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Field Report: Grassroots efforts build momentum at RISE conference
25 Sep, 2006 By: Frank H. Andorka Jr. LM Direct!ORLANDO — Karen Reardon, director of communications and public relations, told nearly 500 attendees here at the combined Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE)/CropLife America meeting that it's important that they get involved in battling antipesticide legislation in their own communities.
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David Crow, owner of D.C. Legislative and Regulatory Services, discussed the prospect of the Democrats taking back both houses of Congress in this fall's midterm elections. |
Reardon reminded the crowd that it's critical for them to alert RISE as issues percolate through local governments so the organization can help them fight prejudicial laws.
"I can't emphasize enough the importance of rapid response when these local issues arise because getting us involved quickly can be critical," Reardon said. "We didn't have the infrastructure in place when the anti-phosphorus legislation came up in Minnesota, and look what happened."
Minnesota banned phosphorus in seven counties in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and limits the amount of phosphorus in lawn fertilizers to 3 percent. Several speakers on yesterday's program, including Jim Skillen, manager of formulator issues for RISE, Frank Gasperini, Director of State Issues, and Stacey Pine, member of
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Jim Skillen, manager of formulator issues for RISE, told the audience of nearly 500 attendees at the RISE/CropLife America about the importance of fighting local antipesticide ordinances. |
D.C. Legislative and Regulatory Services who handles RISE's grassroots initiative, discussed the Minnesota example as one of the spurs for the intense focus on building a nationwide network.
"We're not Canada," Reardon said. "We must fight these local issues before we're stuck with municipalities banning pesticides the way so many cities in our northern neighbor has."
RISE officials offered to help member companies and pesticide applicators prepare to discuss issues with their local governments.
"It's important for people on the ground to be passionate in their defense of our industries without getting angry," Reardon said. "It's also important to stay united — our
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Steve Gullickson of MGK hosted the morning session at the RISE/CropLife America in Orlando. |
opponents have used the divide-and-conquer strategy to their advantage."
Reardon also announced that RISE reached an agreement with The Home Depot and Lowe's Home Improvement stores to have quarterly phone calls to discuss local issues.
"That's a big step for them," Reardon said. "We appreciate their willingness to get involved with us."
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