For over 40 years, the Messerli & Kramer Government Relations team has shown integrity, unmatched service and a respected presence before the Minnesota Legislature, executive and regulatory agencies and local units of government. Every day we put that experience and knowledge to work to best serve our clients. Our lobbyists have been called upon to develop and pass into law some of the most complex and high profile legislation ever enacted in Minnesota. Just a few examples include:

Messerli & Kramer has a respected reputation for bipartisan lobbying activities that never take a legislator's vote for granted. Our real success is reflected by the fact that most of our clients were referred to us by legislators, other lobbyists who know the quality of our work and clients who have experienced the value of having our representation at the Capitol.
Coordination of statewide lobbying efforts to pass Minnesota's "Marriage Equality Act."
Bonding legislation for Target Field - a 42,000-seat, open air, natural grass ballpark, home of the Minnesota Twins.
Extensive involvement in bonding legislation to develop and expand metro transit and light rail.
Lobbying to support passage of mandatory seatbelt laws.
Representation of Minnesota law enforcement and first responders.

Firm Specialties:
Government Relations services at Messerli & Kramer fall largely under four key areas:

Legislative Lobbying - helping clients navigate due process and gain access to key decision makers to advocate for their interests.
Procurement - enhancing the ability for Minnesota companies and organizations to win contracts with state government entities.
Economic Development - supporting efforts to improve the quality of life and business and job growth in Minnesota communities.
Municipal Representation - assisting clients with protocols before units of government to obtain approvals, permits, waivers and other assistance.
In addition, our team represents clients in administrative law and grassroots advocacy. In the political arena, we have advised candidates and consulted on elections, and supported the Governor's office and state agencies. We offer legal and strategic advice for regulatory and administrative bodies, and management of strategic and crisis communications.

Mr. Cole was an award-winning journalist with The Detroit News for seven years before joining GCSI. He worked five years in the newspaper's Lansing Bureau and two in its Washington, DC Bureau, covering the politics of the auto industry. A graduate of the prestigious University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism, Ken has been the recipient of several writing honors, including the Golden Quill Award from the Washington Automotive Press Association; Excellence in Journalism for Highway Safety Award from the National Safety Council; and the International Wheel Award from the Detroit Press Foundation. The former adjunct professor of journalism at Michigan State University also formerly worked for the Ypsilanti Press and the Jackson Citizen Patriot.

Mandy is an AV-Rated attorney in our Government, Administration & Regulatory and Health Law groups. She is a frequent speaker on the legislative process and updates on legislation. The Butler Snow team works to understand the issues of its clients and is often accused of asking a lot of questions to do that. We work with our clients to create the best strategies that advance the goals and interests of the client.

Trusted. Advocate. Ethical. Leader.

John Powell & Associates, Inc. is a full service bi-partisan public affairs and government relations firm. The firm was founded in 1984 and since its inception has represented and advocated on behalf of Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations, and public & private sector trade associations. The firm prides itself on its well-earned reputation for integrity, hard work and client service; which has led to producing a long track record of results for satisfied clients.

Before joining GCSI, Mr. DeVries served for 10 years as Chief of Staff to Senator Arlan Meekhof, the Republican Senate Majority Leader. During his time in the legislature, he managed many difficult legislative issues and became one of Lansing's leading experts on the legislative process. Bob has his bachelor's degree in political science from Grand Valley State University and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Mrs. Hune was previously the VP of Governmental Affairs for the Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL) & Affiliates, the trade organization representing 96% of Michigan's credit unions. Prior to joining the League in 2008, she had more than nine years of experience in the state Legislature as a staffer for two speakers of the house and two majority floor leaders. Marcia holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in public administration from Western Michigan University. She is a member of Pi Alpha Alpha, the Public Administration Honor Society through Western Michigan University, as well Phi Kappa Phi, an All Discipline Honor Society.

Mr. Profit had an award-winning 10-year career in the Michigan House of Representatives before joining GCSI. While a member of the Legislature, he chaired the influential House Tax Policy Committee, as well as the House Committee on Higher Education. The former legal advisor and Undersheriff to the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department earned a bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University, where he also worked as an adjunct professor. Kirk is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, having earned his juris doctorate from the University of Detroit School of Law.

Burr Forman McNair's counseling of governmental entities is a seamless web of experience and capabilities. Just as we understand how state and local governments work at the administrative and legislative levels, our professional credibility with these decision-makers enhances our ability to counsel counties, municipalities and special purpose entities throughout the state.

Firm Specialties:
Our firm has a long history representing county governments, school districts, and dozens of municipalities across the Southeast. We not only serve as general counsel to some of these clients - our team often serve as special counsel on administrative, environmental, financing, immigration, land use and other matters. At the intersection of multiple local government and business interests, Burr attorneys direct the administrative and legal traffic so that public purposes and private needs are integrated for the common good.

Smith Anderson is the largest business and litigation law firm headquartered in the Research Triangle region of North Carolina. They are passionate about advising regional, national and global companies and providing them unparalleled client service. It's that client focus which has helped them proudly earn recognition from leading legal publications, including our recognition as a "Client Service A-Team" firm by BTI Consulting Group. They are an unmatched combination of legal and business innovators with a culture and heritage that has been shaped for more than 100 years.

Firm Specialties:
The scope of the Government Relations practice includes virtually any matter involving private interests and government. Smith Anderson's Government Relations professionals specialize in advising clients on how to most effectively communicate with elected officials and others who make public policy decisions. Dave has extensive experience consulting successful political campaigns on media strategy, press relations and election law compliance issues.

Trusted. Advocate. Ethical. Leader.

