsing – John Godfread - Getting Volunteers truly involved in candidate campaigns – Sandra Westerman

3:45 pm: Cutting Edge Social Media Use: Speaker: Amanda Godfread of Odney. Using social media to influence legislators and local government officials.

4:30 pm: Adjourn

5:00 – 6:30: Reception: Sponsored by Enbridge

Discover the City of St Paul MN. A beautiful city built on the bluffs of America’s greatest river - the Mississippi. Relax and socialize with the leaders from the six state MACE region while taking in the laidback vibe of the city at a few of the best local places for food and drinks.

Eagle Street Grille – Just blocks from the conference, Eagle Street is a speak-easy styled brick space with a great atmosphere, old woodwork and full bar within the Trips Lounge. Appetizers will be provided, but drinks will be a cash bar.

Website 7:00 – 9:00: Dinner: Sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Dinner will be served at the Downtowner Woodfire Grill starting at 7:00 pm

1 block from the reception, dinner will be hosted by the Downtowner. A charming experience with an open floor plan, water fountains and three fire places. The menu is considered American Bistro with a Persian touch and features wood-fired options, a full menu and wood-fired pizzas.

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The downtown Saint Paul area boasts some of the city’s best venues, restaurants and entertainment. After dinner you could take a stroll through Rice Park, visit the banks of the Mississippi, or catch some great music at one of the local hotspots.

Click Here to view some of the downtowns best spots for after dinner. Friday, November 11

7:00 am: Breakfast

8:00 am: Issue Messaging: Speakers: Jennifer Hellman and Elizabeth Emerson of Goff Public. Effectively communicate your policy positions with messages that stand out from the rest. Find out the best way to create key messages that make a difference to voters and elected officials. With real life experience, Goff Public will give you ways to create messages that resonate and inspire action.

8:45 am: Local and State Ballot Measures: Speaker: David Owen - President, South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry. More and more local chambers of commerce will need to be active in the ballot measure sphere as municipal and state wide questions are emerging. A review of the most recent ballot initiatives, the campaigns, the issues and what lessons we can take forward to the next cycle.

9:30 am: BREAK

9:45 am: Why chambers can make a difference: Speaker: Norm Coleman – Former Minnesota Senator. What are the new headwinds in the political arena and why do chambers make a difference. How to plan accordingly to help ensure business success.

10:30 am: Advocacy Idea Exchange: Come together in a roundtable format after the conference public policy trainings to share ideas about what has been learned, best practices from around the region and what other chambers do to be successful.

11:15 am: Ackowledgements: Ken Warner – President, Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

11:25 am: Closing Comments: Evan Nolte, President & CEO, Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

11:35 am: Adjourn