| Corporations | National Associations
National Non-Profits | State Associations
Corporations
"What Amy taught us can be used in any environment; with co-workers, family members, and customers. I was taking lots of notes and could have listened to her for two more hours."
-Joan Coleman
President, AT&T Kentucky
"Our Leadership Development Network members have high expectations. Ann and Amy's workshop on how to increase our individual executive presence and influence was a well-developed program that gave them new ways to think about leadership qualities in themselves and others. Over 90% of the post-workshop respondents gave them our highest ratings, and fully 100% enjoyed the workshop format. The program was a new dimension to our in-house initiative which I would recommend to my Duke colleagues across the country."
- Debbie Proctor
Indiana Regulatory and Public Affairs
Duke Energy
"Amy brings an enthusiasm
and knowledge of the process that is unique and timely.
Her years of practical hands-on experience really shows,
and most importantly, motivates."
- John Willey, Wellpoint
“What a great job you did. You had a very difficult assignment in a short period of time to energize and excite an audience – but you carried it off magnificently as evidenced by the audience participation.”
- George Williams
Vice President, Government and Environmental Affairs (formerly)
Darden Restaurants
“It was critical that we rolled out our new advocacy and PAC initiatives with a solid foundation for long-term viability. Amy provided customized counsel and guidance that has helped us garner significant senior leadership support for our work as well as excitement and enthusiasm among our Key Contacts.”
– Kathleen Smith
Vice President, Government Affairs
Fresenius Medical Care North America
"Since we were starting our grassroots program from square one, we knew that a solid plan of attack was required if we were going to be successful. Amy's direct consultation was precisely what we needed to target and prioritize action items that are essential to starting a grassroots program. That is what is so great about Amy! Whatever the status of your grassroots program, she meets you where you're at and gives you the tools and direction to build the kind of grassroots results that will enhance your ability to shape and influence public policy.
One of the projects we collaborated on was a persuasive grassroots presentation to hundreds of our franchisees. One franchisee after another came up to me and said it was the best and most interesting presentation of the whole two-day event. They admitted that they used to delete my emails when they received them, but after my presentation, they want to get on board with grassroots advocacy. The President of our company even thought it was great. After conducting just three of these meetings, our action call participation rate jumped from 7-8% to over 22%."
-Andrew Weikert
Government Affairs Liaison
Auntie Anne's, Inc.
"Amy Showalter is one of the most creative and energetic public affairs professionals around. She never fails to motivate her audience and to provide unique insights into grassroots development. Working with Amy is always a pleasure!"
- Mike Morris
Regional Advocacy Manager
GlaxoSmithKline
"You did an excellent job on our membership and message framing report. I am really pleased with the findings and you did a great job of clearly defining our challenges and opportunities. Thanks again for all that you do. Every time I talk to you, I get inspired!"
- Meaghan Killion
Manager, Political Affairs
International Paper
"I found Amy's information on how to interface with legislators very valuable. She provided good tips on how to achieve and measure successful communications. As a result, I will listen better to the 'hidden' messages from our legislators."
- Herman Seedorf
Manager, Wood River Refinery
Conoco Phillips
"I found most valuable Amy's recommendation to mention a weakness in our case to increase trust and remove bias. This will be very helpful for every day big-picture situations where persuasion is essential."
- Roger Bare
KHWB-TV - Houston
“I really enjoyed your seminar. In fact, it was very insightful and enlightening. I spend much of my time discussing issues with legislators and I found your message to artfully quantify how the process works.
Your seminar takes the mystery out of the process and points out ways for anyone to become more effective.
I personally learned some additional ideas on how to become more capable in promoting issues and how to make a PAC more meaningful to its' members. It is, of course, all about relationships and you deepen that understanding.”
-Virgil Lovitt, Mayor, Sharonville, Ohio; State Farm Insurance Agent
"The program on motivation was, in itself, very motivational! It's going help me get pumped up and stay pumped up."
– Graham Dodson, American Electric Power
"Some people will tell you what to do, but Amy will tell you why a strategy or tactic works. She never presents any solutions that are not backed up with research, her extensive track records of what works, and/or the science behind the strategy."
– Cassi Baker, Director
Vice President of State Government Affairs
Cardinal Health
"We are bursting with pride and happiness. . .you two deserve so much credit for all that you have done to ensure we had the tools, data and support to get this done. On behalf of our Dow team, I am sincerely appreciative and offer you the warmest thanks!"
– Louis Vega,
Director, Public Affairs
India, Middle East & Africa
The Dow Chemical Company
"Amy is without a doubt at the forefront of creativity in the political involvement field, as she offers innovative approaches to problem solving. Her enthusiasm is captivating as well as contagious. I have worked with many consultants during my 25 years with The Dow Chemical company, and Amy Showalter is at the top of the list."
– Vicky Suazo,
Leader, Political Affairs
The Dow Chemical Company (formerly)
"We have hired Amy numerous times for our annual Key Contact training event. On our program's 10-year anniversary, we asked her back to present a special motivational talk to our experienced Key Contacts, as well as our "rookie" volunteers. I heard so many great comments about her talk. Our employees are naturally motivated and enthusiastic, but Amy took it up a notch so that our veterans and rookies alike walked away with renewed energy and dedication to their tasks."
