LobbyComply Blog

You may have noticed the events tab on our website always displays a nice array of events we’re attending each month. In most cases, I’m there in person—and if you follow me, you know I’m rarely at home. I often take the office on the road with me.

Of course, that could never happen without a tip-top team. Rarely can a 32-year-old company boast about having someone on staff for more than 28 years—but we can. From that seasoned veteran to the newest hire of just six months, everyone knows what needs to be done. And believe me, no one wants me to hear a complaint from a client about our work!

We stay connected with our clients all year long. Even when I’m traveling, our team ensures every compliance need is handled promptly and professionally. The mighty crew at State and Federal Communications is always available to help.

That level of service doesn’t happen by accident—it takes training and trust. Our research managers don’t rely solely on a state’s website when rules change; they’ve built strong relationships with staff across the states to confirm details and clarify updates.

The same is true for our compliance team. We know our clients travel frequently, and while many states accept electronic filings, some still require paper submissions. We make sure every report is filed on time—and can be sent anywhere in the world for signature.

Our behind the scenes teams—business development, finance, IT, and HR—keep everything running efficiently and smoothly. After more than 32 years leading this company, I can say we’re more structured, focused, and collaborative than ever.

My ultimate goal has always been to ensure our team speaks proudly of this company and the benefits we provide when they talk with their families.

All work and no play can wreak havoc on work-life balance. So I’m happy to share that I’m writing this from aboard Sea Dream, sailing from Rome to Nice and on to Málaga. I’ll be back next week, confident that the team has everything well in hand.

And one last note—I voted before leaving for vacation. Don’t forget: Election Day is November 4th. Let’s all do our part to Keep US Strong.

Thanks.

EB

@elizabethbartz

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/

David Garnier is one of the newest members of the State and Federal Communications team, and he has made a positive impact already. He joined the Research Department in June of this year as a Manager of Research Services.

He oversees the important task of maintaining the content and format of the company’s online publications while ensuring the content remains accurate, comprehensive, and professional. Particularly, David is tasked with managing the states in the Southwestern part of the United States.

David pursued his legal career path in a rather unorthodox way. He graduated with an undergraduate degree in philosophy from Princeton, but then he enrolled in law school at the University of Akron, after which he spent eight years working as a civil prosecuting attorney for a local county. His experiences before coming to State and Federal Communications helped him refine his approach to solving problems and focus on what is important about the law and where to find relevant information. This has allowed him to excel with our team because he gained insight into how local government operates.

David is able to play to his personality with State and Federal Communications as a problem-solver with great attention to detail. He also loves the cohesive nature of the team and how everyone is committed to the same mission.

When he is not in the office, David is an avid runner, having just completed his second 100-mile run and participates regularly in his running community. He enjoys the challenge and puzzle-solving nature of working out the approach to completing in endurance events.

David wants to continue to see consistency and improvement at State and Federal Communications while maintaining an excellent product that clients keep coming back for.

We are glad David’s first year with us has been great, and we celebrate the value David brings to the State and Federal Communications team, which is full of experts you can trust. Learn more about what we can do for you at https://stateandfed.com/services/.

October 22nd observes, among other things, Unity Day. This day was started in October 2011 by the Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center and happens to be the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month (also observed in October). Unity Day was originally founded to show support for students who have been bullied and for bullying prevention. It is a day to come together and “send a visible message of building community through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.” You can imagine that when I found out about Unity Day, I for one was thrilled that such a day existed, especially given the strange and un-empathetic times in which we are currently living!

Since its inception, Unity Day has been observed here in the United States and around the world. Those observing are asked to wear and share the color orange, chosen for its vibrancy and considered “a conversation starter.” Although initially founded to show support for students, adults can very well take lessons from Unity Day’s campaign – a great way to foster inclusion, togetherness, and compassion! Interested in knowing how you can get involved and observe Unity Day? Here are some great resources below:

Why Unity Day?

How You Can Get Involved

Order Unity Day Items

Any chance for me to make the world a better place, I’m definitely all for it! – Let’s all recognize Unity Day on October 22nd and spread the word!

gamble

I walked into my first State Government Affair Council (SGAC) Leaders Policy Conference in 2000 at the WigWam Resort in Arizona. I was stunned! The senior executives of our clients were at that meeting. I was having a Romper Room moment.

