LobbyComply Blog

As summer begins to wind down, it is hard to believe we are already looking toward the final months of 2026. The year may have started with a fresh calendar and ambitious goals, but time has a way of moving quickly. Before we know it, we will be celebrating the holidays and preparing to turn the page to 2027.

That makes now the perfect time to pause, reflect, and prepare.

The final months of the year should not simply be about checking items off a list. They are an opportunity to look at what we have accomplished, what still needs our attention, and where we want to go next.

Start by looking back. What worked well during the first eight months of the year? Which goals did you accomplish? Where did you make progress that perhaps was not part of the original plan? It is important to recognize those successes—not just the things that remain unfinished.

Then look ahead. There is still plenty of time left in 2026 to accomplish meaningful things. Identify the few priorities that truly matter and focus your energy there. Sometimes the most productive decision we can make is determining what does not need to be done before the end of the year.

For businesses, this is also an important time to look at clients, employees, and finances. Are there opportunities that need to be pursued? Are there conversations you have been putting off? Does your team have the resources and direction it needs? A little planning now can prevent a lot of scrambling later.

And do not forget the people who helped make the year successful. The end of the year is a natural time to recognize employees, thank clients, and appreciate the relationships that contribute to our success. People remember being appreciated, and gratitude is one investment that always pays dividends.

There is also value in beginning the 2027 conversation now. What do you want next year to look like? What changes should be made? What opportunities should be pursued? What lessons from 2026 should influence your decisions?

We do not have to wait until January 1^st to begin planning for a new year.

Personally, the remaining months also give me a chance to slow down and make room for the things that matter outside of work—family, friends, travel, community, and simply taking time to recharge. A successful year is not measured only by what appears on a balance sheet or a list of accomplishments.

So, as we prepare for the rest of 2026, let us resist the temptation to simply rush toward the finish line. Let’s take a moment to appreciate how far we have come, focus on what matters most, and make thoughtful decisions about where we are headed.

Let us finish 2026 strong, prepare wisely for 2027 and, most importantly, enjoy the journey along the way.

Thank you.

EB

Sign up for the Compliance Now newsletter and receive Gamble’s column along with the rest of the experts at State and Federal Communications’ valuable information every month – https://stateandfed.com/e-newsletter/

Summer is travel season—and for many of us, it feels like everyone is on the move. Whether you are packing your own bags, managing a business while key employees take well-earned vacations, or simply navigating crowded airports and highways, summer can test our patience and our planning.

So how do we survive a busy travel summer?

We start by adjusting our expectations. Flights may be—okay will be delayed. Roads will be congested. Popular destinations will be more crowded than we would like. Accepting travel rarely goes exactly as planned can make the inevitable hiccups much easier to handle.

Preparation is your best travel companion. Pack thoughtfully, arrive early, keep important documents accessible, and build extra time into your schedule. A little planning can turn a stressful day into a manageable one.

Remember, vacations are meant to restore us, not exhaust us. Leave room for unplanned moments. You do not have to see every attraction or fill every minute. Some of the best travel memories come from slowing down, enjoying a local café, watching the sunset, or having an unexpected conversation with someone new.

If you are staying behind while others travel, summer presents its own challenges. Businesses often operate with leaner staffing, making teamwork and flexibility more important than ever. Cross-training employees, communicating schedules early, and extending a little extra grace to coworkers can help everyone make it through the season successfully.

Most importantly, practice patience. The family with young children boarding the plane, the hotel employee juggling a full house, the restaurant server working a double shift—they are all doing their best. A smile, a kind word, and a little understanding can go a long way.

Summer is fleeting. Before long, the backpacks will replace the suitcases, and routines will return. Until then, embrace the adventure, prepare for the unexpected, and remember the journey itself is often just as meaningful as the destination.

Travel safely, be patient, and make memories which will last long after the tan lines have faded.

After attending both the ALEC and NCSL Conferences, John Chames and I are joining our daughter and her family in Thessaloniki and plan to restore and relax before continuing with our everyday schedules and conferences.

