U.S. Senator Carl Levin Confirmed to Speak at Legislative Conference

Online registration for this event is now closed. Registrations will be accepted at the door or you may call the MSAE office at 517.332.6723. Thank you!

Speaker Roster

Registration
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Welcome and Sponsor Recognition
1:00 p.m. – 1:10 p.m.

Michigan’s Economy and Budget
1:10 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Moderator: Jason Colthorp, Anchor, WILX-TV
Panelists: Mitchell Bean, Director, House Fiscal Agency; Lou Glazer, President, Michigan Future; Sabrina Keeley, Chief Operating Officer, Business Leaders for Michigan
State government faces a structural deficit while the Michigan economy struggles to overcome unprecedented social and economic problems.  Noted economists and business thought leaders will lay out the reality we face and offer solutions to restore our prosperity.  

Refreshment Break
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Panel: Politics in Motion
2:30 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.
Moderator: Tim Skubick, Senior Capitol Correspondent, Michigan Radio Networks
Panelists: Joseph Garcia, Partner, Karoub Associates; Patrick Harrington, President, Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates; Thomas Hoisington, Partner, Public Affairs Associates; Nell Kuhnmuench, Partner, Governmental Consultant Services
In a town where experience is at a premium, MSAE brings you a conversation that features well over 100 collective years of Lansing legislative insight as four prominent lobbyists participate in a Q and A with the audience and senior capitol correspondent Tim Skubick leading the charge. The lively and informative exchange will center on next year’s race for governor, term limits, the state of the economy or lack of same, and revamping the state’s tax system.

Does Citizens United Provide More Political Options for Associations?
3:40 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Panelists:
Gary P. Gordon, Attorney, Dykema Gossett PLLC, Jason T. Hanselman, Attorney, Dykema Gossett, PLLC, and W. Alan Wilk, Attorney, Dykema Gossett PLLC
The United States Supreme Court recently decided Citizens United v. FEC, allowing some non-profit corporations to make unlimited independent political expenditures to expressly advocate for or against candidates.  Attorneys involved in the case will explain the decision and assess its potentially sweeping impact for associations seeking to become involved in Michigan's 2010 elections.

Freshman Caucus Initiatives
4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Moderator: Kelly Rossman-McKinney, CEO, The Rossman Group
Rep. Bill Rogers (R) Brighton; Rep. Lesia Liss (D) Warren
The revolving door of state term limits means that leaders need to hit the ground running when they are elected. The freshmen in the State House of Representatives have organized to develop bipartisan policy solutions for Michigan to meet this leadership challenge. Representatives Rogers and Liss share their views with members of the association community.

Quadrant Leaders Insights for 2010
4:30 p.m. – 5:20 p.m.
Moderator: William Ballenger, Editor/Publisher, Inside Michigan Politics
Panelists: Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop; Speaker of the House Andy Dillon; House Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer; Senate Minority Leader Mike Prusi
Listen to the leaders of Michigan Legislature as they provide insight on the upcoming agenda of the House and Senate.

Michigan Leadership on The Hill
5:20 p.m. – 5:40 p.m.
U.S. Senator Carl Levin
The Honorable Carl Levin, U.S. Senator from Michigan and chairman of the Senate Armed Service Committee will update attendees on the top issues being discussed in Congress. He brings a unique perspective that combines the traits of being a Michigan advocate and D.C. leader that is passionate on world issues especially related to Iraq and Afghanistan. The federal legislative agenda will be full for 2010. Senator Levin will discuss a variety of these issues including health care, budget, taxes and the economy, energy, immigration, transportation, Homeland Security and his perspective on wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Legislative Reception
5:40 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Join the association community for conversation and epicurean delights and network with your colleagues and the Lansing Legislature.

Note: Schedule is subject to change. Names shown in blue are confirmed guests as of 2/08/10. All moderators and panelists have been invited and are subject to change. An invitation to the governor has been extended.

REGISTER NOW!

The Michigan Society of Association Executives’ Legislative Conference is recognized as the year’s first major legislative conference. It is designed to give you the information you need to gain knowledge about the 2010 Legislative Process. We are excited to share the finds in preliminary discussions on elevating MSAE’s role in the public policy processes as Associations Advance Michigan.

The 2010 Legislative Conference Committee has worked diligently to create a unique day of programming for you and your key members. It will include an overview of the state of the states’ economy, next year’s race for governor, term limits, revamping the state’s tax system and goals of the House and Senate leadership. Invited speakers include Governor Jennifer Granholm, well-respected lobbyists and the State Quadrant Leaders.

Make Our Conference YOUR Conference
MSAE can help your association offer high-level political programming for your members in a more cost effective manner by offering you the opportunity to invite your members to our Legislative Conference and to make our conference, your conference. Many organizations utilize this for their Legislative committee or Board of Directors. They schedule private lunches with select legislators. 

