We’ve been Stock(ing) the Sleigh with socks for the homeless of Akron. A change of socks is one of the easiest and most profound ways to offer comfort to someone who lives outside and deals with cold, wet feet.

I am thrilled to report we have collected about 300 pairs of socks for the Haven of Rest, which serves hundreds of homeless people in the Akron area.

Thank you to the staff for their generous giving this holiday season!

There are more than 26,000 children in Summit County who experience food insecurity.

We have students in the Akron Public Schools who depend on the school meals for their sustenance and must do without during the holiday break.

The United Way of Summit County is answering that need by collecting food in their Holiday Snack Pack Drive.

We are proud to say we collected 588 individual snacks for those students as our way of sending love to the Akron community this holiday season.

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Akron, Ohio has an amazing group offering comfort to some wonderful people in need.

Each month, members of the Women’s Philoptochos Society are creating lovely quilts for the military, special quilts for those in burn units, and for many other people in need! As well as being comfy, these hand-crafted quilts are works of art made with loving care.

State and Federal Communications is proud to do its part by sponsoring the cost of shipping for these precious gifts.

 
We are kicking off the holiday season with our Stock(ing) the Sleigh project for the Akron community.  This year we are collecting socks for the homeless. Our sock drive begins today and ends on Monday, December 18. All donations will benefit the Haven of Rest, which serves hundreds of homeless people in the Akron area.

Also, we are gathering snacks for the children in the Akron Public Schools with United Way’s Holiday Snack Pack Drive! It starts today and runs until Monday, December 11. You can be a champion for a hungry child in the Akron Public Schools by bringing in snack items – you can find the list of snacks here.

Elizabeth Bartz, President and CEO of State and Federal Communications, has long been a leader in corporate social responsibility and strategic philanthropy, as well as a fierce defender of her community. Spirit of Philanthropy has recognized Bartz by naming her as one of their “Game Changers” of 2017-2018.

The organization’s motto is: Elevate. Encourage. Engage. That sounds like Elizabeth Bartz to us!

Here is the article that appeared in their publication:

Success That Means Giving Back 

by Connie Swenson

When Elizabeth Bartz was hired in 1983 at State and Federal Associates in Washington, D.C. (founded in 1976), she had no idea that she would eventually own her own business.

“In 1993, I bought out my department, State and Federal Communications, from State and Federal Associates, and moved it to Akron,” she says. She relocated the government compliance division back to her hometown and now employs 40, including 12 attorneys, and says she has other positions open she would like to fill.

“We are a company that is unique and valued in our field,” Bartz says. “We are experts in lobbying compliance laws, political contribution compliance laws, and procurement lobbying compliance laws. We are a company with a strong commitment to helping our clients comply with these state and federal laws and regulations.”

Under Bartz’ leadership, the company offers quick access to online, up-to-date information provided on its website each day. She has over 100 clients, which now include GM, Honda, Walmart, Target and Lyft.

But that is not the only aspect of Bartz’ career and life that is unique. Philanthropy has been very important to her. “I grew up Christian. I learned the importance of helping others,” she says. “Outside of your job, what are you doing to make this a better place?”

Today, she is involved with many local charities and passes on the philosophy of helping others her employees. “Every year, all employees participate in the United Way Day of Action. We’ve been involved for ten years; we all get together and do it together,” she says.

“We participate with a lot of nonprofits in Akron and Northeast Ohio including the Akron Urban League, Project GRAD Akron and Akron Children’s Hospital.”

And Bartz wears Kent State University blue and gold proudly. A passionate alum of both the Trumbull and Kent campuses, she has provided funding for student scholarships—one to graduates of Howland High School, her alma mater, the other to promising incoming freshmen in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She also sits on WKSU’s community board and underwrites news programming focusing on election reporting. In October 2017, Bartz received the Kent State Advocacy Award.

“Philanthropy makes the community a better place to live,” she says. “I think it’s important to help people less fortunate. I’ve been blessed. I don’t feel the need to spend any more money on myself.”

On Tuesday, October 31, State and Federal Communications is hosting its Eighth Annual Halloween Donut and Apple Cider Sale. All sales will go directly to the United Way of Summit County.

Drop in and say hello from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. and enjoy a delicious treat. We’ll be in the lobby of 80 South Summit St. in Downtown Akron, across from Quaker Square.

The Krispy Kreme regular and chocolate donuts are $1.00 per donut or $7.00 per dozen. The apple cider will be $1.00 per cup or $8.00 per gallon.

To reserve your donuts, you can email Joe May at jmay@stateandfed.com, or call us at 330-761-9960.

The CASA Board Volunteer Association of Summit County held its annual fundraiser, “I Am for the Child” breakfast on October 18, 2017. The CASA/GAL (Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian ad Litem) Program of Summit County is a trained community of volunteers appointed by a judge to represent the best interest of an abused or neglected child in court. State and Federal Communications was proud to be one of the sponsors.

We also are proud that our very own Research Manager Michael Beckett has been serving as chairman of the CASA Board. Beckett led the amazing breakfast event with the compelling story of the many children in Summit County who need the services of CASA.

“We had a great morning sharing the immediate goal of the CASA/GAL Program to provide each child victim of this opioid epidemic with a trained CASA volunteer,” said Beckett.  “Thank you to Elizabeth Bartz and State and Federal Communications for facilitating and supporting my involvement with the CASA Board.”

Thank you, Michael Beckett and all of the CASA community for the terrific work you are doing for the children of Summit County!