Thank you.

EB

Sign up for the Compliance Now newsletter and receive Elizabeth’s column along with the rest of the experts at State and Federal Communications’ valuable information every month – https://stateandfed.com/e-newsletter/

State and Federal Communications is excited to welcome Stephanie Underwood as our new Executive Assistant to President and CEO Elizabeth Bartz. With nearly two decades of executive support experience and a passion for helping leaders succeed, Stephanie brings a wealth of knowledge, organization, and enthusiasm to the team.

Stephanie’s professional journey into executive support began in 2008, but her administrative and creative experience started long before that. While raising her son, she worked part-time in a medical office and served her family’s church, where she managed graphic design, the website, and multimedia efforts, a role she continues to volunteer in today.

As her son grew older, Stephanie transitioned into a full-time corporate career at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, where she spent 18 years supporting executive leadership. Throughout her career, she discovered a clear professional goal for herself and that was to support a CEO.

“When I moved up through the different levels of being an executive assistant, I knew I always wanted to support a CEO,” Stephanie shared. “Being laid off gave me the opportunity to think about what I really wanted to do next. That journey ultimately led me to State and Federal Communications.”

While she is new to the government relations industry, Stephanie has enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about the field. “It’s opened up a whole new world,” she said. “Working here has given me a different perspective, and I’ve really enjoyed learning about government relations.” Looking ahead, Stephanie hopes to continue growing in her role while supporting Elizabeth Bartz and the company’s mission.

Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys traveling with her husband, John, especially to Scottsdale and Las Vegas, taking cruises, riding motorcycles, and spending time with their son, daughter-in-law, and beloved “granddog”. She looks forward to one day becoming a grandmother to a beloved grandchild as well.

Stephanie’s dedication and commitment to supporting leadership make her a wonderful addition to the State and Federal Communications team. We are excited to have her on board and look forward to all she will accomplish.

Please join us in welcoming Stephanie to the State and Federal Communications family!

Learn more about the trusted team of professionals at State and Federal Communications, Inc. here.

As we celebrate our 33rd anniversary, we are proud to join the nation in commemorating America’s 250th birthday. For more than three decades, we have partnered with our valued clients and partner organizations to navigate change, seize opportunities, and build stronger futures. This dual milestone honors both our journey and the enduring spirit of innovation and resilience that has shaped America for 250 years.

Thirty-three years ago, our company was founded in a very different America. Al Gore had not invented the Internet, mobile phones were rare and almost as big as a bread box, and businesses relied on fax machines, paper files, and face-to-face meetings to conduct daily operations. Over the past three decades, we have witnessed extraordinary change—digital transformation, globalization, advances in technology, and new ways of working which have reshaped every industry.

Yet amid all that change, some things have remained the same: the importance of trusted relationships, sound advice, innovation, and a commitment to help our clients  succeed.

As we celebrate our 33rd anniversary and America’s 250th birthday, we reflect on how far we have come, honor the resilience and ingenuity which have driven progress, and look forward to the opportunities ahead. The future will undoubtedly bring new challenges and transformations, and we remain committed to helping our clients navigate them with confidence.

Happy Birthday America and Happy Anniversary to State and Federal Communications.

Learn more about our services and why we have been trusted by industry leaders since 1993.

Preparing for the upcoming summer season of state and local government officials group meetings means more than packing a suitcase and breaking out your most comfortable shoes. (I did buy an update on my black and white sneakers for the summer.) For State and Federal Communications — and for me personally — participation with the “groups” has long been a priority. It is a critical part of the government relations ecosystem and one which delivers positive dividends.

We recently made a quick inventory of our collective summer schedules and discovered our team will participate in at least 15 meetings between now and mid-August. That averages out to 1.5 meetings per week. And to be sure, we intend to take advantage of the educational programming, networking opportunities, and client engagement these gatherings provide.

