May 23, 2013 •
Anniversary Wishes from Summit County Executive Russ Pry
May 16, 2013
Summit County Executive Russ Pry is such a good friend that I will even endure a little bit of his good-natured ribbing as he congratulates State and Federal Communications.
May 21, 2013 •
Knowing People in High Places
State and Federal Communications Comptroller Jeff Roberts talks about meeting Danny Werfel, the interim director of the Internal Revenue Service.
They say it is good to know people in high places.
In 2009 my twin brother Ted and I decided to make a trip to Washington, DC and to take our dad, who had never visited the city before. Ted and I have visited numerous times and so we got busy making up a list of our favorite places to visit and things that Dad really should see. Dad mentioned to some church friends all of us have known for many years that he was taking this trip with us. They offered to connect us with their son-in-law, an employee of the Office of Management and Budget, who might be able to take us on a tour of the White House.
It turns out that particular day the White House had already arranged for public tours of the grounds, so we could not tour the mansion itself. Our friends’ son-in-law graciously agreed to escort us around the grounds. At the appointed time the three of us, along with former State and Federal Communications, Inc. temporary employee Andrew Houk, who was completing a Master’s Degree at George Washington University at the time, met at the corner of 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue and began our tour. Our guide’s credentials enabled us to not wait in the extremely long line of people.
Our guide proved to be not only knowledgeable, but friendly, down-to-earth, and an all around great guy. In our conversation I found him very bright, engaging, articulate, ambitious, and hard working. He was awaiting Senate confirmation to the position of Comptroller of the Office of Management and Budget. In short, I was very impressed.
Earlier this year he was named the point person at OMB to coordinate the agency spending cuts that are part of the federal sequestration. Not an enviable position. Today I read that he was appointed by President Obama to be the interim director of the Internal Revenue Service. Perhaps a less enviable position.
I have every confidence that Danny Werfel will do an outstanding job in his new role, and I plan to do some more name dropping as I engage in the many lively political debates that seem to go hand-in-hand with our business. And… I will triple check next year’s federal income tax return!
Congratulations Danny!
![Charlie Roberts, Jeff Roberts, Danny Werfel, Ted Roberts, Andy Houk](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/The-White-House-tour.png)
May 17, 2013 •
Campaign Tech 2013
April 18-19, 2013 at the Washington Marriott
Every year in Washington, D.C., Campaigns and Elections holds a conference called Campaign Tech. I had the opportunity to go to it this year and I enjoyed it.
Here is a description of Campaign Tech 2013 from their site: “How did the 2012 election season change the craft of digital politics and advocacy? What are digital public affairs professionals doing to evolve outreach and engagement? How can technologists and digital communications professionals create cohesive, effective campaigns? Join CampaignTech’s hands-on trainings, workshops, round-table conversations, and panel discussions that will enhance your knowledge of digital advocacy, refine your communications skills, and inspire you to exceed your goals in politics, advocacy, and public affairs.”
One of the panels on the first day talked about how memes are used to promote political messages. Candidates in the last election used memes in their campaigns – using catch phrases, pictures – which went viral on the internet through social media, search, and other channels.
For those who don’t know, memes are internet sensations that become popular for a short amount of time. They mentioned a meme one of the panelists had created, where they compared members of Congress to characters from the Muppets. It was entertaining to see the members of Congress being equated with Muppets characters.
Another panel talked about convincing leaders in your organization of the importance of using social media. It was an interesting panel because they talked about how social media are powerful tools for getting news out there and engaging with people.
This was a great trip. The event seemed to go by fast.
I encourage you to go to this conference next year. I had a fantastic time and I know you will too!
May 14, 2013 •
WGR Spring Reception
“New Heights for Women Leaders”
State and Federal Communications is proud to be a speaker sponsor for the Women in Government Relations Spring Reception, which will be held at Union Station’s Columbus Club in Washington, D.C. The theme of the reception will be “New Heights for Women Leaders” and will be happening on Thursday, May 16, 2013 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
According to the WGR website: The Spring Reception brings together Members of Congress, Hill staff and the government relations and public affairs community to honor Congressional leaders who embody the vision of WGR – to advance and empower women in our field. This year we will be honoring two outstanding Members of Congress, Senator Mary Landrieu and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, as well as our very own Distinguished Member, Angel Riley.
Elizabeth Bartz, president and CEO of State and Federal Communications, Federal Compliance Associate Rebecca South, and Marketing Manager Melissa Coultas will be attending the event.
May 13, 2013 •
Anniversary Wishes from Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic!
May 2, 2013
Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic offers his congratulations to State and Federal Communications on its 20th Anniversary! We thank the mayor, who is a longtime friend of Elizabeth Bartz, for taking a moment amid a busy schedule to offer his thoughts:
May 13, 2013 •
United Way of Summit County Drops by to Say Thank You!
for the 2012 Campaign
It was very nice to see Laura Brelin from United Way of Summit County last week. Laura dropped by to present a framed “Excellence Award” to State and Federal Communications.
Excellence Awards are presented to those organizations whose employees demonstrate outstanding excellence with at least 75% participation and either $100 per capita or a 35% increase over last year’s campaign. We are proud to say that in 2012 we had 100% participation and $835 per capita giving!
State and Federal Communications is a proud supporter of United Way of Summit County. Aside from working hard each year on our annual campaign, we have had staff participation in the Day of Action, the Corporate Challenge Soap Box Derby, the Corporate Volunteer Council, and the Account Executive program.
Thank you, United Way! We look forward to a long partnership.
