LobbyComply Blog

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.

Carter Hoskins is among the best of our home-grown talents here at State and Federal Communications. Carter started as an intern right after graduating from Akron University and found a home with us as an indispensable member of our sales team. He has learned the ropes of multiple roles within the sales team, and while his primary role is as a customer relations assistant, he also does a considerable amount of work with the marketing team, as well.

Passion is something Carter does not lack in his job – he finds it when he helps someone on his team or elsewhere in the office. He also exhibits his passion by being efficient and effective in his tasks and doing the best he can.

As the customer relations assistant, Carter wears many hats for the sales team, filling in where needed for roles such as subscription renewal services, potential client outreach, and many others. He helps balance the intricate system of the sales team, keeping the team working together at all times.

Carter is eagerly learning more about government affairs every day, which is fueled by a keen interest in people within our industry. His experiences at conferences and conversations with local professionals has not only helped him to become well-versed in the industry, but ever more skillful within sales and marketing.

He is also active in educational groups through State and Federal Communications to push him toward his career goals. Membership in organizations like National Sales and Marketing Executives provides him with critical tips for growth. Through pursuing so many diverse, yet related career interests, Carter is rapidly becoming more well-rounded and knowledgeable within his area of expertise.

When he is not doing it all for the sales and marketing teams, sports and staying active are a big part of Carter’s life. A long-time baseball player, Carter still keeps close contact with the sport, playing it, watching it, and even coaching it. He’s currently coaching an 11U baseball team while also competing on his own softball team.

We’re excited Carter decided to stick around for the ride with the State and Federal Communications team – a group full of experts you can trust. Learn more about what we can do for you at https://stateandfed.com/services/.

We are now more than halfway through June, and the official start of summer is just a couple of days away! June is a special month in which we celebrate the men in our lives, not only with Father’s Day, but also as Men’s Health Month — what better time than this month to provide a little extra love and support to the men (and those who identify as men) in our lives!

Summer is a time of greater activity for many of us, whether it is mowing the lawn or getting more physically active with sports and enjoying the great outdoors. This is wonderful for the spirit and can be great for the body, but it can also produce additional strain, which means we need to be more mindful of our health needs. Now is a great time to start thinking about prioritizing our health and the health of those we love in our lives.

In observance of Men’s Health Month and Father’s Day, let’s remind our dads (and all of the men in our circles) to make both their physical and mental health a priority! Remind them to get those important health screenings done, and to not be afraid to ask for, and to seek out, supportive mental health services.

Here’s to a very happy, safe, and fulfilling June!

Gamble

Are you able to track all legislative sessions in the states you do business? Our online guidebooks make it easy, request a demo today!

Question: Our company would like to engage in goodwill lobbying. Do we have to register for this activity?

Answer: Goodwill lobbying is a type of lobbying that focuses on communications with legislators and public officials to build positive relationships but not directly advocating for specific legislation or policy changes. Many states require registration for these types of lobbying communications.
In New York, registration is required for goodwill lobbying upon meeting the compensation and expense threshold of expending, incurring, or receiving combined compensation and expenses for the purposes of lobbying in excess of $5,000 in the aggregate during any calendar year. Direct lobbying includes when a person has direct or preliminary contact with a public official to enable or facilitate an attempt to influence. Preliminary contact includes when the lobbyist knows or has reason to know the client will attempt to influence a public official in scheduling a meeting or telephone call with a public official and a client, introducing a client to a public official, or any other contact with a public official on behalf of a client. A person who schedules a meeting or places a call in a purely administrative capacity is not required to be identified as an individual lobbyist; such activity is attributable to the person who directed the call to be made or the meeting to be set up. Anyone, including consultants, who contacts a public official, including preliminary communications to facilitate or enable the eventual substantive advocacy, is engaging in lobbying.
In Pennsylvania, registration is required for goodwill lobbying. Lobbying includes providing any gift, hospitality, transportation, or lodging to a state official or employee for the purpose of advancing the interest of the lobbyist or principal.
In Ohio, registration is not required for engaging in goodwill lobbying provided the individual is not promoting, opposing, advocating, or otherwise influencing legislative, executive agency, or retirement system action. Lobbying registration requirements cannot, however, be avoided simply by never referring by name to a specific legislative bill or executive agency or retirement system decision. If the goodwill activity also includes discussion regarding the generalities within any official action, lobbying registration would be required.
These are just a few examples of goodwill lobbying registrations. We advise you to follow best practices to verify the rules in your jurisdiction.

