AIF Increases D.C. Focus as 2013 Lobbying Team Announced

With an increased focus on D.C. politics, Associated Industries of Florida has released its state and federal lobbying team for 2013 that will be led by Brewster Bevis, who has recently been named AIFs senior vice president of state and federal affairs.

What happens on Capitol Hill has an immeasurable impact on Florida employers, stated AIF President Tom Feeney.

AIFs core mission is to not only advocate on behalf of Florida businesses here in the Sunshine State, but also in the federal halls of power. Beginning this year, we will take a much more active and regular role in Washington, D.C.

Among the new names advocating for the influential business advocacy outfit affiliated with the National Association of Manufacturers, is Jon Costello, who stepped down last year as Gov. Rick Scotts legislative affairs director.

Among the advocates:

AIFs General Counsel Tamela Perdue will expand her leadership among AIFs various councils and coalitions and oversee additional policy development initiatives with the AIF leadership team and membership.

Ryan Tyson, vice president of political operations, will continue to oversee AIFs recently expanded political operations, including coordinating AIF members participation in issue advocacy and electioneering activities.

Melissa Luke, a recent political science graduate of Florida State University, also joins the AIF advocacy team as the governmental affairs coordinator.

Jon Costello, Gov. Rick Scotts former legislative affairs director, now with Rutledge Ecenia PA, will serve AIF in the coming months as its interim state legislative affairs director and will focus on AIFs economic development and manufacturing priorities.

Others added to the AIF ranks:
Charlie Dudley and his associates at Floridian Partners, Teye Reeves, Jorge Chamizo and Ken Granger, bringing expertise on a number of key business issues including telecommunications, energy, insurance and economic development.

Doug Mann of Littlejohn and Associates for all environmental and agricultural issues, including the coordination of AIFs Numeric Nutrient Criteria Taskforce.

Former State Rep. Don Brown will focus on property insurance, legal reform and workers compensation issues.

Tracy and Frank Mayernick will handle legal reform and assist with health care issues.

Returning AIF lobbyists include Al Cardenas (general business issues), Slater Bayliss (health care and hospitals), Stephen Shiver (economic development, transportation and ports), Justin Day (general business issues), Sarah Busk (general business issues), Gerald Wester (insurance), Jim Rathbun (energy and regulated industries), Frank Meiners (taxation and information technology), Rheb Harbison (manufacturing, aerospace and health care), John French (ethics and elections) and Leslie Dughi (health care).