Who We Are
The Inspire Brands PAC is a voluntary, nonpartisan, nonprofit political action committee (PAC). Its purpose is to provide an open and ethical way to make contributions to the political campaigns of candidates who advocate for policies that benefit Inspire Brands, Inc., its portfolio of brands and its franchisees. The mission of the Inspire PAC is to provide financial support to political candidates, regardless of political party, who advocate for policies that foster Inspire Brands’ ability to grow, create jobs, and contribute to our communities and to a healthy economy.
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“Participation in the political process helps us inform elected officials about our industry, and allows us to build relationships with those seeking to pass legislation that may impact our businesses. Through contributions to the Inspire PAC, we are able to support candidates who advocate for policies that help enable us to invigorate and grow some of America’s most iconic restaurant brands."
Paul Brown
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Inspire Brands, Inc.
About Inspire Brands PAC
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PAC is used to support federal candidates that are willing to listen to our positions on key issues facing the brands, and build long-term relationships.
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Contributions are bi-partisan.
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Your donations to the Inspire Brands PAC allow us to work with legislators across both sides of the aisle on issues that matter most to our brand and workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Political Action Committee?
A Political Action Committee (PAC) is a group of people with common interests who pool their financial resources to help elect candidates for public office.
Who is allowed to participate in the Inspire Brands PAC?
By law, companies can only solicit contributions from salaried employees who have policy-making, managerial, professional or supervisory responsibilities. At Inspire Brands, this includes Band 6 and above.
Why doesn’t Inspire as a company contribute to political candidates?
Federal law prohibits corporate contributions to candidates; however, corporations may sponsor PAC’s and pay for its administrative costs.
What’s the benefit of contributing to candidates?
If we do not express our opinions, other, whose interests conflict or compete with our business’ or industry’s interests, will. Therefore, it’s important that we actively support candidates who understand our business or are willing to listen to our position.
Do contributions buy candidates?
A successful political campaign today can cost $1 million or more for the House of Representatives and $5 million or more for the Senate. It is unlikely that our contributions could ever be considered unduly influential. However, all contributions are recognized and appreciated.
Can’t I just contribute to the candidate(s) of my choice?
Absolutely. We encourage employees and franchisees to be actively engaged in their communities, through politics and otherwise. But your contribution to the PAC is important too. Collectively, our contributions will enable us to speak with a strong voice for Inspire Brands.
How does the Inspire Brands PAC decide which candidates to support?
The Inspire Brands PAC considers the candidate’s issue support for our industry, leadership roles, committee assignments, voting records, and willingness to understand our business.
How much should I contribute to the Inspire Brands PAC?
Your decision to contribute to the PAC and the amount is entirely your own. It is strictly a voluntary, personal choice. You will neither be rewarded, nor face reprisal as a result of your decision. For contribution recommendations, refer to the Suggested Contributions Schedule. No person may contribute more than $5.000 to a single PAC annually. If you contribute more than $200 annually, the PAC must provide the Federal Election Commission (FEC) with your name, address, occupation and contribution amount. However, your individual contribution will be treated as confidential and will not be disclosed internally under any circumstances.
Why aren’t PAC contributions tax deductible?
Federal law prohibits counting PAC contributions as a charitable donation for Federal income tax purposes. Consult your tax advisor for further guidance.
How will I know which candidates the Inspire Brands PAC supports?
The Inspire Brands PAC will periodically publicize the contributions made and summarize the fund’s financial position. PAC contributions are also public record, and you may search the PAC’s contributions at www.fec.gov
If I have more questions, who should I contact?
If you have more questions about the PAC, please contact Mike Vanaki on the Inspire Brands Government Affairs team.
Payroll Deductions
If you are a PAC eligible Inspire Brands employee, manager level or above, you may opt in to payroll deductions by visiting Workday.
Board Members
Franchise Board Members
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Ed Lynn, Vice Chairman, Buffalo Wild Wings
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Chris Miller, Buffalo Wild Wings
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Larry Podlogar, Buffalo Wild Wings
Corporate Board Members
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Christian Charnaux, Chairman
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Chris Fuller, Assistant Treasurer
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Jamie Eastham
Contact
For information on Inspire Brands Political Action Committee
Mike Vanaki:
PAC Manager and Treasurer
Inspire Brands PAC
Office: 781-737-5130
Email: mvanaki@Inspirebrands.com