The Showalter Group’s 2005 Political Involvement Innovation Award Winners

Each year, I partner with my Innovate to Motivate colleagues Peter Kennerdell and Tony Kramer to produce our annual Innovate to Motivate Conference for political involvement professionals. One of the highlights of the conference is when we recognize the most innovative PAC, grassroots and technology applications.

The winners are selected by committee of experienced public affairs professionals. Thanks to this year’s committee members:

• Lani Strachan, Associate Director, Government Affairs, BP North America
• Kristen Smith, Director, Grassroots and Legislative Services, NFIB
• Joni Shenck-Flynn, Assistant Vice President, Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Bankers’ Association
• Dan Eckstein, Manager, Political Affairs, Capitol One
• Corey Kerr, Director, Government Relations, Cardinal Health
• Ashley Basquin, Director, Government Affairs, Burlington-Northern Santa Fe Railway

And the winners are. . .

Grassroots

Southwest Airlines, "Set Love Free" campaign
Program Manager: Susan Goodman

Grassroots Honorable Mention

Westfield Company, "Legislative Lightning" program
Program Manager: Sally Estvanic

PAC Award

Fannie Mae, PAC Message Testing
Program Manager: Jessica Erickson

Technology Award

Technology Winner: Grassroots Enterprise, "John Edwards Podcast"
Program Manager: Mike Panetta

Thanks to all of the organizations who submitted nominations and our 2005 Political Involvement Award judges.

"Contracting with The Showalter Group to help reinvigorate our PAC was important in teaching us what was needed to in order for the program to survive. Due in large part to your involvement, I have seen a definite change in the PAC Board and staff. I have not seen this kind of excitement or interest in our PAC since I've been a part of the Government Affairs staff. In fact, in our very first PAC recruitment meeting, we gained 40 new PAC contributors!"

– Judy Job, PAC Manager, We Energies