Advocate with Authority
Time: 3:45 pm – 4:30 pm
Location: Capitol Building, Room 100
Whether you want to influence a school board, municipal council or a state legislature, influencing people when you seemingly have no authority can be daunting. But, it doesn’t have to be.
With extensive experience in government relations as well as assisting individuals and organizations with grassroots efforts, Lori Reimers and Susanne Hack will introduce you to effective strategies that will help you achieve your advocacy objectives.
OUR SPEAKERS
Lori Reimers
Lori A. Reimers Government Consulting & Reporting
Lori Reimers has focused on government relations for nearly 20 years with an extensive background in Illinois politics and the legislative process, in addition to a unique skill set in public relations, including media and grassroots development. Her key accomplishment is establishing effective relationships among interested groups – lawmakers, agency leaders, trade associations, companies, and organizations – to foster positive environments and effectuate policy change.
Susanne Hack
Susanne Hack & Associates
Susanne Hack has more than 20 years of experience working at the Illinois Statehouse. She opened her firm after gaining invaluable experience working as a Legislative Counsel in the Executive Branch and as an Assistant Counsel to the Speaker of the Illinois General Assembly.
Throughout her career Susanne has developed and maintained close working relationships with Democrat and Republican members of the General Assembly and their top staff. She has also learned to successfully navigate the multi-faceted executive branch on issues relating to budget, procurement, regulations, and legislative policy.
HOSTED BY
Norine Hammond
State Representative, 94th District
Deputy Minority Leader
Born and raised in Illinois, Norine Hammond is honored to serve the residents of thirteen counties in west-central Illinois. They include all or part of the following: Adams, Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, Mason, McDonough, Mercer, Peoria, Rock Island, Schuyler, Tazewell, and Warren.
Serving her community in the Illinois House of Representative since 2010.Last year, Rep. Hammond awas named Deputy Republican Leader and chief budget negotiator for the House Republican Caucus. As chief budgeteer, she is committed to a bipartisan budget process that is open, transparent, and accountable to hardworking Illinois families.
Rep. Hammond continually sponsors legislation to grow Illinois’ economy and provide good-paying jobs for working families. She has passed legislation to address the teacher shortage; keep Illinois students attending Illinois colleges and universities; fairly fund public K-12 education; and protect our seniors and most vulnerable citizens.
Representative Hammond represents the State of Illinois on the Council of State Governments Agriculture Committee and serves as President of the Board of State Agriculture and Rural Leaders (SARL), a group of legislators from throughout the United States and Canada focusing on agriculture issues. In the Illinois House, she serves as the Republican Spokesperson on the House Rules Committee and Human Services Committee. Her other committee assignments include: Consumer Protection; Executive; Public Utilities; and Gaming.
Amy Grant
State Represenative, 47th District
Amy Grant is married with two children and has been a resident of Illinois for most of her adult life. She and her husband Jim have lived in Wheaton for more than 20 years.
Her professional experience includes teaching in both parochial and public schools, and management and sales in the private sector.
Prior to her election to the House of Representatives, Rep. Grant served on the DuPage County Board from 2012-2018. As a county board member, she helped institute reforms that will deliver a minimum of $120 million in taxpayer savings in the years ahead and which cut $43.9 million from the county’s budget. Always mindful of the high tax burden in DuPage County, she also supported an initiative to abolish the DuPage Water Commission’s sales tax – a move that saves consumers $36 million annually.
Rep. Grant earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from the University of Pittsburgh and and attended a graduate studies program for an Art History from Northern Illinois University. She has been involved in numerous charitable causes in the community, which include service on the DuPage County Historical Museum Board, volunteering on the Glen Oaks Hospital Community Partnership Committee, working with Marionjoy Auxiliary, volunteering at the St. Michaels ministry to PADS and the Missionaries of Charity soup kitchen. Amy also teaches religious education classes at St. Michaels.