John Powell & Associates, Inc. is a full service bi-partisan public affairs and government relations firm. The firm was founded in 1984 and since its inception has represented and advocated on behalf of Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations, and public & private sector trade associations. The firm prides itself on its well-earned reputation for integrity, hard work and client service; which has led to producing a long track record of results for satisfied clients. John C. Powell is a lawyer / lobbyist who takes pride in understanding each client's business and then making sure the client's voice is heard in the halls of the Capitol.

Mr. Owen, formerly the Policy Advisor for Lieutenant Governor John Cherry in the Executive Office of Governor Jennifer Granholm. He was then appointed by Governor Granholm to serve as the Legislative Liaison in the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and was reappointed by Governor Rick Snyder to serve in the same role. Gary is an expert on environmental and natural resources based initiatives. His relationships in these departments are fresh, and unparalleled amongst state lobbyists. Gary earned a bachelors degree in political science from the University of Michigan.

Ms. Farrah served six years in the Michigan House of Representatives before GCSI. While a member of the Legislature, she chaired the influential House Regulatory Reform Committee and was a member of the committees on labor, tax policy, insurance and local government. The former Southgate City Council president also worked 10 years for Wayne County in its Department of Environment. Barb earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Mr. Zaagman served as Director of Government Affairs for the Michigan Restaurant Association for four years before joining GCSI. He also worked for five years as a lobbyist for the Michigan Osteopathic Association. The Muskegon native is widely respected in Capitol circles for his expertise in and knowledge of transportation-related issues, election law, liquor control and tax policy. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Central Michigan University and a master's degree in public administration from Western Michigan University. Bill is a 1996 graduate of the Michigan Political Leadership Program.

As Practice Group Leader of the firm's Regulatory and Government Group, Mr. Malone focuses on government relations, telecommunications, public utilities and administrative law. Due to his prior public service, coupled with his previous engagements on a hosts of public policy matters, Melvin is often sought out by state leaders to provide insight, observations and counsel on various legislative and regulatory initiatives.

Mr. Hawks has consistently been voted among the 5 best lobbyists in the state of Michigan by an independent political insider survey. His distinguished career has spanned over 26 years representing many of GCSI's prestigious clients. In addition, Mike was also recently voted among the top 5 public affairs professionals in the state. Mike received his bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University and possesses a master's degree from Michigan State University.

Ms. Zandee is a Michigan attorney with a social work background and has served as Chief Policy Advisor for State Representative Brandt Iden, Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee. Sam received her undergraduate degree from Hope College, and obtained her JD and MSW from the University at Buffalo. She has also worked in the family court system, for various legal aid clinics, a children's advocacy center, and with in house counsel for Buffalo Medical School.

Nicolay & Dart LLC is a law firm concentrating on governmental and regulatory representation. Its two principals, John Nicolay and Tim Dart, have many years of experience representing premier clients at all levels of Illinois government. Nicolay & Dart LLC is one of the few firms in Illinois providing governmental representation in the General Assembly, the Chicago City Council, and Cook County government. Formerly partners at Winston & Strawn LLP, John and Tim provide a unique balance of experience that allows them to advocate effectively in any situation. The firm offers intensive, personalized strategy and representation that conforms to the highest ethical standards.

Firm Specialties:
Our attorneys are experienced in many areas of governmental and regulatory law, including legislation, agency rulemaking, government procurement, executive clemency, governmental ethics and zoning.

In addition, we have often partnered with the top public affairs firms in Illinois to provide a full range of grass-roots and media strategy services to our clients. Our experience has shown that a comprehensive approach to a legislative or regulatory problem is the best way to obtain a positive result for our clients.

Nothing in government happens by accident. To deal with government successfully, creative and effective representation is needed. We are an aggressive lobbying group that anticipates problems and develops strategies to achieve our clients' objectives. Whether our representation is to pass legislation or stop legislation, prevent a crisis or respond to a crisis, we have the ability and experience to achieve our clients' goals and objectives. Our success is in our proven track record. We are a strong bipartisan team that is one of Connecticut's most highly respected government relations practice groups and are recognized for effective and articulate promotion of the interests of our clients.

Firm Specialties:
Unlike most Connecticut lobbying firms, we unite the legal, lobbying and public affairs disciplines through unique experience and intimate familiarity with the legislative and lawmaking process of the State of Connecticut. It is an asset that separates the Firm from its competitors. Few, if any, public affairs corporations offer our capability and professionalism.

We also provide legislative monitoring and personal tracking of legislative issues and proposals, and employ specially-trained staff for the purposes of following pending bills, legislative hearings, committee meetings, amendments and other items of interest.

FOCUS Government Affairs @ UKS is a full service government relations firm that draws upon the knowledge and experience of attorneys, former executive branch officials, and specialists whose collective expertise is made available to all our governmental affairs clients. This team-based approach ensures that the proper resources are determined and committed, so that our government affairs clients receive the most efficient, cost-effective professional services possible.

We provide a broad spectrum of legislative, regulatory, administrative and executive lobbying and consulting services to a wide range of clients. Because we have over 60 years of experience working with and within government, we are experts on the legislative process and can skillfully negotiate with staff and elected officials. In addition, our strong relationships with federal, state and local elected officials allow us to effectively assist our clients in their dealings with all levels of government.

FOCUS Government Affairs has strategic relationship with Connecticut-based law firm Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, PC that allow us to provide an additional level of service including legal advice, counsel, and legal assistance to corporate, institutional, municipal, and individual clients.

Jennie is an experienced government relations professional with deep knowledge of K-12 and higher education policy. She spent years working at the legislature and managing campaigns. So, she understands the legislative process and can bring a campaign like approach to getting your legislative goals accomplished.