And I have never missed a Leaders Policy Conference since then.

Here is the skinny on SGAC. It is the premier national association for multiple state government affairs professionals for major U.S. corporations, trade associations, and service providers, and it celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this year.

SGAC offers meaningful ways for members to get more involved in the community. Whether you are looking to expand your network, develop professionally, or help shape the future of our organization — there is a place for you.

State and Federal Communications encourages its staff to enroll in the professional certificate program and the advanced certificate program. These programs demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the profession.

The National Summit held in the spring of every year is specifically designed to offer educational programming, best practices, and engaging sessions for those in attendance.

The crème de la creme program is the Leaders Policy Conference held right before Thanksgiving with six (6) of the legislative leaders from every state eligible to attend. The legislators and SGAC members meet to discuss upcoming sessions and topics. It truly is my #1 favorite conference to attend.

Find out more about State Government Affairs Council at www.sgac.org and hope to see you in Naples, Florida.

Thank you.

Elizabeth Z. Bartz

@elizabethbartz

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/

Since joining State and Federal Communications six months ago, Nick Hollis, our Digital Media Coordinator, has quickly become an integral part of the marketing department, playing a role in project management, graphic design, and copywriting.

Many of the graphics, videos, and captions on the company’s online platforms are created and published by Nick, boosting engagement and drawing attention to the work we do at State and Federal Communications.

Nick brings more than a decade of real-world experience to the table. After earning his undergraduate degree, he launched his own business, which he says “gave me my first real taste for design.” He later sold the start-up to his partner, but his interest in combining message with image to engage an audience had just been sparked. He went on to earn a master’s degree in graphic design from Kent State University and spent eight years in the mortgage industry, working on in-house marketing and design. His background gives him a unique perspective and creative edge that he now channels into his work here.

What Nick enjoys most about working in marketing is the variety. His work allows him to flex his creative spirit, but Nick still works on learning the industry more all the time because it is an interesting subject for him.

Outside of the office, Nick enjoys spending time in nature, whether on a trail or out on the water with a jet ski. He also enjoys playing board games and poker in his free time.

Looking ahead, Nick envisions a long-term future with the company. He thinks State and Federal Communications is a great place to work and build a career for himself, eventually setting his sights on running the marketing department.

We are fortunate to have Nick’s creative talent and ambition on the State and Federal Communications team, which is full of experts you can trust. Learn more about what we can do for you at https://stateandfed.com/services/.

September is Self-Improvement Month – how about putting some professional development opportunities on your radar?!

I am excited to note that I have three conferences that I am attending in September: Women in Government Relations’ (WGR) Leadership & Advocacy Conference; The National Black Professional Lobbyist Association’s (NBPLA) Annual Meeting; and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference. Needless to say, I will be getting my fill of great learning opportunities during this month! I will admit that I am fortunate to have a CEO who supports professional development and is always presenting opportunities for us to take advantage! Every year, she even invites first-year employees to accompany her to the Public Affairs Council’s (PAC) Government Relations and Policy Conference, held each year here in Washington, DC (also in September).

I recognize, however, that many employees are not as fortunate as I am… Either their leadership does not really care about professional development, or departmental budgets are so tight that there is no room left for paying to attend conferences. In these instances, I would advise employees to find professional development opportunities for themselves that are of little to no cost, and to also take advantage of conferences that offer scholarship options to cover the cost of registration fees. In addition, for those organizations that can provide for their employees’ professional development, consider “paying it forward” by providing a little extra funding to the conference-hosting organization so that they may help cover the registration fees for those with financial need.

If you will be in Washington, DC this month and also moving along the conference circuit, let me know where you’ll be so we can connect – I wish you a very fulfilling Self-Improvement Month!

gamble

Question: Do my salespeople need to be registered as lobbyists if they sell to the government?

Answer: More than half of the states consider at least some forms of selling to the government to be lobbying, so caution is definitely warranted. The states that require registration for procurement lobbying all have different approaches, so there is no one-size-fits-all response to this question.

