IDFA's political involvement program, Dairy Counts, is calling for nominations for the 2010 GrassRoots Action Network for Dairy (GRAND) Pioneer Award.
The GRAND Pioneer Award recognizes the industry's best practices for grassroots and political involvement, and nominations are being accepted now for grassroots activities over the past year. The deadline for nominations is August 31, and there is no fee to enter.
"It is important to take the opportunity to recognize IDFA member companies who have been engaged in grassroots outreach on behalf of the industry, a critical part of our legislative success," said Jerry Slominski, IDFA senior vice president for legislative affairs and economic policy.
Examples of grassroots involvement include:
- Hosting a plant tour for local/state/federal legislators or policymakers
- Responding to IDFA action alerts on priority dairy policy issues
- Contacting (phone, email, letter, fax) legislators on a priority dairy policy issue
- Conducting a face-to-face meeting with state/federal legislators/policymakers to discuss dairy policy issues important to the company
- Attending the IDFA Washington Conference in June
- Hosting/attending a political fundraiser or "meet and greet" for congressional representatives
- Disseminating IDFA News Update stories, issue papers, action alerts or website information to company executives and employees
Companies that have accomplished any of the political involvement activities listed above are encouraged to complete a Grassroots Activity Update Form (.pdf), which serves as the nomination form.
The 2010 award will be awarded during the Fall Boards of Directors meeting during the International Dairy Show, September 13-15, in Dallas. Submissions should include activity from September 2009 through August 2010 and must be received by August 31, 2010.
For more information on GRAND and the GRAND Pioneer Award, contact Ashley Burch, IDFA assistant director of political programs, at aburch@idfa.org or (202) 220-3534.