Representatives from the American Knife and Tool Institute visited Washington, D.C., as part of a trip that included a Board of Regents’ meeting and opportunities to meet with key federal legislators and other organizations.

The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) has hired Jennifer Gardner as Marketing Communications Specialist. In her role, she will help promote AKTI’s legislative successes and educational programs.

Rod Bremer, president of Columbia River Knife and Tool, and CJ Buck, head of Buck Knives, were elected to the positions of president and vice president for AKTI’s Board of Regents during the 2013 Blade Show in Atlanta, Ga.

Former state legislator Jenn Coffey has suggestions for how to effectively communicate a pro-knife position to lawmakers on all levels. Based on her experience, there are good and bad ways to talk to legislators, and she shares what works and what doesn’t when you tell your story.