As the state’s leading business association, Associated Industries of Florida (AIF), through its political operations department, has built a system to elect people who understand how to operate a business, how important businesses are to Florida’s economic success, and are wary of those who attack business' ability to operate in the state. It is imperative for Florida’s businesses to be involved in the political process. The key to your business future depends on the election of candidates that understand that liberty depends on prosperity and economic freedom. Through our political efforts at AIF, we get the job done!
An important component of our political operations department is the education of our members through our Political Council. Due to term limits, Florida legislators must vacate their current office after eight years. In the 2008 election cycle, we have 33 open seats in the Florida House, and 6 open seats in the Florida Senate. Whether they are leaving due to term limits or in their pursuit of higher office, this perpetual reshuffling of the Legislature demands a concerted effort by Florida business to be “in the know.”
Founded in 1994, the Political Council (formerly known as Florida Business United) is the political research arm of AIF which takes responsibility for educating Florida's business community on our state's political environment. By analyzing every Senate and House district, we determine the "fertile ground" for the election of business friendly candidates. This research enables us to recruit and support and secure victory for the right candidates in key districts by applying years of political experience. Further, our Political Council members receive the identical research in order to guide their businesses and make their own decisions about who to support and who to oppose.
Political Council member benefits include:
- Member Only Website: This password protected website houses our political information and communications for our members. Members will have access to our database of district and voter demographics, polling results, candidate profiles, questionnaires and analyses of sources for campaign contributions (catalogued by donor industry, occupation and city).
- Outline of Races booklet: After each financial reporting period, our members are provided with an Outline of Races booklet that summarizes each candidate throughout the state by district and provides pertinent details such as personal and professional information, history of political involvement, use of consultants, and fundraising totals.
- Candidate Evaluation Process: The candidate evaluation process includes our “Candidate Profile and Questionnaire” that is sent to all candidates that file to run for the Florida Legislature and contains pertinent questions about business issues derived by AIF councils and members of the Political Council. Candidate interviews allow our members the opportunity to meet the many new faces running for office around the state and to begin their working relationship with those being elected to office.
- Political Insight, Information Express, and Election Center: These are our primary e-communications that distribute political information to our members. The Political Insight is a monthly publication that provides detailed information about selected political topics (will occur more frequently as Election Day grows nearer). The Information Express is available for immediate distribution of key political information should the need arise. And Election Center communication allows our members to review election results and analysis as it occurs.
- Florida At Work: This publication is a collection of profiles of Political Council member companies given to Legislators to educate them on our member companies and the contributions they provide to the state of Florida’s economy and workforce.
- Exclusive Political Council Events: These periodic events, such as Candidate Meet & Greet Luncheons or Election Day events, address current “hot topics” designed to keep members up to date on political issues and provide another opportunity to meet candidates face to face.
- Political/Issue Polling: AIF retains McLaughlin & Associates, a national survey research and strategic services firm with extensive Florida experience, to conduct quarterly public opinion surveys on behalf of the Political Council and its members.
What Others are Saying . . .
" FBU provides updated and insightful political information that can be relied on."
Mike Fields, Sr. VP/Director of Governmental Relations - Bank of America
" I count on their expertise for polling, to meet candidates in races I may be involved in, and to get information on current political trends. FBU is a fantastic resource that puts the 'big picture' together in the state legislature and races."
Doug Bailey, Region Director, Government Relations - Anheuser Busch Companies, Inc.
"FBU's candidate interviews process is of tremendous value to those of us active in the political arena. It gives us a chance to judge the hundreds of new candidates running for state office."
Jim Brainerd, VP & general Counsel - Florida Association of Insurance Agents
" FBU's concise and timely political information is of great value to our Association's members. FBU's candidate interview process is the best overall program that I have ever participated in."
Bill Hunter, President - Association of Florida Community Developers, Inc.
" FBU is the best at providing a comprehensive review of the legislative races and Florida's political environment. They go further than other organizations by clearly identifying the critical races for business which helps us focus our resources on the candidates that will help our industry."
Cecil Pearce, Vice President -American Insurance Association
" FBU's thorough and objective analysis makes it possible for me to advise my clients on how to best direct their campaign resources and support. FBU has been an invaluable asset to Public Affairs Consultants and more importantly to the clients we represent."
Jack Cory, President - Public Affairs Consultants
" Today more than ever it is essential for our association to remain cognizant of Florida's ever changing political landscape. FBU's campaign analysis and more specifically the candidate interview process is valuable in that it provides FBU's members the opportunity to meet and personally evaluate legislative candidates from around the state."
Bill Phelan, Executive Director - Florida Health Care Association
Coordinating Business for Florida's Political Future
For more information, contact Michelle Mattox, Chief Political Officer
at (850) 224-7173, or email her at mmattox@aif.com
