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Direct Advocacy Lobbying The old approach to lobbying was based almost exclusively on personal friendships, quid pro quo arrangements and granting or returning favors. This system, fortunately, is becoming obsolete. Legislative and executive term limits have altered the political and lobbying landscape forever. Elected officials, unable to be experts in every area, depend heavily on lobbyists for information on issues and industry positions. EMS will play a critical role in bringing your message and professional credibility to the Capitol, ensuring you will be "at the table" every time an issue is debated which affects your members. EMS provides direct advocacy lobbying of legislators and executive personnel as well as creating access for your leadership. This includes contact with the House and Senate leadership and committee chairs, who have significant influence over the fate of legislative issues. If your organization has regulatory or licensing issues or interacts with state agencies, EMS can facilitate a stronger relationship and positive negotiations. Your organization may encounter a matter that requires attention at the highest levels of government. Many legislative proposals originate in the executive branch, where administrators lobby the legislature on issues that affect their agency or department. EMS can provide contact with the Governor's office and top managers in the administration. Grass Roots Lobbying At times, a lobbying strategy may require a client to reach the press, public or industry membership in order to influence public policy or legislation. At EMS, we design and implement grass roots programs that focus on consensus building and action. Grass roots lobbying may include coordinating visits with legislators, newspaper editorial boards, circulating petitions, developing direct mailings, and establishing a telephone blitz to influence public policy action. Motivating your members to participate in grass roots efforts can be a challenge. EMS will work with your membership to educate them on critical issues, explain the message which needs to be conveyed to the legislature, and provide follow up and support of their contact efforts. Doing one's homework is the key to success. That's why EMS strongly emphasizes ongoing research to ensure the legislature, state agencies and your members are completely up to speed on an issue. Research can include everything from gathering information to help write effective legislation, developing fact sheets and other materials for key legislators, community leaders, and the media to polling your membership to gain consensus on a controversial issue.
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Eurich Management Services LLC
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