Charles Ingrum (right) hosted Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) at Dr. Delphinium Designs & Events in Dallas in March, as a follow-up to SAF’s Congressional Action Days. The congressman and his aide toured the business after Ingrum, pictured with store manager, Lizzie Dunnet, extended an invitation.
In this tumultuous political year, members of Congress would appreciate a friendly invitation to tour your floral business. Members of Congress are eager to visit constituents during their scheduled work periods at home, making those times perfect for SAF members to invite their senators and representatives to tour their businesses. That time is now.
“Most senators and representatives do not understand how a local florist, a growing operation or a wholesale business works,” said Shawn McBurney, SAF’s senior director of government relations. “When members of Congress learn about your business, they become better informed about how their actions affect your ability to grow your business and hire employees.”
Congressional visits, McBurney said, are an “excellent starting point” for building long-term relationships with members of Congress.
“Not only will members of Congress gain a greater appreciation for the challenges you face, but visits help build long-term relationships and can lead to them seeking your advice on legislative issues they face,” he added.
Shortly after SAF’s Congressional Action Days in March, Rep. Michael Capuano (D-Massachusetts) visited Jacobson Floral Supply in Boston where SAF members Nick Fronduto and Bill Jacobson talked with him about their business. In addition, SAF board member Charles Ingrum with Dr. Delphinium Designs & Events in Dallas hosted Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) at his shop. (Read more about those visits.)
“Members of Congress appreciate the opportunity to learn about local businesses and talk in informal settings,” McBurney said. “They look forward to meeting you and hearing about your business challenges.”
SAF encourages its members to reach out and invite your member of Congress to visit your business. For help and advice, contact Shawn McBurney.
Save the date: Meet lawmakers in their Washington, D.C., offices during SAF’s Congressional Action Days, March 13-14, 2017.
