LeadOn Class visits the California Capitol
On June 28, the APG LeadOn class took a field trip up to Sacramento to see the California State Capitol and learn how the policies impacting the pistachio industry and created and implemented. The trip was a follow up to the May LeadOn seminar, where the class was introduced to APG’s involvement in government relations.
The class started the day by participating in morning sessions led by lobbyist George Soares, communications specialist Stevan Allen, and Chief Deputy Director of California Department of Pesticide Regulation Teresa Marks. Over lunch the class was joined by legislative member and committee staff, giving them an opportunity to network with those who spend their days creating the policies that come out of the Capitol. There was even a surprise visit from Assemblyman Devon Mathis (R-Visalia), who stopped by to say hi and talk with the class.
Following a tour of the Capitol Building, including opportunities to walk through the Senate and Assembly chambers, the class participated in a mock legislative hearing, where individuals were assigned roles as legislators, lobbyists and other advocates to debate legislation before the committee.
