The National Flea Market Association exists to serve the public interest and to benefit the flea market industry by fostering high standards of business conduct which merits public trust.
Client:
National Flea Market Association
Practices:
Trade Associations/Coalitions
Expertise:
Government Relations
Our Work
Challenge
The National Flea Market Association (NFMA) had done little in recent years to establish a Washington presence. And
now the trade group was facing the prospect of onerous legislation that would have devastating effects on the
industry and its members. Further complicating matters, significant opposition had lined up against NFMA casting
the outcome in greater doubt.
- Rasky Baerlein immediately identified the policymakers who would play a role in moving these pieces of legislation through Congress, as well as those legislators whose states and districts were home to a large amount of flea markets.
- Rasky Baerlein worked with NFMA to develop a clear and concise message that would resonate and educate legislators on the economic benefits, as well as debunking common myths about the flea market industry.
- Rasky Baerlein raised awareness about NFMA awareness garnered support from key legislators who aligned with the group’s free market principles and small business entrepreneurship messages.
Results
Rasky Baerlein successfully kept the three major initiatives from ever leaving the designated committees in the
111th Congress, and developed relationships with the bill sponsors to work together in the 112th on new
legislation. The bill sponsors have invited NFMA to participate in the legislative process, offering to take into
consideration any comments and language submitted. In addition, NFMA has quickly elevated its Washington profile
and developed alliances with key legislators and positioned itself to be a player on small business-related issues
moving forward.
