Don Wilkerson, CPM IREM Secretary/Treasurer Gaston & Wilkerson Management Group, AMO

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1 Don Wilkerson, CPM IREM Secretary/Treasurer Gaston & Wilkerson Management Group, AMO

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3 Get the pulse of an issue from voters how does a law impact their constituents Build relationships and earn votes 2 Separate Programs In-District Meetings with Federal legislators (U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators) IREM Day at the Statehouse

4 A 2015 survey of U.S. Representatives, Senators and their staff found that 94% congressional staff said that "in-person visits from constituents" would have "some" or "a lot" of influence on an undecided lawmaker 91% of congressional staffers surveyed said it would be helpful to have "information about the impact the bill/issue would have on the district or state." Similarly, 79% said a personal story from a constituent related to the bill or issue would be helpful, but only 18% report they receive it frequently.

5 IREM Congressional In-District Program Just like the IREM Capitol Hill Visit Day, but in your neighborhood! Occurred April (legislators are back in their districts) Meetings should continue throughout year Meet U.S. Representatives and Senators or their staff

6 Each IREM Chapter has goal of meeting with three congressional offices If you meet with your federal legislators, it would be with two U.S. Senators and one U.S. Representative you ve met your goal!

7 Visit

8 Find your legislators using our easy online system

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10 Call the general office line at any of the offices (DC or district) and let the receptionist know you would like to schedule a meeting, and ask for the scheduler s They may have a generic to send meeting requests. Whenever your schedule allows Call back in one week to confirm receipt of request Register your meeting online!

11 Sometimes U.S. Representative or Senator can t make a meeting Please offer to meet with a staffer Staffers are the eyes and ears of their bosses We also want to establish rapport with these young staffers as they are extremely valuable and have a long career in the policy world You want to know them!

12 Review the IREM Webinar to discuss the meetings and the issues recorded and linked online If going with a few people, plan a call to go over meeting Decide who will say what Prepare to stay about minutes

13 Do your homework: Google search of your legislator use neutral sources! Research the legislator s votes What issues are they passionate about? Do they support/oppose the issues? Know the issues: 1) Retain 1031 like-kind exchanges 2) Support ADA reform to prevent drive-by lawsuits

14 Tax Reform 1031 Like-kind Exchanges Exchanges encourage economic development It isn t a loophole tax deferment Without exchange, properties left with unmotivated owner

15 ADA Reform HR 620 Plaintiffs cannot collect damages only lawyer fees Gives property owners time to cure

16 Introduce them to IREM, discuss the policy issues 1031 like-kind exchanges and ADA reform Bring business cards & leave behinds (we ll have PDF on IREM website to print off) Share personal stories!! Take photos, send to IREM staff Be professional, but have fun! They are normal people just like you!

17 Invite one U.S. Representative or U.S. Senator Guest of honor Chapter meeting or event Property tour Elected officials love coming to events great PR opportunity for them, and they get to meet several constituents

18 Introduce the elected official to the group, tell them about IREM and your chapter Discuss the issues and make the ask Have one IREM Member assigned to an issue To retain 1031 like-kind exchanges, and to push for ADA reform to prevent drive by lawsuits Use personal examples: Did you get your start in commercial real estate using the 1031 like-kind exchange tool? Have you been targeted by attorneys who focus on drive by lawsuits?

19 Tax Reform 1031 Like-kind Exchanges Before During After

20 Central Virginia Chapter 38 with U.S. Representative Dave Brat during their IREM State of the Economy event

21 Always send a thank you note to the legislator and their staff. Use the template on Include the leave behind to reiterate the issues and ask for support Mention scheduling another meeting in the future (the purpose of these meetings is to build rapport)

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24 Chapter Assessments & Critical Thinking