Registration is scheduled to begin at 12:00 noon, which allows you to plan morning programs specifically for your members. MSAE can assist you in finding rooms in downtown Lansing for your use if necessary. Our afternoon session is insightful and informative and will be followed by the Legislative Reception. Please join guests from the Michigan House and Senate and various state departments at this well-attended event. Let MSAE’s Legislative Conference be your legislative conference. We are looking forward to seeing you and your association leaders at the Lansing Center.

Location
The Lansing Center
333 East Michigan Avenue
Lansing, MI 48933

Questions? Contact Nichole Tilma, CMP.

	Senator Carl Levin (D) U.S. Senate, Senate Armed Service Committee Chairman Carl Levin has worked to strengthen Michigan's industrial economy. Levin proposed the American Manufacturing Initiative to ensure that our government aggressively fights for manufacturing in America so our manufacturers and workers can compete globally on a level playing field. American manufacturers are not competing against foreign companies; they are competing against foreign governments.
	William Ballenger Editor/Publisher, Inside Michigan Politics Bill Ballenger is a former state representative and state senator, an ex-state racing commissioner, and director of the Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulation. Ballenger also served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health, Education & Welfare in the administration of President Gerald R. Ford. Bill Ballenger is a recognized authority on Michigan government and politics and has been involved in the Michigan political community for over three decades.
	Mitchell Bean Director, House Fiscal Agency Mitchell Bean is the Director of the Michigan House Fiscal Agency, the non-partisan analysis staff of the Michigan House of Representatives. He serves as an advisor to House leadership on matters concerning the state budget. Prior to his appointment as Director, he was the Chief Economist for the Michigan House of Representatives and has extensive experience in forecasting Michigan’s tax revenue, and has produced numerous publications on related topics.
	Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop Michael D. Bishop is in his final term as the representative of the 12th Senate District. Following the 2006 election, Bishop was nominated by his caucus, and chosen by his peers, to be Senate Majority Leader. As head of the Republican Caucus, Senator Bishop directs the agenda and is the lead spokesman for GOP policies in Michigan.
	Jason Colthorp Anchor, WILX-TV "Hey, Lugnut fans, it's time to play 'Go Nuts For Donuts!'" Hard to believe the guy who hollered that 70 times a summer is the same one you now turn to for the latest on the struggle in the Middle East. Shockingly, covering a budget crisis isn't quite as exciting as covering an MSU Final Four run, but you'd never know it watching Jason. He loves the daily challenge of making local news fun to watch, which is tough considering the news isn't always heart-warming. But, Jason thinks 'informing' and 'entertaining' do not have to be enemies in a newscast. If it seems like he's having fun doing the news, that's because he is.
	Gretchen Couraud, CAE, CFRE Executive Director, Michigan Library Association Gretchen Couraud has twenty-five years experience in non-profit organizational management, advocacy and fundraising. She began her career lobbying and fundraising for the US and Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. From there, she turned to fundraising where she managed annual, major gift and endowment campaigns for the Lansing Community College Foundation and the Capital Area Humane Society. With the Michigan Library Association, she has restructured from constituent governance to strategic board governance, downsized from 16 sets of bylaws, budgets and income statements to one, and focused on data-driven strategies to provide members professional development and advocacy.
	Speaker of the House Andy Dillon House Speaker Andy Dillon has distinguished himself as an innovative leader in the Michigan House of Representatives and a champion for Michigan's middle class. He is now serving his third term in the Michigan House, and his second term as Speaker.
	House Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer State Representative Kevin Elsenheimer was elected in November 2004 to his first term in the Michigan House to represent residents of Antrim, Charlevoix, Otsego and most of Cheboygan counties. Elsenheimer served as Antrim County Republican Party chair for many years and is still an active member of the local party. He also served on the Bellaire Public Schools Board of Education for a term-and-a-half, from 1998 to 2004. He was re-elected to the seat in 2002, but stepped down to run for the state Legislature.
	Robert D. Fowler President & CEO, Small Business Association of Michigan Rob Fowler is President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan. In his capacity as President of SBAM he is a registered lobbyist representing small business before the Michigan legislature. He also serves as the President of the Small Business Foundation of Michigan a wholly owned subsidiary of SBAM that focuses on entrepreneurship in Michigan. In addition, Mr. Fowler serves as the Chairman of the Michigan Health Insurance Access Advisory Council and serves as Chair of the Business Advisory Committee of the Michigan Hospital Association.
	Joseph Garcia Partner, Karoub Associates Voted Michigan's most effective lobbyist by Inside Michigan Politics, Joe joined Karoub Associates in 1980. A practicing attorney, he also serves as General Counsel to the Michigan Racing Association. Joe is a former high school teacher and coach, and has worked for the Michigan Catholic Conference and the Michigan Food Dealers Association.
	Lou Glazer President, Michigan Future Glazer is President and co-founder of Michigan Future, Inc. (MFI), a non-partisan, non-profit organization. Michigan Future’s mission is to be a source of new ideas on how Michigan can succeed as a world class community in a knowledge-driven economy. Its work is funded by Michigan foundations. Prior to joining MFI, Glazer served as Deputy Director of the Michigan Department of Commerce during the Blanchard Administration.
