Yet these small, often family-owned businesses are disappearing at an alarming rate, says Eric Nielsen, who is director of political affairs and development at the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), the winner of the Public Affairs Council’s 2025 Outstanding Association PAC Award.

“We are losing about one independent pharmacy per day in America,” Nielsen says. “That was a trend in 2023, and we expect to see that continue as we analyze data from 2024.”

With more independent pharmacies struggling to survive, advocacy has become more urgent than ever. NCPA PAC support is essential to helping pharmacists fight for fair regulations, reasonable reimbursement structures, and policies that help keep their businesses afloat.

But NCPA PAC’s peer-to-peer fundraising process was ready for an update. It relied on pen-and-paper methods and a time-consuming, manual donation process that required pharmacists — already stretched thin — to take numerous steps just to participate. There was no seamless way to mobilize members quickly, and engagement suffered.

“Independent pharmacists are small-business owners first,” Nielsen explains. “They’re running their pharmacies, managing staff, filling prescriptions, counseling patients. Advocacy is important to them, but if getting involved is complicated, it’s going to fall to the bottom of the list.”

Nielsen knew they needed a better way — a system that was fast, intuitive and designed to fit into the busy lives of pharmacists. With no vendor in place and little budget, Nielsen built a fully digital, automated peer-to-peer fundraising system using Airtable — one that replaced stacks of paperwork with instant tracking, automated reminders and seamless volunteer participation.

Previously, pharmacists were responsible for reaching out to colleagues, but the process was cumbersome and inefficient. The new system streamlined this approach, automating key steps and making participation easier. Rather than burdening PAC staff with managing outreach, the platform empowered volunteers to take the lead — creating a ripple effect of engagement.

“Peer-to-peer fundraising is the most effective tool for PACs like ours,” Nielsen says. “But it only works if it’s easy. We stripped away the complexity, so our members could just focus on reaching out to people they already know or have a connection with.”

The impact was immediate. Within 48 hours of the launch of the new system, the campaign raised $125,000 — a 25% increase from a similar 48-hour campaign the previous year. One in four pharmacists contacted made a contribution or pledge. And the NCPA PAC has raised over $700,000 for the 2024 election cycle and increased engagement with their eligible class.

More important, the system transformed engagement. Pharmacists who had previously never contributed to the PAC were now active participants — both in giving and encouraging their peers to do the same.

While Nielsen was pleased that NCPA is being recognized with the Outstanding Association PAC Award, the real victory for him is giving independent pharmacists a stronger voice in the fight for their survival. “This system is more than a fundraising tool,” Nielsen says. “It’s a way for independent pharmacists to stand together and fight for the future of their profession.”

While NCPA’s award recognized excellence in peer-to-peer fundraising, this year’s Outstanding Corporate PAC Award went to TriNet PAC, which took a top-down approach focused on leadership buy-in for PAC success.

The TriNet PAC has recently seen an increased awareness and a renewed focus within the Company, which is an HR solutions provider. TriNet has taken proactive steps that establish and underscore the PAC as a valuable platform for employee participation and advocacy.

“As part of increasing PAC awareness within TriNet, we launched a multi-tiered internal campaign,” says Jacob McIntosh, government relations manager at TriNet. “Many of our leaders were new to the company and unaware of the full scope of the TriNet PAC. Our efforts focused on education and engagement—why they should and how they can support the PAC.”

Rather than taking a grassroots-first approach, McIntosh and the TriNet PAC team recognized that they needed to focus on senior leadership first. If senior leaders were engaged and saw value in the PAC, participation would cascade down through the company.

TriNet’s PAC relaunch wasn’t just about asking for donations; it was about redefining the PAC’s role within the company culture.

To achieve this, the team developed a multilayered approach, including in-person outreach at key company events, with the PAC team securing booth space at TriNet’s largest internal conference, ensuring direct engagement with senior leaders in a high-energy setting. They also organized limited-edition incentives. To drive participation, they offered a custom-designed branded vest — a simple but highly visible way to recognize contributors.

One key goal was to align their messages with company values. The PAC team didn’t just talk about political engagement in the abstract; they tied it directly to TriNet’s guiding principle. “One of our core values is ‘Stand Together’—and that’s exactly what we did,” McIntosh explains. “We’re a company that supports small businesses, and our PAC ensures their voices are heard in Washington.”

By making the PAC an extension of TriNet’s mission, the team transformed it from a previously underutilized program into a symbol of corporate engagement and leadership. TriNet’s senior leadership PAC participation grew by 55%. And it wasn’t only about one-time donations; recurring contributors increased by 51%, ensuring long-term sustainability. Perhaps the most striking success? PAC membership has grown by 290% in two years, outpacing many corporate PACs of its size.

“We didn’t just reinvigorate the PAC; we changed the culture around it,” McIntosh says.

Though both winners took very different approaches, their success underscores the value of the Outstanding PAC Awards — showcasing how organizations meet unique challenges while setting an example for others. “These awards aren’t just about recognizing great campaigns; they’re about creating a space where PAC professionals can learn from each other,” says Victoria Ellington, senior manager of political engagement at the Council. “We love seeing winners refine their programs over time and inspire the broader community with their creativity and impact.”

About the Outstanding PAC Awards
Each year, the Public Affairs Council’s Outstanding PAC Awards honor the strategies that drive real engagement. Winners present their campaigns at the Council’s National PAC Conference, where their insights help shape the future of PAC leadership. Could your organization be next? Learn more.