Blue Ox Success Series 2024: Running for Office

Description

Have you wondered what it takes to run for elected office? Have you considered running this year… or maybe down the road? At the Chamber, our goals are to demystify the process and inspire pro-business candidates to take the next step!

This 2-hour workshop will cover:

• Candidate filing and deadlines
• Campaign reporting requirements
• How to manage and finance an effective campaign
• Essential materials, media and door-knocking
• Party endorsements (for state and federal candidates)
• What it’s like to run and serve

Who should attend:

• New candidates who intend to run for office this year
• Those considering a run in the future, even if it’s a few years from now
• Incumbents who wish to sharpen their skills
• An employee or co-worker who needs your encouragement!

Click here to download the event flyer and post in your employee breakroom / meeting area.

MEET THE PRESENTERS

Deborah A. Erickson
Administrative Services Director, Crow Wing County

Deborah Erickson is the Administrative Services Director for Crow Wing County, Minnesota where she oversees the elections, finance, information technology, and facilities teams.  Through her nearly 30 years of experience in county government, Debby has honed an expertise in election administration in multiple roles including as an elected auditor prior to her appointment as administrative services director. 

Debby currently serves as the president of the Minnesota Association of Auditors, Treasurers and Finance Officers, 1st Vice-President of the Minnesota Association of County Officers and is the chair of the MACO elections committee for the counties at the state legislature as well as a statewide trainer on election issues. She serves as the Minnesota local government representative on the federal Elections Assistance Commission Standards Board and is the local government Standards Board representative on the Government Coordinating Council for elections critical infrastructure. 

Debby is a certified Minnesota elections administrator and received her BA in management with honors from the College of St. Scholastica. 

Mike Franklin
Partner, WeberJohnson

Mike Franklin is a Minnesota Government Affairs professional and attorney with two decades of experience in building political and Grassroots networks. Mike knows many sides of Government Affairs as he has organized projects for political candidates, nonprofit organizations, multinational corporations and Grassroots-level community interests. Having served his employers and clients as an elected official, fundraiser, lobbyist, communications professional, issue expert, researcher and volunteer recruiter, Mike has an perspective to bring to nearly every challenge.

Carrie Ruud 
Former Senator District 10 (Aitkin & Crow Wing Counties), MN State Senate  

Carrie Ruud is a former State Senator in District 10 of Minnesota and Mayor of Breezy Point. She will bring her wealth of experience and knowledge gained from her time in public service to the workshop. Ruud's background in public office gives her insights into policymaking, legislative processes, and constituent relations that will undoubtedly be valuable in equipping the next wave of candidates.

If you have any questions, send to Paula Chapulis (blueox@brainerdlakeschamber.com) or Colleen Dols (colleen@brainerlakeschamber.com) at the Chamber.

About the Blue Ox Business Academy and Success Series:
With support from Anderson Brothers Construction, the Blue Ox Business Academy delivers local, affordable and high-quality training that strengthens our community by helping businesses succeed. By investing in yourself or your employees, you achieve the highest possible returns in enhanced skills, confidence and job satisfaction. Blue Ox trainers are professional presenters with engaging personalities and real-world experience. Participants make great peer connections and leave with tools and ideas to immediately put into action.