2014 PAC Ambassador's Guide
2014 ExelonPAC Board of Directors At Exelon, we are privileged to have leaders throughout the company who bring diverse, quality leadership to our organization. We thank them for their leadership and support of ExelonPAC. David C. Brown, Chairman Senior Vice President Federal Government Affairs & Public Policy Exelon Corporation
Putting Our Power to Work
Jamie Firth, Vice Chairman Senior Vice President Communications, Public Advocacy & Corporate Relations Exelon Corporation R. Scott Brown, Treasurer Vice President Market Initiatives & Analysis Exelon Corporation Joseph Dominguez Senior Vice President Government & Regulatory Affairs & Public Policy Exelon Corporation Martin Proctor Senior Vice President State Government & Regulatory Affairs & Competitive Market Policy Constellation
Contact ExelonPAC: Sally McAllister Manager, Federal Government Affairs Phone: (202) 347-0136 Email: [email protected] ExelonPAC 101 Constitution Avenue, NW Suite 400 East Washington, D.C. 20001 © Exelon Corporation, 2014 Visit www.ExelonPAC.com to learn more.
2014 PAC Ambassador’s Guide
Welcome Letter
PAC Ambassador Keys to Success
Dear Colleague,
Fundraising can pose challenges for the recruiter. During your efforts, remember three simple, yet critical steps to success: educate, make the ask, and follow-up.
On behalf of ExelonPAC, thank you for becoming a 2014 ExelonPAC Ambassador. Your commitment will help us strengthen our PAC and our political presence. The funds you help raise directly support candidates who share Exelon’s views on issues affecting our company, industry and employees. ExelonPAC is one of the most valuable resources we can utilize to improve the strength of Exelon and our industry. By working together with your colleagues, you are helping positively position our company for growth and success. The PAC ensures our voice is heard, but is only as strong as its membership. This ExelonPAC Ambassador’s Guide will provide you with the tools and information you need to conduct an effective campaign, including keys to success, best practices and frequently-asked questions. If you have any questions throughout the campaign, please contact Sally McAllister, manager, Federal Government Affairs, at (202) 347-0136 or sally.mcallister@exeloncorp. com. We look forward to working with you on a successful peer-to-peer campaign. Good luck and thank you for your help. Sincerely,
Educate • Discuss the importance and purpose of ExelonPAC. • Utilize and share the materials provided to you. • Share legislative issues relevant to Exelon and our industry. • Note they are investing in the future of Exelon. • Detail participation benefits and emphasize the ease of joining. Make the Ask • Make a specific ask for their contribution to ExelonPAC. • Be polite and sincere. Do not intimidate or coerce your peers when making the ask. Remember: participation is voluntary.
By law, companies, like Exelon, cannot provide direct political contributions to federal candidates. The Federal Election Commission (FEC) allows PACs to be used as a means of providing individuals who share common interests a way to leverage financial contributions to candidates on behalf of the company.
Who is eligible to participate?
Fundraising Dos and Don’ts As a PAC Ambassador, it is important to adhere to the legal guidelines by which ExelonPAC and you must abide. The following “Dos and Don’ts” combine federal laws and PAC fundraising best practices. As an Ambassador: • Do tell eligible peers about the PAC and why they should want to get involved. • Do explain ExelonPAC’s purpose. • Do use testimonials to show personal reasons for joining. • Do tell them the following legal guidelines: - PAC contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. - Contribution guidelines are merely suggestions. They may contribute more, less or not at all. - An individual’s decision to participate and the level of participation is voluntary. - An individual will not be disadvantaged by a decision not to participate. - PAC contributions are for political purposes only. • Do ask them to join. Actually making the ask is the most critical step. • Do follow-up with a phone call to reinforce written appeals.
• Do routinely check-in with individuals who pledged a contribution. • Do thank your peers for their time.
As an Ambassador: • Don’t ask peers who are not PAC-eligible to join. • Don’t use high-pressure tactics or threaten reprisals of any kind. • Don’t apologize for making the ask. Remember: the PAC plays an important role for all of us. • Don’t directly ask a direct report or anyone at a lower level in your department in a one-on-one situation. • Don’t suggest or imply that an employee’s supervisor will know who gives or how much. • Don’t assume that all pledges will be collected. • Don’t try to answer questions if you are unsure of the answer. Instead, contact Sally McAllister at (202) 347-0136 or [email protected].
Follow-Up • Give your colleagues time to consider the information provided. • Provide requested information in a timely manner. • Send reminders or updates to build relationships and increase participation. • Don’t over-communicate. Let them hear from you, but avoid pestering them. These three simple steps allow you to secure long-term participation and loyalty to the PAC.
