Participate:

Make a difference before Election Day

(Oct. 8, 2008) There are some simple but powerful things that business leaders can do in the weeks leading up to Election Day, Nov. 4:

What you can do
Candidates for the General Assembly will have a lot to say about the issues that affect the ability of businesses to compete and succeed in Connecticut. The best time to reach candidates about your business is now -- when they’re reaching out to you for your support.

• Meet the candidates; invite them to your business for a visit during "Business Meets Politics Week," Oct. 20-24. Call CBIA to arrange a visit; contact the Public Affairs Department at 860-244-1900.

You can also:

• Register your employees to vote, if they are not already, or have moved since the last election. CBIA can help set up a voter registration drive. Contact the Public Affairs department at 860-244-1900.

• Talk about the issues and tell them what will help your business grow and create more jobs. Introduce them to your employees.

• Support candidates who understand the concerns of business and will work to improve Connecticut’s economy. Help them by talking to friends, family and organizations with which you are involved.

Impact the election
Above all, remind your employees and their family members to vote. Encourage them to vote in all of the races on their ballot (20% of Connecticut voters in 2004 cast the ballot in the presidential race but left the booth before voting for legislative candidates).

Then ...
After the election, congratulate the winning candidates and let them know you will be available to help them understand how legislative proposals could affect your business. Establish a sense of accountability — letting them know that you will be aware, involved and active as debates take place.

You can make a difference and CBIA can help. Contact our Public Affairs department at 860-244-1900 to set up a candidate visit, voter registration drive, or find out more about how you can participate.