I learned a long time ago people donate resources to three, five at the most, organizations. In my case, those three are the Greek Orthodox church, Kent State University, and United Way of Summit/Medina (UWSM) — not in that order.

Helping the United Way can be a great way to make a positive impact on your community. United Way works on various issues such as education, financial stability, and health, and they collaborate with local organizations to create long-term solutions.

Many companies partner with United Way to organize workplace giving campaigns. We have a great workplace giving program. If your workplace hosts one, you can get involved by contributing financially or helping to promote the campaign to your colleagues. I currently serve on the UWSM Executive Committee and in 2023/2024, I was the campaign chair helping to bring in new workplace campaigns.

Let me say State and Federal Communications’ work with United Way started decades ago. We had just hired Nola Werren to the staff and she asked why we didn’t donate to United Way. Her father, Chuck Hogan, had led the United Way in Trumbull County. I called Bob Kulinski, then president of United Way in Summit County and our program started.

We built our workplace campaign after speaking with other leaders in Akron. We learned from a past campaign chair about the Fair Share + Program. This took the UW Fair Share amount — average 1.5% of someone’s salary — and added $1 per paycheck. In our case, which would be $24 more a year.

The local United Way provided a free PTO day at Christmas if they brought in 100% participation. We adjusted it a bit and now provide the day before Thanksgiving off for 100% participation. We reached it most years, but we did not in 2024. It really is okay; our campaign exceeded all other goals.

There are a lot of ways to help United Way. Some include:

• Volunteering your time — United Way offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. You can help by participating in community service projects, mentoring, tutoring, or assisting with special events. My staff particularly likes Stuff the Bus and Read-to-Me day.
• Advocate — This is easily done by spreading awareness about United Way’s mission by sharing their work on social media, writing to local leaders, or organizing events promoting their initiatives.
• Join a committee — If you are interested in a leadership role, consider joining one of United Way’s committees or their board. This is a way to contribute your professional expertise to help the organization succeed.

State and Federal just finished its 14th Annual Donuts and Cider campaign. We started this to add to what we were pledging to UWSM. We take orders from the community and Joe May and Nicolette Koozer lead the team to set up our table on Halloween Day. We donate all sales to UW. It does not bring in a lot, but we usually donate $1,000 to UWSM and a lot of people enjoy delicious donuts and apple cider.

What can I tell you about our company’s campaign, which just ended:

• 43 people pledged $65,022
• 22 people pledged Fair Share +
• 30 people pledged at leader levels starting at $500

People have their thoughts about the United Way. All that is known is in Summit/Medina County we are making changes with our Bold Goals, which are:

1. Ready for Success — 65% of Akron Public School third graders read at or above grade level.
2. Youth Success — College and Career Readiness where 90% of APS high schoolers graduate in 4 years, with 60% college/career ready and Youth Opportunities and Success where 60% of Akron youth employed or active in extracurriculars.
3. Financial Empowerment — 11,000 people in Summit County and 2,500 people in Medina County.
4. Health Equity — Reduce the Black infant mortality rate in Summit County to 6 per 1,000 live births.

There are 11,000 United Ways in this country. Find yours and make a difference.

Thank you.
Elizabeth Z. Bartz
@elizabethbartz

In the midst of a turbulent political landscape, every four years we are reminded the choice we make at the ballot box shapes our country’s course for the next generation. This November’s presidential election is no exception — the stakes are higher than ever before.

We have serious issues, and we need serious people heading all levels of our governments (Yes, The American President from 1995 is one of my favorite movies). We need to talk about climate change, healthcare, economic inequality, housing, reproductive rights, and immigration. These are not issues we can keep pushing off to another year or another decade.

Do not even get me started on the U.S. Supreme Court and the long-term influence it has on all of us. Take a look at the Justices. They are not spring chickens. And let us get some ethnic reform for them.

