In an unprecedented appeal to members, IDFA President and CEO Connie Tipton has prepared a video statement on the importance of political activity for members and their employees. The video includes comments and insight from some of the country's most respected policy makers. Watch the video here.

"It's crucial for IDFA members to be involved in the political process and to establish strong relationships with members of Congress before harmful ideas are on the table," Tipton explains in the video. "By telling your story now, we can affect the legislation and regulations of tomorrow."

Joining Tipton on the video are Charlie Cook, Cook Political Report; Stuart Rothenberg, The Rothenberg Political Report; former senators John Breaux and Trent Lott, now of Breaux Lott Leadership Group; Representative John Boehner (R-OH), U.S. House Republican Leader; and Saxby Chambliss (R-GA).

IDFA's political involvement campaign, known as Dairy Counts, encourages members to:

• work through the GrassRoots Action Network for Dairy (GRAND) program to leverage existing relationships with key decision-makers in Washington;
• consider a donation to the Ice Cream, Milk & Cheese PAC as an investment in the future of their businesses;
• utilize complimentary tools provided by IDFA to help employees make informed choices on election day.

For more information on Dairy Counts, contact Ashley Burch, IDFA assistant director of political programs, at (202) 220-3534 or aburch@idfa.org.