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Weekly UpdatesI don't know about you right at this moment, but I'm contemplating what shoes I'm going to take to Capitol Hill Visit Day with IREM in April! Yes, I really am. And do you know why? Quite simply because it is just that important.
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If you have been to the IREM Leadership and Legislative Summit (LLS) in Washington, D.C., you know about the shoes. And if you haven't been to the Summit and plan to make the visit this year, do put comfortable shoes high on your list of things to pack (and believe me, this applies to all you men, too!).
This spring marks the ninth consecutive year that I have attended our LLS conference. Each year has been decidedly different and has brought new experiences, new learning, new friends and new fun. Don't worry--I am not going to go through all eight years, but let me touch on a few highlights from those trips.
I smile as I remember that first year. Admittedly, I was more than a bit timid on that trek up the Hill. It was during the first year's meetings that it seemed at a moment's notice some of our group announced their departure to catch planes! Oh dear. This meant a fellow member and I had to go on a few appointments by ourselves. And that meant I would have to step up and discuss at least half of our issues on my own. The terror! But the terror soon dissolved: The IREM leadership team had prepared us well, as did Chuck Achilles, IREM Vice President, Legislation and Research, and his team before our day on the Hill.
ROLE OF A LIFETIME
Preparation for Capitol Hill Visit Day starts a few weeks, even months, before it all begins. You will receive the legislative issues, background and our IREM position well before arriving in D.C. You will have time to review everything and perhaps come up with examples that pertain to the issues from your own property management experiences and portfolios. You will also attend a very in-depth and informative briefing session at the conference. During this session everyone is provided with additional insights and details. And, we are allowed time to actually role play and practice discussing the issues. Finally, you meet with your chapter and decide who is going to which appointments and what topics you personally will present at your Hill meetings the very next day.
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So, yes, we are well prepared for when the day arrives (I'm actually getting goose bumps as I write this). Truly, be ready to absorb it all. Just to walk around the Hill is exciting. People are bustling here and there, and you are soon caught up in that highly charged atmosphere.
When you step inside the first building, you quickly realize that it is a place where so many others have walked, hundreds of years before you. It is an awesome, awesome feeling. Throughout the day, take the time to reflect on what has gone on in those halls, on those steps, in those offices and in the various meeting rooms you'll pass by.
When you are waiting for your first appointment, the anticipation of representing IREM, your chapter and your state will almost take your breath away. But, breathe you must, as you introduce yourself and proudly take on the role of an American! You are now part of the process! There is nothing more rewarding than that on the Hill.
SURPRISES AROUND EVERY CORNER
Be aware that anything might happen on your first day. For example, fellow IREM Member Greg Wingate, CPM, and 1 tried to get an appointment with a certain representative but her schedule simply would not allow it. Although we had never met with her personally, we had previously met with one of her aides. That day Greg and I were standing at the elevator and suddenly the same representative makes her way toward us. Imagine our surprise! No, she probably didn't recognize us from years past, BUT, she noticed our IREM badges. She asked us what issues we were bringing to the Hill. We told her why we were there and what our IREM position was on each issue. It was incredible ... and what a stroke of good luck!
Meeting with the actual senator or representative is a huge thrill, but make no mistake, every meeting you have is just as important and just as meaningful. You will be amazed by the intellectual level of all the people you meet. They know everything about every issue. They listen intently, provide comments and promise to take our positions to particular senators or representatives. The successes IREM has had over the past years have proven that this is most assuredly the case. We do make a difference. And you can be a big part of making that difference.
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ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCES
One year in D.C., our chapter discovered that one of the Capitol police officers was the son-in-law of one of our members. Our chapter member and his son-in-law arranged a very special private tour of the Capitol building after hours. We went places a typical tour would not allow and it was simply an amazing evening. We will be forever grateful for that experience. I'm not ashamed to admit that parts of the tour were very moving (it was a six-Kleenex tour for me as I recall).
Our chapter also has been fortunate in that we've developed a close relationship with one of our state representatives. He has spoken at our chapter luncheons. In addition, Representative Pete Sessions (R-Texas) provided us with an unbelievable experience by also taking us on an after-hours tour of the Capitol building. The very best part of that evening was not the tour, however. As we all gathered around on the steps of the Capitol building, Representative Sessions stood outside with us for hours and just talked. He was informative, witty and fun. It was such a thrill for all of us and 1 feel he enjoyed it just as much as we did.
So, it's time. Go ahead--be proactive! Participate in the annual IREM Leadership and Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C., this year and every year. Participate in your government and cultivate a relationship with your senators and representatives. They are, after all, there for you!
The experiences and rewards of being part of the IREM Capitol Hill Visit Day are many. The memories and sights will hold a special place in your mind and in your heart.
You will end your day on the Hill feeling decidedly fulfilled ... and walking a bit taller.
And speaking of walking, be sure to go to your' hotel room and put your feet up!
The 2009 IREM Leadership & Legislative Summit, featuring IREM Capitol Hill Visit Day, will be held on April 18-22.
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by linda Jackson, CPM *, RPA
linda Jackson, CPM, RPA (linda@texasroof.co.rn).is the business development director for Texas Roof Management, Inc.
REGISTER FOR THE 2009 IREM LLS SUMMIT AT
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