Unlike any midterm election, this one carries a weight affecting us globally due to our position in world politics. This election will impact different demographics — young voters, marginalized communities, and different economic classes. It is not just for us. Remember everyone in your circle. For me, it definitely includes my daughter, son-in-law, two grandsons, and three nephews. They will never hear me say I did not think it was important to vote or get involved.

This November, the choice is clear: vote not just for yourself but for the future of your community, your country, and your planet. Every vote is a thread in the fabric of democracy, and in this election, more than ever, that fabric needs your voice.

Thank you.
Elizabeth Z. Bartz   
@elizabethbartz

For the first time, State and Federal Communications dipped its toe in attending political conventions. Now do not be mistaken, we were not on the floor of the convention with the thousands of delegates.

Jean Cantrell and I participated in the receptions held by the Community Leaders of America in Milwaukee and the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) in Chicago. We were definitely outside of the perimeter and we did not wear credentials to attend anything outside of our small scope.

The Community Leaders of America sponsored the reception with the United States Conference of Mayors in the beautiful Milwaukee City Hall. The event started with a press conference with Republican mayors in attendance along with Milwaukee’s Democratic Mayor Cavalier Johnson. Miami’s Mayor Francis Suarez spoke on behalf of the convention, as he was there also as a delegate.

In Chicago, we partnered with the United States Conference of Mayors for a reception at the Marriott Marquis with the nation’s Democratic mayors. Again, this started with a press conference headed up by Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, this year’s president of the USCM, along with Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson. We all love surprise guests and this year, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg — in his capacity as a delegate and not Secretary.

The best of both conventions was really the activity on the floor. I am a fan of CSPAN because it has no commercials and we hear more of the speakers, while other stations take breaks. I like to hear from everyone.

Until next month, I encourage you to prepare to vote. Plan it now. Early voting starts October 8th in Ohio and I plan to be at the Summit County Board of Elections. It has been decades since I stood in line on Election Day to vote. Plus, we give everyone on staff an hour to vote — whenever they plan to vote.

Thank you.
Elizabeth Z. Bartz
@elizabethbartz

After we celebrated our 30th anniversary in 2023, we found we met milestones with affiliations with our stakeholder groups. One of the first we joined was NCSL—National Conference of State Legislatures. This year will be our 25th year as an exhibitor at its Legislative Summit and our 19th year as a member of the NCSL Foundation.

Why is this important to an organization whose mission it is to bring state legislators together? Because that is where we meet our clients. I know their mission is to meet the legislators… But the Summit is a great way to meet a lion’s share of our clients, which definitely helps us understand the work they do.

In 2024, eight of us from State and Federal Communications will head to Louisville, Kentucky for this year’s Summit. You should see our schedule. Between the summit sessions, exhibitor hours, SGAC member lunch, SGAC Professional Advanced Class, late afternoon receptions for incoming and outgoing NCSL executives, various trade association receptions (shout out to WASRG), the very popular SGAC late night (I have tickets to this hot event), and the great NCSL events at The Kentucky Center, and the closing reception at Churchill Downs.

Let me just say this is not a conference for the weak. We meet every morning for breakfast to discuss our day and divide the conflicting events.

The best is when we meet our clients at our exhibit booth. We “stateandfederalize” people with our popular red, white, and blue lanyards, take a quick photo for future issues of Compliance NOW, and just generally catch up.

We take our relationship with NCSL seriously. Just last week, CEO Tim Storey met with Jean Cantrell and me when we happened to be in Denver for another one of our stakeholder groups, ALEC. We definitely complimented him on the work done to bring more than 5,000 people to Louisville and meet the foundation goal for the year. We also spoke about concerns about the reduced number of days/times for the exhibitors. He listened and we hope to see some improvements in the future.

When the budget for NCSL is one of the top groups we are involved in, we will always make sure we can communicate our concerns. If you are going to Louisville, you will not have to look hard to find us! Hope to see you.

Thank you.

Elizabeth Z. Bartz
@elizabethbartz

We totally have enjoyed celebrating our 30th anniversary. And now we move on. If it is July 1st then it is our anniversary and we are ready to start year 31! I had thought we could utilize a logo resembling Baskin-Robbins 31 Flavors but the company doesn’t use “31 Flavors” anymore.

