March 14, 2018 •
What I learned about SXSW
SXSW has been an event I have wanted to attend but I didn’t understand it…And, after being here five days, I don’t know if I understand it because it is huge. Yes, there is music. There are films. But these […]
SXSW has been an event I have wanted to attend but I didn’t understand it…And, after being here five days, I don’t know if I understand it because it is huge.
Yes, there is music. There are films. But these are not just walk in opportunities. You need to have the right badge or wristband to attend.
I signed up with the City of Akron as a partner, which meant I had a table in the exhibit booth with the City…And, that is all I could do. I did speak with Libby Wuller and Joshua Hone from Quorum Analytics who gave me advice about signing up for events; but having only 48 hours between the PAC conference and SXSW, I had enough time to pack black slacks. I do thank them for the advice and will put it to better use next year. Also, a special thanks to Apple’s Steve Kester, who sent me a full list of night events. Yeah, after eight hours in the exhibit hall, there was little appetite for night events.
The exhibit booth is huge, and SXSW provides a lot of time for people to walk through. On Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday the booths are open from 10 am to 6 pm and on Wednesday it is open from 10 am to 2 pm. And, similar to NCSL, if you close up early, you are fined.
I did miss Melinda Gates, Elon Musk, the cast of This is Us and Roseanne because I only had the trade show badge. I could buy another one, which I will do for 2019. The big badge is the Platinum badge, which you can buy now for 2019 for $1,100, which is about $700 more than the regular price and you get in everything.
Everything? Impossible to staff the booth, attend events, see movies, get in line to hear Elon Musk, stay hydrated, eat, and do it for five days, at a minimum. The Interactive badge does allow you to attend sessions and the trade show, but not the films and concerts…you just don’t get a deal on that badge price.
So, if you are interested in SXSW, spend the rest of the year reading from the website about the programs and opportunities. If you have something technologically innovative, you should exhibit it.
Two pieces of advice:
- It is a no tie zone. You won’t look more professional in your professional business attire. You will look out of place. Lots of jeans, boots, and leggings here.
- Rest before flying into Austin…There is very little time to do so here.
I am available to answer questions if you have any about SXSW. I am hoping the City of Akron does this again because I did learn a lot and want to see more of the programs.
And, of course, it is the hippest place to be and I want to be hip!!
Check out some more of my photos from SXSW:
March 1, 2018 •
We Have Done the Research
When we ended our three-ring, three volume publication—about 10 years ago—we had paper everywhere and Kinko’s was our best friend. Trust me, the Kinko’s in Fairlawn, Ohio had to have been the highest ranked store in the country with the […]
When we ended our three-ring, three volume publication—about 10 years ago—we had paper everywhere and Kinko’s was our best friend. Trust me, the Kinko’s in Fairlawn, Ohio had to have been the highest ranked store in the country with the amount of work we sent to the 24/7 shop.
Now, everything is on our website, www.stateandfed.com, and though we have far less paper and FedEx (formerly Kinko’s) is still in business but not really printing our updates; we have info…a lot of it.
I met with Research Manager Michael Beckett—as I do every year—to review what we included on our website and what is planned for the next year. Here is a brief list of items included to improve your ability to search for information:
- Added question regarding gifts from lobbyist employers in both our Executive Source Guide on Lobbying and Procurement Lobbying;
- Clarified whether federal PACs can contribute to state and local candidates in our Executive Source Guide on Political Contributions;
- You will see additional information regarding a corporate PAC using payroll deductions to collect contributions;
- We are now capturing social media regulations in the Grassroots section of both our Executive Source Guide on Lobbying and Procurement Lobbying; and
- You will see we make sure we have indicated when the date the page was last modified.
And, there is more. The Research Department also:
- Prepared the 2018 Guidebook so you were able to have it at the beginning of the year;
- Prepared our Tip Sheet Ethics Implications for Expenditures at National Conferences and a second Tip Sheet on Grassroots Lobbying;
- Published 549 blog posts on lobbycomply.com;
- Transitioned to a new web-based database;
- Prepared a guide on Inauguration activities in the states after the November 2017 elections;
- Added the following new municipalities to the website: Bronx County, New York; Will County, Illinois; Laredo, Texas; Columbia Missouri; Dorchester County, Maryland; Irvine, California; and Coral Gables, Florida; and
- Created from a blank piece of paper, the inaugural countries to European Compliance—Republic of Ireland; European Union; and United Kingdom.
