An unexpected moment with Rep. Lipinski
You never really know who you might run into when attending a trucking-related event. Case in point is the ninth annual Driver Appreciation Days hosted at Greater Chicago I-55 Truck Plaza by owner Robin Puthusseril.
My husband, George, and I were there with our tour truck representing Tough Tested and 4 State Trucks. We were told that Congressman Dan Lipinski, D-Ill., would be making the rounds at the event.
Lipinski serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Having a moment to speak with him face-to-face was a great opportunity. It’s also pretty likely that it would be one of the few – if not only – times the congressman would ever be climbing into the driver’s seat of a Freightliner for a photo op. Luckily, I had an issue of Land Line available to give him.
My preparation time for this impromptu meeting was exactly zero, and it was most definitely a quick visit. Being able to hand the congressman something tangible that he can reference when he has more than six seconds to zip from person to person like a hummingbird was invaluable. Sometimes it’s intimidating meeting representatives and people who swim frequently in D.C. waters. They’re usually surrounded by a flurry of activity and people, trading business cards with one another.
Once I got beyond the initial fear of fainting or throwing up on his shoes, I was able to give Rep. Lipinski information he may not otherwise have handy. That’s what grassroots efforts are about. The information part, not fainting or throwing up.
Impromptu, face-to-face meet-and-greets should be treated as just that – a quick, “Hey, how are ya? How’s your momma? Good to know. Here’s a copy of Land Line you can hold in your hand so you know for sure we met. We need your help, but first you have to understand what we need. Thanks for coming out. Be safe going home.”
It’s just that quick, and you never know if you had any impact on the representative’s day, but you did your job as a grassroots advocate. And hey, all those cards people pass around? Use them. Follow up after you meet these people. That is your instant connection to your government officials, and something you didn’t have before. LL