The information from this response can easily be found on our website in the Lobbying Compliance section of the United States Compliance Laws publication. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions.

Matt Kraig is one of the newest all-stars to have found a home at State and Federal Communications, having worked here for just over a year. Before landing this role, Matt completed two internships—first as an in-house attorney with a car dealership, and then as a federal criminal defense intern. Luckily for both Matt and State and Federal Communications, he landed here, where he describes his job as “a perfect fit!”

As a Research Services Manager, perfect is indeed the right word to describe Matt’s passion for research. The attention to detail required for each of his listings satisfies his drive for perfectionism. Matt thrives on finding that one change (or sometimes many changes) in a code revision and ensuring the most accurate and up-to-date information is available to our clients.

Matt hails from Brecksville, Ohio. He stayed in-state for his education, earning his undergraduate degree in political science from The Ohio State University and his law degree from Cleveland State University. After learning more about the legal world, Matt realized he was interested in something a little different. He wanted to combine his interests in business, politics, and the law—making the opportunity at State and Federal Communications a perfect match.

Matt has become a key member of the team, fulfilling a pivotal research role. He keeps our guidebooks updated in the Northeast states (NY, NJ, PA, DE) and answers client questions related to lobbying and campaign contribution rules in a timely and informative manner. In addition to honing his research skills, Matt says he enjoys having “more opportunities for training, professional development, and community events” at State and Federal Communications.

Outside of the office, Matt loves spending time with his dogs, Tucker and Cannoli. He’s always up for a good hike and, when he can, enjoys visiting national parks. At home, you can often find him tinkering with tech—whether it’s his home theater system, the computer he’s building, or, of course, enjoying the results of his efforts with a good movie.

We’re excited that Matt found his perfect fit as part of the State and Federal Communications team—a group full of experts you can trust. Learn more about what we can do for you at https://stateandfed.com/services/.

Question: I heard the North Dakota Ethics Commission recently posted an advisory opinion regarding permitted gifts. How does the advisory opinion affect individuals with lobbying activities in the state?

Answer:  On March 7, 2025, the ethics commission published an advisory opinion dealing with the permissibility of covering a legislator’s meal when attending an educational conference where attendees pay for their meals and the host provides an acrylic plaque for attending the conference to the legislator.
Generally, the North Dakota Constitution prohibits lobbyists from giving gifts to public officials. Public officials include any elected or appointed official of the state’s executive and legislative branch, including members of the ethics commission, members of the governor’s cabinet, or employees of the legislative branch. While North Dakota only requires individuals to register as a lobbyist for legislative lobbying, for purposes of the gift law, the commission reiterated the definition includes attempts to influence public official action or decisions that occur outside the legislative process. Attempts to secure passage, amendment, or defeat of any administrative rule or regulation by any department, agency, or body of the state’s executive branch and attempts to influence public official action or decisions would be considered lobbying.

To be permissible, an annual conference must be a private or public social and educational event designed to inform the attendees about a topic, issue, or problem and provide helpful and thorough review based upon unique knowledge, skills, or research. The difference between these two types of events is whether the event is open to the public or by invitation only. The event must occur in the State of North Dakota and include participants who are non-lobbyists and non-public officials. Finally, the event sponsors must also file an event notice form with the commission prior to the event taking place, preferably no less than a week in advance. The notice form is submitted electronically on the following website: www.ethicscommission.nd.gov/meeting-notice. For a gift or thing of value to be awarded at a private or public social and educational event the gift must not derive independent resale value and be mostly sentimental rather than intrinsic in value.

If you or your organization plan to provide anything of value in North Dakota a permissibility analysis should be done prior to providing the gift. The state gift law may affect individuals even if they are not required to register with the state and must provide notice to the commission in advance of the event.

The information from this response can easily be found on our website in the Lobbying Compliance section of the United States Compliance Laws publication. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions.