IEEE Kansas City Section December Dinner Meeting

Thursday, December 09, 2010
Held by the Section and the Consultants Network (KCCN)

Menu: Shrimp Scampi (Will probably change)

Tender bits of Bay shrimp tossed with linguini. Served with our special pesto butter garlic sauce.

Vegetarian option: Vegetable medley.
Gluten-free option: Shrimp and vegetable medley
Includes salad, dinner rolls, chefs choice of dessert, iced tea, and water.
Gluten-free dessert option: Strawberry sorbet.

Program: Congressional Update from Russell Harrison.

Communicating With Elected Officials

“Why are engineers so good at solving technical problems, yet have difficulty influencing public policy? Politicians need (and often want) advice from engineers on solving tough problems. However, you need to speak the politician’s language to get through to them. Learn the simple rules for communicating effectively with your elected officials. Our discussion will include how to discuss policy with elected officials, when to communicate with them, and what to expect in return. You have important things to say, things your elected officials need to hear. Let’s make sure your message isn’t lost in the translation.”

So says Russell T. Harrison, the Legislative Representative for Grassroots Activities at IEEE-USA in Washington DC. In this capacity, he helps IEEE-USA members interact with, and ultimately influence, elected officials. He has spoken to the Section twice previously and will speak to the Kansas City Section for the third time.

On both previous occasions, the Section membership thoroughly enjoyed his presentation.

Prior to joining IEEE-USA, he directed grassroots programs at the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries and the American Iron and Steel Institute. During his time there, he actively raised campaign contributions through both of the associations’ political action committees. He also represented the recycling and steel industries on Capitol Hill and in state capitols on a variety of issues as a professional lobbyist. He has a BA in Political Science, with minors in History and Communications, from Allegheny College and an MS in Public Policy from the University of Maryland. He resides in Manassas, Virginia with his wife Kathy and son Ryan.

Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 5800 College Boulevard, Overland Park, KS 66211.
Ph: 913-345-2661.
Dir: 5800 College Blvd south of I-435. Exit Nall Ave (77B), right on Nall Ave (south) to College Blvd; right on College Blvd. Hotel is on right, one half block. Plenty of free parking.

Times: No-Host Social Hour: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Dinner Hour: 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Program: 7:30 - 8:30PM

Charge: Dinner $25/20* for members & guests, students $10. No charge for presentation.
*The second price reflects your registration discount, if you register by the deadline.
Dinner reservation deadline is noon on December 03.

The cash bar at mealtime now offers added variety to your beverage options:

House Wine $4.00
Domestic Beer $3.50
Imported Beer $4.00
Bottled Water $2.50
Soft Drinks $2.00

Register: december @ ieee-kc.org.
Note your name, daytime phone #, meal selection, and the names of those in your party.

Each meeting provides one hour of professional development.

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** NO-SHOWS WILL BE BILLED FOR UNPAID RESERVATIONS. **

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December Meeting