The most important question is what engagements are considered to be procurement lobbying. Some states broadly consider any attempt to influence a contracting decision to be lobbying, and other states use an “outside of the normal procurement process” standard, meaning that registration is required for attempts to change the rules applicable to procurements, to change the substance of the RFP’s requirements, to go outside of established procedures, or to sell to high-ranking officials rather than the end users. Other states, such as Texas, require registration for procurement lobbying, but only when the contract reaches a certain value.

Once you determine your sales activities fall under the definition of lobbying, all the other concerns applicable to lobbyists apply, so your analysis is not complete. Registration thresholds and exceptions for expert testimony, for example, still need to be considered, so, if desired, you may be able to avoid registration through careful consideration of the type and extent your staff’s interactions with government.

One last key factor to consider before registering your staff is contingency fee bans, also known as success fee bans, and how they affect sales staff compensation. While many states acknowledge salespersons frequently receive sales commissions and carve out an exception for commissions paid to “bona fide” salespeople, many others view their contingency bans as applying to all lobbyists, which would prevent your staff from receiving such payments. It is always advisable to determine how you will handle staff compensation before making contacts with the government, as there will be times when it is best to avoid having your staff engage at all.

Further information about the lobbying laws in hundreds of cities, counties, and local agencies can be found in the Procurement Lobbying Compliance Laws section of the State and Federal Communications online guidebooks. Schedule your demo today – https://stateandfed.com/demo/

Women in Government Relations (WGR) will celebrate its 50th anniversary at its annual conference in Washington, DC, September, 18th and 19th. The organization is expecting more than 300 women in advocacy for leadership development, policy insights, and networking.

Attendees will expect inspiring keynotes and breakout sessions focused on outreach, engagement, governments affairs, and career growth. Specific sessions include grassroots advocacy, public speaking, and executive presence tailored for women in government relations.

This conference marks a significant milestone for WGR, celebrating its 50th anniversary and honoring the contributions of women in government relations.

State and Federal Communications is a sponsor and an integral participant in the program. If you have an interest in attending, please go to www.wgr.org for additional information and registration materials.

Until next month, please take advantage of professional development opportunities. In this case, WGR does not want cost to be a barrier. The 1975 Fund offers support for WGR membership, event registration, and conference attendance. Check it out.

Elizabeth Z. Bartz

@elizabethbartz

Niko, our IT Data Coordinator at State and Federal Communications, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our systems run smoothly; often behind the scenes, but always crucial. He thrives in his problem-solving role, where no two challenges are ever the same. “The problem is never the same,” Niko says, adding that he enjoys the opportunity to build things through coding. He is, without a doubt, the go-to web wizard who keeps both our staff and clients navigating our site seamlessly.

Niko’s journey into the field of programming is a testament to his passion and perseverance. What began as a fun hobby during his college years soon blossomed into a full-fledged career. While pursuing his degree in computer programming at Kent State University, Niko interned with us at State and Federal Communications, gaining invaluable hands-on experience that complemented his academic learning. By his senior year, he was able to merge his education with practical application, making the most of both worlds.

For Niko, State and Federal Communications became more than just a job, it became a place where he could nurture his problem-solving abilities. “I’ve been able to find my own unique way of tackling challenges,” Niko reflects, “Ren [Koozer] has been fantastic in guiding me, but he’s never forced me to approach things his way.” This flexibility has allowed Niko to continuously grow in his role and find innovative solutions.

Always eager to expand his knowledge, Niko frequently enhances his skills both professionally and personally. Recently, he earned his eJPT certification, a credential that enables him to better assess and address cybersecurity vulnerabilities within our web platform. In addition, Niko participates in coding challenges, working alongside a team of programmers to further sharpen his expertise.

Outside of work, Niko enjoys unwinding with outdoor activities such as traveling, hiking, and playing basketball, as well as maintaining his fitness through regular workouts. These hobbies provide him with a much-needed balance, allowing him to return to his work with fresh energy and perspective.

Looking ahead, Niko is committed to staying in the field of database management and hopes to inspire others to develop their skills in the industry. “I’d like to help others grow, just as I’ve been able to,” he says, underscoring his dedication to both personal and professional growth.

We are fortunate to have Niko as part of our team at State and Federal Communications. His expertise and drive are perfect examples of the home-grown talent we cultivate here. To learn more about our company and the incredible people behind our success, visit us at State and Federal Communications.

One of the many great things that has occurred over my 10+ year tenure here at State and Federal Communications is the great friendships that I have developed over this time!

