Ambassadors Make Annual Legislative Trip to Lansing
Posted by Amy Clickner on April 20, 2012
Last week, the Marquette County Ambassadors made their annual legislative visit to Lansing. The Ambassadors are a privately funded group of business, education, community and government leaders from across Marquette County, who are also members of the Lake Superior Community Partnership. Their mission is to promote and foster economic vitality throughout Marquette County and the Upper Peninsula, to carry the story of the Marquette County area to others, and salute those who deserve recognition.
Each year the group spends two full days in the State capital meeting with elected officials and government department heads. Appointments were scheduled with 23 different legislators and agencies this year, making for a busy couple of days!
In the months leading up to the trip the Ambassadors complete legislative white papers, a report highlighting issues of importance, which is used as an agenda for discussion. The white papers focus on six areas: education, economic development, transportation, health care, natural resources and tourism. Each section requests that elected officials take specific action on three to five action items that are important to the Marquette County community.
Traditionally, the Ambassadors sponsor a reception on the first evening of the trip. The reception gives the Ambassadors the opportunity to invite all sitting legislators, administration and department staff for additional networking. This event is typically well attended, and is an informal meet and greet that allows the group to catch up with folks they may not have been able to schedule time with. Also, it’s a perfect opportunity to showcase the people and issues of the Upper Peninsula.
Highlights of the trip include sit down meetings with our U.P. delegation; Lt. Governor Brian Calley, Department of Technology, Management and Budget director John Nixon; Attorney General Bill Schuette; MDOT staff; MEDC president Mike Finney and DNR Director Rodney Stokes. We appreciate their willingness to take time out of their schedules to speak with us. Many departments bring in their leadership teams to meet as well.
The legislative advocacy work does not stop now that we are back on U.P. soil. Each white paper issue will need to be followed up on to move toward completion. We need to maintain contact with our Lansing representatives, continue to build strong relationships and increase their knowledge of what our community needs to be successful. I have to say, this is one of my favorite parts of the job!
To view the complete 2012 white papers, visit our “Government Relations” page at under the Business Resources menu on our Web site (www.marquette.org) and click on “Marquette County Ambassadors.” For more information on the Lake Superior Community Partnership, visit www.marquette.org or call 226-6591.
