WASHINGTON – Former Chester County Congressman Jim Gerlach will soon take the lead at a group that aims to help businesses build political strength and push their policy priorities.
Gerlach, a six-term Republican who did not seek re-election last year, will move to the Business-Industrial Political Action Committee June 22, after initially taking a government affairs job with the law firm Venable, LLP. Gerlach will be the group's president and chief executive.
The committee describes itself as "dedicated to increasing the political effectiveness of America's business community" by offering advice on political strategy and building support for its objectives. Its web site boasts of showing companies how to encourage employees, for example, to rally behind business' policy goals.
"We can help you leverage your most valuable asset – your employees – to impact public policy, to improve your PAC's performance, or to turn out more economic-minded voters to the polls," the site says.
"I could not be more excited to help lead the effort to advance the interests of America's job creators," Gerlach said in a news release. "As a candidate for public office, early in my career, BIPAC provided me – personally – and my campaign with tremendous value as I transitioned from a state legislator to a U.S. Congressman. I look forward to joining BIPAC and assisting its members and partners in advancing their political, public policy, and business objectives."
The group is made of 7,300 businesses and associations.
Its political arm gave out $66,500 in federal campaign donations last election, mostly to Republicans.
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