It is just our 31st year. We are busier than ever. Yes, it is a presidential year and we will be participating Community Leaders of America in Milwaukee and the US Conference of Mayors in Chicago at their respective receptions. At this time we are still waiting to see if the presidential candidates will participate in the debates scheduled with the Commission on Presidential Debates.

We are attending the Council of State Governments Southern, Midwest, and Eastern regional meetings along with the national meeting in December. You will see ten (10) of us at National Conference of State Legislatures National Summit [Booth 513] along with our great exhibit booth.

There is no moss growing because we will also be an exhibitor at the American Association of Law Libraries [Booth 629], American Legislative Exchange Council, and attending American Society of Association Executives, which is in Cleveland, Ohio.

We are not slowing down. Our services are being used by major companies who need to ensure compliance, trade associates, law firms, and government relations firms. We are so honored to work with these organizations.

Onward to year 35!!!

Enjoy this beautiful summer. We hope to see you on the circuit.

Thank you.
Elizabeth Z. Bartz
@elizabethbartz

Maybe things are no longer “hot off the presses”, but our 2023 CSR Annual Report is definitely hot. The year was full of events and activities, which kept us busy all year long and it was all headed up by Joe May, Manager of CSR at State and Federal Communications, with a lot of help from a lot of the staff.

The 2023 report includes information about:

1.      Our great 30th anniversary

2.      Government Relations events we have attended around the country

3.      The MOVE from 19,000 square feet to 27,000 square feet in downtown Akron

4.      Creating the space for good to happen

5.      A ton of professional development opportunities

6.      Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

7.      How we strengthen our community through United Way, the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Tools for School, and Be an Angel

8.      Our love for the Girl Scouts and the cookies

9.      Company leadership in organizations

10.    Our fabulous internship program

11.    How we protect our environment

12.    And beautiful ovations from Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, Women in Government Executive Director Meredith Martino, and NCSL’s current President and Rhode Island’s President Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy

Don’t just read the list… Go to the Annual Report and see for yourself how this mighty team of 43 people does a lot in Akron, Washington DC, and the country. We are happy to send you a copy… just send me an email at ebartz@stateandfed.com, and it will be on its way.

Enjoy this beautiful month of June. We will be back in July.

Thank you.

Elizabeth Z. Bartz

Thank you.
Elizabeth Z. Bartz
@elizabethbartz

A few years ago, we added a tab on our website and called it Ask the Expert. Subscribers could pose a question about the content of our online guidebooks. We found this to be a great value add for our clients.

1. You mentioned a change in Louisiana. When will that go into effect?
2. Should our state folks track federal activity if they are not registered?
3. How can I amend a report we filed in Tennessee?

These are great questions, and we are happy to help.

However, two things have happened since we started.

1. Our clients have a lot of questions. Most of the questions deal with definitions from the states along with clarification of dates.
2. Michael Beckett has been terribly busy. Michael is our Associate Director of Research with six managers working for him. Whatever the district, he can route it to an attorney for a response.

We want to be of assistance to our subscribers when there are questions. We just need to make sure we have all the information.

Subscriber benefits are designed to include inquiries about the content of our online guidebook. Questions requiring novel research, application of subject matter, and projects involving multiple districts are outside the scope of this program.

We want to make sure we have all the information needed to answer your questions, and it helps if we can set up an agreement to assist you with your concerns. This does not move you over to our Consulting work. It just makes sure both sides are protected, and the cost is minimal.

Lobbying compliance is not easy, and we know you have other business to handle for your organization. We can help you at any level.

Until next month, prepare for the busy summer schedule of meetings being held everywhere, and Ask the Expert if you are stumped.

See you on the road.

Thank you.
Elizabeth Z. Bartz
@elizabethbartz

Community Open House — More like Community Welcoming Us

The housewarming is always hard to plan. Do we have everything in place? Are we ready to welcome the neighborhood?