- Lori Cherry
Manager, Legislative Awareness
Southwest Airlines
"What I found valuable was the recognition that employees need to really buy into our issues."
– Robert DeCay
Citizens and Northern Bank
"Many groups use Amy to get them started on the path to an effective grassroots program. We asked Amy to get us re-juiced. We’d just won a major award for our program and we were determined not to rest on our laurels. Amy told us how to take our program to the next level so that we would not lose the energy that brought us so much success."
– John Stowell
General Manager, Public Affairs
Cinergy Corporation / Duke Energy
"Amy’s counsel as we developed our program has had lasting results. In fact, a recent employee grassroots campaign on major federal legislation resulted in over 13,000 personal letters to Members of Congress, helping to save our company millions of dollars a year. Our achievement was recognized and lauded by our company leaders. I attribute this to the solid organizational foundation and implementation strategies that we learned from Amy."
– Susan Goodman
Director, Legislator Awareness
Southwest Airlines
"Amy provided good insights on things I normally don't deal with as an engineer, such as dealing with people who rely on votes for their employment. Her information will help me answer questions from fellow employees interested in our PAC."
- Bruce Brock
Conoco Phillips
"We hired Amy because of her extensive knowledge of how to create sustainable grassroots and PAC programs. My staff was very comfortable working with Amy. As a result, they quickly organized a new Key Contact network, started a headquarter office grassroots program, and are gearing up to increase our PAC’s visibility and contributions. Our team now has the confidence and knowledge to maintain these programs."
– Jesse Colgate
Senior Vice President
New York Life Insurance
"I learned how to approach someone who may be opposed to our issue and turn them around. Amy is knowledgeable, credible and likeable."
– Barbara Little
Ethyl Corporation
"Thank you for the excellent campaign training program that met and exceeded my goals and expectations. Over 70 percent of the participants are working on a campaign. It is apparent that the trainees were very motivated by your training techniques. Your knowledge of the insurance industry, extensive grassroots experience, and the enthusiasm you have for your work was very inspirational during this process."
– Dustin Miller
Public Affairs Manager
State Farm Insurance Companies (formerly)
"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
"I learned how to organize our grassroots effort and assign leadership to the grassroots process. As a result, we will have a discussion and planning session in our shop to become more organized."
– Craig Litchfield
Citizens and Northern Bank
"Thanks for your contagious enthusiasm. Our grassroots network has flourished in just a short year, mostly because our folks leave your training ready to go out and conquer the legislative world. Our members said they would not miss the workshop with you as the speaker."
– Cassi Baker
Director, Government Affairs
Cardinal Health
"I learned how to cultivate advocates and keep them. Amy's so dynamic. Just excellent!"
– Brian Fligor
Children's Hospital Boston
"This made me think about what we should be doing as we launch our grassroots program. Amy included solid references to motivational psychology and demonstrated a grounding in the science of persuasion, rather than "PR 101."
– Kevan Fenderson
Brinker International, Inc.
"Amy identified techniques to help engage true grassroots participation in issues affecting our business. We will choose new tactics that will be more effective than our current industry influence efforts. Amy has a great command of the subject and focused on the audience needs and expectations by following through with their specific questions."
– Barry E. Miller
First Susquehanna Bank and Trust
"I'm going to use this information to re-invigorate current PAC members' motivation and stimulate interest from potential members. I found most valuable the admonition to review any internal deficiencies in educating and persuading employees on why their views should mirror the views of the company. I found this to be very informative and very forward-thinking. Amy is highly motivated and motivational!"
– Carrie Gladney
R. R. Donnelley
"Amy's research will help us understand, influence and motivate our members to stay involved. We're going to analyze how we compel our members to stay involved and meet their expectations, not just those of the lobbyists."
– Jeffry Wollitz
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
“This was truly inspiring! I am going use Amy’s influencing tips in my daily life as well as for the Children’s Hospital Denver advocacy efforts.”
- Sandra Floyd
The Children’s Hospital Denver
"As usual, you told them what they needed to hear. We appreciated your practical, real-world advice about how to avoid the common mistakes of internal grassroots programs. Only a handful of grassroots professionals have your experience, which makes you a most credible messenger for this important topic."
– Shawn Mulholland
BSA LifeStructures
"I served six years in the Connecticut Legislature. Your article in the July PIA magazine was right on target regarding the realities of the legislative process."
– Curt Andrews
Vice President
Limo Pro / HRH Insurance
"YOU are the Guru’s Guru! The audience couldn’t write down your words of wisdom fast enough. Of all the presentations at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting, yours was the best."
– Mary Schell
Vice President, Government Relations
Wendy’s International, Inc.
"Amy is very well prepared, uses humor accordingly, and has a high energy level that motivates the whole room. Her stories are very entertaining and help exemplify how these tips can be applied in real-life situations."
– Jeri Stewart
Executive Communications
"I will now find the positive stories of grassroots involvement and use them at our company; especially the stories of how individuals are impacted by legislation."
– John Mitz
Pioneer State Mutual Insurance Company
"Amy helped me realize that it doesn’t matter what we think about our program, it’s what our volunteers think that matters. I am going to use this information to improve the leadership of our organization."