Beyond simply attending, we also believe strongly in supporting these organizations through sponsorships and other forms of engagement. Sponsorships not only help make quality programming and meaningful get togethers possible, but also reflect a commitment to being an active, invested participant in the broader government relations community.

It is understood we are excited to kick off another busy conference season and look forward to reconnecting with friends, clients, and colleagues along the way. Whether it is at the airport, in a hotel lobby, walking through a convention hall, or catching up between sessions, we always value the conversations and relationships which make these meetings worthwhile. As our paths cross this summer, I hope you will take a moment to stop and say hello.

We can talk about the status of my suitcases in the future!!

EB

Want to keep up with all the newest happenings in lobbying, campaign finance, and procurement lobbying compliance? Sign up for our Compliance Now newsletter and never miss a beat – https://stateandfed.com/e-newsletter/

During the month of May here in the US, the Memorial Day holiday recognizes those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our military, as well as being noted as the unofficial kick-off to Summer!
As I am usually out and about on Memorial Day here in Washington, DC, I always tend to see lots of people buzzing around the city! Both tourists and locals alike gather to not only take in the sights and sounds, eat and shop, but to also reflect and remember those family and friends who they have lost over the years, and who they choose to honor maybe by uttering a soft whisper of their name, or a toast to them during a meal. The holiday itself is observed in many different ways by so many different people, yet it serves as a reminder to all of us to not take for granted an opportunity to come together with family and friends, to share stories and connections that make us both laugh and cry, and to honor those whom we may have never met, but whose sacrifices have helped to make us safer… and freer.
What are your plans for this upcoming Memorial Day holiday? Whether you’ll be out and about like myself or quietly observing at home, I wish you a very happy and safe Memorial Day holiday weekend!

Want to keep up with all the newest happenings in lobbying, campaign finance, and procurement lobbying compliance? Sign up for our Compliance Now newsletter and never miss a beat – https://stateandfed.com/e-newsletter/

I love Paris in the Springtime…that line instantly brings to mind the classic song “I Love Paris” by Cole Porter—and for good reason. There is something about spring in Paris which feels almost cinematic.

John Chames and I returned from Paris last weekend. We are part of the Renaissance Society at Kent State University. We joined the group in 2024 and had an exquisite time in Florence and the same experience this year.

In Paris, as winter fades, the city softens. Trees along the Seine start to bloom, cafés spill out onto sidewalks, and there is lightness in the air—like the whole place is waking up again.

• Gardens in bloom: Spots like the Monet Gardens burst with color.
• Perfect strolling weather: Mild temperatures make wandering along the Seine or through Montmartre feel effortless…unless you have already clocked in 9,000 steps during the day.
• Café culture at its best: Outdoor terraces fill up, and people linger a little longer over coffee or wine. I should not admit I consumed a cappuccino and a chocolate croissant every day.
• Golden light: Spring sunlight in Paris has soft, romantic glow painters have chased for centuries.

And honestly, it is not just about how it looks, it is how it feels. There is a sense of possibility in the air, like something beautiful could happen at any moment.
I admit we did not turn on the television or read much news, unless you count the times John was catching up with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Our hotel was next to the Iranian Embassy and it was quiet on our little street.

PTO #1 is done and we are refreshed to return to work and the weekly travel for various conferences.

I remind the team not to leave PTO on the table. For years I was the person not taking it but this year we are set with two more trips, and they include time with our family.

And international travel brings about beautiful songs from the area. My favorite is “La Vie en Rose,” by Edith Piaf in 1947.

Au Revoir for now.

EB

Want to keep up with all the newest happenings in lobbying, campaign finance, and procurement lobbying compliance? Sign up for our Compliance Now newsletter and never miss a beat – https://stateandfed.com/e-newsletter/

As we celebrate 25 years of News You Can Use, we are continuing to enhance how we deliver the compliance insights you rely on every day.