What will they do in 2018? Stay tuned for the April edition of Compliance Now.
In the meantime, let us know if you need assistance driving around our website. We would be happy to give you a tour.
January 3, 2018 •
25 Reasons to Work with State and Federal Communications in 2018
Welcome to our 25th year of providing the lobbying and political contributions compliance answers you need. It has been a lot of fun and we thank our valued clients throughout the years. In our Silver Anniversary year, we have (at […]
Welcome to our 25th year of providing the lobbying and political contributions compliance answers you need. It has been a lot of fun and we thank our valued clients throughout the years. In our Silver Anniversary year, we have (at least) 25 reasons for you to work with State and Federal Communications.
- Our ALERTS consulting program for additional assistance
- Our I COMPLY online publications, the foundation of the company
- Continuing Innovations to help with your work
- 24/7 website access
- Very knowledgeable, caring staff
- Attendance at major events
- Sponsorship of many events
- Thoughtful citizen in the community
- Commitment to helping college interns
- Webinars
- White Papers
- Tip Sheets
- Compliance NOW®
- News You Can Use
- Guidebooks
- LobbyComply®
- Social Media news and updates
- Working with our subscriber directly to answer questions
- Working with national law firms and government affairs firms
- 100% time spent on our core subject matters
- Focus on corporate social responsibility on local, regional, and national levels
- 25-year member of the Public Affairs Council—first dues paid in first year
- 18-year member of the State Government Affairs Council—best decision ever
- 19-year member of the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws (COGEL)
- Same owner for 25 years…still pounding the drum as the corporate crusader for compliance
We look forward to working with you in 2018 and beyond.
Thank You and Happy New Year.
November 6, 2017 •
Elizabeth Bartz named Spirit of Philanthropy Game Changer
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 […]
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.”
November 1, 2017 •
Let State and Federal Communications be your guide in 2018
It is not too early to start planning…Not for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve. I am talking about 2018 legislative sessions, primary elections, and the November 6th general election. The Research Department at State and Federal Communications has been […]
It is not too early to start planning…Not for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve. I am talking about 2018 legislative sessions, primary elections, and the November 6th general election.
The Research Department at State and Federal Communications has been busy, busy, busy updating our website with the important dates you need for 2018.
- When will the states go into session? √
- When are lobbying reports due? √
- Will there be blackout periods in 2018? √
- When will the primaries be held in the states? √
- When are pre- and post-election reports due? √
- Does every state have a general election in 2018? √
You just cannot go wrong when connected with the State and Federal Communications Community to know when your reports are due; elections are held; and when legislatures convene, adjourn, recess, and go into special session.
Access is easy for our subscribers. Sign onto StateandFed.com and input your login and password. The world is then at your fingers. If you need assistance with your access information, please call Megan Huber-Kovachik or Tony Didion at 330-761-9960 and they will provide the information.
You might not be able to tell by my desk, but my calendar is organized. Staying on top of these important compliance dates will help you manage your time in 2018.
This year is almost ending, which is hard to believe. Rest assured, State and Federal Communications is at your side for 2018.
October 20, 2017 •
NYCU Video Digest – October 20, 2017
Time for your weekly recap of the government and ethics news you can use in this week’s video digest!
Time for your weekly recap of the government and ethics news you can use in this week’s video digest!
October 17, 2017 •
Elizabeth Bartz honored with Kent State Advocacy Award
State and Federal Communications, Inc. President and CEO, Elizabeth Z. Bartz, was honored Friday, October 13, with the Kent State University Advocacy Award during the university’s fourth annual alumni awards. Elizabeth remains actively involved in Kent State University, especially with […]
State and Federal Communications, Inc. President and CEO, Elizabeth Z. Bartz, was honored Friday, October 13, with the Kent State University Advocacy Award during the university’s fourth annual alumni awards. Elizabeth remains actively involved in Kent State University, especially with incoming freshman.
“I have always felt it was important to pay back Kent State by being actively involved in the alumni program, creating a scholarship and supporting the university and its students,” Elizabeth said.
Elizabeth works to give back to Kent State and the university’s students through the Elizabeth Z. Bartz Scholarship for seniors at Howland High School planning to attend Kent State university; and the Promising Scholar Program, a scholarship opportunity for incoming freshmen in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Read more about the ceremony from the university’s news paper, The Kent Stater; and learn more about Elizabeth and the Advocacy award from the Kent State Alumni Association!