March 25th was our community open house — five months after we officially moved into our new space. It took time to spread our 17,000 square feet of office materials into 29,000 square feet. We are probably the only company not downsizing in Akron, Ohio. We were busy until the last minute, putting artwork up on the walls, rearranging chairs around the place, and bringing out our red/white/blue tablecloths!!!

And, you know what… the community showed up! Between 2 pm and 7 pm, we had 200 people in our offices enjoying our delicious food from Waterloo Restaurant, taking tours of the office, looking at our great artwork, and just conversing with the staff.

It was a great time. After it was over, I received a text from Bill Considine, former president of Akron Children’s Hospital, and the most respected man in Akron.

“Congratulations on your open house and 30-year celebration!! Becky and I thoroughly enjoyed touring your new space, talking with members of your team, and joining people and friends from the community that joined in the celebration. You can take great pride in the organization you’ve developed.

~Onward. Bill C”

Now that is a big deal. Along with the fabulous proclamation received from Dr. Todd Diacon, president of Kent State University. FLASHES FOREVER.

The important part about the open house is everyone enjoyed themselves, ate plenty of food, and left with a swing in their step.

Thank you to everyone who has helped move us over the mountain and have faith in the work we do for your company.

I might not be so quick to decline office parties in the future. It is a great way to meet your neighbors.

Thank you.

Elizabeth Z. Bartz

I saw these two videos [below] last week at the National Governors Association meeting in DC… and, I have been thinking about it. How can I disagree differently this election year?

It’s a big deal in my household. My husband is a diehard Ohio State fan. I was born in Ann Arbor. My immediate family members still wear the maize and blue when the teams play together.

Truth be told, I don’t have a reason not to be an Ohio State fan but it does keep disagreements lively. Our daughter went to Ohio State Law School and I was talking to our grandson, James (or Jackpot as I affectionately call him) about Michigan’s beauty when he screamed out loud, “Mom, I want to go to Michigan!”

Okay, let’s get back to disagreeing differently. I heard from former Congressman J.C. Watts [right] at the State Government Affairs Council Leaders Policy Conference in November. He had a great comment. Maybe there would not be as much divisiveness if people watched more Andy Griffith than FOX News. I ran up to tell him after my sisters and I watch Andy Griffith with our father every night (I even saw the episode when Aunt Bee arrived.) We could go back to my household where my husband and I are of different political sides. I have not been nice about it. When President Obama won, I blocked FOX News from the main television. I hated hearing it blaring in the television when I returned home. I also did not remind him to vote on one Primary Election, but I felt guilty and told him 10 minutes before the polls closed. He did have time to speed to the local school and vote.

Most of the time we watch television on different floors during a presidential election year. I want to do it differently this year—especially after the ridiculous issues Ohio Secretary of State allowed on our 2023 ballots about changing the constitution and women’s reproductive health. Our daughter, Nicole, and I had old conversations with John about why both would severely affect women in the state. I was also afraid Nicole and her family would move to Colorado with her in-laws and I would NOT be happy—about the move, not the in-laws.

I will TRY the same thing this year. We need to get over the things we are both concerned with and that is the age of our candidates for president. At this point there is nothing we can do about it. Will I ever change his mind and vote for my candidate? Probably not. But maybe on November 5th, we can watch election coverage together.

It’s important we know why we want to vote for a specific candidate. Take the time to learn. There are so many ways than FOX or MSNBC. Read books, magazine articles, put it in your Open AI. Take the time because we have the time. Then VOTE.

Governor Mike Parson (R) Missouri and Governor Laura Kelly (D) Kansas

Governor Wes Moore (D) Maryland and Mayor Jack Coburn (R) Lonaconing, MD

Recently I promoted Amber Fish Linke from a Director position to Vice President. She earned the promotion.

Amber joined State and Federal Communications in March 2005 as one of our research associates. She took some time off that summer to take the Ohio Bar Exam, which she passed. Amber was part of our initial compliance associate team, where she joined two other staff members to spend all their time working with our compliance program.