– Gretchen Tegeler
Director, Government Affairs
McLeodUSA Telecommunication
"Thank you for your provocative and informative presentation at our advocacy briefing. I had several people tell me after the session about something they were going to do differently as a result of what they learned from you."
– Morna Smith, Ph.D.
Director, Government Affairs
Columbus Children's Hospital
"You were the highest rated speaker of the meeting. The feedback was glowing. Shame on those who missed it."
– Cathy Bitler
Ohio Development Association South Central Power Company
“Amy’s personal stories made it easier to remember her techniques and put them into action. She is a vibrant speaker, and the role playing and examples were very fun.”
- Mary Joe Bailey
The Children’s Hospital Denver
"The staff workshop was very thorough and comprehensive. Amy helped us understand that to 'do it right' takes lots of organization and follow-through. Her personal experiences make it all very relevant and viable."
– Peter Minahan
Lobbyist, Aquila
Colorado Communique, Inc.
National Associations
"She knows her stuff.
If you didn't get something from Amy, you were not listening."
- Rosalie Walton, President,
SEIBR
“On behalf of the Public Affairs Association of Canada, thank you for your presentation at our annual conference. People loved the message and the messenger. Your enthusiasm and energetic delivery made your presentation an entertaining and memorable highlight of our conference. Frankly, I was surprised at who came up to me afterwards and told me how much they enjoyed your presentation and how much they learned from you. I can honestly say you now have a pretty firm fan base north of the border. If a colleague asked me today to recommend a speaker on grassroots, I would tell them there is no one better than Amy Showalter. She delivers the goods!”
- Joe MacDonald
President, the
Public Affairs Association of Canada
“I am happy to shamelessly promote those who help build grassroots capacity among the physician population and get them to understand what needs to occur in order to not just educate, but to influence. Amy and Kelton are two of the best!”
- Dianna Ewert
Director
American Academy of Family Physicians
"You are the real deal! Your PAC workshop was one of the best presentations I’ve ever heard. Informative, and filled with energy and new ideas. You were a big hit with our members, and you will definitely be invited back."
- Barbara McConnell
Executive Director
Food Industry Association Executives
"Amy and Kelton's work was fantastic. The combination of their Influence Audit process and dynamic workshops (in fact, our members are still quoting Kelton's advice) enabled us to better frame our issues, and gives us an opportunity to be more proactive on future issues. We could tell our members' eyes were opened during this process -- they now think more strategically with a long-term view."
- Kelly Benedetti
Vice President, State Government Affairs and Industry Relations
National Restaurant Association
"Amy received perfect ratings from our staff. She put the time and effort into understanding our organization and our needs before the session and then had an energy level that kept everyone motivated to learn."
- Steve Woods
Vice President
State Public Policy
National Federation of Independent Business
"Amy’s expertise was perfect for our situation. Her passion and credibility are unparalleled."
– Connie Tipton
CEO
International Dairy Foods Association
"Thank you! I am going to start using stories to improve my speeches and add to my credibility."
– Joe Thesing
National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies
"I learned to harness our value - what we have to offer our activists and what makes us different from other groups. You have given me some of the best information and I will implement more motivating tactics and harness our strength. Thank you!!"
– Bobbi Cussins
NFIB (formerly)
"When the ACC PAC was established in early 2002, we were concerned about our ability to motivate our members. Amy’s reputation was tops in the industry, and while preparing for the meeting I was confident that Amy’s professionalism and meticulous style were a win/win. Not only did she motivate our members, but her presentation was so convincing that 90 percent of our attendees at that first ever PAC fund raising meeting became members at the top giving level."
– Dana Langley Birdsong
Director, Political Action Committee
American College of Cardiology (formerly)
"Amy always inspires me to think about grassroots on a higher plane that stretches my thinking and approach."
- Susan Goldberg, Director of Grassroots Advocacy, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. (formerly)
"You were fantastic! Weeks later, I'm still hearing tons of positive comments about ASAE's Legislative Fly-In. It was one of the best ever Fly-In presentations. Amy, thanks again for the tremendous role you played to ensure that ASAE's 2005 Legislative Fly-In was a success."
- Jim Clarke, CAE,
Senior Vice President, Public Policy
American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)
"Thank you for speaking at our State Leaders Workshop! You were a real hit! We heard nothing but positive comments from our State Chapter Leaders. I am confident that they left motivated and energized to effectively recruit and motivate more audiology advocates."
– Jodi Chappell
Director of Health Care Policy
American Academy of Audiology (formerly)
"The most valuable information for me was the exercise on writing our own biography and introduction, as well as, practicing the opening of a speech. I also really liked your suggestions for grabbing the audience's attention at the beginning of your talks. Now I am going to write my bio as I want to be introduced and ask whoever is introducing me to read it as is."
– Jennifer Eroh
Membership Activism Coordinator
NFIB
"That was the best presentation I've ever seen! I've never seen our state executives so engaged. Brian always told me I needed to experience one of your workshops. Now I know why."
- Helen Kim
PAC Director
National Propane Gas Association
"We never had a speaker like Amy before. I was skeptical that anyone could make this topic interesting, but she presented it in such a way that made a believer out of me."