September 7, 2017 •
Bucket of States to Still Visit
Writing a monthly column doesn’t come easy for me…I want to find something to pique your interest but not make you fall asleep reading. I was kind of stuck waiting until the 11th hour to write the column when I […]
Writing a monthly column doesn’t come easy for me…I want to find something to pique your interest but not make you fall asleep reading. I was kind of stuck waiting until the 11th hour to write the column when I thought I would see what I wrote in previous Septembers. (So now you will all know I am a technological pack rat and save everything I have written.)
In 2014—three years ago I still have seven (7) states to visit in this country. Now, I know those of you who follow me on Facebook cannot believe I have not been to all 50 states. I had not completed it by 2014 and I am sorry to say I still have not reached the goal.
I really thought I could knock off South Dakota with Sen. Deb Peters at the NCSL Executive Committee meeting in October but it conflicts with a few other events that week and I cannot get there. There is still a chance I can knock this off by taking a US vacation to see Mount Rushmore.
Back to the subject. I am now down to the Final Four!!!
- Alabama
- Montana
- South Dakota
- Wyoming
What are your outstanding ones? And, if any of you have Ohio on that list, you need to call me to attend any of a number sporting events—Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians, Cleveland CAVS, Akron Rubber Ducks, or a visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I also have season tickets to the home games to Kent State University Golden Flashes. #flashesforever
I have a new goal and there is a new year coming up…Let’s do it!
Until next month, put your list together of states still left to see and hit the road.
President and CEO
@elizabethbartz
August 7, 2017 •
We Will Be There – NCSL 2017!
If you follow me on Facebook you know moss does not grow under my feet. I travel wherever there are meetings where our fabulous clients are together. I knew a long time ago business was not going to stop in […]
If you follow me on Facebook you know moss does not grow under my feet. I travel wherever there are meetings where our fabulous clients are together. I knew a long time ago business was not going to stop in at our office on S. Summit Street in Akron, Ohio.
So, we are heading to the NCSL Legislative Summit in Boston for our 18th year. State and Federal Communications is well represented at the Summit and will be in Booth 730 in the exhibit hall. It is a very busy week in Boston, starting with the NCSL Executive Committee meeting Saturday afternoon.
When State and Federal Communications is involved, we are not the wallflowers in the room.
We are a sponsor to the State Government Affairs Council Late Night at House of Blues, and we have a few tickets left if you need one.
We are also sponsoring the coffee break in the exhibit hall on Tuesday, August 8, which is a help to the legislators who are trying to find a cup of coffee during the long day of sessions. And, in case you saw our Facebook ad about a cup of coffee, I can assure you this is 100% compliant.
We love seeing you out on the road. Do not hesitate to stop by and say hello. We will “State and Federalize” your badge.
July 6, 2017 •
24 Years and at Our Best
Peter Drucker once said, “Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision.” I am hardly the person who pats myself on the back about the good things happening at State and Federal Communications—I know it takes […]
Peter Drucker once said, “Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision.”
I am hardly the person who pats myself on the back about the good things happening at State and Federal Communications—I know it takes a village to make it all happen.
What I do remember is signing a document on July 1, 1993, with my former employer at State and Federal Associates to take on the operation and finances of what is now State and Federal Communications. I do recall I had an upset stomach all day…and will leave it at that because I had never entered into any business agreement prior to that day.
The time has flown…Honestly, when you do something you love to do it really is not work. We have grown and continue to grow. We are anticipating bringing on our 50th employee in the near future and acclimating the staff to FMLA.
What will we continue to do for you?
We will add more and more municipalities to our site because many of you are working with these localities to offer your services. I just returned from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and saw many of you who want to have a great relationship with the mayors.
I never saw the Grateful Dead, but I just read “Marketing Lessons from the Grateful Dead: What Every Business Can Learn from the Most Iconic Band in History” by David Meerman Scott and Brian Halligan. The Grateful Dead did not listen to large music producers…The band listened to its fans. We always listen to our clients. If you have a question or a suggestion, please contact us because we would not be here if we did not have great clients.
Go International. We completed a review of lobbying and political contributions in Ireland and will soon include it on our site for you to peruse. We have heard many of you are traveling to Europe and Asia and we want to be your source for how to handle international compliance issues.
Thank you for your loyalty. We appreciate and are proud of all of our clients who always want to do the next right thing in compliance.
