THE IMPORTANCE OF GRASSROOTS AND NATIONAL PEO WEEK

As we usher in the month of May, anticipation mounts within our community for one of the most significant events on our calendar: NAPEO’s PEO Capitol Summit. As Chair, I am honored to provide a sneak peek into this pivotal gathering and underscore its importance in protecting and shaping the future of our great industry.

At the heart of the current PEO Capitol Summit lies the essence of advocacy: grassroots efforts and lobbying endeavors that amplify our collective voice and influence policy decisions. It is a reminder of the vital role we play in educating lawmakers about who we are, what we do for SMBs and the profound impact we have on their constituents.

Some recent successes just in the first few months of 2024 like our monumental win in Oregon and the strides made during advocacy days in New York and Georgia, underscore the potency of our outreach efforts. Let’s not forget our friends Erica Brune and Bill Maness testifying in Kansas. How about last year’s triumph in New Mexico? All of these and so many other instances, serve as a testament to the power of strategic collaboration and our unwavering commitment to the mission.

Crucially important, PEO Capitol Summit serves as a proactive measure to cultivate relationships before our need arises. It is a lot easier to meet with legislators when you are not asking for anything. Our mission transcends mere advocacy; it is about continuous education and empowerment, particularly in light of the turnover among elected officials. By fostering enduring connections and championing our industry’s cause, we lay the groundwork for sustained progress and resilience.

In an interconnected world where legislative decisions in one state reverberate across borders, our collective engagement takes on heightened significance. We are the stakeholders who directly impact their constituents, and it is incumbent upon us to ensure that our perspectives are heard and heeded. As the famous saying goes, “All politics is local.”

Central to our advocacy efforts is the NAPEO PAC, a cornerstone of our government affairs program. By promoting PEO-friendly candidates, nurturing relationships, and safeguarding our industry’s interests, the PAC epitomizes our commitment to effective advocacy without taking a political side. The PAC is neither left nor right, it’s centered on the interests of our industry and most importantly our SMB clients, their employees and stakeholders.

I know it may seem scary to meet with legislators, but nothing is further from the truth. With our NAPEO government affairs team and lobbyists there to guide us all along the way, it is a piece of cake. The significance of direct engagement with our local legislators cannot be overstated. As PEOs, we serve as lifelines for SMBs in their districts, empowering them to thrive and compete in an increasingly dynamic marketplace.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the longtime foundation of PEO Capitol Summit (formerly Legal & Legislative), the educational, speaker and networking pieces of the conference. The agenda is full of opportunities for learning, dialogue and action. Industry experts will delve into hot topics, offering practical insights to inform decision-making and daily operations. Moreover, attendees will have the chance to pose questions and glean “free” wisdom from leading lawyers and compliance folks.

Let me close by saying, let’s not forget our second annual National PEO Week. What a great success last year was. I cannot wait to see what proclamations we will get this year.

See you all in DC!