Building Relationships at the Statehouse

IOGA Lobby Day: February 15, 2006

In the late 1980's, former Idaho licensed outfitter and Senator Ron Beitelspacher encouraged and challenged the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association to become more proactive with a consistent presence during the annual Idaho legislative sessions. Previously, IOGA volunteer members monitored the legislature on an as needed basis including the 1961 effort to establish the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Board (now IOGLB). In response to Beitelspacher's challenge, the IOGA contracted with consultant Liz Paul to organize and implement Lobby Days that initially included the establishment of a statewide network of volunteer member coordinators. Each year since 1992, twenty-five to fifty members travel to Boise to participate in this mid-February event.

The purpose of the February Lobby Days is to make contact with elected leaders, share and gather information related to industry issues. Lobby Days begins with an evening member orientation on current issues. A short but informative session with a legislator or lobbyist also is on the agenda. Organization of member teams for making contact with elected leaders the next day is also a function of the orientation.

This evening concludes with Lobby Day participants adjourning to the Basque Center in downtown Boise to prepare food for the many delicious recipes that are served dutch oven style the next evening during the "Taste of Idaho Outfitting" reception. After a day of informal and formal meetings at the Statehouse, approximately 150 persons enjoy the wild game dishes, breads, desserts and assorted beverages. IOGA's reception is one of the most popular events during the legislative session. Leftovers are donated to the Salvation Army which is a half block from the Basque Center.

The success of IOGA Lobby Days is largely due to the excellent overall coordination of Shelly Fisher, a longtime IOGA member. She has the ability to take the intimidation factor out of making contact with legislators and make members feel at ease. IOGA is thankful to many members for their dedication to the success of this event.

A consistent membership presence at the Statehouse each winter is invaluable. Legislators are more likely to call a local outfitter to seek information on an issue or contact IOGA staff and or our professional lobbyist before casting a vote because of IOGA's consistent involvement at the Statehouse each winter that builds and maintains relationships, trust and communication. An industry presence is much cheaper through IOGA membership rather than having to hire an individual business lobbyist. One might say that one sign of success of IOGA's legislative monitoring efforts in that nothing bad has occurred through the years that could lead to unreasonable regulation or economic harm to the industry. Member Barbara Judge along with Shelly Fisher has been involved in each Lobby Day since its inception. Members Barb and Harlan Opdahl and Louise Stark have nearly perfect attendance also.

A logical step to Ron Beitelspacher's challenge to the organization to be proactive at the Statehouse is that IOGA has had professional representation through a lobbyist on a daily basis since 1995 when IOGA hired John Watts, who had to leave us when he accepted a gubernatorial appointment to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. Brad Hoaglun took on IOGA lobbyist efforts for the 2003 and 2004 sessions. He recently accepted a position as the state governmental affairs staff person for the Idaho Cancer Society. Jeremy Pisca, a Boise area attorney with a substantial background in government affairs and lobbying, is the current IOGA lobbyist. The IOGA lobbyist works closely with IOGA Executive Director Grant Simonds and chairs the IOGA Governmental Affairs Committee. Legislative reports authored by our lobbyist are forwarded to the IOGA mem