39 May 2024 Political Action & Elections In the dynamic world of natural resource management, where legislative decisions have far-reaching impacts on the forestry and agriculture sectors, staying ahead in the political landscape is not just advantageous—it’s imperative. Associated Oregon Loggers (AOL) is committed to ensuring the voices of our small business members are heard in the Oregon Legislature. A key element of this commitment is our participation and membership in the Oregon Agricultural Political Action Committee (AG-PAC). AOL participation in this relationship amplifies our advocacy, informs our political and funding contributions, and enhances our legislative influence. AG-PAC is a respected entity committed to championing the interests of the agriculture and forest industries within Oregon’s Legislature, playing a vital role in the intricate relationship between politics and the small business of natural resource management. AG-PAC is a like-minded advocate sharing our small business and resource industry policy positions. By facilitating direct engagement with political candidates through a series of structured interviews during primary and general election cycles, AG-PAC offers AOL a platform to obtain crucial insights into policy positions and legislative intentions of prospective lawmakers. These interviews are instrumental in shaping the endorsement decisions of AG-PAC as well as AOL, ensuring that our support is directed towards candidates who genuinely understand and advocate for the sustainable management of Oregon’s forests. Moreover, these candidate interactions offer a solid foundation for developing the OR-Loggers Political Action Committee (PAC) donation strategy. By aligning our financial support with candidates who are committed to addressing the challenges faced by the forestry sector, AOL leverages its resources to foster a political environment conducive to the growth and sustainability of our industry. This strategic allocation of AOL PAC funds underscores our dedication to advocating for policies that promote responsible forest management, support rural communities, and safeguard the economic viability of the forestry sector. In addition to political engagement, AG-PAC’s commitment to education and outreach through its AG-PAC Educational Services (AESA) is noteworthy. The legislative tours organized by AESA highlight AG-PAC’s proactive stance in tackling the diverse challenges facing the agriculture and forestry sectors. These tours offer a unique opportunity for legislators and policymakers to gain firsthand experience of the challenges and opportunities inherent in natural resource management. By providing a platform for direct dialogue between industry stakeholders and legislators, AG-PAC facilitates a deeper understanding of the intricacies and Election Spotlight AOL Plants Seeds of Influence with Membership in AG-PAC ›By Amanda Sullivan-Astor, Forest Policy Manager oAbGt a- Pi nA Cc roufcf ei arls i nAsOi gL hat sp il na tt foo pr mo l itcoy positions and legislative intentions of prospective lawmakers. Continued →
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Nzc3ODM=