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Bill Strusinski — Government Affairs Specialist Bill Strusinski has 50 years of state government lobbying experience. Early in his career, he served in a variety of positions in the executive branch including Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner of Administration. He served three Governors including Wendell Anderson, Rudy Perpich and Al Quie. He was responsible for the daily operations of the State Building Code and State Architects Office, Central Motor Pool, Purchasing and five other divisions that provided general support services to all state agencies. He was also responsible for all state construction for five years and was the Governor's lead advocate to secure legislative funding support for over $1 Billion in state capital investment projects. Since his early days in state government, Bill has developed expertise in building and construction regulations, government finance and tax policy, public health policy, capital investment (bonding projects) and business regulation. He continues to work extensively with the major business regulatory (commerce), legacy, environment, finance, capital investment and tax committees in the legislature and understands their impact on small business and individuals. Bill is one of the most seasoned and senior lobbyists at the State Capitol. His extensive experience in solving complex problems and working on major issues affecting his clients has earned him a solid reputation as "a lobbyist who can get things done!" He has received numerous awards recognizing his professional abilities including being named as one of the top ten lobbyists in Minnesota by the Star and Tribune Newspaper. What Bill enjoys most about lobbying is empowering people and using his rich experience and contacts in the public and private sectors to successfully represent his clients. Les Heen — Government Affairs Specialist Les began working on the Minnesota State Senate staff in 1990, producing and anchoring regional television programs for Senate Media Services. Later that year, he became a committee administrator for Senator LeRoy Stumpf and worked on a wide variety of issues for the Senator's northwestern Minnesota district. His work included organizing legislative capital investment tours, and reviewing building proposals for the state's higher education systems while Senator Stumpf served as Chair of the Senate Higher Education Funding Division. As Legislative Network Director for the University of Minnesota Alumni Association starting in 1996, Les directed efforts to make University supporters a powerful force at the State Capitol. In 1998, his grassroots organizing played a major role in securing $242 million for University capital investment projects. Les later worked on statewide communications and legislative initiatives for Minnesota Farmers Union, and served as a guest lecturer for organizations seeking to improve legislative relations. Most recently, Les served for twelve years as President and General Manager of Pioneer PBS —the regional PBS station for southwestern and west central 7