1. Greater Mankato Growth, Inc.

2. Background 2008 Creation of GMG & Advocacy set aside 2011
The “lawmaker incident”
2012
Public affairs strategic initiative launched
Prior Chamber divisive – led newly created GMG to set aside all public affairs activity.
Restarted capitol days – metro lawmaker 10,000 population
3 year strategic campaign 400k with 225 from reserves. Focused on awareness/visibility. Hired me

3. Member Education & Engagment
The Work
Visibility
Member Education & Engagment
Advocacy
Prior Chamber divisive – led newly created GMG to set aside all public affairs activity.
Restarted capitol days – metro lawmaker 10,000 population
3 year strategic campaign 400k with 225 from reserves. Focused on awareness/visibility

4. Visibility
1) Establishment of strong relationships with decision-makers
Intentionally find opportunities for interaction
Information first
Sensible center
2) Communications & Media
Greater Mankato Update
Proactive push with statewide/national publications
3) Capitol Days
Interaction - roundtables – legislators, commissioners, Congressional delegation, congressional staff, business tours, DC fly in

5. Member Education & Engagement
1) Public Affairs Forums
2) Blog
3) Voter education
4) Direct outreach/mobilization of grassroots
5) Individual member support
6) State board appointments
15,000 plus unique pageviews of online candidate profiles and you tube views
5000 blog views – topical issues/action alerts – linked to member enews

6. Advocacy
Prior Chamber divisive – led newly created GMG to set aside all public affairs activity.
Restarted capitol days – metro lawmaker 10,000 population
3 year strategic campaign 400k with 225 from reserves. Focused on awareness/visibility

7. Evolution of the Capitol Day
Greater Mankato at the Capitol
Capitol Caravan
Prior Chamber divisive – led newly created GMG to set aside all public affairs activity.
Restarted capitol days – metro lawmaker 10,000 population
3 year strategic campaign 400k with 225 from reserves. Focused on awareness/visibility

8. THANK YOU