She had worked in both departments, and it made sense to have her oversee both as Director and we were able to promote both John Cozine and Michael Beckett to oversee compliance and research, respectively.

Amber and I meet frequently to talk about business, especially our consulting program ALERTS. In 2023, while I was knee high in our move from 17,000 to 29,000 sq feet, I knew I had to promote Amber to Vice President to really help me with promoting our consulting program to our current subscribers who still need additional assistance, work with compliance and research departments to insure we have the staff on hand for the work, and to get involved in our community to develop leaders at the company.

I am not fast when making decisions, because I want to make sure I have everything in place. I was able to take the time in December and worked with Amber to develop a great job description for the position.

Voila! I have a new Vice President whom I know will be able to help speak with potential clients about consulting services and help develop our future leaders.

Stay tuned … We have a lot to do and will continue to be your #1 compliance company.

Thank you

EB

@elizabethbartz

When I decided to write about upcoming elections in 2024, the song from Band-Aid (1984) came to my mind, with my own words.

It’s Election time, there’s no need to be afraid

At Election time, we let in light, and we banish shade

According to my friend, ChatGPT, 32% of registered voters cast a ballot for US President in 2020, which was more than 2016. Okay, I checked it with a more solid source, the US Census Bureau and the numbers were about the same. There is more to know, and I personally resemble some of these points.

• Those 45 to 64.
• Those 65 and older.
• The non-Hispanic White population.
• Those with some college or an associate degree.
• Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher.

The highlight from a report from the US Census Bureau is the main reason registered nonvoters did not vote is they were not interested in the election. Those who are not even registered to vote cite the reason is they are not involved in politics.

And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy

Throw your arms around the world at Election time

But say a prayer, Pray for the other ones

At Election time it’s hard, but when you’re having fun

Why does this concern me? We spend our whole year updating our website with election dates from the federal government, every state government, and municipalities. My blogs about Who Is Voting in America is a top post.

My New Year’s Resolution—other than losing weight and taking better care of myself—is to meet with all the college students I run into and give them one of our Keep US Strong buttons. It is important they realize the future depends on them to VOTE and to be involved.

In the two state representative districts in Akron and Kent, we have two young men running in 2024. It is their first run for office, and I hope they can speak to their contemporaries about registering and voting.

Let them know it’s Election time again.

On behalf of my staff at State and Federal Communications, we wish you a Happy New Year.

Our 2024 calendar is packed. We look forward to seeing you next year.

Do you want to stay up to date with the latest news at State and Federal Communications, inc.? Sign up for the newsletter here or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or X.

Moving is not for the weak. After 21 years, State and Federal Communications moved to our new offices at 222 S. Main Street in downtown Akron. Yours truly was the only person on staff who never moved to a different office … so I had 21 years of stuff everywhere.

Most of it was moved over to our new office and I am slowly going through it. Slowly being the operative word here. For the first month of being in the office, I had only been in for six days because of travel. I am now completing my first full week in the office this very week … and I still have a lot to unpack. At least I know where all my pens are — the first three weeks I had two on my desk.

I do have to say the office is fabulous. We are all on the same floor and not in four different quadrants on two floors as we were before. We are all taking our steps in to greet and catch up with our colleagues.

It still is not all done … and I am not talking about just my office. There is artwork all over the place. We need to decide where it all goes. Some unidentified boxes are still lying around, which need to be opened and moved or pitched. And I really have no idea why a television is leaning up against a wall.

It really is all okay because we are all on one floor, the lights automatically turn on when we walk in the room, and the coffee machine is working and turning out some good joe.

This is the first of five major items off my to do list. Stay tuned for what is next.

Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season.

@elizabethbartz

I was a traditional student. You know I did what was expected of me. I graduated high school and went to college for a BA. Took a short-term job at an NPR station and realized if I needed to make a change, I needed more education. I obtained an MA and went to work thinking I knew it all.

