Thursday, April 18, 2019
​Blog by Angela Weck

With a crowd of hometown friends, co-workers from his days at Caterpillar, and the usual PAWAC members, Michael Maibach regaled the audience with true stories from his days as a corporate lobbyist.  He focused largely on his days at the Intel Corp, a microprocessor company that has grown into a world-wide leader in the industry.

Maibach outlined the style of practice that he and his team employed at Intel, a philosophy that came down directly from the founders of the company, whom Maibach described as humble and honest.  Maibach listed ethics, a results- oriented approach, and a constant focus on the company, the industry and the host communities when dealing with politicians. He noted the importance of staying on focus and not straying to the social or cultural politics of the day.

He also listed a few of “Maibach’s Laws of Lobbying.”  These “laws” include: be respectful and gracious; always tell the truth; always tell both sides as it builds credibility; never threaten but stick to what is at stake; lobby with competitors as one company is a special interest but three companies is an industry; and remember that “people die for their country, not for their company.”

Maibach served the company for 18 years as the VP for Corporate Global Affairs at Intel from 1983-2001 and at Caterpillar from 1976-1983.  He is currently a Senior Fellow at the American Opportunity Foundation, and an outspoken advocate for strong TransAtlantic trade and cooperation.

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January 31st, 2019
​Bradley Student Center Ballroom

Blog by Angela Weck

The Leadership Crisis in Illinois, America, and the World
John Shaw, Executive Director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University
Author of the PAWAC Reads! Book Club selection: Rising Star, Setting Sun: Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and the Presidential Transition that Changed America


Mr. Shaw led off with several fascinating stories from his time as a journalist and political analyst in Washington, DC.  Comparing the leadership styles of members of Congress, from both parties and from both houses, and those of other political figures, such as diplomats, he noted that all true leaders share the common trait of being able to truly listening and form thoughtful responses.  He also noted that bipartisanship should be the primary choice of policy-making, rather than supporting one's party at the expense of the people.


For the people in the audience, especially the students, he offered a few pointed criticisms of the media to consider.  While he did not venture into the unwinnable debate about "fake news," he did discuss the current practice of some people in the media who seek to grow their audience by chasing the more sensational aspects of a story.  He cautioned the audience to be critical of what they read and hear, and to use multiple sources for their news to achieve the most balanced news.




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by Nikki Eckland

​Saturday October 6th PAWAC and The Itoo Society partnered in hosting ‘Why Lebanon Matters’, with discussion lead by Ambassador of Lebanon to the United states Gabriel Issa, Advisor to President Michel Aoun Elias Bou Sabb, and Representative of the US Congress Darin LaHood. Walking into the Itoo Hall was nothing short of beautiful, postcards from Lebanon on each table and white gauze fabric draping the ceiling. There was plenty of time to meet the speakers and make introductions before the discussion began, and a deliciously authentic buffet to welcome listeners into Lebanese culture (not to mention some pretty killer desserts). The panel was enthusiastic and moved across topics with ease, keeping the audience engaged for the duration of the night.
 
The conversation started by detailing Education in Lebanon, and Elias Bou Sabb as the former Minister of Education and Higher Education was the perfect speaker for this topic. He introduced to the audience the problem of Syrian refugees, and how Lebanon had become burdened with the responsibility of educating refugee children. There are 4 million Lebanese people in Lebanon, and 2 million Syrian refugees, so Syrian children are substantial in their numbers. This is problematic because of the strain it’s putting onto Lebanese educational institutions, who have been forced to divide the school day into two shifts. Even more concerning is the necessity of education, because not adapting the school day to accommodate these children would leave them out on the streets, easy targets for terrorist group recruiters.
 
The panel moved on to discuss the issue of UN standards of safety for refugees. Lebanon is responsible for providing refugees with important resources and funding. Because of the current state of Syria, Lebanon is required by the UN to cut off these benefits to refugees who have returned to their home country. However, as His excellency Gabriel Issa argues, these UN sanctions are unfairly strict, and require conditions in Syria to be even better than they were before its collapse.
 
Rep. Darin LaHood returned this sentiment by stating his hopes that these standards might change through participation in future UN summits, agreeing that they should be re-evaluated.
 
The floor opened for comments near the end of the discussion, allowing the audience to voice concerns and questions. The war between Israel and Lebanon was brought up, and Ambassador Gabriel Issa remarked that Lebanon has not and never will initiate an attack on its neighbors. They do have the right to defend themselves, but want peace between Middle Eastern nations.
 
Another point that emerged during audience participation was that of Lebanon’s lack of environmental standards, to which the panel responded by explaining Lebanon’s wish to improve.
 
Overall the night was a combination of great food, beautiful setting, and interesting discussion. We hope to see you at the next event, and thank everyone who attended on Saturday!