Frequently-Asked Questions Why does Exelon need a PAC? Can’t Exelon fund political efforts directly?
Chris Crane President and Chief Executive Officer Exelon Corporation
• Focus on payroll deduction. Every contribution makes a difference, but reoccurring contributions increase our strength year-over-year.
The Federal Election Commission defines political action committee eligibility as employees who are paid a salary (rather than an hourly wage) and have policymaking, professional or supervisory responsibilities. Within Exelon Corporation and its subsidiaries, this is defined as pay grades E04 through E09, although some E03 employees with direct reports are eligible. Spouses of eligible employees may also contribute.
What is ExelonPAC?
ExelonPAC, an employee-funded group, gives Exelon a seat at the discussion table regarding public policy initiatives and also provides us a voice on issues affecting Exelon and the energy industry. The PAC is a tool to help Exelon achieve its business goals, create employee opportunity and financially support elected officials and candidates for office who support the interests of our business, industry and employees.
Why is the PAC important?
Understanding our issues allows policymakers to make more informed decisions and the PAC is our most important resource to directly support these candidates. PAC participation allows us to strengthen Exelon’s position in the energy industry, bringing longterm benefits for our business, shareholders, employees and the communities we serve.
How do I join?
You can easily join ExelonPAC today. Simply visit our website at www.ExelonPAC.com to enroll online or to view a printable contribution form. Send completed forms to [email protected] or mail to: ExelonPAC Attn: Sally McAllister 101 Constitution Avenue, NW Suite 400 East Washington, D.C. 20001
What are the criteria for PAC contributions to candidates? • Candidates who represent Exelon’s business interests and can help Exelon achieve its vision; • Candidates whose districts are located near our business operations; • Candidate’s policy positions and voting records on business issues relevant to our company; • Candidate’s membership on relevant policy committees; • Candidate’s positions of leadership held; and • Candidate’s prospects for being elected.
How much should I contribute?
Every contribution, regardless of amount, makes a difference. However, there are two levels of membership. • Chairman’s Club: 1% or more of your base salary per year, up to the $5,000 maximum • General Member: Less than 1% of your annual salary The contribution levels listed are merely suggestions, you are free to contribute more or less than the guidelines suggest and you will not be favored or disadvantaged by the amount of your contribution or a decision not to contribute.
If you are ever faced with a question of which you are unsure of the answer, contact Sally McAllister, manager, Federal Government Affairs, at (202) 347-0136 or [email protected].
Putting Our Power to Work
Jamie Firth, Vice Chairman Senior Vice President Communications, Public Advocacy & Corporate Relations Exelon Corporation R. Scott Brown, Treasurer Vice President Market Initiatives & Analysis Exelon Corporation Joseph Dominguez Senior Vice President Government & Regulatory Affairs & Public Policy Exelon Corporation Martin Proctor Senior Vice President State Government & Regulatory Affairs & Competitive Market Policy Constellation
Contact ExelonPAC: Sally McAllister Manager, Federal Government Affairs Phone: (202) 347-0136 Email: [email protected] ExelonPAC 101 Constitution Avenue, NW Suite 400 East Washington, D.C. 20001 © Exelon Corporation, 2014 Visit www.ExelonPAC.com to learn more.
2014 PAC Ambassador’s Guide
Welcome Letter
PAC Ambassador Keys to Success
Dear Colleague,
Fundraising can pose challenges for the recruiter. During your efforts, remember three simple, yet critical steps to success: educate, make the ask, and follow-up.
On behalf of ExelonPAC, thank you for becoming a 2014 ExelonPAC Ambassador. Your commitment will help us strengthen our PAC and our political presence. The funds you help raise directly support candidates who share Exelon’s views on issues affecting our company, industry and employees. ExelonPAC is one of the most valuable resources we can utilize to improve the strength of Exelon and our industry. By working together with your colleagues, you are helping positively position our company for growth and success. The PAC ensures our voice is heard, but is only as strong as its membership. This ExelonPAC Ambassador’s Guide will provide you with the tools and information you need to conduct an effective campaign, including keys to success, best practices and frequently-asked questions. If you have any questions throughout the campaign, please contact Sally McAllister, manager, Federal Government Affairs, at (202) 347-0136 or sally.mcallister@exeloncorp. com. We look forward to working with you on a successful peer-to-peer campaign. Good luck and thank you for your help. Sincerely,
Educate • Discuss the importance and purpose of ExelonPAC. • Utilize and share the materials provided to you. • Share legislative issues relevant to Exelon and our industry. • Note they are investing in the future of Exelon. • Detail participation benefits and emphasize the ease of joining. Make the Ask • Make a specific ask for their contribution to ExelonPAC. • Be polite and sincere. Do not intimidate or coerce your peers when making the ask. Remember: participation is voluntary.
