News in Brief: October 2011
Bond leaves TechAmerica to start lobbying firm Phil Bond, president and CEO of the $15M-revenue TechAmerica since it was created by a merger in 2009, has left to pursue another opportunity, the group announced Oct. 2. Daniel Varroney, TechAmericas COO, has since taken over as interim CEO.
Read MorePresidential town halls highlight small business concerns
Four groups get bang for the buck on conference calls with candidates; Michele Bachmann takes strong stand on hot-button issues Four trade associations with a small-business orientation are finding out that hosting conference calls with presidential candidates is not only good politics, but a great way to deliver member value at low cost.
Read MoreProposed lobby rule spurs opposition
Ethics shift would restrict federal employee attendance at trade group events. Associations and lobbyists are criticizing an Obama administration proposal to restrict contact between executive branch employees and lobbyists. RELATED CONTENT
Read MoreRail group chugs into the spotlight with moxie and a map
U.S. High Speed Rail Association promotes its vision and conferences after overcoming early criticism and a legal challenge in 2009. With a combination of vision and strong brand identity, the U.S. High Speed Rail Association has put its name front and center in the national debate on fast trains. Nonexistent before 2009, it now testifies on Capitol Hill, boasts a growing roster of business members and will hold its eighth conference in November, in New York City.
Read MoreRecord crowd participates in ASAE Summit Awards dinner
About 1,100 association executives, professionals and vendors attended ASAEs 12th annual Summit Awards Dinner on Oct. 5, in the opulent National Building Museum. ASAE CEO John Graham said attendance set a record. The event raised $650,000 for ASAEs Power of A Fund. Its an opportunity to showcase all the good work associations do, said Karen Hackett, CEO of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and co-chair of the event.
Read MoreRule set on lobbyists serving on boards
The White House Office of Management and Budget issued final guidance Oct. 5 on a rule barring the appointment of registered lobbyists to executive branch advisory committees and other boards and commissions. RELATED CONTENT Proposed lobby rule spurs opposition
Read More