It is summer time and we are going to attend many conferences this summer and look forward to seeing you along the way.
May 18, 2017 •
State and Federal Communications, Inc. Named One of Top 100 Women-Owned Businesses in Ohio for 2017 by Omnikal
At the 17th Annual OMNIKAL National Business Summit at The Harvard Club in New York City on May 18, 2017, State and Federal Communications, Inc., and its President and CEO, Elizabeth Z. Bartz, were honored with a key diversity award […]
At the 17th Annual OMNIKAL National Business Summit at The Harvard Club in New York City on May 18, 2017, State and Federal Communications, Inc., and its President and CEO, Elizabeth Z. Bartz, were honored with a key diversity award as a Top 100 Women-Owned Business in Ohio, and are the only business in Akron, Ohio named to the list.
Each year OMNIKAL (formerly DiversityBusiness.com) collects and compiles data that results in the “Top Businesses Lists” on a state and national level. More than 2 million businesses in the United States have the opportunity to participate in the annual OMNIKAL business survey. OMNIKAL selects winning companies after reviewing each entrant’s business profile, website, and gross annual sales.
State and Federal Communications has won an “America’s Top Business” award every year since 2008.
According to OMNIKAL CEO and Founder Kenton Clarke, “These top privately-held companies are all distinguished by their progressive cultures and dynamic strategies.”
Mr. Clarke explains that OMNIKAL’s “Top American Businesses Lists” offer the most comprehensive look at the strongest and largest segment of the United States economy – America’s privately held companies. These middle market companies are recognized and respected, having truly differentiated themselves in our ever-evolving inclusive marketplace.
Ms. Bartz adds, “Being ranked highly with other leading companies across America is an achievement we are all proud of at State and Federal Communications. It shows our ongoing commitment to deliver quality government compliance information and consulting services to many companies, associations, and corporate and contract lobbyists. This award is an honor for our employees, clients, and the community where we live and work.”
Pictured are State and Federal Communications President and CEO, Elizabeth Z. Bartz; OMNIKAL CEO and Founder, Kenton Clarke; and Pinnacle Group Chairman and CEO, Nina Vaca
Founded in 1993, State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides government compliance information and consulting to Fortune 500 companies; trade, labor, and professional associations; and corporate and contract lobbyists in all 50 states. The firm’s in-house staff of attorneys is expert in state, federal, and municipal laws regarding lobbying, political contributions, and procurement lobbying. The company distributes accurate, comprehensive, and timely information which its clients rely on to maintain compliance with laws in all 50 states, the federal government, Canada, and almost 300 municipalities. For more information, visit StateandFed.com or Contact Us to learn more.
May 1, 2017 •
‘Elizabeth Z. Bartz Scholarship for Howland Tigers’ Finds Success with First Recipient
Kayleigh Crumb has been an excellent choice as the first student to receive the recently endowed ‘Elizabeth Z. Bartz Scholarship for Howland Tigers.’ This scholarship is given to a graduate of Howland High School who is entering Kent State University […]
Kayleigh Crumb has been an excellent choice as the first student to receive the recently endowed ‘Elizabeth Z. Bartz Scholarship for Howland Tigers.’ This scholarship is given to a graduate of Howland High School who is entering Kent State University at Trumbull Campus as a freshman.
Kayleigh received the 2016 scholarship award last fall, after graduating from high school, and enrolling at the KSU Trumbull campus. After her first semester at the university, she was named to the Dean’s List by achieving a 4.0 grade-point average. She also received a KSU Trumbull Freshman Scholarship for her efforts.
Elizabeth Z. Bartz, who provided $30,000 to Kent State University at Trumbull to endow the ongoing scholarship program, said, “I am delighted that Kayleigh was the first student from Howland High School to receive this scholarship. She has already done so well and has a bright future ahead of her. I endowed this scholarship last year in honor of my 40-year graduation anniversary from Howland High School because I wanted to give back and help graduating seniors from Howland High School attend the local area KSU Trumbull Campus, just like I did. Meeting Kayleigh has showed me I made the right decision to help promising students pay their early college costs.”
Kayleigh added, “I want to be a news anchor or work in the broadcasting field with my journalism major. Even while at Howland High School, I was able to take classes offered by Kent State and was able to obtain nine college course credits. This scholarship, generously provided by Ms. Bartz, helped me a lot so I could attend Kent State University at Trumbull, where I am getting the same education as the main campus in an affordable, safe and convenient location.”
