Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website

ACCESS. ACCOUNTABILITY. INTEGRITY.

In the midst of an always-challenging political landscape, a growing number of Alabama business, industrial and municipal clients rely on The Bloom Group to represent their interests in vital dealings with the state's legislative and regulatory communities.

Unlike other lobbying firms that come and go, for 30 years, The Bloom Group has been a fixture in Alabama politics. Through our proven track record of success in resolving legislative issues and effectively communicating client needs and positions, we have earned a reputation as one of Alabama's premier governmental relations consultants.

Our Mission | Governmental Relations That Works
For every client and in every situation, The Bloom Group operates in pursuit of these goals:

To consistently deliver to each of our clients the highest level of governmental relations services tailored to the client's specific individual needs and based on a firm understanding of their business.

To develop and value a personal and professional relationship "based upon mutual trust and respect with clients", legislators, members of the executive branch and others with whom we deal.

To always conduct our governmental relations affairs in an ethical and honest manner.

20+ years

As the founding principal of The Bloom Group, Hal Bloom brings our clients more than 25 years of experience in politics, with an in-depth understanding of the legislative process as well as the inner workings of state agencies. His leadership and the qualified team he's assembled ensure that clients always get professional services that yield real results. A seasoned and respected veteran in his field, Hal was chosen as one of the top lobbyists by The Montgomery Advertiser (1999).

Key Areas of Expertise
Insider knowledge of the legislative process
Political coalition building
Public and governmental finance
Strategizing for and managing political campaigns

Key Professional Experience
Key legislative strategist, executive assistant and chief of staff to a two-term Speaker of the House
Senior governmental affairs officer, public finance officer and investment banker supervisor for major statewide bank
Investment banker for top Southeast investment firm

Key Issue Areas
Environmental, particularly solid waste disposal and clean water
Municipal bond issues
Government funding
Banking, investments and finance
Commercial leasing
Industrial relations and labor
Prevailing wage
State budget and taxation - business and municipal
Federal grants

Professional & Community Affiliations/Honors
Member, Alabama Alliance of Business and Industry
Legislative Liaison, League of Municipalities Committee on State and Federal Legislation
Chairman of Advisory Board, Baptist Medical Center-East
Former Board Member, Alabama Industry and Manufacturers Association
Former Board Member, Alabama-Guatemala Partners of the Americas
Consultant, State Tax Reform Study Commission
Who's Who in the South and Southwest
Who's Who in Executives and Professionals
Strathmore's Who's Who
Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International
Past President, Montgomery Rotary Club
Member, President's Cabinet, The University of Alabama
Member, Board of Visitors, The University of Alabama Honors College
Chairman, Board of Directors, The University of West Alabama Foundation
Alumni Achievement Award, University of West Alabama
Member, The Society of the Golden Key, University of West Alabama
Member, Board of Trustees, University of West Alabama

Education
B.S., Business and Commerce, University of West Alabama
Registered Representative, NASD/New York Stock Exchange
Graduate, Chamber of Commerce Executive Institute, University of Georgia

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website

ACCESS. ACCOUNTABILITY. INTEGRITY.

In the midst of an always-challenging political landscape, a growing number of Alabama business, industrial and municipal clients rely on The Bloom Group to represent their interests in vital dealings with the state's legislative and regulatory communities.

Unlike other lobbying firms that come and go, for 30 years, The Bloom Group has been a fixture in Alabama politics. Through our proven track record of success in resolving legislative issues and effectively communicating client needs and positions, we have earned a reputation as one of Alabama's premier governmental relations consultants.

Our Mission | Governmental Relations That Works
For every client and in every situation, The Bloom Group operates in pursuit of these goals:

To consistently deliver to each of our clients the highest level of governmental relations services tailored to the client's specific individual needs and based on a firm understanding of their business.

To develop and value a personal and professional relationship "based upon mutual trust and respect with clients", legislators, members of the executive branch and others with whom we deal.

To always conduct our governmental relations affairs in an ethical and honest manner.

John W. Floyd offers our clients a wealth of hands-on experience gained in more than 20 years of work in local and state government, including an extensive background in community relations. He previously served as Talladega County Juvenile Court Administrator and as Director of Regional and Community Services and Legislative Liaison for the Alabama Department of Youth Services. He also served as Executive Vice President of the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce; as Secretary/Treasurer of the Sylacauga Industrial Development Board; as Council President; and later, as Mayor of the City of Sylacauga. He currently serves as Board Chairman of the Coosa Valley Baptist Medical Center.

