Finding Advocates in Congress:To fill a need and serve a purpose

November 19, 2008

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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

dcherrin@northcoaststrategies.com