![Elizabeth Bartz and Laura Brelin](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Elizabeth-Bartz-and-Laura-Brelin.jpg)
May 10, 2013 •
Our May Photo Scrapbook
Enjoy these fun pictures from recent events:
![Colleagues and friends: Jean Cantrell - Philips Electronics North America, Elizabeth Z. Bartz - State and Federal Communications, Inc., and Chris Badgley - Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. at SGAC Annual Meeting in Savannah.](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/The-trio.jpg)
![Elizabeth Bartz meets with John Berendt, author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.](http://stateandfed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/John-Berendt.jpg)
May 9, 2013 •
Legislation We Are Tracking
More than 1,000 legislative bills
At any given time, more than 1,000 legislative bills, which can affect how you do business as a government affairs professional, are being discussed in federal, state, and local jurisdictions. These bills are summarized in the State and Federal Communications digital encyclopedias for lobbying laws, political contributions, and procurement lobbying, and can be found in the client portion of the State and Federal Communications’ website.
Summaries of major bills are also included in monthly e-mail updates sent to all clients. The chart below shows the number of bills we are tracking in regards to lobbying laws, political contributions, and procurement lobbying.
May 7, 2013 •
Anniversary Wishes from U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown!
April 25, 2013
U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown offers his congratulations to State and Federal Communications on its 20th Anniversary! Sen. Brown attended Kent State University’s Washington Program in National Issues Celebration at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. and generously took the time to offer this message:
May 6, 2013 •
State and Federal Communications Recognized as “Champion for Children”
Emancipating Youth Program
State and Federal Communications, Inc. was a recipient of the Community Support Award from Summit County Children Services at their Fourth Annual Community Appreciation Breakfast on April 30, 2013. The company’s president and CEO, Elizabeth Bartz, attended the event and was counted among the agency’s “Champion for Children.” She also received a beautiful memento for this honor.
Children Services tells the story:
In the fall of 2012, the staff of State and Federal Communications decided they wanted to make an impact where it was most needed and asked Summit Count Children Services how they could help the young people in our care. The needs of emancipating youth – who at age 18 leave the agency care and need significant assistance to set up households and live independently – rose to the top of this generous group’s list.
As a team, the State and Federal Communications employees decided to celebrate the holidays by collecting and donating household items and small appliances to support these emancipating youth.
The employees divided up the agency’s list of suggested items and overwhelmed us with the arrival of carloads of items, donating enough to furnish apartments for five or more teens who would be leaving the agency care in the coming months.
The enthusiastic State and Federal Communications team held special events, involved their families and friends, and achieved their goal of helping young people in need at a very important stage in their lives.
We celebrate their efforts and thank them for this exceptional generosity by recognizing State and Federal Communications, Inc. as a “Champion for Children.”
Thank you, Summit County Children Services for the amazing work you do and for allowing us to be a partner to help children in need!
April 26, 2013 •
Melissa M. Coultas Joins State and Federal Communications, Inc.
State and Federal Communications, Inc., which provides government compliance information and consulting, welcomes Melissa Coultas as the manager of marketing and sales.
Coultas has extensive background in federal affairs and government compliance. She previously worked as a government relations and public affairs professional for GolinHarris in Washington, D.C., where she lobbied on behalf of higher education and nonprofit clients, managed public affairs campaigns, and monitored legislation and regulation for high profile clients.
During her last semester of college at Kent State University, Coultas worked for Senator Mike DeWine. She went on to graduate cum laude, with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Pre-Law. After graduation she accepted a full-time position with the office of Senator DeWine. Two years later, Coultas left Capitol Hill for the private sector where she stayed with GolinHarris for eight years. She is a member of Public Affairs Council and American League of Lobbyists. In 2013, Coultas decided to return to her hometown of North Canton, Ohio with her husband in order to be close to family.
“Ms. Coultas’ addition to our team, coming from a world-wide PR firm, will greatly expand our marketing efforts and her experience in the federal government relations field is an asset hard to find in northeast Ohio,” said Elizabeth Z. Bartz, president and CEO.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides government compliance information and consulting to many of the Fortune 500 companies, to trade, labor, and professional associations, and to 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. It provides accurate, comprehensive, and timely information through online and printed resources clients use to comply with laws in all 50 states, the federal government, and more than 125 municipalities.
Additionally, the company offers government affairs consulting services in which in-house attorneys work directly with clients to oversee government compliance reporting, and also provide information regarding ethics, gift laws, lobbyist registration and reporting, corporate political contributions, and government procurement lobbying.
This article is cross-posted from the Akron Beacon Journal.
April 24, 2013 •
Elizabeth Bartz is Raising Awareness about Women and Heart Disease
Go Red for Women on May 14!
Elizabeth Bartz, President and CEO of State and Federal Communications, is appearing in a public service announcement for the American Heart Association’s 10th Go Red for Women campaign. Here is the segment, which will be showing up on various radio stations in Northeast Ohio:
Ms. Bartz is also appearing in the April 2013 issue of Akron Life magazine. The publication is featuring a special supplement honoring the campaign.
State and Federal Communications is proud to be one of the sponsors of the Go Red for Women Luncheon at the Quaker Station in Akron on Tuesday, May 14, 2013. Call 330-664-1908 for tickets.
April 23, 2013 •
Anniversary Wishes from the Council of State Governments!
April 18, 2013
David Adkins, Executive Director of The Council of State Governments extends his congratulations to State and Federal Communications on its 20th Anniversary! Mr. Adkins was in town last week as the featured speaker at the Akron Roundtable.
April 22, 2013 •
We are at the BIO International Convention!
April 22-25
Elizabeth Bartz, President and CEO of State and Federal Communications, is attending the 2013 BIO International Convention in Chicago, Illinois.
The global biotechnology event runs from April 22-25, 2013.
The BIO International Convention and State and Federal Communications are both celebrating a 20-year anniversary this year!
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.