The old saying is true – government will either do something for you or it will do something to you, but it will do something. To be effective in today’s business climate, you need to understand how government works, and how you can influence the process.

Every other year, TwinWest offers a dynamic, four-session series called Inside Politics to teach you how government impacts your business, and how you can proactively impact government. Participants learn the inside scoop about our political process from Minnesota’s top political experts – our faculty includes U.S. Congress members, state legislators, county commissioners, city officials, school board members, administration officials, and lobbyists. These insiders unlock political secrets from city hall to the U.S. Capitol, and explain how things really work in language you'll understand.

The class returns in 2011, with sessions on the second Tuesday of October, November, January and February from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Inside Politics is sponsored by Peg's Countryside Cafe.

Topics Include
Inside Elections - October, 2011 - 1:00-5:00 p.m.
During the first session of Inside Politics, you will learn how elections are won (and lost) from party leaders, campaign managers, public relations specialists, and campaign finance regulators. And, in the end, candidates themselves will describe what it's like in the eye of the campaign hurricane.

Inside Local Government - November, 2011 - 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Often, local units of government have the largest impact on your business. In the second month of our program, you'll be exposed to the inner workings of local government, and find out how cities, counties, and school districts operate.

Inside State Government - January, 2011 - 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Minnesota's state government oversees a $16 billion annual budget. How that money is raised and spent affects you and your business. During our third session, you'll learn the ins and outs of Minnesota's legislative process from legislators, Pawlenty Administration officials, reporters, and lobbyists.

Inside Federal Government - February, 2011 - 1:00-5:00 p.m.
The actions taken by our federal government are felt right here in Minnesota. In February, Washington D.C. insiders will teach you how the federal government affects you and how you can make sure your voice is heard at this level.