On September 1, 2020, ABA’s NextGenBakers joined three political and advocacy experts to get a better understanding of what is happening in the political landscape, what could happen in November, and how ABA works to give the baking industry a voice with policymakers.
Here are a few key takeaways from the session.
Deciphering the Political Landscape
Jim Ellis, Senior Political Analyst for the Business-Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC) presented his analysis of the upcoming presidential, Senate, and House elections.
- States to watch for the presidential election: Nevada, Iowa, Ohio, and New Hampshire.
- There are a lot of polls using different methodologies and indicating a wide range of outcomes in states, which is creating even greater uncertainty about the election outcome.
- When it comes to undecided voters, 63% say the presidential debates are helpful to make their decision.
Take a deeper dive into Jim’s analysis of the presidential, Senate, and House races here.
Update on the American Bakers PAC
Kelly Knowles, Vice President Political and State Affairs at ABA gave attendees an update on the American Bakers PAC during the 2020 Election Cycle.
- American Bakers PAC raises money on a voluntary basis from individuals employed by ABA member companies and contributes those funds to candidates for federal office who support free enterprise and the baking industry.
- American Bakers PAC is one of the few trade associations that sends PAC contributions directly to ABA members to present personally to candidates.
- Travel restrictions and social distancing protocols haven’t stopped the work of the American Bakers PAC. Events and check presentations have gone digital with virtual facetime opportunities.
- As part of its Plant Visitation Program, ABA arranges for Members of Congress, or candidates, to visit ABA members at their bakeries or allied facilities. If you’re interested, contact Kelly Knowles to learn more.
How ABA Gives the Baking Industry a Voice
Lee Sanders, Senior Vice President, Government Relations and Public Affairs at ABA explained how the Government Relations Team advocates on the industry's behalf to policymakers.
- The ABA Government Relations Team works on more than 50 legislative and regulatory issues for the baking industry at any given time.
- Tapping into the power of the industry, ABA’s advocacy priorities are based on member feedback, proposals from Professionals Groups, and insight from the Board of Directors.
- ABA relies on Member testimonials and engagement to help illustrate to policymakers the impact of legislation on your business. Participating in communications campaigns and meeting with Members of Congress is incredibly important.
Amplify Your Voice
How can you amplify your voice with Members of Congress today? With the click of a button, you can tell Members of Congress how you want them to act on legislation impacting your business. There is an opportunity to amplify the bakers’ voice now on several COVID-19 relief initiatives at Rise to Action.
What’s Next?
There are more opportunities to join the NextGenBaker Virtual Leadership Series conversation, including:
- September 28: Looking Ahead: Envisioning a Strategy for the Post-COVID-19 Environment. Register today.
- September 29: Leading in the Landscape of Today. Register today.
The entire series is complimentary to ABA members thanks to the generous support of our sponsors - Platinum Sponsor BCW, Gold Sponsor SF&WB, and Silver Sponsors ATBI, Mother Murphy’s, and Society of Bakery Women.