- Max Isley, Treasurer, National Kitchen and Bath Association
"Amy always has great, 'make you think' information. I'll use it to re-think our action alerts and PAC solicitation efforts."
– Connie Lynch
Director, Government Relations
NASBP
"I learned how to manage our member's expectations. Amy has expertise based on real world experience."
– Gregory Knopp
National Association of REALTORS
"Amy is an excellent, entertaining, and informative presenter. She showed me the importance of being positive in showing progress, even though we are talking to our members about the same issue year after year."
– Jeanne Little, Society of American Florists
"We asked Amy to speak to our PAC Board members at one of their first organizational meetings. Not only did our members enjoy Amy, but most important, when she was finished they knew exactly what to do to fulfill their role as an effective, responsible PAC Board member."
– Erin LaFlair
Political Coordinator
American College of Surgeons
"I found Amy's process for identifying how to build high output grassroots through mobilizations and the 'how to really screw up an action alert' exercise a very good perspective. Her explanation on how to use loss framing, contrast, and exclusivity was very helpful. I will use this information in my grassroots promotional material."
– Tom Sri
National Federation of Independent Business
"This represented the first time our organization ever achieved this type of attention from candidates during campaign season. Best of all, we did it through real people, thus enhancing our credibility with candidates and lawmakers."
– Catherine Grant
Grassroots Director
National Audubon Society (formerly)
"Although we have one of the larger PAC’s in the country, we always look for ways to improve. Amy’s session on the science of persuasion and how to ethically integrate it into our PAC presentations received very high reviews from our members. Based on specific after-conference evaluations, her session was extremely well received. She took our PAC leadership to a higher level in their PAC fundraising strategy. We will include Amy at future events."
– Ned Monroe
Director of Political Affairs
Associated Builders and Contractors (formerly)
Director of Political Affairs
National Restaurant Association
"Our state executives got A LOT out of the work you presented. I especially liked some of the comments afterward from our state executives about your research being so well documented. Sometimes we have to sell lobbying as an art to our folks in the field. Your proof that influence is a science places our charges in a position where they have to sit and take notice."
- Brian Caudill
Director of Legislative Affairs
National Propane Gas Association
"Great stuff, as always! Our registrants at our annual conference found your comments timely and informative."
– Geoff Ziebart
Executive Director
National Association of Business Political Action Committees (NABPAC)
"You Rock!"
– John Sloan
Manager of Government Relations and Grassroots Programs
Biotechnology Industry Organization
"Amy is engaging, funny and smart. She stayed on track at a reasonable pace. She is chock full of anecdotes about what does and doesn't work. As a result, I will implement a system of more personalized messages to my prospective Key Contacts."
– Linda S. Lucas
Director of Grassroots Advocacy
American Speech Language and Hearing Association
“You are my new hero! Thanks for being one of the best presenters I have ever seen! I have learned so much from you in the short time we’ve had together. You are a great role model to me. I look forward to “sitting at the feet of the master” again soon.”
– Amanda Fisher
Member Activism Coordinator
NFIB
"The scientific information on why so many people rely on what others are thinking before making a decision was very valuable. I will use this information to lobby more effectively."
– Claude Boudrias
American Chemical Council
"This was a fresh look and new ideas to achieve our goals. Today, not only do I feel a new inspiration, but her presentation caught on to the entire group, giving us a better plan to reach greater success."
– Chad Wilson
NFIB (formerly)
Program Manager, Nationwide Insurance
"Thank you for speaking at our National RPAC Conference. Our State chapter members and staff have not stopped talking about your presentation regarding the science of persuasion and how it relates to PAC fundraising."
– John E. Ferruggiaro, II
Managing Director, Political Field Operations
National Association of REALTORS
"Why did PhRMA hire Amy Showalter? We were seeking to hold the PhRMA standard of excellence high and believe that all PhRMA member company grassroots representatives deserve the most effective grassroots expert available. Personally, I enjoyed working with Amy so much because her one-on-one grassroots coaching kept me focused on my program goals. Amy's attention motivated me to fulfill each goal and create long term strategic plans for the future of PhRMA's Grassroots Program."
– Michelle Mason
Director, Alliance Development
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association of America (formerly)
"The Showalter Group led our Leadership Council through a dynamic program that enabled us to identify the strengths of each member. As a result of the program, the NFIB/Ohio Leadership Council members have already begun to develop ways to work together more effectively. I highly recommend the Showalter Group for any board or organization that is made up of a diverse group of individuals. They did an outstanding job of energizing and drawing together my organization's leaders."
– Roger R. Geiger
State Director
NFIB/Ohio
"Any association or company which seeks to implement a new grassroots program or fine-time an existing program should only look to one person -- Amy Showalter. Amy knows what works and can tailor it to your specific needs. Simply put, Amy Showalter is the best in the business."
– Steve Pfister
Senior Vice President, Government Relations
National Retail Federation
"We deeply appreciate your enthusiasm and ability to convey to our members how they can better communicate with their legislators on issues important to the industry. Many commented on the value of your expertise, especially your recommendation to create a 'story file'."
