Jonathan Spontarelli is here to deliver this week’s News You Can Use from the new Washington D.C. branch of State and Federal Communications!

A bill further restricting revolving door provisions was sent to Gov. Jerry Brown for consideration.

Assembly Bill 1620 would change the current law prohibiting legislators from lobbying from one year to up to three years, depending on when he or she steps down from office. The bill states a legislator could not lobby during the two-year session after he or she was elected, plus another full year after the session ends.

If signed by the governor, the bill is effective January 1, 2018.

 Becky is coming to you from the Content Marketing World 2017 conference in Cleveland, Ohio with this week’s News You Can Use Video Digest!

The women of State and Federal Communications had the opportunity to attend PGA’s annual Executive Women’s Day and enjoy a day filled with golf insights, advice, and lessons.

This year’s program was held at Firestone Country Club on August 1. During breakfast, we learned what it’s like to be a caddy for professional golfers. We gained personal insight and stories from those closest to the golf pro.

After breakfast, Lisa Murray, Chief Marketing Officer at Octagon, shared advice and stories she’s obtained throughout her life. She told us how her perspective has changed many times from the beginning of her career to now. Murray has a degree in consumer economics, but has built a career in marketing. Octagon is a sports and entertainment marketing agency that she has been with since its very beginning. She helped it grow into the global marketing leader it is today. Murray’s key note address was humorous but also provided motivation to take risks in your career – as a woman and a professional.

Afterward, we had the chance to participate in a golf clinic. There were three stations – putting, chipping, and driving. A golf pro was at each station to give us tips on improving our golf game.

The speakers, golf clinic, and inspiring atmosphere of the event came together to create an uplifting day. Overall, Executive Women’s Day was a hit among State and Federal Communications employees and something we look forward to every year. It was a beautiful day, an empowering program, and a great start to the Bridgestone Invitational.

State and Federal Communications emphasizes the importance of professional development. There are many programs, webinars, and events the company provides for staff members to participate in. The goal is for employees to continuously learn and grow as professionals.

Lunch and Learn is a program the company uses to educate employees on various work-related topics. Staff members can enjoy lunch with their colleagues while learning something new.

State and Federal Communications recently welcomed crisis communications and media specialist Stephanie York from Hennes Communications. During the Lunch and Learn, York informed employees of the importance of crisis management and how handling a crisis can be easy if you follow the Damage Control Playbook.

She told us five things that we should know amid a crisis:

1. Tell the truth. The truth is going to come out eventually. It is better to state the truth at the beginning rather than wait for it to be exposed.
2. Tell it first. The public is going to find out the truth, inevitably. It is better for the company’s reputation to be the one informing the public. If the audience is already aware of the situation, they won’t be fazed if it shows up in the news.
3. Tell it all. Trying to hide part of the truth will result in backlash. If new information is revealed that you didn’t disclose to your audience, people will think the company had something to hide.
4. Be aware of media filters. Every story about the crisis is going to be told differently. If you give reporters all the information upfront it will usually produce a filter that respects the company.
5. Know the fundamental role of reporting. Reporters want to tell a juicy story. The situation will seem less scandalous coming from the source directly.

Knowing how to take control of the situation and communicate efficiently is beneficial to the company. Employees now know what to do and who to communicate with if the company ever faces a crisis. This information can also be applied when communicating with our clients. If they find themselves in a situation and need our assistance in any way, we are now better equipped to help. The Lunch and Learn was a great way to learn more about important topics in the industry.

On July 20, the Washington Legislature adjourned its third special session sine die.

Lawmakers were unable to reach agreement on a budget bill due to negotiations breaking down on a water-rights bill that was tied to the budget.

Gov. Jay Inslee indicated that he would not call lawmakers back for another overtime session unless they have a firm plan that will lead to a vote on the capital budget.

Before the week is over, be sure to catch up on any state government and ethics news you may have missed in this week’s video digest!

State and Federal Communications does all it can to give back to the community. One of the main ways we contribute is by working with the United Way. Along with the many other United Way programs we participate in, we have a yearly campaign to collect donations for its Stuff the Bus program.

The Stuff the Bus program collects school supplies for children from the Akron Public Schools. This year’s campaign runs from July 9 to September 6. There are three different ways to participate in Stuff the Bus: request a collection bin, volunteer at the Sort-a-Thon, or deliver the backpacks to the students. We are getting collection bins to gather supplies, but each part of this event is important and contributes to making it successful. The United Way will be collecting supplies from July 9 to August 18, the Sort-a-Thon takes place on August 22, and Delivery Day is September 6.

State and Federal Communications loves being a part of a program that encourages education. We want to see Akron Public Schools’ students succeed and grow into educated men and women. State and Federal Communications firmly stands behind this cause, and we really promote the message within our company and campaign to get our whole staff to participate. We are excited to Stuff the Bus this year as we have many times before!

To learn more, visit the United Way’s Stuff the Bus website.

Attending any of these events in July? State and Federal Communications will see you there!

July 10 Akron Community Foundation’s 62nd Annual Meeting, Akron, OH

July 11 NABPAC Rap Luncheon, Washington, D.C.

July 13-16 National Governors Association 2017 Annual Meeting, Providence, RI

June 20 Akron Roundtable, Akron, OH

Lobbying

“Florida Lobbyist Turning Trump Ties into Mega-Millions” by Rachel Wilson for Center for Public Integrity

Campaign Finance

Canada: “Justin Trudeau Lobbied at Recent Fundraising Event, Critics Raise Flags About New Rules” by Amy Minsky for Global News

Colorado: “Colorado Supreme Court: Douglas County School District didn’t violate campaign laws” by Brian Eason for Denver Post

Ethics

“Justice Dept. Compliance Expert Whose Contract Ended Early Says Trump Conflicts Made Work Feel Hypocritical” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post

“As Mueller Builds His Russia Special-Counsel Team, Every Hire Is Under Scrutiny” by Matt Zapotosky for Washington Post

“CNN Story About Source of Trump Wrestling Video Draws Backlash” by Daniel Victor for New York Times

Arizona: “Sue or Be Sued: Indicted developer George Johnson has long history in court” by Michael Kiefer for Arizona Republic

Arkansas: “Former Arkansas Judge’s Bribery Conviction, Prison Sentence Upheld” by Debra Hale-Shelton for Arkansas Online

California: “Appeals Court Throws Out Some Criminal Charges for Angela Spaccia, a Top Official in the Bell Corruption Scandal” by Corina Knoll for Los Angeles Times

Elections

Kansas: “Kobach: Kansas won’t give Social Security info to Kobach-led voter commission at this time” by Bryan Lowry for Kansas City Star

Procurement

Florida: “Florida’s Departing Fiscal Watchdog Used Public Scrutiny as a Weapon” by Mary Ellen Klas (Miami Herald) for Bradenton Herald

All the state government and ethics news you might have missed in this weeks video digest!

Gov. Kim Reynolds called a special election for House District 82.

The special election has been called to fill the vacancy left by the passing of State Rep. Curt Hanson. Hanson was serving his fifth term when he lost his battle with cancer on June 16, 2017.

The special election has been set for August 8, 2017.

Becky Campbell is here covering the state government and ethics news from around the country in this week’s video digest!

Becky is back with State Government and Ethics News You Can Use from around the country in this week’s video digest!