Starting in the fall of 2017, Kayleigh will attend the main campus of Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, for her second year of classes. She is also being inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success later this month, the nation’s largest leadership honor society.
For upcoming seniors at Howland High School who will graduate and then attend Kent State University at Trumbull this Fall, they can learn more about the ‘Elizabeth Z. Bartz Scholarship for Howland Tigers’ and apply starting May 1, 2017, at this KSU website: http://www.kent.edu/trumbull/campus-scholarships
Elizabeth, who graduated from Kent State University having earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism in 1980 and a Master of Arts Degree in Political Science in 1982, credits the KSU Trumbull Campus and its professors as the place and people who supported her at the beginning of her university journey. Her endowment now ensures a scholarship is awarded each year to a Howland High School graduate, in a program managed by KSU.
April 18, 2017 •
A Surprise Visit for Elizabeth Bartz!
Elizabeth Bartz had a surprise visitor stop by our office. ADaM, the mascot for the Summit County ADM Board, came by to say ‘Thank You!’ for her donation to the annual ADM Recovery Challenge. State and Federal Communications is […]
Elizabeth Bartz had a surprise visitor stop by our office. ADaM, the mascot for the Summit County ADM Board, came by to say ‘Thank You!’ for her donation to the annual ADM Recovery Challenge.
State and Federal Communications is proud to contribute to the ADM Board, and we are committed to their dedicated efforts to those individuals most in need in Summit County.
Learn how you can get involved on the Challenge’s Facebook page or at www.admboard.org.
April 4, 2017 •
Sponsorship for the 2017 Cherry Blossom Princess for The Ohio Society of Washington, D.C., as part of National Cherry Blossom Festival
State and Federal Communications is once again the sponsor of the 2017 Cherry Blossom Princess of The Ohio Society of Washington, D.C. This year, Nmahawa (Mawa) Konate is the Ohio winner of the National Conference of State Societies (NCSS) Cherry […]
State and Federal Communications is once again the sponsor of the 2017 Cherry Blossom Princess of The Ohio Society of Washington, D.C. This year, Nmahawa (Mawa) Konate is the Ohio winner of the National Conference of State Societies (NCSS) Cherry Blossom Event and will be feted with the other princesses at a number of festivities, dinners, and a parade in Washington D.C. in early April.
I have the honor of presenting Mawa at the “NCSS Cherry Blossom Premier Event – Celebration of States and Territories,” on April 3.
Did you know, since 1948, state and territorial societies, as well as the international embassy community, have selected more than 3,000 accomplished young women for their academic achievement; exceptional poise and appearance; leadership; interest in social, civic, community, and world affairs, with a strong desire to serve others through community service; maturity and responsibility to represent their respective states/territories as “Cherry Blossom Princess.”
The week-long National Cherry Blossom Festival allows the ladies to participate in a number of activities, community service, and cultural exchange events. The week culminates by selecting one Cherry Blossom Queen, who is then invited by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association (JCBA) to visit Japan.
The Cherry Blossom Princess program is a wonderful event, which State and Federal Communications is so proud to sponsor. These young women have outstanding backgrounds and have already achieved much in their early careers. Our support empowers them to fuel their dreams of future leadership positions. We look forward to Mawa representing The Ohio Society of Washington, D.C., at many events this season.
Mawa is a 2013 graduate of Independence High School in Columbus and a current student at The Ohio State University. She is majoring in public affairs and is currently interning with the Peace Corps as a fellow in the John Glenn Washington Academic Internship Program.
Prior to moving to Columbus, she spent her childhood in Conakry, the capital and largest city in the West African country of Guinea. She has a passion for public service and working to eliminate poverty, hunger, and illiteracy around the world. In her current position, she is working on the Let Girls Learn initiative, which seeks to create equal opportunities for girls in more than 35 developing countries by helping them overcome traditional barriers to education. She previously interned with Unchained, a Columbus, Ohio non-profit organization helping to raise awareness and combat human trafficking.
While at The Ohio State University, she has served as treasurer and vice president for the African Youth League, was a national delegate on the Social Matters Committee for the Model African Union, and has volunteered with the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
With Mawa’s strong background and interest in making a difference in this world, we think she would be an excellent choice for the Cherry Blossom Queen award. We hope she is chosen for this unique honor!
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.