– Steven C. Anderson
President and Chief Executive Officer
National Restaurant Association
"Amy’s presentation to our IMPACT contacts was exactly on target. Her examples helped them understand how their role as a Key Contact is essential to our organization. Our members found her presentation to be filled with lots of hands-on, practical tactics that can be used to further build relationships with legislators. I was very impressed."
– Sue Pechilio
Former Associate Director, Government Affairs
Association for Advanced Life Underwriting
"I found Amy’s information on avoiding clichés, avoiding “powerless” phrases to be very helpful. I liked practicing in front of our group and will incorporate these tips into my speeches."
– Malaise Murphy
Membership Activism Coordinator
NFIB
“I learned the most from Amy's tips on how to give effective presentations. Her points on how to structure a speech were very helpful. She has an honest persona with a practical message."
– Diane Ritter
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
"Just wanted to follow up and thank you again for the valuable time you spent with the Grassroots Activism team of the Midwest Region on Friday. There is no question that your thoughts and counsel are wise and right on target. We are setting the stage to really grow our ground game, and your input is so important to help us build on the current foundation."
– Jim Buchy
Vice President, Public Policy Midwest Region
NFIB (formerly)
"Amy immediately established a rapport with our volunteer Federal Political Directors. She gave them the political information they needed and put it in terms that the layperson can understand. They now have a better sense about the importance of grassroots activities and how they can better motivate the troops back home."
– Dave Hebert
Director, Federal Affairs
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (formerly)
"I found most helpful what not to do during a speech. Amy taught me effective ways to connect to my audience and establish credibility."
– Kassandra Smith
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
"I found most valuable the Q and A drill and anything that requires me to think quickly on my feet. I am planning two upcoming meetings and this will help me anticipate that with my audience."
- Jennifer Hattan
Membership Activism Coordinator
NFIB
National Non-Profits
"We have a diverse grassroots membership with various sub-groups and cultures. We told Amy it was important for us to be able to persuasively communicate with those groups. She conducted research with each sub-group and revealed the message frames and message delivery tactics that are most likely to gain their participation. I refer to the research results frequently when planning our grassroots program initiatives and crafting important grassroots communications. As a result, we have significantly increased our grasstops membership of hospital administrative and physician leaders."
- Morna Smith, PhD
Director of Federal Relations and Health Policy
Nationwide Children's Hospital
“On behalf of the Public Affairs Association of Canada, thank you for your presentation at our annual conference. People loved the message and the messenger. Your enthusiasm and energetic delivery made your presentation an entertaining and memorable highlight of our conference. Frankly, I was surprised at who came up to me afterwards and told me how much they enjoyed your presentation and how much they learned from you. I can honestly say you now have a pretty firm fan base north of the border. If a colleague asked me today to recommend a speaker on grassroots, I would tell them there is no one better than Amy Showalter. She delivers the goods!”
- Joe MacDonald
President, the Public Affairs Association of Canada
"Excellent! The entire presentation was wonderful, engaging and totally useful! I am now going to motivate my newest advocates and I'm going to evangelize my newest advocates."
- Megan Smith
American Cancer Society
"Amy is a great speaker. As she speaks, her passion and devotion are evident. It is great to spend time with people who love what they do. I am going to use her information to help me in my relationships with my local, state and national elected officials."
- Pete Terry
American Society of Civil Engineers
"Excellent as always! I learned how to sell our value to our non-advocacy peers and to always reinforce the results and resources we bring to the table."
– Nicholas Oliver
American Heart Association, Rhode Island Affiliate
“I found most valuable the ways to present information to legislators so they will actually tune in to what we are saying. I am going to use this information to better interact with legislators with whom we disagree.”
- Helen Somersall
Catholic Charities
"Thank you for being a part of the NPF conference in Boston this year! I enjoyed the three times that you spoke and learned very valuable information that will enable me to be a better patient advocate and lobbyist. You are such a dynamic speaker and really hold the attention of the audience."
- Kathleen Gallant Brickley
National Psoriasis Foundation
"I learned how to articulate the value of advocacy. I plan to reflect on what was presented as I focus more on upstream issues."
– Carolyn Smith
American Heart Association, Pacific Mountain Affiliate
"I have been to numerous grassroots/advocacy training seminars and they tend to be advocacy 101 with little or no information from which to grow or improve your grassroots network. You presented new ideas, new ways of looking at the familiar and new ways to think creatively about the challenges of keeping our grassroots advocates informed and interested in participating in our agenda."
– Jane Weirich
Regional Advocacy Manager
American Cancer Society
"Amy has tremendous verbal skills, is very energetic and is great at getting group participation. She was adept at including our thoughts into the course material."
– Richard Reeves Hine
Assistant Attorney General, State of Connecticut
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International
"I could listen to Amy all day - she is always good, regardless of the topic."
– Robin Camcho
American Heart Association, Western State Affiliates
"I like Amy's advice to be positive and carry good news to our advocates. I feel that sometimes we have so much to do that we get overwhelmed. Amy put a lot into perspective and this will help me be more focused."
-Terry Carey
American Cancer Society
"I saw you a year ago and thought you were good. I didn't know you could get any better, but you are even better than you were a year ago!"
– Robin Rice
American Heart Association
"Amy, thanks for a good presentation! Many of our members walked away with new ideas and a realization that they CAN be PAC fundraisers."