By law, companies, like Exelon, cannot provide direct political contributions to federal candidates. The Federal Election Commission (FEC) allows PACs to be used as a means of providing individuals who share common interests a way to leverage financial contributions to candidates on behalf of the company.
Who is eligible to participate?
Fundraising Dos and Don’ts As a PAC Ambassador, it is important to adhere to the legal guidelines by which ExelonPAC and you must abide. The following “Dos and Don’ts” combine federal laws and PAC fundraising best practices. As an Ambassador: • Do tell eligible peers about the PAC and why they should want to get involved. • Do explain ExelonPAC’s purpose. • Do use testimonials to show personal reasons for joining. • Do tell them the following legal guidelines: - PAC contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. - Contribution guidelines are merely suggestions. They may contribute more, less or not at all. - An individual’s decision to participate and the level of participation is voluntary. - An individual will not be disadvantaged by a decision not to participate. - PAC contributions are for political purposes only. • Do ask them to join. Actually making the ask is the most critical step. • Do follow-up with a phone call to reinforce written appeals.
• Do routinely check-in with individuals who pledged a contribution. • Do thank your peers for their time.
As an Ambassador: • Don’t ask peers who are not PAC-eligible to join. • Don’t use high-pressure tactics or threaten reprisals of any kind. • Don’t apologize for making the ask. Remember: the PAC plays an important role for all of us. • Don’t directly ask a direct report or anyone at a lower level in your department in a one-on-one situation. • Don’t suggest or imply that an employee’s supervisor will know who gives or how much. • Don’t assume that all pledges will be collected. • Don’t try to answer questions if you are unsure of the answer. Instead, contact Sally McAllister at (202) 347-0136 or [email protected].
Follow-Up • Give your colleagues time to consider the information provided. • Provide requested information in a timely manner. • Send reminders or updates to build relationships and increase participation. • Don’t over-communicate. Let them hear from you, but avoid pestering them. These three simple steps allow you to secure long-term participation and loyalty to the PAC.
Frequently-Asked Questions Why does Exelon need a PAC? Can’t Exelon fund political efforts directly?
Chris Crane President and Chief Executive Officer Exelon Corporation
• Focus on payroll deduction. Every contribution makes a difference, but reoccurring contributions increase our strength year-over-year.
The Federal Election Commission defines political action committee eligibility as employees who are paid a salary (rather than an hourly wage) and have policymaking, professional or supervisory responsibilities. Within Exelon Corporation and its subsidiaries, this is defined as pay grades E04 through E09, although some E03 employees with direct reports are eligible. Spouses of eligible employees may also contribute.
What is ExelonPAC?
ExelonPAC, an employee-funded group, gives Exelon a seat at the discussion table regarding public policy initiatives and also provides us a voice on issues affecting Exelon and the energy industry. The PAC is a tool to help Exelon achieve its business goals, create employee opportunity and financially support elected officials and candidates for office who support the interests of our business, industry and employees.
Why is the PAC important?
Understanding our issues allows policymakers to make more informed decisions and the PAC is our most important resource to directly support these candidates. PAC participation allows us to strengthen Exelon’s position in the energy industry, bringing longterm benefits for our business, shareholders, employees and the communities we serve.
How do I join?
You can easily join ExelonPAC today. Simply visit our website at www.ExelonPAC.com to enroll online or to view a printable contribution form. Send completed forms to [email protected] or mail to: ExelonPAC Attn: Sally McAllister 101 Constitution Avenue, NW Suite 400 East Washington, D.C. 20001
What are the criteria for PAC contributions to candidates? • Candidates who represent Exelon’s business interests and can help Exelon achieve its vision; • Candidates whose districts are located near our business operations; • Candidate’s policy positions and voting records on business issues relevant to our company; • Candidate’s membership on relevant policy committees; • Candidate’s positions of leadership held; and • Candidate’s prospects for being elected.
How much should I contribute?
Every contribution, regardless of amount, makes a difference. However, there are two levels of membership. • Chairman’s Club: 1% or more of your base salary per year, up to the $5,000 maximum • General Member: Less than 1% of your annual salary The contribution levels listed are merely suggestions, you are free to contribute more or less than the guidelines suggest and you will not be favored or disadvantaged by the amount of your contribution or a decision not to contribute.
If you are ever faced with a question of which you are unsure of the answer, contact Sally McAllister, manager, Federal Government Affairs, at (202) 347-0136 or [email protected].