News You Can Use will continue to arrive each Friday, now presented in a refreshed format designed to make key developments easier to scan and apply to your compliance program. LobbyComply News Roundup will shift to News You Can Use Special Alerts, issued when any important developments are announced. All other publications will continue as you expect:

1. Compliance NOW and Summary of Changes are delivered monthly.
2. Inside Elections is delivered twice a month.
3. LobbyComply blog is home to all jurisdictional updates and news items.

Our commitment remains unchanged—providing timely, practical intelligence covering lobbying, campaign finance, ethics, and procurement lobbying compliance across federal, state, local, and international jurisdictions.

This evolution allows us to focus on delivering the most relevant and impactful information while ensuring you receive critical updates when they matter most. We are excited about what is ahead and appreciate your continued partnership.

And the best news is Jim Sedor, who has been with News You Can Use from the start, is managing this shift at State and Federal Communications.

Stick with us because we will always keep you up to date.

Thank you,

EB

Want to keep up with all the newest happenings in lobbying, campaign finance, and procurement lobbying compliance? Sign up for our Compliance Now newsletter and never miss a beat – https://stateandfed.com/e-newsletter/

For many, the transition from high school to the professional world is a period of exploration. For JoJo Moore, our new Marketing and Communications Assistant, that exploration started earlier than most. By the time JoJo walked across his high school graduation stage, he wasn’t just holding a diploma—he already had two Associate degrees in hand: one in science and one in arts.

While his early academic success in the sciences initially pointed him toward a career in medicine, JoJo eventually followed a different calling. He decided to trade the clinic for the camera, pivoting toward his true passion: media and communications.

Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice

During his studies in media production at The University of Mount Union, JoJo discovered a natural affinity for the strategic side of the industry—public relations and marketing. Now, as he settles into his role here, he is eager to put those years of study to the test.

“The position is exactly what I was looking for coming out of college,” JoJo says. “To be able to actually transfer what I have learned but also grow in the position as well.”

JoJo is the first to admit that entering a completely new industry comes with a “tall learning curve.” However, he views the company’s vast network as a major advantage. Because State and Federal Communications is connected to so many diverse fields, JoJo sees this as the perfect environment to apply his skills while exploring new interests.

Looking Ahead: Education and Entrepreneurship

JoJo’s ambition doesn’t stop at the entry-level. He is already eyeing a master’s degree and eventually a PhD to further sharpen his expertise. His long-term vision, however, is rooted in community and accessibility.

JoJo dreams of founding his own production company, which doubles as an educational hub. His goal? Hosting workshops where aspiring creators can learn the intricacies of media production firsthand, providing a high-quality alternative for those who might not have the means or desire to pursue a traditional four-year degree.

Life in the Fast Lane

When he isn’t drafting communications or planning media strategies, you’ll likely find JoJo around anything with an engine. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, JoJo has also become quite the motorhead.

If you see him in the breakroom or at a community event, feel free to test his knowledge. Whether it is a vintage classic or a modern daily driver, JoJo can likely tell you more about a car than you ever thought possible.

The team at State and Federal Communications, Inc. is made up of professionals you can trust. Learn more about how we support your compliance needs at https://stateandfed.com/services/.

Here we are — the month of March and “spring forward” — as in soon, many of us will be turning our clocks ahead as we enter into daylight savings time! Daylight will be longer, the weather will be getting warmer, and many of our calendars will start to fill up with conferences, vacation travel and other work/life events that we’re looking forward to over the next several months.

I also started thinking about “spring forward” as in what new challenges or opportunities am I going to pursue to either help me continue to grow and/or make me feel renewed? (Are you sensing a Spring theme here?)

What challenges or opportunities are you thinking about “springing forward” into this year? I encourage you to think outside of the box and outside of your comfort zone! Take that class you’ve been hesitant about tackling. Schedule that coffee or lunch with a new connection you’ve made! The possibilities are numerous, and while you’re planning, give yourself a “way to go” for getting all of the things on your radar!

Feel free to reach out and let me know what’s coming up on your “spring forward” list!

