Many NASBP Members find the NASBP Government Relations Committee particularly rewarding because part of its success is based on something producers are very good at—building relationships. Essential to the success of an association’s government relations program is development of professional relationships with public policy decision-makers often forged by its government relations committee volunteers and the association staff. Members of the NASBP Government Relations Committee have a keen interest in public policy and recognize one of the necessary ingredients for success is to build and nurture long-term professional relationships with their elected officials. Those relationships have helped to garner long-term benefits and are utilized to promote, advocate, and achieve successful policy reforms that are important to NASBP and the surety industry.

Throughout the year, the NASBP Government Relations Committee has its eye on federal, state, and local legislation and regulations that impact the surety product. “I feel the NASBP Government Relations Committee is one of the most important committees of our Association,” said NASBP Government Relations Committee Chair Brian Ayres. “While Larry LeClair and his team are monitoring the various bills that can impact our product at any time, we have to have solid Government Relations grassroots efforts in our own states. I have seen how being involved locally helped get surety language added into Kentucky’s PPP bill,” Ayres added.

Pictured from left, Brian Ayres and Monica Donatelli

NASBP Government Relations Committee Leadership
Chair: Brian Ayres of L A Surety Solutions–A Division of Alliant Insurance Services in Louisville, KY
Vice Chair: Monica Donatelli of IMA, Inc. in Overland Park, KS

The NASBP Legislative Fly-in, an annual event, usually in person, but recently conducted on a virtual platform, offers Government Relations Committee members and the entire NASBP membership the opportunity to directly engage with their elected federal officials concerning the top legislative priorities of the Association. The Fly-in is a one-day dedicated advocacy event, and many members participate every chance they get. See photo above taken at the 2019 NASBP Legislative Fly-in. However, advocacy engagement stretches far beyond one-day. Volunteers who serve on the Government Relations Committee certainly recognize that commitment. Those commitments include forging relationships and becoming actively involved with like-minded construction trade associations; getting to know local, state, and federal elected officials; and attending congressional townhall meetings when available.

Another reason why many NASBP members find volunteering on the NASBP Government Relations Committee satisfying is because they participate annually in creating the Association’s legislative platform of federal issues. One could argue that the Association carries out many of its objectives through the NASBP Legislative Agenda. The NASBP Government Relations Agenda serves as the Association’s policy blueprint and offers committee volunteers an active role in this important process. NASBP committee volunteers are asked for their input, guidance, and leadership in setting the Association’s Government Relations Agenda. This formal process occurs annually in the early fall. NASBP staff and committee volunteers develop a “draft” version of The NASBP Government Relations Agenda. The “draft” is subsequently recommended to the NASBP Board for its approval at the Mid-Year Board Meeting.

Join the NASBP Government Relations Committee

“NASBP is led by its members, and, fundamentally, this begins with NASBP Committees.”

These are just a few examples how Government Relations Committee volunteers help to serve their fellow NASBP rank-and-file members. Think you have what it takes to become a “political animal” on behalf of NASBP? If so, why not consider serving as a volunteer by joining the Committee. See the “join a NASBP committee” webpage. 

Those who serve as a NASBP committee volunteer on the NASBP Government Relations Committee and other Committees find that fellow volunteers offer a wealth of professional background and knowledge and share those professional qualities, which help to shape the Association’s objectives, activities, and direction. Furthermore, serving as a committee volunteer provides a sense of community, which over time can lead to developing life-long personal and professional relationships. Want to expand your impacts on and understanding of the surety profession, build your leadership skills, and interact with other professionals with shared goals and similar interests? Join a NASBP Committee.

This Pipeline article is the second in a series describing how NASBP Committees are the cornerstone foundation of the Association. See the CEO Column that introduced this series and that was published in the March April 2021 issue.