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The President's Message
by Peter Calcara
 A belated Happy New Year to all!!
I think we can all agree that 2009 was a challenging year to be a lobbyist in Pennsylvania. However, as we turn the calendar from January to February 2010, I am conscious of the fact that the trials and tribulations we’ve experienced over the past twelve months will only serve to benefit us moving forward – that we, as lobbyists, will be better prepared in 2010 to promote, protect, and defend the varying interests of our clients and members.
Perhaps, like me, you are using the relative quiet preceding Gov. Rendell’s 2010-11 budget announcement to prepare for a productive year ahead. As you do this, I would like to point out a few “housekeeping” items you may want to take care of before session heats up.
First, check your lobbyist identification badge. Mine, for example, expired at the end of January. Capitol Hill Police have been known to confiscate expired badges. While some of you may wish to take advantage of being barred from walking the halls, I urge you to take the time to renew BEFORE it expires to have peace of mind for another year. Renewing it is easy and relatively painless. A link to the Security Administration Office is available on the PAGR website: http://www.dos.state.pa.us/campaignfinance/cwp/view.asp?a=1337&Q=447422&campaignfinanceNav=|
Second, the Lobbying Disclosure Regulation Committee published in the Jan. 9, 2010, Pennsylvania Bulletin the Act 134 of 2006 manual for accounting and reporting. If you have not already, I would strongly recommend that you and others in your firm or organization familiarize yourself with its contents. As you do so and throughout the year, please take note of any problem areas you may stumble across that the manual can better clarify and let PAGR know. It is intended as a tool for the regulated community, and the Committee plans to review and revise the manual based on our feedback.
Our first membership meeting of the year is Monday, February 1 at the Firehouse Restaurant. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Our guest speaker is Rep. David Levdansky, who will discuss his proposed campaign finance reform legislation. If you have recommendations for future speakers, please feel free to contact me or another member of the PAGR Board.
Lastly, if you have not done so already, please be sure to send in your 2010 dues payment of $135 today! As I reminded members in my last message, PAGR remains the ONLY organization representing the lobbying profession. Your continued investment in PAGR is critical to our profession having a unified voice on issues that directly impact us. Good luck and good health in 2010.
Important 2010 Dates
- Thursday, January 7 - Board Meeting
- Monday, February 1 - Membership Meeting
- Thursday, March 4 - Board Meeting
- Monday, April 12 - Membership Meeting
- Thursday, May 13 - Board Meeting
- Monday, June 7 - Membership Meeting
- Thursday, July 1 - Board Meeting
- Thursday, September 2 - Board Meeting
- Monday, October 4 - Membership Meeting
- Thursday, November 4 - Board Meeting
- Monday, December 6 - Membership Meeting
Membership meetings are held 11:30 am—12:30 pm on the 3rd floor of the Firehouse Restaurant, Harrisburg, except on December 6.
Membership Dues
Your 2010 PAGR dues have been sent. Please sign up for a committee and return with payment by February 15, 2010. Thank you!
Meeting Notice
Monday February 1, 2010
11:30 am—12:30 pm
Firehouse Restaurant
Third Floor
606 N. 2nd Street • Harrisburg
Our guest will be:
Rep. David Levdansky
Chairman, House Finance Committee
ALL MEMBERS ARE FREE!
ALL GUESTS OF MEMBERS WILL BE CHARGED $25.
PLEASE RSVP BY February 1 TO
717-540-4391 OR INFO@PAGR.ORG.
THANK YOU.
2010 Board of Directors
Officers
President...............................Peter Calcara
Vice President..........Brinda Carroll Penyak
Secretary................................Gregg Taylor
Treasurer..............................Mark Richards
Board of Directors
Association...............................Brian Barno
Corporate..................................Kris Snader
Lawyer.......................................Tony Crisci
Independent......................Robert Archibald
At Large....................................Ted Mowatt
At Large............................Judy Eschberger
Immediate Past President
Andrew Hilt
Executive Director
Christine Corrigan
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