ICSC PAC Donor Spotlight: Aileen Messinger

Why did you decide to support ICSC PAC?

I originally joined ICSC PAC when I volunteered to lobby the Hill as I felt it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the inner workings of real-world politics relative to retail real estate. Marketplace Fairness was an issue we could all relate to as consumers and also landlords. It wasn’t an intimidating issue and I felt comfortable meeting with Members of Congress to discuss its merits. After I experienced the Federal Fly-In for the first time and personally met with Members of Congress who were voting on issues that directly affect ICSC’s 60,000+ members, I understood the importance of the ICSC PAC. It’s very rewarding to know that your efforts are impactful at such a high level. As an added bonus, the PAC colleagues and friends I’ve made throughout the years are amongst the brightest and best in retail real estate and I always appreciate an opportunity to learn from the best.

What would you tell ICSC members wary of supporting ICSC PAC?

A dollar contributed to the PAC is effectively put to work impressing our industry’s best interests at the highest decision level. I can think of no better way to contribute that directly impacts the most important decisions made affecting the dollars we work to earn. I have personally witnessed for many years how the PAC runs and I’ve often recognized that the approach is highly intelligent, sophisticated and targeted for optimizing results. I am confident that my contribution is being used wisely for the intended purpose and the results prove the effectiveness.

“The PAC colleagues and friends I’ve made throughout the years are amongst the brightest and best in retail real estate and I always appreciate an opportunity to learn from the best. ”
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Why do you think ICSC PAC is important?

As busy professionals it’s easy to get tunnel vision and consumed by our daily workings, but we must take time to recognize that the bigger picture is so very important! It doesn’t make sense to spend all our time and energy maximizing the rental income for our retail centers while lawmakers may simultaneously pass detrimental laws that contradict and profoundly impact the economics of that same property – such as the tax implications of like kind exchanges when properties are sold – then all of our hard work at the property level may be rendered meaningless.

How has ICSC PAC helped your business?

Participating in the PAC has helped me gain a more global perspective for our industry and expanded my network with influential colleagues and friends that have always been willing to help me in business – be it introductions, guidance, advice or referrals.

Click here for more information about the ICSC PAC or contact ICSC PAC Executive Director Susan Askew at saskew@icsc.com.