Today's podcast was originally recorded on July 2, 2018 and features a discussion with James Hines, Senior Vice-President of Advocacy & In-House for the Texas Association of Business (TAB).

TAB is Texas's largest business association, representing over 2, 800 businesses, from major corporations to small start-ups. Combined those businesses employ over 2.5 million Texans and drive the economic engine of the state. The association influences policy development and drives legislative decisions in Texas and Washington, D.C. advocating for members’ bottom line. One example was it's instrumental charge against the "bathroom bill" during the 85th legislative session in 2017.

James, hired in June of 2018, is TAB's lead lobbyist at the Texas Capitol. He and A.J. discussed the development of TAB's policy positions, current priorities including Austin's paid sick leave ordinance (TAB is the lead co-plaintiff in the lawsuit against the city), his path to a career in lobbying and more.

Most recently James was the Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Copart, a provider of online vehicle auction and remarketing services in the US, Canada, and the UK. There he was responsible for managing government and regulatory affairs efforts in all 50 states and Congress. He was also responsible for governmental affairs with national organizations such as the Republican Governors Association, Democratic Governors Association, and National Association of Attorneys General.

James is a native of Giddings, TX.

Enjoy (and leave a comment)!