PAC Rebrand Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the name of NRECA’s PAC changing? Though the name “ACRE” was effective when it was first established, today’s policymakers who, as federal candidates were supported by ACRE, do not make the connection between ACRE support and the eligible employees, directors and consumer-members of electric co-ops that fund the PAC. As NRECA works to maximize our network’s political and advocacy efforts, now is the time to closely align the NRECA PAC with the rest of our political and advocacy programs. Why “America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC”? To understand the disconnect policymakers have between ACRE and electric co-ops, we conducted research with individuals associated with federal politics, policymakers and PAC donors to assess their attitudes towards the ACRE brand. The research revealed that PAC contributors and external stakeholders were in agreement that the PAC’s identity should be more strongly connected to electric co-ops and NRECA. “America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC” and its visual identity will enable federal candidates to clearly identify where PAC contributions come from and align it to NRECA’s brand and reputation, which is wellrespected among those associated with federal politics and policymakers. Our expectation is that the new brand, with its connection to electric co-ops and NRECA, will strengthen our collective political and advocacy efforts across the board. When will NRECA transition from ACRE to America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC? NRECA anticipates the transition from ACRE to America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC to occur from March 2023–December 2023. NRECA plans to transition to the rebranded PAC name during the week of March 6, 2023, in conjunction with PowerXchange, NRECA’s annual meeting of members. NRECA’s staff will frequently communicate with electric co-op stakeholders about this transition. What happens when my co-op receives PAC contributions addressed to ACRE during the transition period? NRECA will be able to process all PAC contributions addressed to ACRE or America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC throughout the transition period. As a reminder, you are required to send all PAC contributions to NRECA within the Federal Election Commission’s (FEC) required timeframes. When should co-ops hold an annual PAC recruitment drive? Co-ops can plan to hold a 2023 PAC recruitment drive during its traditional time of year. If your normal recruitment period begins prior to the official launch of America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC in March of 2023, the existing PAC (ACRE) resources will be available. Can co-ops or statewide associations request an NRECA representative to present at an upcoming manager, board, eligible employee or annual meeting? 4301 Wilson Blvd. | Arlington, VA 22203-1860 | Tel: 703.907.5500 | electric.coop | @NRECANews