Archive for the ‘Current Events’ Category

Friends of the US Chamber

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

Friends of the US Chamber just sent this to its members:

Welcome, Mr. President
Now Let’s Get this Economy Moving Again

Today, President-elect Barack Obama takes the oath of office to
officially become the 44th President of the United States.

And he certainly has his work cut out for him.

Our economy is in crisis – and in need of an immediate stimulus to
shock it back to life. At the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, we have been
working with the new administration to pass such a stimulus package.

As The Washington Times reported last week:

R. Bruce Josten, the Chamber’s executive vice president for government
affairs, called the presidential transition team’s outreach to the
organization ‘expansive and extensive,’ and said Mr. Obama will have
to rely on the organization to pass the stimulus plan…..

We are working to ensure that ANY stimulus plan, however, includes the
following important principles:

- Creating new jobs through targeted funding to fix our country’s
ailing infrastructure.

- Reducing borrower and lending fees through the Small Business
Administration to open up credit markets and provide immediate relief
to our country’s small businesses.

- Providing meaningful tax relief for large and small employers and
incentives for Americans to invest their hard-earned dollars.

- Supplying tax credits to the housing industry to provide immediate
assistance to America’s homeowners.

Those are just some of the principles we are promoting to help get our
economy back on track.

http://www.friendsoftheuschamber.com/takeaction/

Now President Obama has Everyone Glued to TV

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

A few things–
Lots of friends with swearing in tickets never got into reserved viewing area. Early birds got the worm this time.

People are ten deep on streets of DC trying to peer through windows of businesses to watch inaugural ceremony. They don’t want to lose parade viewing positioning but won’t miss the speech.

Obama knew the oath of office better than Supreme Court Justice!

Sarah

AT&T Hosting Inaugural Viewing Event

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

I’m Lucky enough to be invited to the Inaugural watching party of Vote4Biz sponsor AT&T. Great spot at J.W. Marriott right on parade route. Easy parade viewing in exclusive suite.

Thanks AT&T for all your support.

Sarah

Limo Just Passed my Hotel!

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

Yep, I’m on the route the motorcade is taking from the White House to the Capitol.  Just saw the whole thing whiz past my hotel with supportive, screaming, adoring crowds going nuts!

I’m headed out to a speech watching reception for those of us not actually standing out in the cold.  I’ll try to update from my phone.

Sarah

Will Obama Make General Motors Cool?

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

It’s great to see the awesome new Presidential Limo from Cadillac getting so much “face time” on TV today.  It’s constantly surrounded by a long line of Chevy SUV’s too.

Will Barack Obama make GM cool?  If it’s good enough for the President, isn’t it good enough for all Americans?

Looks like it’s running smoothly and keeping the new and old Pres’ safe.

Sarah

Inaugual Mob Scene Update

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

Check out this information from the Washington Post. Police are already giving up managing the crowd in some places.  I hope people don’t push and create an incident.  The Mall is absolutely packed.

Michigan Inaugural Dinner Dance 2009 Tonight – See the Michigan Glitterati, but Not Barack Obama

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

A tradition of inaugural celebrations is the black-tie gala ball.  In Michigan, this takes place under the auspices of the “Michigan State Society” and the Michigan Inaugural Committee.  These groups are established for fundraising and promotion in order to make the ball as affordable as possible to citizens traveling to D.C.  Many federal fundraising rules do not apply to these events.

This year, like many in the past, the Michigan Dinner Dance is being held at the National Museum of American History.  Attendees will be allowed to roam throughout the museum, grab dinner from a buffet and enjoy beverages from several bars placed throughout the museum.  Live music and dancing is typically a highlight of the event.  Barack Obama will not be in attendance.

This year tickets cost $200 per person.  “Presenting Hosts” (top corporate financial donors) include: The Dow Chemical Company, Dow Corning Corporation, K-Dow Petrochemicals, and Dow AgroSciences.  The “Host Committee” corporate sponsors giving a little less than the various Dow companies) include: American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), American Trucking Association, ARving Meritor, Inc., AT&T, Blue Care Network, BOSCH, Clark Hill PLC, CMS Energy, CN-North America’s Railroad, Delta Air Lines, DLA Piper US LLP, DTE Energy, DYKEMA, The Edison Electric Institute, Henry Ford Health System, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, ITC Holdings, Inc., Kelly Services, Michigan Health & Hospoital Association, Michigan State University, Pfizer Inc., University of Michigan and WAyne State University Physicians Group.

Tonight’s event takes place from 7:30 p.m. until midnight, is black tie optional (although most will dress in their finest), and in has valet parking available.

The Dinner Dance is open to all who are willing to pay $200 and will likely attract corporate representatives from states outside of Michigan who hope to see Michigan Governor Granholm or important Members of Congress from Michigan such as Cong. John Dingell, Cong. John Conyers, Cong. Bart Stupak, Cong. Carolyn Kilpatrick, Cong. Dale Kildee, Sen. Debbie Dingell, Sen. Carl Levin and other public officials.

