Associations escalating fight over latest lobbying rules
Forming alliances and speaking publicly, trade associations, nonprofits and lobbying firms are battling over the Obama administrations restrictions barring government officials from meeting in-person or speaking by phone with registered lobbyists on issues related to stimulus funds.
Read MoreRehr leaves broadcasters group amid legislative upsets
David Rehr resigned Wednesday from the National Association of Broadcasters, ending months of speculation over whether he would leave the trade group as members grew increasingly unhappy with its legislative losses in recent years.
Read MoreDrug store group announces layoffs, consolidation
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced late Thursday it will lay off 15 of its 92 staff membersa 16 percent reduction in workforceas a reaction to the sputtering economy and as part of long-term restructuring. In a media release, NACDS said the staff reduction falls within what the group terms a 1,000-day plan, which began February 2007 and has already reorganized and restructured its communications and public policy departments. Current NACDS CEO Steven C. Anderson took office February, 23, 2007.
Read MoreAssociations sink roots in Washington
Opening a Washington, D.C. office of an association has long been symbolic of an industrys heft and powera sign that its leaders want to maximize influence among lawmakers and protect their business interests.
Read MoreGeneral aviations new advertising campaign takes flight
With $1.5 million in seed money, the 415,000-member Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is funding the first phase of an advertising campaign aimed at countering what they fear is the publics negative perception of general aviation and to increase awareness of the industrys impact on the broader U.S. economy. The campaign, which launched April 20 and includes print, online and broadcast elementsmany featuring actor and AOPA member Harrison Fordis initially targeted to policy makers in the Washington, D.C. area, said AOPA spokesperson Chris Dancy.
Read MoreGroups relocating find landlords are willing to bargain
When Barbara Belmont, executive director of the Alexandria, Va.-based School Nutrition Association, started searching for new office space for her groups 50 employees two years ago, time was on her side. The longer we did nothing, said Belmont, the better the deals got.
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