Political training seminar available again this year

The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas and the Arkansas Broadcasters Association (ABA) will host a training seminar for political office candidates on Thursday, Jan. 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas offices on 1 Cooperative Way in Little Rock. The registration fee is $75 per attendee.

“The purpose of the seminar is to provide political candidates with information they need to run for public office,” said Carmie Henry, vice president of governmental affairs for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas. “We consider this type of program a public service to the communities we serve. Experts will provide candidates with information from areas covering fundraising and campaign finance laws, message development and communicating the message, direct mail and get-out-the-vote techniques.”

According to Henry, the cooperatives provide the seminar as a means to assist Arkansans that are willing to step forward and run for elected office. “One of the greatest privileges and responsibilities in our country is running for office,” he said.

“The Arkansas Broadcasters Association is pleased to again co-sponsor this event with the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas,” said Doug Krile, executive director for the ABA. “As broadcasters we are dedicated to serving our communities. This seminar is one of many public service activities that demonstrate that dedication.”

To enroll in the seminar, potential candidates should contact the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas’ government affairs department at (501) 570-2271 or visit http://www.aecc.com/governmental-affairs/political-candidate-training.

The ABA has approximately 200 member radio and television stations in Arkansas.

The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas comprise 17 electric distribution cooperatives; Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Inc. (AECI), a Little Rock-based cooperative that provides various services to the distribution cooperatives; and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. (AECC), a generation and transmission cooperative. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to more than 500,000 members, or customers, in Arkansas and surrounding states.

For additional information, contact: Rob Roedel, Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, 501.570.2296 or rroedel@aeci.com