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Finding Advocates in Congress:To fill a need and serve a purpose
November 19, 2008
www.northcoaststrategies.comwww.cherrinlawgroup.com
Do you have something the government needs?
1) Will the request satisfy a need in government?
2) What is its economic impact? e.g. jobs, R&D, life science
3) How far will it impact? i.e. what are the long term affects?
If you have something to share, share it
• Meet with your member of Congress (or District Director)
• Then find the agency responsible for your product or service.
• Let others know about through media relations
Government Relations Strategies
Government Relations Strategies
• Communicating with key decision-makers:
-- Provide staff with helpful information
-- Meet with elected officials (and/or staff)
-- Constant monitoring of political and legislative activity
Government Relations Strategies
An effective government relation’s strategy requires the constant monitoring of news and legislative activity in addition to frequent relationship management and networking with key decision-Makers.
Government Relations Strategy
Monitor legislation/regulation
Media monitoring/relations
Build relationships
Government relations/advocacy
Po Political Advocacy
iInInd Industry Involvement
Government Relations Strategies
• Meet with Congressional/ Committee Staff
- In the District; and,- In Washington
• Meet Agency staff
• Find a way to demonstrate your product
Legislative Monitoring
• There are too many issues and agencies to monitor
• By focusing on your issue, you can assist the member and their staff in the process by bringing issues, people and legislation to their attention.
• Subscribe to RSS feeds, blogs and subscription services to monitor your industry.
• Network with others in the industry
• Attend industry events
Relationship Management
• Often times, companies need to make connections and build relationships with government officials or they may have an issue before Congress, the legislature, the governor, White House or executive agency.
• The key is to build relationships with key government officials before you need to ask for their support.
• Therefore, you need to establish a presence and establish relationships with key decision-makers so that when you need support, those who are in positions that can make decisions are familiar with you and the issues you are seeking support for.
Sample Timeline For Action
Laws Governing Lobbying
• Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995• House and Senate Ethics Rules• Federal Election Campaign Act• The Honest Leadership and Open
Government Act of 2007• Internal Revenue Code • Foreign Agents Registration
Act
Finding a Lobbyist
• Turn to trade associations or ‘word-of-mouth’
• Do they understand your industry/product
• Are they connected (and to whom)
• Do they understand the process
• How frequently will they communicate with you
Media relations
Turning to the media
• To raise awareness of your product, turn to the media
• Often times an article will peak the interest of a procurement officer
• Develop a list of key media
• Contact editors/reporters with a unique and timely story
www.northcoaststrategies.comwww.cherrinlawgroup.com
Daniel CherrinDaniel Cherrin(313) 300-0932