GOVERNMENT Inside The Beltway By OABA’s Government Relations Team — HB St rategies T


he First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects five free- doms: speech, religion, press,


assembly and the right to petition the government. Lobbying elected officials is one of the mechanisms available to to exercise your right to petition the government. Telling government leaders what problems you are facing, why they should care, and how they can help is the essence of lobbying. Professional lobbyists have a place and a role how- ever; policymakers and their staff are often more impacted by issues that are raised by the people who sent them to Washington, D.C. At least once a year OABA members make the trek to Washington, D.C.


have made the trip year after year, new folks join and are often surprised by what occurs. Before we head to Capitol Hill, D.C. “rookies” will often fret saying things like, “I can’t talk to a congress- man,” or “This issue is too complicated for me.” Whilethose fearsare understand-


able, within a few hours they disap- pear. That’s because first timers quicky realize a few things. First, advocating forpoliciesthatprotect theoutdoor amusement business industry is em- powering. The ability to share your story and fight for your business isn’t


scary, it’s a point of pride. Second, no one is a better advocate for this industry than


to act as citizen lobbyists. While many


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those who have grown up in it, cherish it, and want to pro- tect its future. You’ve played county or local events and fairs that these lawmakers have attended. You know the history of these events and their impact on the communities they serve. You can make personal connections with lawmakers and their staff because you literally know where they come from! Finally, newcomers to the process soon realize that with


so much going on in Washington, D.C. no one is looking out for you, but you. The only way to impact the change you seek is to raise your voice, show up, and be engaged. Over the last decade the OABA’s influence in our nation’s capital has made huge strides. That’s a result of OABA members standing up and fighting for this industry. We at HB Strategies pride ourselves on putting you in a


position to succeed. Yet we understand that no one tells your story better than you. The passion OABA members display when they come to D.C.


is impressive. Members


of Congress and their staff respond to that passion. They sense the genuineness and that’s how you build relation- ship with people positioned to address problems our in- dustry faces. To those that have made the trip to D.C. in the past, thank


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you. You spent time, money, and effort to advance the in- terests of not just your business but the entire industry. To those that want to come in the future, please join us! Take your destiny in your own hands, fight for what you want, and exercise your right as an American to petition your govern- ment. If you don’t do it, who will?


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