Fly-In affords members direct meetings with Congressional delegates

The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce is finalizing the itinerary for the 18th annual Washington fly-in planned for May 2 to May 6, 2007.  This annual trip gives Chamber members the opportunity to meet with their representatives and engage in dialogue on issues affecting their businesses. 

Whether you are experienced at contacting elected officials or someone who’d like to learn how to have your legislative and business concerns addressed by your elected representatives, this annual event affords the opportunity to meet with officials in the congressional office building with the delegates and members of their staffs. The Chamber staff, with input from many members, drafts a list of key business issues as well as background information for participants to review and add to prior to the Fly-In. This information helps initiate the conversations with the representatives.

The dialog with the congressional delegates will take place during a visit to Capitol Hill on the second day of the Fly-In.  Meetings with Congressmen Tom Petri and Steve Kagen, and Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold are planned.

The first two days will be spent in meetings to address collective issues of concern.  The first
afternoon includes sessions at The Heritage Foundation (www.heritage.org), a conservative think tank that publishes research on domestic, economic, foreign and defense policy.  Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institute whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense. Fly-In participants in 2005 highly recommended that this session be included in a future Fly-In, so the Chamber has made it part of this year’s agenda. 

Time will also be spent with representatives from the American Hospital Association (AHA) (www.aha.org).  The vision of the AHA is of a society of healthy communities, where all individuals reach their highest potential for health.  The AHA works to advance the health of individuals and communities. It leads, represents and serves hospitals, health systems and other related organizations that are accountable to the community and committed to health improvement.

During the remainder of the trip, participants may enjoy all that Washington D.C. has to offer from sight seeing to shopping to golfing.  Some activities are planned while others are optional.  Past attendees have enjoyed being part of the group to sample the many dining establishments and fellowship with other Chamber members, while others strike off on their own to take in sights and events once the formal dialogs are completed.  

For more information on the 2007 Washington Fly-In contact the Chamber at (920) 734-7101 or by e-mailing to information@foxcitieschamber.com