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?
2009 is quickly coming to a close. I’m sure it’s a year we will all remember for one reason or another— some good and some not so good. Personally, this was my 22nd straight budget “season,” and never do I recall a stalemate like the one we experienced this year.
As if the 101-day budget impasse wasn’t enough drama for one year, we also had to endure a year of rumors surrounding grand jury investigations and the ensuing indictments, and speculation as to who might be the next target and how the political landscape of the state might change as a result of it all. These allegations do not just affect the public’s already wary perception of elected officials, but it in turn reflects upon and impacts our profession.
PAGR has enjoyed a successful 2009. We started the year off doing battle with the Lobbying Disclosure Regulations Committee over the questionable legal merits of its regulations implementing the still relatively new Lobbying Disclosure Law, and, as the year winds down, we see ourselves warring with the Department of State over its proposal to increase your annual lobbyist registration fee from$100 to $200!
While the latter issue has not been formally resolved at this time, we are cautiously optimistic that DOS will see that a 100 percent increase is not just excessive but also impermissible under the law. (Click here to read PAGR’s comment letter.)
Between clashes, your PAGR board of directors monitored closely the activities of the aforementioned Lobbying Disclosure Regulations Committee. We also held another successful Lobbypalooza program, and our series of monthly membership lunches were a tremendous benefit to all who attended.
Looking ahead to 2010, we have another great year of luncheon programs lined up for you. In addition, PAGR’s board members will continue to oversee all lobbying disclosure and campaign finance reform efforts, the latter of which Gov. Rendell has recently stated he will be seeking in his last year of office.
Like many of the businesses and organizations we work for and represent, PAGR has had to watch its budget numbers fall during this economic downturn. As you know, we changed our policy a few years ago to allow members to attend our monthly lunches free of charge in return for a slightly higher annual dues fee. We have discovered, however, that the cost of lunch has gone up. Reluctantly but necessarily, the PAGR Board voted to increase dues from $120 to $135 starting in 2010.
Let’s not forget that PAGR remains the ONLY organization representing you and your unique profession. Your continued investment in PAGR is critical to our profession having a unified voice on issues that directly impact us. If not PAGR, than who?
Lastly, don’t forget to join us at McGrath’s Pub on Monday, Dec. 7, for PAGR’s annual holiday party.
Happy Holidays to all!
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 invoice will be arriving shortly. Please sign up for a committee and return with payment by January 31, 2010. Thank you!
Meeting Notice
Monday December 7, 2009
4:00—6:00 pm
McGrath’s Pub
Second Floor
202 Locust Street • Harrisburg
- We will be voting on 2010 Board of Directors
- We will be offering HOLIDAY CHEER (complimentary beer, wine & munchies)
ALL MEMBERS ARE FREE!
ALL GUESTS OF MEMBERS WILL BE CHARGED $25.
PLEASE RSVP BY December 4 TO
717-540-4391 OR INFO@PAGR.ORG.
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
*must be voted on by membership
|
