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Tech firms learn to catch Salem�s ear By SHARI DOWNHILL Key players in the Rogue Valley�s technology industries on Wednesday got a crash course on holding the attention of Salem lawmakers. Former state representative-turned-lobbyist John Watt provided the Southern Oregon Telecommunications and Technology Council with a behind-the-scenes look at the time constraints legislators face while in session and how best to present the council�s issues. Knowing the intended audience, focusing the message in an efficient package and delivering it in a concise and respectful manner is only the start, Watt told his audience. And having the money to send a well-spoken representative to Salem to herald a cause is what effective lobbying is all about, he said. That�s something the technology council is willing to do to make sure Southern Oregon tech industry concerns are heard. Several members contribute money to the Southern Oregon Political Action Committee (SOPAC), a group Watt founded. "It�s hard to advocate an issue if you�re not in front of the people that are going to help you," Watt said. In addition to pounding on doors during the legislative session, Watt suggested pitching issues during the off-season. "You just really need to find a way to focus a member�s attention on what you�re wanting to get across," he said. "Sometimes the issues facing Southern Oregon fall on deaf ears." Watt should know. As the principal in lobby consulting firm Watt & Associates � a driving force behind the SOPAC � and as president of the board of directors of ACCESS, he spends a lot of his time � paid and volunteer � championing the causes of the region. "Our vision is to position this region as a leader in the technology age," said council President Kevin Talbert. "Mr. Watt�s presentation is an effort to provide our members with the tools of knowledge to promote that vision." Watt also briefly addressed pending legislation directly affecting the technology and telecommunication sector. "(Watt) gave us valuable insight to the lobbying process and the mindset of a legislator," said Charlie McHenry, council program committee chairman. "SOTTC is gearing up to become an advocate itself, lobbying on significant issues," McHenry said. "We�ve been four years in development, and we�re at a point now we feel we could be an effective advocate for the region." "It�s extremely exciting that a group of telecommunications interests in Southern Oregon are taking an active role and initiating the effort to talk to legislators in Salem," agreed Richard Ryan, president of Hunter Communication. "It�s exciting to see our community is really willing to step up to the plate ... to raise the level of consciousness (in Salem). It�ll mean a huge opportunity for (Southern Oregon). It�ll be a wonderful place to raise a family and do business real soon." The meeting was held at Rogue Valley Mall�s Education and Resource Center with a live telelink to the Rogue Community College campus in Grants Pass. Reach reporter Shari Downhill at 776-4463, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.