Click here for a PDF Version of this Newsletter (Free Adobe Reader required)
The President's Message
by Peter Calcara
 Where Did the Summer Go?
As I sit in my office overlooking our beautiful state Capitol dome, it is hard to believe that it’s the end of August, my kids will be heading back to school in a few short days (YEA!!!), the trees will soon be turning colors, and yet we still don’t have a state budget for the new fiscal year. Where did the summer go?
Having worked for the Senate during the 1991 budget stalemate, I genuinely appreciate, and sympathize with, the current batch of House and Senate staffers. Although we went without pay for the six weeks that the budget was being “negotiated,” this type of prolonged impasse takes its toll. From family to friends to people you barely know – e v e r y o n e constantly asks you when you will be passing a budget. As though the power lay entirely in your hands; as though the process is that easy
Yes, I will be the first to agree that planning for the state’s fiscal year can be an impossibly difficult task – it is among the myriad of reasons I am a FORMER staffer. However, the ever-so-slightly-less complex PAGR budget has been presented, agreed-to and passed with flying colors, and I am happy to announce that we have already planned for a full calendar of fall events. Here’s a quick glance at our upcoming programs: mark your calendars and, of course, cancel any vacation plans.
PAGR’s Lobbypalooza 2009 is Friday, September 18, 2009, at the Felicita Resort in Harrisburg. The topic will be the new state Lobbying Disclosure Act and will include an overview of the final regulations and manual, and a demonstration of the new Lobbying Disclosure website.
This year’s program will also include two morning breakout sessions. The first of these will be the “ABC’s of Lobbying,” led by two Deans of Pennsylvania’s Lobbying Community, Ted Mowatt, CAE (Wanner & Associates) and Larry Light (PA Medical Society). The other breakout session teaches those more “senior” lobbyists the finer points of the using newer form of communication, such as “social networking” and “social media.” If you’re like me and don’t know how to “tweet” (“twit”??), create a FaceBook page, utilize MySpace or LinkedIn, or navigate the blogosphere, this session is definitely for you!
After lunch, consider treating yourself to one of Felicita’s spa sessions or stay for a round of golf at the club’s challenging course.
It is sure to be another “can’t miss” event, and you’ll be receiving additional details shortly, including registration and contact information.
Also, mark your calendars for our next Membership Luncheon on Monday, Oct. 5. Our guest speaker will be House Finance Committee Chairman Dave Levdansky. Rep. Levdansky will discuss his campaign finance reform proposal—House Bill 1825.
Enjoy what’s left of your summer!
Lobbypalooza 2009 - Just 2 More Weeks to Register!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Felicita Garden Resort & Spa
Harrisburg, PA
This year’s educational forum will focus on the new lobbying regulations & manual
Click here for details (PDF)
Last Chance to purchase 2009/2010 Legislative Directories
PAGR ordered extra copies. If you would like some, contact Christine at the PAGR office. They will be sold on a first come basis. Cost is $7.50 each for PAGR members.
Meeting Notice
Monday October 5, 2009
11:30—1:00 pm
Firehouse Restaurant
Third Floor
606 N. 2nd Street • Harrisburg
Our guest will
Rep. David Levdansky
ALL MEMBERS ARE FREE!
PLEASE RSVP BY October 2 TO
717-540-4391 OR INFO@PAGR.ORG.
THANK YOU.
2009 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
|