I have clients who have evolved into friends, and I also have the many wonderful friendships that I have made by way of my involvement with organizations such as: Women in Government Relations (WGR); State Government Affairs Council (SGAC); Public Affairs Council (PAC); National Association of Business Political Action Committees (NABPAC); National Institute of Lobbying and Ethics (NILE); and the National Black Professional Lobbyists Association (NBPLA). Organizations such as these (and others like these that are also doing amazing work!) help to foster not only opportunities for professional development, but also for mentorship, collaboration, and connection to an amazing group of Government Affairs professionals who will sing your praises and “have your back”, but whom will also not be afraid to challenge you or to let you know when you need to make right on a situation!

This month, in honor of National Friendship Day, which took place this year on Sunday, August 3rd, I want to recognize all of my wonderful friends, and in particular, my fantastic Government Affairs buddies! For the breakfasts, lunches, and coffees that we schedule so we can finally catch up; For the laughs that we share and the pics that we snap at the local events; and for the amazing time well spent while we’re on the Conference circuit together. Thank you for letting me a part of your world because you all have made such a difference in mine!

gamble

For 26 of State and Federal Communications 32 years, it has been a part of the National Conference of Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit. This year we will be with NCSL to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

If you are in Boston, please check out the Learning Hub in the Exhibit Hall Tuesday, August 5th at 3 pm.

We are excited having Nola Werren, Esq. lead a session on “Compliance in the States: Spotlight on Political Giving.” Nola joined State and Federal Communications May 1997 and has been the company’s prime contact when our clients have direct corporate contributions questions, including vetting them and assisting with disclosure.

Plus we are joining NCSL, State Government Affairs Council (SGAC), and Women in Government Relations (WGR) as they all celebrate their respective 50th anniversaries.

NCSL Legislative Summits are not for the weary. We are up in the morning having breakfast together so we can review that day’s activities. The day ends after a number of receptions and late night events and we are dragging our bodies back to our rooms to rest before the day’s events.

We would not give it up for anything. It is the event where we see the lion’s share of our clients and always meet our future clients.

Watch for our activities on our digital media platforms…And, plan to join us in 2026 in Chicago where we have already chosen our space in the exhibit area.

Thank you.

EB

State and Federal Communications is thrilled to be celebrating its 32^nd anniversary this month. During this time there have been a wide range of changes that the company has adapted to and grown to meet. However, the one common thread that has remained steadfast throughout is our President and CEO, Elizabeth Bartz. The company is now thriving and working with some of the biggest names across many industries in the U.S., but it wasn’t always this prominent. Elizabeth had to work hard for what her company has become.

In 1993, Elizabeth was looking for a change. She was working at State and Federal Associates in Washington D.C. and was ready to move back home to Akron, Ohio. As it turns out, her employer was also looking for a change and approached Elizabeth with an interesting offer.

“They approached me because they were thinking of closing my department and asked me if I was interested in buying it and moving it to Akron. My other choice was coming back and managing a Subway store with my father. I had 10 years in managing a compliance department and I was good at it, so it was an easy decision, but a risk… and I didn’t know what I didn’t know.”

Elizabeth was up for the challenge of making something altogether new to the industry, a company solely focused on lobbying compliance. However, it was a big risk moving it back home to Akron from the hub of activity that is Washington D.C. State and Federal Communications was born, with Elizabeth at the helm, quite a few obstacles to overcome, and a small eager staff.

Through persistence and a lot of networking, Elizabeth made her company a success and began to grow a reputation as reliable and precise. As the company has grown one quality, perhaps above all others, has helped Elizabeth to make her business a success – the ability to connect with people and help fill their needs. This has manifested itself in many ways, both within business, and with philanthropic giving within the local community. This spirit of giving has become a cornerstone within the culture of State and Federal Communications with its Corporate Social Responsibility Program. The CSR program has become so integral that it has projected the company into the top 10 corporate givers to United Way within Summit County.

 “Especially now, with everything going on, we need people to help other people… We provide charitable service hours for any employee who gives .5% or 1% of their compensation. This becomes a win-win with United Way of Summit and Medina County receiving the financial benefit and the employee’s choice of charity receiving their charitable hours.”