Want to keep up with all the newest happenings in lobbying, campaign finance, and procurement lobbying compliance? Sign up for our Compliance Now newsletter and never miss a beat – https://stateandfed.com/e-newsletter/

When you buy Girl Scout cookies, you are doing far more than satisfying a sweet tooth. You are investing in leadership, confidence, and opportunity for young girls in your community.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches essential life skills— goal setting, communication, financial literacy, and perseverance. Girls learn how to speak up, handle challenges, and celebrate success. These lessons last long after cookie season ends.

Cookie sales also fund meaningful experiences such as summer camps, STEM programs, community service projects, and outdoor adventures. Much of the money raised stays local, directly supporting Girl Scouts right where you live.

Why am I going on and on about Girl Scouts? I was one a very long time ago. Today I helped every single Scout who asked me to buy cookies—in fact, I bought 12 boxes from each Scout. In 2026, I purchased 1,932 boxes of cookies. And these days those boxes do not cost $.50 like when I was selling them. My poor credit card needed resuscitation!!!

What I love the most is when the Scouts send me notes or their moms/dads thank me for buying the cookies. So why should you help the
Girl Scouts?

1. You’re supporting leadership skills in young girls–Cookie sales teach real-world skills such as goal setting, money management, communication, and confidence. You are backing the next generation of leaders, analytical people, and entrepreneurs.
2. It funds meaningful experiences–Proceeds help pay for camps, community service projects, STEM programs, outdoor adventures, and leadership training—especially for girls who might not otherwise have access.
3. You are investing locally–Most cookie money stays within the local council, directly benefiting Girl Scouts in your own community rather than a distant corporation.
4. It builds confidence and courage–Every YES helps a girl learn that her voice matters. Even the polite “no, thank you” moments teach resilience—but your support makes those wins feel huge.
5. It strengthens community connections–Stopping to chat, encourage, or buy a box creates positive interactions between generations and reminds girls that their community is rooting for them.
6. You are modeling kindness and generosity–When kids see adults support youth efforts, it reinforces the value of giving back and helping others succeed.
7. Let’s be honest…cookies–They’re delicious—and buying them feels even better knowing they are tied to a good cause. Perhaps most importantly, your support sends a powerful message: your efforts matter.
   

Perhaps most importantly, your support sends a powerful message: your efforts matter. A simple purchase or word of encouragement can boost a girl’s confidence and remind her the community believes in her.

Just so you know, all of the cookies are donated to nonprofits in Akron, Ohio for the work they do. Food banks, summer programs, and anyone who can share the goods with people unable to afford them receive the donations.

What a great way to spread goodness at this time.

Thank You,

Elizabeth Z. Bartz

Want to keep up with all the newest happenings in lobbying, campaign finance, and procurement lobbying compliance? Sign up for our Compliance Now newsletter and never miss a beat – https://stateandfed.com/e-newsletter/

For Krista Nisly, a career in government relations and research is more than a professional path — it’s an extension of the community she has always called home. Born and raised in Akron, Krista has built both her education and career around understanding how government works and how policy shapes the places people live.

Krista earned both her undergraduate degree in political science and her master’s degree in applied politics from The University of Akron, completing the programs back-to-back. Her graduate work through the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics concluded in December and provided a hands-on, real-world approach to political processes. Courses were often taught by working professionals — lobbyists, researchers, and campaign finance experts — giving Krista direct exposure to the fields she was preparing to enter. That applied learning environment, combined with professors who bridged academic theory and professional practice, created what she describes as a strong foundation for her career.

While completing her degrees, Krista gained practical experience through internships centered on marketing and research, as well as work with the City of Akron in development. Those roles helped clarify her professional strengths and interests, eventually leading her to her current position at State and Federal Communications.

Although she has long been drawn to government relations and lobbying, Krista recognized that traditional lobbying roles did not fully match her personality. She prefers independent work and has a strong interest in research and analysis. Her role at State and Federal Communications provides the ideal intersection — connecting the fast-moving world of public policy with the in-depth research that supports it.

