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Representatives of ASA-Houston Chapter attended ASA’s inaugural Champions Academy in Alexandria, VA, October 6-8, 2007. The two and half day academy offered education for leaders within ASA focusing primarily on government advocacy and membership, as well as recognizing chapters throughout the country who have achieved successes over the past year.
HOUSTON CHAPTER RECOGNIZED AS EXEMPLARY
The chapter reached 'Exemplary' status for the 2006-2007 year and was recognized at the Achievement Awards Breakfast during the Academy. Houston was one of four in the nation to reach this level.
EDUCATION
The first two days were spent in educational session and business meetings. The programs covered topics such as membership recruitment and retention, hiring a lobbyist, evaluating the political environment, and panel discussions featuring ASA chapter members that have run successful payment reform and proportional liability legislation.
ADVOCACY
The third day was spent making visits to legislators. Chapter members and staff from Houston and San Antonio made their visits together. Representative John Culberson (Houston), Representative Lamar Smith (San Antonio), Representative Nick Lampson (Houston), and Representative McCaul (Houston) all received visits. The group discussed the current pressing issues for ASA members including immigration reform, a bid shopping bill being introduced, and a bill supporting the repeal of the 3% tax set to start in 2011 requiring the government (federal, state or local) to hold 3% of the construction contract price for taxes.
Attending the Champions Academy gave chapter staff and members a greater understanding of how to better the local associations, and how much is going on at the national level.
Members of ASA-Houston and San Antonio chapters discuss immigration reform with staff from Representative Lamar Smith´s office.
