The event is past, this post contains announcement, then following that, a report:
Announcement
If you’re tired of the same-old, same-old when it comes to the two-party system and you want to see real change begin, this event is for you!
2014 is a HUGE year – and it’s well past time to get involved to start changing the direction our country, states, counties and cities have been heading for too many years. Never underestimate the power of determined people who band together!
Want more information about the Libertarian Party of Michigan and what 2014 holds? Are you running, or considering a run, for city, county or state office and need some info? Want practical pointers on dealing with the Media?
Then plan to join us Saturday, March 8th, 2014 for “Marketing for Liberty”. Speakers on tap include:
Patrick Clawson is a Private investigator and a frequent guest on shows such as “Let it Rip.” He has been a Washington, DC on-air network radio/TV (CNN, NBC, INN, ITNA) investigative reporter. He was also Washington, DC Bureau Chief of Radio & Records newspaper. He is a former radio talk show host in New York City and Washington, DC, and former President/CEO of TeleGrafix Communications. He has been a Libertarian candidate and party office holder. He has been a long-time advocate of freedom of information and open government.
Tim O’Brien, advertising professional. 
Tim had been on the Libertarian Party of Michigan Executive Committee for a number of years when he also joined the 1994 Jon Coon for US Senate campaign team as the ad director (in a race that garnered almost 5% of the vote in a 3-way, federal election) — serving in that same role when Coon ran for state house (getting over 15% in another 3-way race) in the next election cycle. The following year O’Brien was elected LPM chair, serving two terms before stepping aside to become the party’s (to date) only Executive Director. When he left that position in 2001 to form an independent PAC the Libertarian Party of Michigan had over 1800 dues-paying members, and enough influence in Lansing to help derail a huge tax increase as well as successfully enact legislation amending a state election law that had repeatedly cost the party its ballot status. But there were downs along with ups. Arguably better positioned than anyone else in the LPM to recount this climactic period, Tim O’Brien will share his experiences on the front lines and offer his opinions about how, for a time, the LPM came to be a significant player in Michigan politics, the lessons learned, and how they might point the way to the future.
Helena Blakemore is Director of Photography with the Detroit based film company, Mooshka Productions. She is also a professional Free Lance Photographer and Videographer. She graduated from the Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts in 2010. She is a Libertarian who produced a commercial for Scotty Boman’s City Clerk Campaign. Helena will be shooting video of interested persons during the conference, for promoting the Libertarian Party of Michigan.
Derek Magill is an organizer of Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) and a student at the University of Michigan. Thanks to his initiative, the LPM now has associated student groups—or at least contacts—at UofM, UofM Dearborn, Michigan State, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, and Hillsdale. Derek also heads the libertarian Students for Concealed Carry at UofM.
Bill Gelineau Has done extensive research on the effect of running a large number of Libertarian candidates on the credibility of the Libertarian Party of Michigan. He is Owner Abacus Title Agency, and founder, Apple Blossom Restaurants Incorporated. He has attended University of Michigan and Wayne State University. The former Michigan Libertarian Party chairman and political director is a habitual office-seeker. He also organizes other Libertarians to run for office. This year his goal is to fill each of Michigan’s Congressional-district ballots with a Libertarian option.
Greg Marshall is a thirty year radio and television veteran, he has a natural curiosity that overflows in everything he does. He is the afternoon talk show host on WMKT AM and Co-host of the National TV program, “Liberty Town Hall.” Greg is an out-spoken Christian who has a burning desire for freedom and a fascination with history, he is driven to share the truth of the loss of our rights and how to turn the tide of government over reach.
Heather Richards-Wodrich – After working for over 20 years as an award-winning television and radio news anchor, reporter and producer in the South Bend, Indiana metro area, Heather Richards-Wodrich stepped out of what she calls “the crazed life” of a journalist. 