– Barbara Vassallo, Esq.
Vice President of State and Local Policy
National Apartment Association
"We were depressed and beat. Your focus and humor saved this project!"
– Renee Smith
Project Manager
American Heart Association
"The recruitment and retention competencies were great, easy to follow and understand, and a great guideline to follow. I look forward to using Amy's ideas to motivate the volunteers I have and recruit new volunteers. The presentation was very entertaining! I loved Amy's stories."
-Brett Skangstad
American Cancer Society
“I found the information very applicable beyond advocacy. This is quite useful for my job as a fundraiser for children. Thanks for adding the humor, too!”
- Jennie Kaurz
The Children’s Hospital Foundation
"Amy has a good delivery style and energy. Her tips on recruitment and retention of volunteers was very valuable. I’m going to use this information to shape the organization’s volunteer management efforts."
– Katherine Krause
Vice President, Advocacy
American Heart Association (formerly)
"Amy Showalter is outstanding. She has the special ability to relate to people from all walks of life and political persuasions by effectively using motivation, interaction with the audience, as well as process to achieve organizational goals. Top ratings at our national conference from our very active and vociferous grassroots volunteers."
– John Glaser
Director Community Outreach Services
National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare
"Amy was able to facilitate an exchange of ideas, concerns, and success stories that enabled staff and volunteers to better understand and appreciate each other’s contributions to JDRF’s advocacy goals. This helped demonstrate where they can work together more effectively and cohesively."
– Catherine Goldstein
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International
"Amy's thorough and thoughtful approach to coaching enabled me to deliver a major presentation with great success and high-impact results. Amy challenged me to highlight key points with proven techniques instead of just saying words. I've never delivered a presentation with so much confidence and credibility. As a result of this presentation, I have unprecedented support for my strategic plan and am working to build a movement within our grassroots program."
- Suzanne Pechilio Polis
Director, Grassroots Advocacy
American Heart Association, Office of Federal Advocacy (formerly)
"I enjoyed your presentation to our state advocacy staff. Your love of grassroots comes through with every word of your presentation. I will think of you on those tough days--'how would Amy handle this situation?'"
– Rich Couch
American Lung Association
New York Affiliate
"I have always been very active in politics by holding fundraisers in my home. I really did not think that I would have a lot to learn from this workshop. However, Amy has such a unique way of presenting new information. I gained new insights that will make me even more effective in building relationships with my elected officials."
– Joy Myers
National Audubon Society
"I first heard Amy speak when I began my government relations career right out of college. As a part of my next job, I attended a staff development session she conducted. I then heard her conduct a Key Contact training. Every time I hear Amy speak, I learn something new."
– Robert Davis
Grassroots Coordinator
American Cancer Society (formerly)
"A really great presentation. Amy has enthusiasm, humor, and uses a variety of media. She remembers how different people have contributed to the discussion, and weaves this throughout her presentation."
– Marcia Kirke
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International
"Thanks for all the work you did with the Ohio Coalition. Your work is now a model for us to use in other states."
– David Kelly
Assistant Director, Office of Government Affairs, U.S. DOT
(former Program Manager, National Safety Council)
State Associations
"I really got a lot out of Amy's teleclass on recognition, especially the altercasting
technique. It reminds you what a personal
business we are all in. Thanks for the motivating
seminar. Sometimes it just takes someone
else asking you to sit down for an hour and
think about this information. I will definitely use
the ideas in both my PAC fundraising and our
grassroots program. We have very aggressive
goals for both programs this year and didn't have
any fresh ideas on how to get there. Now, we do."
– Sandra Westerman
Vice President of Public Affairs
St. Paul Chamber of Commerce
"I credit you, in part, with helping me to be prepared for my new responsibilities. The trainings I have participated in with you, the resources on your web site and just generally being able to observe how you carry yourself in your role, have all influenced me greatly over the past several years. So thank you, and keep up the outstanding work!"
– Maureen Cassidy
Vice President, Advocacy
American Heart Association, Greater Midwest Affiliate
I've heard Amy speak several times, and every time I hear her I learn something new that I can apply to my work. As a result, we asked Amy to deliver workshops on the science of relationship-building to our member hospital executives. They are accustomed to a high level of content and motivation, and Amy did not disappoint.
– James Iacobellis
Vice President, Government Relations
Connecticut Hospital Association
"Amy's examples kept our interest and were fun. They also helped greatly in our understanding of how to better communicate with legislators. She was excellent at keeping this presentation informative, yet informal, which most speakers fail to do. It made her talk a '10.'"
- James Campbell, M.D.
West Virginia University
Department of Internal Medicine
"You were right on the money yesterday! Your ability to relate to our credit union staff was immense. You were the talk of the afternoon, as we were given many kudos for having you come down. There are few motivators in my life, and I can say you are one of them."
– Christopher Kemm
Manager, Grassroots Advocacy
Colorado Credit Union Association
“Our consultations with Amy opened up a whole new era for our PAC fundraising campaigns. She helped us realize we could reach our goal with a systematic, persuasive approach to PAC recruitment. As a result, we achieved a 70% increase in revenue, our largest ever. Our average corporate contribution increased by 400%, which helped us surpass our goal several months in advance. Her philosophy changed the entire outlook of our PAC. It also changed the structure, as we added staff and increased our PAC budget.”
