The American Society of Association Executives has honored IMA's Government Affairs Team for its innovative and effective government relations programs. IMA's multi-member government affairs team brings nearly a century of cumulative experience advocating solely for Illinois manufacturers. They are widely respected by the state's business and labor organizations for their efforts in working with organizations and elected officials.

Mark Denzler, Vice President of Government Affairs
From 2003-2006, Mark oversaw government affairs in Illinois for State Farm Insurance, a fortune 50 company headquartered in Bloomington. He focused on a number of issues including insurance, education, taxes and fees, and auto safety legislation. Prior to joining State Farm, Mark worked at the IMA as director of government affairs from 1999-2003 where he concentrated on tax, environmental and educational issues. For more than 6 years, Mark worked as a legislative analyst for the House Republican Leader. He staffed the education and transportation committees including serving as liaison to Governor Edgar's Eikenberry Commission on education funding. In addition, Mark worked on a number of elections across Illinois while an employee of the House Republican Campaign Committee. Mark also spent a brief time on the Washington D.C. staff of Congressman Tom Ewing.

Chris Wieneke, Associate Director of Government Affairs
Chris joined IMA in June 2003 following a successful and impressive internship with the organization during the spring 2003 legislative session. During his internship, for which Chris won an Outstanding Experiential Learning Award, he was instrumental in tracking legislation, monitoring legislative committee action and actively engaged legislators on topics important to IMA's members. Following graduation from the University of Illinois at Springfield, Chris joined the IMA full-time and is a key figure in the association's legislative efforts, particularly in the areas of environmental law and tax legislation.