	Gary P. Gordon Attorney, Dykema Gossett PLLC Prior to joining Dykema Gordon was Chief Deputy Attorney General for the State of Michigan.  Before his appointment as Chief Deputy, Gordon was Governmental Affairs Bureau Chief, responsible for overseeing the Public Employment, Elections, and Tort Division, Transportation Division, Highway Negligence Division, Corrections Division, Labor Division, and Civil Rights Division. While Bureau Chief, he continued to actively litigate election related cases and to act as the general counsel for the Department of State in all election, campaign finance and lobby law related matters.
	Jason T. Hanselman  Attorney, Dykema Gosset PLLC Jason Hanselman is a partner in Dykema's Regulated Industries Department, advising corporations, associations, and other non-profit entities operating in highly-regulated fields, such as election law, campaign finance, public education, public utility regulation, and casino gaming. Jason helps clients, including many Michigan trade groups, to develop an integrated political strategy that uses every tool in their political toolbox (issue/express advocacy, PACs, lobbying, etc.) while complying with applicable state and federal restrictions.
	Patrick Harrington President, Muchmore Harrington Smalley & Associates Pat Harrington, has an extensive background in insurance, environmental, legal, corporations, economic development and business strategy issues. Pat was a key player in the 1981 and 1982 successful effort to reform Michigan’s Workers Compensation and Unemployment laws. He has been licensed to practice law in Michigan since 1983 and is a member of the State Bar of Michigan.
	Thomas Hoisington Partner, Public Affairs Associates Tom has held staff positions in both the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives.  He also served two years as director of local programming for the Michigan Energy Administration and served as an elected official on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners from 1976 to 1982. Tom joined Public Affairs Associates, Inc. in 1981.
	Sabrina Keeley Chief Operating Officer, Business Leaders for Michigan Sabrina Keeley is responsible for overseeing the execution of the organization's work plan, including its policy advocacy and economic development initiatives. Prior to this position, Sabrina was President and CEO of the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce.
	Nell Kuhnmuench Partner, Governmental Consultant Services Nell Kuhnmuench has been voted Michigan’s top lobbyist by an independent political survey. She served for eight years as Chief of Staff for two different Democratic Speakers of the Michigan House of Representatives. Kuhnmuench is widely recognized for her expertise on health-care, insurance and environmental issues.
	Representative Lesia Liss (D) State Representative Lesia Liss is serving her first term in the Michigan House of Representatives representing the 28th District, which covers parts of Warren and Centerline.  In the House, Liss is working to reduce partisan conflict, and volunteered to be the Democratic co-chair of the Bipartisan Freshman Caucus for this term.
	Senate Minority Leader Mike Prusi He currently serves as the Senate Democratic Leader, and as the Democratic Vice-Chair of the Senate Government Operations and Reform, and Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Recreation Committees. The Senator is also a member of the Legislative Council and the Senate Fiscal Agency Governing Board. Before being elected to the Senate, he served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives.
	John E. Roberts Executive Director, Michigan High School Athletic Association In more than 20 years at the helm of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, Roberts has implemented programs to improve communications to and from the 1,550 member schools, 12,000 registered officials and 13,000 head coaches. He has inspired the membership to address the most critical issues of athletics and especially to improve sportsmanship. Jack is married to Peggy and has 2 sons, John and Luke, both of whom are involved in education.
	Representative Bill Rogers (R) Rogers is a Livingston County commissioner who was first elected in 1998, and was board chairman from 2006-2008. He served on the committees on infrastructure/development, finance and personnel. He also was a member of the Livingston Drain Board, Brighton Chamber Foundation Board, Livingston County Small Business and Technology Development Center Board, Livingston County Economic Development Council, and worked on the Regional Co-Op Group and Wireless Livingston Project.
	Kelly Rossman-McKinney CEO, The Rossman Group Kelly is a certified crisis communicator, a nationally accredited public relations counselor (APR) and a member of the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) distinguished College of Fellows. Kelly has been recognized consistently as one of Michigan’s most influential women and has been selected as one of the top 25 women business owners by the National Association of Women Business Owners.
	Tim Skubick Senior Capitol Correspondent, Michigan Radio Networks Tim Skubick has anchored the weekly public TV series "Off the Record" since 1972 and is the longest serving member of the state capitol press corps. He also anchors the statewide investigative documentary series “Michigan At Risk,” as well as State of the State addresses and other Michigan election and political specials produced by WKAR-TV in East Lansing.
	W. Alan Wilk Attorney, Dykema Gossett PLLC Wilk is a member in the firm's Government Policy Department.  His practice focuses on election, campaign finance and lobby law, gaming, and public retirement, as well as nonprofit organizations and trade associations. Wilk is the Team Leader for the firm's Political Compliance Team, which represents and advises individuals and corporate entities on federal and state election, campaign finance, lobby law and other political activity.