I don’t have an official count, but thousands will be in attendance at tonights’ event.

My advice to all who plan to attend:  Dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes (don’t even think about those 4 inch stilletos!), and understand that it will be really difficult to get a cab to pull right up to the museum because of the security perimeter that will still be in effect tonight so you may need to walk a few blocks to get there.  If you take the Metro, you’ll need to walk a few blocks as well, so be prepared.

Good luck!

Sarah

Let’s Talk About the Washington D.C. Weather & Traffic

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

This is my third Presidential inaugural event.  Yep, I did the last two George W.’s, and now Mr. Obama.

Despite the usually balmy (or seriously slimy in the summer) temps, Mother Nature always seems to bring on the deep freeze on January 20.

Now, this isn’t Michigan cold.  We’ve been suffering through below-zero wind chills for a few weeks and are used to the stuff at home.  But we’re not sitting outside in it for 10 hours either.

The crowds are bundled up, the hand, foot and seat warmers are selling briskly, and there are “warming buses” stationed throughout D.C.  The buses are serving a dual purpose – part barricade, part refuge for the chilly.

To actually watch the swearing-in live and in person, citizens will be subjected to at least 5 hours of standing in the cold.  Few have chairs.  Many will then try to find a spot on the parade route and stay outside for a few more hours.  But then the real misery starts when you try to go back to your hotel.  Long lines at the Metro (and I mean thousands in line snaking out of the station and around the block) and seemingly irrational, incongruous security blockades and traffic patterns.  Taxi’s will be practically non-existent.

Four years ago it took me about 2 hours to cross the street from my swearing-in position directly in front of the Capitol on First Street to the other side of Pennsylvania Avenue – a trip that normally takes about 15 minutes.

So, good luck to all who are standing in the Mall and out on the parade route.  Stay warm!

Sarah

Trinkets for sale at the Presidential Inauguration for Barack Obama

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

People in D.C. love public transit, and they love the Metro.  You’re not a “regular” here until you figure out how to get around on the subway.  So, those people who run the Metro are no dummies — oh no, they’ve printed a picture of our future President on the Metro ticket.

What does that mean?  Long lines to purchase tickets – many of which will never be used.  It’s the cheapest Obama souvenir in town at only $1.35.

If you’re looking for something nicer, you can pick up a copy of today’s Washington Post for $2.  It includes a beautiful commemorative section.

If you’re looking for Obama buttons (pins), be sure to shop around.  There’s an endless variety and the prices range from a low of $1.69 at CVS Pharmacy to $5 each from street vendors.  Or, you can upgrade to the Political Americana stores and pay even more for jumbo size buttons that mark the moment.

Believe it or not, I saw an Obama pillow case yesterday (yes, we can all sleep with the guy – or at least his likeness) for a whopping $50!  It had a life size picture of Obama’s head on the pillow screen-printed on cheap cotton.

For something a bit more classy, opt for the cuff-links, gold pins, necklaces, or scarves that can be worn to professional functions and still display your support.  Prices range from $20 to over $100.

The most expensive thing I’ve spied so far is the limited edition Waterford Crystal vase for $2500.  I’ll pass.

Basically, if you can print on it, you can find it here with Obama’s face on it. Too bad he can get a licensing deal for the use of his name and likeness -  he’d be earning an absolute fortune!

Sarah

Obama Inauguration Day has Arrived

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

This morning I woke to the sounds of huge crowds chanting “O-Ba-Ma, O-Ba-Ma, O-Ba-Ma” repeatedly outside my hotel room window.  I’m fortunate to be in a hotel right on the parade route, but I’m also in the middle of the largest crowds ever to visit Washington D.C.

I arrived in D.C. on Sunday and immediately jumped in to the networking throng.  Political national conventions (remember Minneapolis?  Denver?) and Presidential inaugural celebrations have one main thing in common – people hang out together by state and attend endless networking opportunities (my code for parties) together.  So, how does that work?

First, book a hotel and flight.  That’s half the battle.

Second, get invited.  It helps to be a delegate, donor, sponsor, or insider — but there are always parties open to anyone from Michigan in addition to the exclusive events.

Third, wear comfortable shoes.  I’m always on my feet more at these events than anywhere but the Detroit Regional Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference!  Also, pace yourself.  The food and  beverages are abundant — try not to over induldge.

Since Sunday, I’ve seen several members of Michigan’s Congressional delegation, a few Governors, several Mayor’s and thousands of people from Michigan.  I’ve only seen the President-elect on TV, but might get a glimpse of him later today in the parade.

You can review my frequent updates on Twitter by “following” me here. Or go to www.twitter.com and create an account.  If you don’t understand Twitter right now, just follow me for awhile and you’ll figure it out.

You can read an article about my attendance at the inaugural here.

I’ll try to continue updating today with snippets of behind-the-scenes action.

Sarah