Elizabeth’s personal giving focus is very diverse, but one of the causes closest to her heart is education. Helping to fund scholarships and grants through The John S. Knight Foundation, Akron Urban League, and Akron Press Club are among her passions. Another passion of Elizabeth is helping others to succeed both in her industry and within the local community. This passion has helped her staff develop professionally, and in turn allowed a relatively small staff of compliance professionals to make State and Federal Communications into the gold standard in lobbying, procurement lobbying, and political giving compliance.

Today, State and Federal Communications boasts a large online database of federal, state, and municipal legislative codes. The company has come a long way since Elizabeth’s scrappy start-up sent out loose-leaf binder guidebooks and helped clients in navigating the information via telephone. Through maintaining excellent relationships with clients; unwavering attention to detail in the service provided; and an uncanny ability to network with decision makers State and Federal Communications was able to make its presence felt in the industry and its services indispensable to many.

At the center of State and Federal Communications’ success is Elizabeth, keeping the company striving toward what is needed by clients and innovating to stay ahead of the curve. Today, clients have more needs, with the ever-changing compliance guidelines, and State and Federal Communications continues to adapt to being more of a full-service business partner rather than just a service provider.

The future is bright at State and Federal Communications, and Elizabeth, as always, has her eye on it. The company has begun a five-year transition into becoming an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) with Elizabeth once more leading the way.

“I want to make sure I’m taking care of my people. Over the years I have worked hard to help many of my staff to become the future leaders this company needs to not only succeed but thrive. I am very excited to see what the future brings for State and Federal Communications.”

Looking for something cool to do this month? How about participating in Global Forgiveness Day on July 7th? I can’t believe that I am just finding out now about this observance!
Global Forgiveness Day (formerly National Forgiveness Day) has an interesting timeline that led up to its founding. Noting that the concept of forgiveness had been (and still is) prevalent in many religions around the globe, its idea and principles began to peak the interest of scientists around 1962, who began to study forgiveness and its impact on human well-being. “What they found was that forgiveness was a process. Multiple researchers developed models of forgiveness … that would allow people to improve their ability to forgive. Later studies even attempted to understand the relationship between forgiveness and justice …” GLOBAL FORGIVENESS DAY – July 7, 2025 – National Today
An example of forgiveness came in 1962 when a Japanese fighter pilot asked for and was granted forgiveness by the townspeople of Brookings, Oregon, for bombing the west coast of the United States over Oregon during World War II. Fast forward to the 20th century, and the late Pope John Paul II publicly forgave the man who tried to assassinate him. “The Christian Embassy of Christ’s Ambassadors (CECA) founded National Forgiveness Day in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada … As this day gained prominence throughout the world, it was renamed Global Forgiveness Day.” GLOBAL FORGIVENESS DAY – July 7, 2025 – National Today
On July 7th, take some time to think about someone who may have wronged you in the past and make a conscious effort to forgive them! Don’t forget to also include yourself and offer yourself some forgiveness as well! For more information on Global Forgiveness Day, visit the website featured in this blog.

Gamble

What started in 1993 has grown into a thriving business thanks to our incredible clients, resolute team, and supportive community.

In 1993, we opened our doors with a clear vision and a strong sense of purpose: to provide outstanding service, build trusted relationships, and make a lasting impact in our industry and community. Now, 32 years later, we are proud to celebrate more than just our longevity—we are celebrating the journey, the people, and the partnerships which brought us here.

Over the past three decades, we have weathered industry shifts, embraced innovation, and adapted to change—all while staying true to the core values that define us: integrity, excellence, and commitment. From our earliest days to our latest milestones, our success has been fueled by the trust of our clients and the dedication of our incredible team.

We know staying in business for 32 years is not just about doing good work, it is about building lasting relationships. Many of our clients have been with us for years, and some since the very beginning. That loyalty and support mean everything to us, and we do not take it for granted.

As we reflect on our journey, we are proud of what we have accomplished: the projects we have delivered, the problems we have helped solve, and the lives we have touched along the way. But we also see this anniversary as a time to look forward—with fresh goals, renewed energy, and an even stronger commitment to those we serve.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of our story—our clients, partners, staff, and friends. Here is to 32 years of resilience and growth—and to many more chapters still to be written.

Thank you for being part of our story and for making this possible.