Sixteen Lobbyists Achieved Their PLC Status in 2009

American League of Lobbyists President announced at the annual meeting that 16 lobbyists obtained their Professional Lobbying Certificates (PLC) in 2009. Founded in 2006, the Lobbying Certificate Program (LCP) is today’s gold standard for government relations professionals. The LCP offers in-depth knowledge of both legislative and political processes, as well as the rules, regulations and ethics that shape lobbying requirements. Guided by top lobbying experts, the LCP is the only certificate program that offers mastery of government operations, practical knowledge for achieving results, and the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. The 2010 Lobbying Certificate Program gets underway January 11; visit the web site page at https://www.alldc.org/certificate/index.cfm for complete information.

The 2009 Professional Lobbying Certificate recipients are:

Dan Backer H Street Capitol Strategies	Tom Hardiman Modular Building Institute
Jim Brookshire Forum LLC	Paul Kangas Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
Philip Brown Connected Nation, Inc.	Bonnie Lewis Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Ryan Caruso The Financial Services Roundtable	Melissa Matson GolinHarris
Mike Charles American Society of Civil Engineers	Robert Smith Savantage Solutions
John Ferraro Kellen Company	Robin Stombler Auburn Health Strategies
Howard Fienberg Marketing Research Association	Tom Wacker National Telecommunications Cooperative Association
Lillian Hanger Government Relations Consultant	Jonathan Westin United Jewish Communities

Welcome to the American League of Lobbyists (ALL) Web Site!

Welcome to American League of Lobbyists website. We are the preeminent national organization that represents government relations and public affairs professionals. Our mission is to "enhance the development of professionalism, competence and high ethical standards for advocates in the public policy arena, and to collectively address challenges which affect the First Amendment right to 'petition the government for redress of grievances.'"

As professional lobbyists, we perform a tremendously important service not only to our employers and clients but also to the public at large, in an ethical, legal and Constitutional manner. ALL members adhere to a principled Code of Ethics that focuses on promoting the highest level of ethical lobbying in the country. Additionally, the League stresses the importance of continued education of the lobbying community by promoting the Lobbying Certificate Program which helps those of all skill levels improve their knowledge of the legislative process and lobbying profession.

Over the next year, the American League of Lobbyist we will be working to educate people on the lobbying process, and why every American should be an advocate at some level. The government is too immense and complex, which makes it difficult for decision-makers to clearly see an issue from all vantage points and to identify the best course of action. Lobbyists serve as educators and information envoys to help legislators and the administration make informed and logical decisions. Lobbyists represent every walk of life in an effort to make sure their voices and issues are heard by decision makers.

The American League of Lobbyists believes that through transparency, continued ethical representation and a strong educational campaign, we will help Americans understand the critical roles that lobbyists play in our society. The right to petition the government is central to ensuring that this country will always be one of the people, by the people and for the people and lobbyists help convey that message.

Membership in the league is open to any full-time, professionally employed lobbyist, at either the state or federal level. Our membership keeps growing and we looking forward to providing more member value and opportunities to our members in 2009.

To join the League, click here. Also, feel free to send us your comments through the "Contact Us" page. Thank you for visiting our web site.
Dave Wenhold, CAE, PLC
President of the American League of Lobbyists