The AAAA Washington, DC office approaches its work in several ways:
Communicating the Views and Concerns of the Industry
There is no substitute for personal contact and personal knowledge. The experienced executives in our Washington, DC office know the right people in the right places, and when and how to get to them. They meet on an ongoing basis with key senators and representatives on their staffs, as well as the regulatory agencies, and other departments of the government. They appear on numerous panels and programs annually. The staff also responds to hundreds of requests for information from the media and public each year.
Helping AAAA Members
The Washington, DC office prides itself on quick, effective response to member requests and concerns. The office also provides help and information on all advertising matters affected by federal or state legislation and regulation. Staff members serve on and advise many AAAA committees, and meet regularly with local councils and boards.
Building Strong Industry Coalitions
The Washington, DC office is a founding member and active participant in a number of important industry coalitions. Working through groups such as the Advertising Tax Coalition, the Freedom to Advertise Coalition, and the State Advertising Coalition, the Washington DC office is able to leverage its efforts to protect and defend the advertising industry. Additionally, the staff often participates in ad hoc groups focusing on specific problems and issues such as food labeling or pharmaceutical reform.
Providing Timely Information
Because time is often an important consideration, the Washington, DC office provides a continuing series of targeted e-mail and fax alerts and briefings for members on particular and timely topics. The office maintains a database of member client specialties and interests, which allows them to update members on the most recent government actions affecting their clients. This information also enables the staff to involve employees of our member agencies in a variety of grassroots lobbying efforts—by far the most effective outreach to elected officials.
Encouraging Political Participation
On a volunteer basis, members of the Washington, DC office staff have played a critical role in organizing and energizing the advertising industry’s political outreach—The Professionals in Advertising Political Action Committee (PRO-AD PAC). This effort enables our industry to financially support those candidates who agree with our positions on various issues, and are likely to consider our point of view when the need arises.
