One of the frequently discussed objectives behind starting an association is to better communicate the needs of performance marketing professionals to legislators, who are making decisions that could have a detrimental impact on this industry. The impetus behind this objective has been the recent tax law enacted in the state of New York. There is opinion that if we had been organized earlier, we may have had an opportunity to express the collective needs of the performance marketing industry. Having an active lobbying effort has been suggested for this association.

There are some excellent discussions about this issue going on in other blogs and here are three of them:

5 Star Affiliates Blog

Paulson Management Blog

Revenews Blog

Someone suggested to me that perhaps we can get a small group of people together and spend a few days in Albany NY learning from state legislators why they made the tax related decisions. However, after consulting with some experts, I learned that only a professional, licensed lobbyist can represent an industry group. Obviously, we are a ways away from funding something like that. But, as is mentioned in some of the blog posts, and was also brought up at an Affiliate Dinner, we as individuals can certainly approach our own legislators and represent the needs of this industry.

One of the earliest activities the association members can tackle is creating information designed to educate legislators on the impact of similar legislation. This is a perfect opportunity for members to really get involved and make a difference.

–Rebecca