What keeps the work engaging, she says, is the legislative process itself. Watching an idea evolve into a bill, follow its path through debate and revision, and ultimately become law offers a unique window into how change happens. For Krista, that journey from concept to outcome is both fascinating and motivating.

Looking ahead, Krista’s goals are closely tied to Akron. She plans to remain in the area and become more civically involved in the community that shaped her. Professionally, she is focused on continuing to grow at State and Federal Communications, expanding her knowledge of government relations and further developing her expertise as a researcher.

Outside the office, Krista embraces quieter pursuits. An avid reader, she also enjoys ice skating — a perk of being near Lock 3 — and hiking during the summer months.

Grounded in her hometown and driven by curiosity about how government works, Krista Nisly represents a new generation of professionals who combine academic preparation, practical experience, and a genuine commitment to their communities.

The team at State and Federal Communications, Inc. is made up of professionals you can trust. Learn more about how we support your compliance needs at https://stateandfed.com/services/.

One of the things I started upon the entry into 2026 is to begin a gratitude journal where each night, I write down the things that I am grateful for that occurred that day – no matter how big or small they may seem! So, enter my delight and curiosity when I discovered that February, among other things, recognizes “International Boost Self-Esteem Month” (of which I would add keeping a gratitude journal as a way to totally boost self-esteem)!

“International Boost Self-Esteem Month” recognizes and celebrates the value of self-esteem – and let’s face it – we are oftentimes our own worst critics and the hardest on ourselves! Betterhelp.com acknowledges: “This movement aims to show that self-esteem development is possible and that various tools and resources are available to help individuals along the way.” Some of the resources listed in the online article that I particularly love are the ones related to self-care practices for self-esteem, e.g.:

• Daily Gratitude Journaling
• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Setting Achievable Goals

Eating healthy and exercising, pursuing a hobby or new skill, and personal hygiene, and grooming all round out the list of Betterhelp.com’s self-care practices that can help boost your self-esteem! What are some of your ways? I would love to learn about what keeps you going and what you do when that negative voice creeps up and tries to steal your joy. Please reach out and let me know your own “tips and tricks.” Wishing you a fantastic month of February!

Want to keep up with all the newest happenings in lobbying, campaign finance, and procurement lobbying compliance? Sign up for our Compliance Now newsletter and never miss a beat – https://stateandfed.com/e-newsletter/

Ren Koozer has spent more than half of his professional career at State and Federal Communications, where he has played a central role in our company’s technological evolution. Over the years, Ren has been instrumental in designing and maintaining our systems, databases, and websites that support both internal operations and client-facing services. Today, his work includes leading the company’s full transition to cloud-based infrastructure, strengthening security, increasing efficiency, and reinforcing a commitment to operational excellence.

With a solutions-oriented mindset, Ren has guided State and Federal Communications through three major website redesigns, encompassing both public-facing and customer platforms. These initiatives have streamlined workflows, expanded functionality, and created greater flexibility to meet the evolving needs of clients.

Ren’s expertise spans network architecture, system design and management, SQL database development, web design, and data integration. Simply put, if it involves technology, systems, or data, Ren is deeply involved. He also oversees the IT department, ensuring reliable systems for both employees and clients. Under his leadership, employee onboarding is seamless, allowing staff to focus on their work without technology concerns.

Most recently, Ren led the development of a new behind-the-paywall platform which delivers increased functionality, faster performance, and a more intuitive user experience. Looking ahead to 2026, he is spearheading the company’s move to a larger Washington, DC office, overseeing infrastructure planning, system design, and technology implementation.

State and Federal Communications is fortunate to have Ren Koozer’s leadership and technical expertise as we continue to deliver cutting-edge information and compliance solutions in lobbying and campaign contributions for its clients.

The team at State and Federal Communications, Inc. is made up of experienced professionals you can trust. Learn more about how we support your compliance needs at https://stateandfed.com/services/.