-Rachel R. Wanner, CHPAC Administrator
California Healthcare Association
"Amy did a terrific job of engaging our insurance industry grassroots network and providing them with practical steps on how to build relationships with legislators, particularly off-session and during an election year. We received great feedback from our lobbyists, as well as, new recruits and seasoned grassroots folks. It's difficult to appeal to an audience with different levels of political involvement, but she really pulled it off!"
- Carole Walker, Executive Director
Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association
"Our advocates are very diverse in capabilities and experience, which requires an innovative approach to advocacy training and motivation. Amy is able to bring a pragmatic, baseline understanding of advocacy to new folks, while energizing old hands with new ideas and insight -- not an easy task. Our Board members loved Amy's approach to understanding legislative motivation and achieving success in advocacy. Amy is a ball of energy!"
- Renee Cummings
Director Membership & Grassroots Development
AOPHA
“Our consultations with Amy opened up a whole new era for our PAC fundraising campaigns. She helped us realize we could reach our goal with a systematic, persuasive approach to PAC recruitment. As a result, we achieved a 70% increase in revenue, our largest ever. Our average corporate contribution increased by 400%, which helped us surpass our goal several months in advance. Her philosophy changed the entire outlook of our PAC. It also changed the structure, as we added staff and increased our PAC budget.”
- Rachel R. Wanner
CHPAC Administrator
California Healthcare Association (formerly)
"Our Executive MBA students' expectations about the importance of addressing and being able to impact political issues were very low. Your presentation and lively discussion with them had a marked effect on changing their perspectives about the way in which they can truly manage the legislative process to benefit the interests of their organizations."
– Dennis N. Ulrich, Ph.D.
Director, Executive Development Programs
Kent State University Graduate School of Management
"Excellent! I will use Amy's advice to get around legislative gatekeepers."
- Bette Bailly
Colorado Broadcasters Association
"Amy sure is a ball of energy. She certainly has a passion for what she does and in my opinion is very good at what she does. She didn't have any problem in holding everyone's attention through out the presentation. I plan to try and put some of her information to work."
- David Finney
Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation
"What a great program! You connected very well with our members. The evaluations from our attendees have been very positive."
– Derenda Updegrave
Government Affairs Director
Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS
"Very impressive material... you truly are an innovator. This comes as no surprise to me."
– Dr. Craig Fleisher
Professor, University of New Brunswick
Author, "Assessing, Managing and Maximizing Public Affairs Performance" and "Public Affairs Benchmarking"
“I really enjoyed your presentation at the ASAE Legislative Fly-In! I thought you were great, very knowledgeable and quite spunky which definitely livened up the Fly-In.”
- Tara E. Wolicki
Director of Legislative Affairs & Special Events
Michigan Society of Association Executives
"I really enjoyed your presentation at Institute. I was looking forward to your class, and it was more that I even thought it would be! As a former aide to a governor, congressman, and mayor, I needed to learn effective lobbying techniques and appreciate learning from experienced professionals like you."
- Brett Allred
Vice President, Government Relations
Arlington Texas Chamber of Commerce
"As a result of your "Principles of PAC Persuasion" presentation, our average individual PAC contribution jumped 300%! I attribute this to the solid ethical persuasion skills our members gleaned from your talk."
– Holly Reed
Coordinator, Political Affairs
Connecticut Association of Realtors
"Thank you for your presentation at the OSAE Annual Conference. I enjoyed the program this time just as much as the first time I heard it, and I even picked up some new points! You two [Annie Gallagher] do a great job of presenting your material in a concise, entertaining manner and you're fun to listen to also."
- Christopher A. Moore
Director of Dental Services
Ohio Dental Association
"Amy's enthusiasm is contagious. I will use this information in formalizing our PAC member appreciation program. It's a great topic. I wish we had more time."
– Callie Jill Denton
Public Affairs Manager
Kansas Trial Lawyers Association
"As a result of Amy’s insights, we will be able to be even more effective in our grassroots and PAC work. Amy brings a unique, advanced approach to grassroots and PAC development beyond the traditional "do's and don'ts" that everyone has heard before."
– Melissa Abel
Director, Governmental Affairs
Indiana Association of REALTORS
"Amy, you are a terrific resource and a great person to work with. I enjoyed the work we did together and I want you to know it made a significant difference in our efforts. This morning, I just finished sending a number of thank you notes to CEOs who made personal contacts with a legislator regarding an important bill. We achieved our desired outcome because of these contacts. The positive response from learning the outcome and being thanked is overwhelming, proving the truth of another Amy-ism!"
- Art Sponseller
President and CEO, Hospital Council of Northern & Central California
"I was expecting a boring class. This was far from boring and actually made legislative advocacy fun. Amy’s details, ideas and suggestions for actually putting programs in place was more than just the "theory" we hear elsewhere. I like Amy’s sense of humor and knowledge."
– Nancy Lindsay
Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce
"The best piece of information I received was Amy’s tip on “pushing back” when members want to 'undo' something that is effective in fundraising. I have never heard the issue addressed that way before. This time I understand the level of effectiveness it can have."
