December 17, 2003 10:43 AM CST

MCAA'S Director of Government Affairs Participates in BIPAC Forum

By Marian J. Marshall

On Tuesday, December 2, the Business Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC) held a half-day forum on the upcoming 2004 elections. Marian Marshall, MCAA's Director of Government Affairs, participated in the panel discussions and offered her insights as to how small trade associations with limited PAC funds can be effective in supporting candidates for federal office who are pro-business.

BIPAC's members are primarily larger corporations and trade associations such as Boeing, Exxon-Mobil, the AGC and NFIB. Marian told the audience that the size of an organization should not matter; you simply have to find creative ways to get engaged in campaigns, establish a presence and forge a long-standing relationship with a number of Hill offices. She also suggested that when planning events for members the larger trade associations and corporations should consider reducing the entry fee for small organizations like MCAA which could reciprocate by generating funds from other sources.

As Dwight Eisenhower once said, everyone should make politics a part time profession. MCAA has certainly made a difference with its Political Action Committee (MACPAC).

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About the Author

Marian J. Marshall was the Director of Government Affairs for the Mason Contractors Association of America.