But you know I didn’t. Statistics was not my favorite class in graduate school so when I moved to DC, I took a class at the Department of Agriculture so I could try on my own time to learn more about it. After all these decades I really do not use statistics.

Again, for decades I sat at my desk running the company. In 2009, I read about the Public Affairs Council’s PAC Institute and applied for the 2010 class. It was amazing. We did not spend our time talking about how a bill becomes law, how to lobby, or how to be a perfect employee.

From the Council’s website, step outside the day-to-day challenges of your job. Focus on the broader issues shaping the business and political environments in which your organization operates.

The Public Affairs Institute combines a rigorous curriculum with small, carefully selected classes to provide participants with unmatched opportunities to learn directly from premier faculty. Speakers are issue experts from leading universities, think tanks, and the top levels of government.

The Institute’s three-year course of study ensures graduates gain an in-depth understanding of the pivotal issues in public affairs today. You will be immersed in an exceptional educational and networking environment renowned for its innovation and excellence.

The Institute curriculum is developed for public affairs executives by public affairs executives. Topics are chosen based on input from previous graduates about the challenges that they and their organizations face.

In 2010, State and Federal Communications sent the following to Institute and in January 2023, Gamble Hayden will be part of the freshman class.

Elizabeth Bartz—Class of 2012

Ren Koozer—Class of 2016

Jean Cantrell—Class of 2013

Rebecca South—Class of 2019

Joseph May—Class of 2023

As you prepare for your professional development look at this awesome program. If you have any specific questions, please contact me. I love promoting the PAC Institute. #AlwaysLearning

Thank you.

Elizabeth Z. Bartz @elizabethbartz

Earlier this year, our business development department started a quest to find colleagues, friends, clients, and officials to give a brief comment about reaching our 30th anniversary. Have you seen these videos? You can find them on the State and Federal Communications website, www.stateandfed.com.

I did the first one and then every Wednesday at 2 pm, we introduce another great video. It started with Ohio Governor Michael DeWine, whom I have seen around conferences and other events in Ohio and DC.  Now, does he remember me? I don’t know but his video is very much appreciated.

As are all the others. We have had—so far.

• The Exquisite Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro
• Women in Government Relations President, Chatrane Birbal
• Owner of our fabulous Akron RubberDucks, Ken Babby
• The President of Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, Jane Christyson—who carries single-wrapped Girl Scout Cookies in her purse.
• The ever-calm Executive Director, Jeremy Lile, of Akron’s Heart to Heart Leadership
• My fellow Yiayia (Greek Grandmother) Para Jones who is also the President of Stark State College.
• Chief Executive Officer of National Conference of State Legislatures Tim Storey
• President and CEO of the Public Affairs Council Doug Pinkham—a fellow Ohioan from a long time ago.
• Current National Conference of State Legislatures President Brian Patrick Kennedy
• And from the first person I met at Kent State University in 1976, my BFF Judith Zimomra who has served the public without incident as the Chief of Staff for Cleveland Mayor Mike White and followed that up with a 20-year tenure as City Manager of Sanibel Island. She retired and moved BACK to Ohio and teaches at The Ohio State University John Glenn School of Public Affairs.

Can I tell you I have every opportunity to check the network and watch them all. I even get an email at the beginning of the week telling me who is being featured… And I still do not check it out. I am sure my husband would prefer I did that instead of spending my evenings on the Nordstrom and Talbot sites!!!

I absolutely love hearing from people who want to be a part of our 30th anniversary. I know there are more—in fact enough to even go into 2024. We are even waiting for Akron’s Presumptive Mayor Shammas Malik to be sworn in on January 1st to record his video.

What can I say? I am not perfect. There have been thousands of business decisions made that could have been better. However, I must be doing something right to still show up 30 years later to be a tax-paying Corporate Crusader for Compliance in Government Relations.

Check out the videos on our website or on Facebook, Twitter (X), or LinkedIn.

Thank you to everyone.

Elizabeth Z. Bartz  @elizabethbartz