– Pat Pullara
Director of Public Affairs
Greater Northwest Indiana Association of REALTORS, Inc.
"Our consultation was so worthwhile! I learned more about grassroots from you in one day than I have all the years on my job."
– Kate Rooney
Vice President
Retail Association of Massachusetts (formerly)
"I found most valuable Amy's strategies and solutions to common problems we all have. I will utilize this and pass it on to our communications staff, as well. She has good communication skills, and great material that is well presented. She includes the participants in her workshops."
– Buddy Jennings
South Carolina Farm Bureau
"Everybody LOVED the RPAC "How to be a Motivating Team Leader" training yesterday. You were great, everyone learned a lot. Your presentation was a great draw this year, it brought 100% more attendees from the previous year when you spoke."
– Holly Reed
Political Fundraising Coordinator
Connecticut Association of REALTORS
"We were impressed with your knowledge of grassroots advocacy . You added a huge amount of talent and value to our conference."
– Eric Burkland
President
Ohio Manufacturer’s Association
"You covered all the important aspects of effective lobbying in just over an hour. You didn't leave anything out, and I don't know how you did it! Excellent!"
– John Stanford
State Liaison, Adjutant General's Department
State of Texas
"We watched the light bulbs go on as my grassroots networkers listened to Amy and took part in her activities. I now have a network of more assertive recruiters, more effective networkers, with more happy and rewarded volunteers that are sticking around. In July of 2001 we had a coalition of 20 with a network of 50. After working with Amy, we have a coalition of 75 and a network of 500."
– Sarah Mikesell Growney
Director
Wyoming Tobacco Use Prevention (formerly)
"Amy taught me to survey and screen our grassroots advocates as well as measure and prioritize my efforts. I am going to survey members to determine which legislators they know, and better prioritize my grassroots efforts. She has a great ability to engage the audience with facts from her own research, stories, visuals, humor and excellent speaking skills."
– William S. Schultz
Louisiana Retailers Association
"Amy introduced me to grassroots and its benefits years ago. Whenever I hear her speak, I am re-energized! I’m ready to motivate others to stay involved."
– Jan Hills
President
Reynoldsburg Area Chamber of Commerce
"We appreciated how you customized your talk. You made the science of persuasion applicable not only to PAC fundraising, but to the real estate profession, as well."
– Timothy Calnen
Vice President of Government Affairs
Connecticut Association of Realtors, Inc.
"The discussion of recruitment and retention competencies was very valuable. I am planning to incorporate this information into our department's annual planning session. Amy is an engaging speaker and a quick thinker. She covered a broad amount of information in a short time."
– Brad Lowrey
Virginia Farm Bureau
"Amy helped me understand the critical need to know exactly who our potential volunteers are and to know what we are NOT looking for in a Key Contact."
– Peg Anos
Illinois Association of School Boards
"Your discussion cut through the excuses and provided both motivation and insight for how to encourage political participation at the grassroots level in our member companies."
– Doug Cruce
President
Michigan Insurance Federation
"Amy’s ability to personalize the program to fit our specific needs was terrific. Our members left enthused about not only our grassroots program but the legislative process in general."
– Amy Mignogna
Ohio Society of CPA’s
"I found to be most valuable what not to do in a presentation. The examples from Amy's real life experience were very helpful. I am going to incorporate her suggestions in my future presentations."
– Ann Shropshire
North Carolina Association of REALTORS
"I plan to use the information on new ways to solicit feedback with our field staff and members so we can gain feedback and make adjustments more quickly. This workshop taught me new ways to seek volunteer feedback. I'm going to use this with our field staff to solicit information more quickly."
– Tom Nugent
Michigan Farm Bureau
"I wanted to thank you for providing such an inspirational, informative presentation at the AAA State Leaders Workshop in San Antonio. As a state leader I often struggle to get members active and interested in our grassroots efforts. From your insights, I realize now that it is because they do not know what EXACTLY is expected of them. I went home with a list of things to do for our state organization. I am rejuvenated, refocused, and ready to put your 'Commandments for Grassroots Mobilizations' into place."
– Karen Jacobs
Chairman of American Academy of Audiology State Leaders Network
President, Michigan Academy of Audiology
"I was encouraged and inspired by this presentation. Thank you, Amy! Your presentation was quite beneficial to those of us 'in the trenches,' because it supplied practical, hands-on ideas for busy professionals that will help us become a stronger political voice. As someone who has experienced some measure of Washington D.C. politics, I felt that you communicated the reality there and the results if we don't get involved."
– Freda Blevins
Missouri State Director
Educational Theatre Association
"Excellent! Amy customized her presentation so much, I thought she worked for us."
– Ballard Cassady
Kentucky Bankers Association
"Amy tailored her workshop to meet the particular needs and challenges we are facing. A very practical workshop. I especially appreciated her insights on the best ways to make sure advocates feel like they have authority and confidence."
- Rachel Webb
Government Relations
University of Kentucky
"Amy presents an advanced approach to advocacy. She knows what peer reviewed research is and integrates it into her presentation. Her information on how to avoid being biased and avoiding authority traps when talking to legislatures was very valuable. I loved the videos!"
- Jeanne McCauley, M.D.
John Hopkins School of Medicine
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