On Thursday, April 6, 2006, 80 people attended the annual PIAPAC Dinner in Washington, D.C. at the Phoenix Park Hotel.  This event, held during PIA’s Federal Legislative Summit, serves as an important PAC fundraiser and as an awards banquet for the previous year’s outstanding contributors.

This year’s highlights:

• Larry McGillis of North Dakota was presented with the 2005 PIAPAC Person of the Year award for his commitment to PIAPAC and to the legislative process.
• Chairman Bob Gyle of Connecticut recognized PIAPAC’s President’s Circle and Chairman’s Caucus members and the 2005 Chairman’s Challenge winners.
• Burnadette Budde, Senior Vice President of Business Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC), gave the keynote address, speaking on the 2006 election landscape.
• Cap Peterson of Nebraska served as auctioneer for the first annual PIAPAC Dinner Auction, which raised over $1400 for the PAC.
• Kristie Bray, twin sister of PIA’s Assistant Vice President of Federal Affairs, Kellie Bray, made a spectacular guest appearance.

Thanks to all who attended the PIAPAC Dinner and a special thanks to all who participated!

Photo Gallery

Opening remarks by PIAPAC Chairman Bob Gyle of Connecticut

Special Guest Kristie Bray with twin sister, PIA’s Kellie Bray

A full house!

Burnadette Budde, Senior VP of Business Industry Political Action Committee, giving the keynote address on the 2006 election landscape.

Washington and Oregon

Ken Auerbach, New Jersey

Rob Hansen, Nebraska

Larry McGillis, North Dakota

Johnny Lee, Virginia

Dan Haley, Maine

Larry Willis, Florida

Don Flanders, New Hampshire

Steve Harter, Missouri

Liz Luce, Wyoming

Bill Mitchell, Louisiana

Robert Page of Louisiana with PIA President Ray Peretti

Donna Pile, Kentucky

Carl Stoecklin, Ohio

Phil Winkelmann, Nebraska

Mike Just accepting North Dakota’s Chairman’s Challenge award

Lori Williams accepting Florida’s Chairman’s Challenge award

Dennis Hall accepting Mississippi’s Chairman’s Challenge award

John DiMatteo accepting Connecticut’s Chairman’s Challenge award

Larry McGillis being presented the 2005 PIAPAC Person of the Year award

85 Larry McGillis with Norma Nesheim

Cap Peterson, auctioneer extraordinaire.  Let the bidding begin!