She’s now the communications coordinator for a large church in Grand Rapids. Heather says, “I joined the efforts of the Libertarian Party of Michigan in the summer of 2013 because I, like many of you, could no longer stand by and watch the country and the Constitution I love continue to be destroyed. I look forward to working with and meeting as many of you as possible. Let’s make Michigan, and our country, better by continuing to stand up for more true freedom and less government.”
Brian Wright Moved to the Detroit area in 1968, and became a passionate advocate for Ayn Rand’s artistic vision of heroic individualism; in 1972 he cofounded the LPM. He has been elected chair twice and served as newsletter editor several times since the late 1970s. Since 2004, he has looked at other options for achieving liberty in our time, including participation in the Free State Project. In 2008 Brian returned to Michigan, became LPM Webmaster and newsletter editor in 2009. He is now a leader in the Satyagraha (global truth force) movement; he seeks to enhance LP grand strategy for success.
Kipp Welch Will be facilitating a discussion at the end of the day on transforming our ideas into specific actions. Kipp is on the Libertarian Party of Michigan Executive Committee, and is secretary of the Libertarain Party of West Michigan.
Just some of the topics we’ll cover:
- Developing a grassroots network of self-government
- The unique position of a ballot-qualified Party to affect the political landscape
- The ‘down and dirty’ of getting your message across to the Media
- Practical tips on how to put together a biography and press releases
You’ll also meet members of Libertarian Party of Michigan Executive Committee, have a chance to ask questions, get information on the LPM State Convention, meet like-minded people, and join us for some general brainstorming.
We’ll have refreshments available throughout the day. A donation of $1 to $5 per person (you choose the amount) to help defray the cost of food would be greatly appreciated, but it’s not mandatory.
Looking forward to seeing you Saturday, March 8th!
Who: Libertarian Party of Michigan, 888-373-3669
When: Saturday, March 8 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Where: 2722 E. Michigan Avenue, Suite 22, Lansing, MI 48912
(Above Capital Area Libertarian Party Headquarters)
If you are coming, please fill out the form below to let us know. Thank you. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Heather Richards-Wodrich at media@michiganlp.org
Report: Shakin’ Up The System in 2014!
“Marketing For Liberty” sets empowering new vision
Roughly 50 persons (altogether) attended the Marketing for Liberty event put on by Scotty Boman and Heather Richards-Wodrich at the Capital Area LP office on Michigan Avenue in Lansing on March 8th. Several speakers with expertise in marketing, media, strategy, grassroots organizing, and so forth presented dense-packed ideas for invigorating the LPM and moving forward. The following individuals shared their invaluable insights.
- Pat Clawson – Former CNN reporter
- Tim Obrien – Advertising consultant / membership growth expert
- Helena Blakemore – Video/Movie producer
- Derek Magill – Campus activist/organizer
- Bill Gelineau – Election result analyst
- Greg Marshall – Radio talk show host to TEA Party market
- Heather Richards-Wodrich – Media relations consultant
- Brian Wright – LPM cofounder, author, publisher, strategist
Party and affiliate leaders also listened to an array of critical comments, which were for the most part constructive and illuminating. For example, who knew that “students have a poor image of the LP in general for, well, too many representatives of the LP(M) not presenting a positive, professional image?” The speakers came forth with all kinds of quite simple “do’s and don’t do’s” in their areas of expertise… that we can all take to the bank.
Speaker Helena Blakemore of Mooshka Productions with a small staff of volunteers set up in the office below to produce a short, effective video using clips of several of the marketing event attendees doing a read. She is graciously donating that video for use on our Website and for other purposes. When it is complete, the video will appear on this writeup and will take a prominent place on the home page.
This is a preliminary report, for more information, please contact the LPM media director Heather Richards-Wodrich at media@michiganlp.org. [The initial event announcement appears on this page.]
Exciting times most definitely to come. Several new memberships and renewals are directly attributable to the positive messages taken away from the event. Thank you to all who made it possible, especially Scotty, Heather, Helena, and Mary. Also to Jon Addiss owner of the property who donated the lecture hall.
