Well, it’s getting to my favorite time of year! No, I’m not talking about the NHL and NBA playoffs, although they’re a bonus. I’m talking about an annual tradition where the cherry blossoms accent our nation’s capital and ERA members congregate to discuss with lawmakers important issues that affect the very vitality of our industry.

I was lucky enough to be embraced by the direct response community about 15 years ago. And, in that time, I’ve seen a lot of changes that have been mandated down to us by the very people we put into office to govern us. Most legislation I’ve applauded because it makes us stronger as an industry and solidifies our future. Some I’ve scratched my head at and wondered why they came to the conclusions they did. In the end, I determined that you and I are ultimately to blame for their poor decisions. WHAT?! YOU? ME?? How can one person or an individual be saddled with this blame? But, in reality, standing idly by and not participating in the legislative process is why.

ERA realized this fact three years ago and put together the Government Affairs Fly-In. It is an easy way to make our voices heard. I was fortunate enough to be a part of the first session. I was absolutely giddy to be a part of something so important. Upon arriving for the day’s events, we were broken up into teams and assigned a lobbyist that would serve as our guide through the halls and administrative offices of Capitol Hill. Each lobbyist caught us up to speed on the pending legislation. That year, it was net neutrality and online taxes, and how we could present our side of the issue in a uniformed and concise manner. We were also given a list of our congressional and senate members we had prearranged meetings with. Participation, so far, in the legislative process was as easy as getting on the waiting bus outside the hotel that took us to Capitol Hill.

Once on the Hill, our teams split up and headed for our perspective meetings. Standing on the front steps of the Capitol, I couldn’t help but feel dwarfed by the immenseness of what I was about to do. On the bright, sunny day, I reached the top of the stairs and took one last look down the Mall with its monuments and reflecting pools and knew this was going to be a special day. Entering the building I couldn’t help but feel that this is what our country is about. Hundreds of people swirled around me as they swept their way to their destinations at all levels of the rotunda. What struck me the most was how relatively quiet it was. I could hear every step I made on the marble floors echo through the labyrinth of hallways. It served as a comforting melodic beat as I moved to my meetings.

My first meeting was with a well-tenured congressman from Arizona. He and his staff were warm with their welcomes when we arrived. When we sat down, they listened respectfully as each one of us presented our part of the solution to pending legislation. It was an easy-going give and take of dialogue as the topics of our industry rolled on. Before I knew it, an hour had passed and our points were presented satisfactorily. Each meeting afterwards progressed in the same manner, with each party treating the other with respect and quite a bit of admiration for the task at hand. It was, to me, the democratic process at its best and as it was designed to be.

Getting on the bus to head back to the hotel, I took a last look back at the lit Capitol, shining outward into the night sky, and reflected. I realized then that we all made a difference that day because we came to voice our opinion on subjects that were important to this industry and to our livelihoods. I can remember a time when I thought I was a part of the legislative process by merely voting for my representatives. But, I now realize that checking a box (or hanging chad) is not the end of individual responsibility in the legislative process—it is only the beginning. The next step is as easy as joining hundreds of your fellow colleagues and me, on May 20th, on Capitol Hill for ERA’s GA Fly-In. I’m hoping to hear more than my own footsteps echoing through the halls, but rather the thunderous roar of all of us marching to ensure we influence those who influence us. After all, we’re all in this together!

Scott Swanson is vice president of sales for Motivational Fulfillment and Logistics Services

Have you been the GA Fly-In before? What was your experience like?

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

It was bad enough when a large brick-and-mortar retailer told members of Congress at last week’s hearing on Streamlined Sales Tax (SST) that online retailers have an unfair advantage over companies like his. Indeed, the entire argument surrounding SST is one of evenhandedness across selling channels. The debate is complex and often touches on seemingly contradictory or ambiguous points. But what really floored me was when a Congressman in support of this retailer’s testimony remarked that he missed the days when he could walk into a store and yep, you guessed it, “everyone knew his name.”

If Congress is really concerned about a level playing field, then perhaps they should recognize that the Internet allows that small main street retailer to compete against the larger retailers through direct-to-consumer tools. Electronic retailers use these tools to create a conversation with their customers. In fact, when I log onto my skin care provider’s site, they greet me by name, know my preferences and assist me in learning about products relevant to my skin. Now that Congressman harkens back to the old days when a retailer knew their customer on a first-name basis; today the Internet provides this experience.

As technology permits a myriad of consumer shopping options, and if the argument is that remote retailers should collect sales tax to level the playing field, then I encourage Congress to ensure that Internet retailers have unfettered access to their consumers with a free and open Internet. But that’s another posting…

-Barbara Tulipane, ERA president and CEO

Bookmark It

Hide Sites