As in business, in policy and politics, relationships matter. With that in mind, this week Colorado Concern will begin to roll out our Legislative Buddy Program, which pairs our members with elected leaders. Thank you to those of you who agreed to participate. Often our elected leaders are not familiar with how proposed legislative measures impact business, whether in a positive or a harmful manner, and strengthening our one-on-one connections will be of great help during this session and beyond.

Where possible we matched you with individuals you requested. In some cases we selected a legislator for you based on geography or key issues. This will be a phased effort, and beginning this week we will start notifying you as to whom you have been paired with this session. The correspondence will come both electronically and in hard copy, and will include a short biography of the member and their contact information. Legislators will receive hand-carried letters with your information, as well.  

We ask that you reach out to your Legislative Buddy to introduce yourself and to set a time to meet. Should you wish to have me or our lobbying team - Erin Silver and Pete Kirchhof - join you for such a meeting we would be pleased to do so. At this point we are not asking you to focus on any specific issue, but rather to allow your buddy to get to know you and your business, and you them and their areas of interest. As key issues arise we will provide you with information for you to share with your legislator. We will use this effort strategically, with an eye toward ensuring the relationship you build stands the test of time. I look forward to your feedback as you begin to engage with our elected leaders.

With regard to our interaction with the Executive Branch, our annual luncheon with Governor Hickenlooper has been set for 11:30-1 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, at the Carriage House at the Governor's Residence.  Please register here.

Thank you for your quick response to this month's luncheon with legislative leadership. At noon on Tuesday, February 26, we will have lunch with Senate Minority Leader Bill Cadman and House Minority Leader Mark Waller. The event is sold out. Should you like to be added to a wait list please let Paige know at paige@coloradoconcern.com.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or concerns about any legislative issue. Wishing each of you a good week.