Key Areas of Expertise
Local and state government management
Human services expertise
Knowledge of the legislative process
Economic development experience
Organizational management
Community and governmental relations
Grant writing experience

Key Issue Areas
Community relations
Government relations
Health care
Legislative affairs
Local government planning, evaluation and financing
State government planning, evaluation and financing
Economic development programs and evaluation
Existing business and industry
State, federal and foundation grants
Industrial development financing
Commercial development

Professional & Community Affiliations
Member, The Alabama Hospital Association
Member, The Independent Automobile Dealers Association of Alabama
Former governor's appointee to the Alabama Department of Youth Services Board
Former governor's appointee to the Region Four Law Enforcement Planning Agency Board
Former member of the Alabama League of Municipalities Utilities, Commerce and Transportation Committee
Former member of the Citizens Advisory Council for the Alabama Department of Human Resources

Education
B.S., Business and Economics, University of West Alabama
Certified Public Manager Program, Auburn University at Montgomery

ALLEN SANDERSON

(Alabama)

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website

ACCESS. ACCOUNTABILITY. INTEGRITY. In the midst of an always-challenging political landscape, a growing number of Alabama business, industrial and municipal clients rely on The Bloom Group to represent their interests in vital dealings with the state's legislative and regulatory communities. Unlike other lobbying firms that come and go, for 30 years, The Bloom Group has been a fixture in Alabama politics. Through our proven track record of success in resolving legislative issues and effectively communicating client needs and positions, we have earned a reputation as one of Alabama's premier governmental relations consultants. Our Mission | Governmental Relations That WorksFor every client and in every situation, The Bloom Group operates in pursuit of these goals: To consistently deliver to each of our clients the highest level of governmental relations services tailored to the client's specific individual needs and based on a firm understanding of their business. To develop and value a personal and professional relationship "based upon mutual trust and respect with clients", legislators, members of the executive branch and others with whom we deal. To always conduct our governmental relations affairs in an ethical and honest manner.

6-10 years

Professional & Community Affiliations/Honors
Legislator of the Year, American Cancer Society
State Volunteer of the Year, American Cancer Society
Recipient of the prestigious Wes Nowlin Award, American Cancer Society highest award is given to a volunteer in the state of Alabama
Public Servant of the Year, Alabama Kidney Association
Member, Manufacture Alabama Governmental Affairs Committee

20+ years

A founding partner of our Alabama office, Carol Brown has spent more than 25 years lobbying and working within her home state's ever-changing business and health care arenas. Before joining The Southern Group, Carol served as Vice President of Governmental Affairs and Manager of Federal Affairs for the Business Council of Alabama, the state's largest and most diverse business trade organization.Carol has worked on both sides of the political aisle, assisting Republican and Democratic candidates with their re-election bids and developing key relationships throughout the halls of government. A 1985 Auburn University graduate, Carol began her career in journalism covering politics and health care issues for the state's capital city newspaper, The Montgomery Advertiser.Since joining Southern Strategy Group, Carol continues representing clients throughout the business spectrum, including the energy, insurance, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as health care providers, telecommunications, and disaster recovery arenas. Carol has excellent working relationships with both the legislative and executive branches of government as well as strong relationships throughout Alabama's business and trade association communities. Carol's contacts include many of Alabama's regulatory agencies, such as the Insurance Department, Public Health, Medicaid, the State Health Planning and Development Agency, Industrial Relations, Homeland Security, and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

She has most recently played a key role in working toward broadband accessibility for all Alabamians, a policy initiative that helped garner $100 million in CARES Act Funding for low-income students.

SARA ELIZABETH BURNHAM

(Alabama)

Subjects: All Subjects

Links:Website

ACCESS. ACCOUNTABILITY. INTEGRITY. In the midst of an always-challenging political landscape, a growing number of Alabama business, industrial and municipal clients rely on The Bloom Group to represent their interests in vital dealings with the state's legislative and regulatory communities. Unlike other lobbying firms that come and go, for 30 years, The Bloom Group has been a fixture in Alabama politics. Through our proven track record of success in resolving legislative issues and effectively communicating client needs and positions, we have earned a reputation as one of Alabama's premier governmental relations consultants. Our Mission | Governmental Relations That WorksFor every client and in every situation, The Bloom Group operates in pursuit of these goals: To consistently deliver to each of our clients the highest level of governmental relations services tailored to the client's specific individual needs and based on a firm understanding of their business. To develop and value a personal and professional relationship "based upon mutual trust and respect with clients", legislators, members of the executive branch and others with whom we deal. To always conduct our governmental relations affairs in an ethical and honest manner.

0-5 years

Sara Elizabeth Burnham brings a thorough knowledge of government as well as an extensive network of contacts to The Bloom Group thanks to relationships forged and maintained over decades of living and working in Montgomery and her family's deep roots in the capital city. She also has longstanding relationships from her time working on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.

Her years of experience working in real estate give her a broad perspective on the area's business climate and a track record of success listening to, advocating for and representing the best interests of a diverse range of clients.

Key Experience
Staff Assistant for Senator Jeff Sessions
Staff Assistant at The Dutko Group
Staff Assistant for the U.S. Senate Republican Cloakroom
Active REALTOR with Bell and Corwin, Inc.

Key Areas of Expertise
Proven networking abilities
Strong work ethic

Professional & Community Affiliations
Alabama Dance Theatre Development Committee Member
Past YMCA Britton Board of Directors Member
Family Promise Center Volunteer

Education
BA in Political Science (Minors in Public Relations and English), The University of Alabama

20+ years

Logan Gray has a unique background for a lobbyist/governmental consultant. For over 35 years, Logan was employed by SouthTrust Corporation, Alabama's largest bank holding company. During that time, Logan served in various capacities including President/C.E.O. for the Lee County/Macon County market for 13 years and the head of Governmental Affairs from 1990 to 2005. These assignments allowed Logan to fully appreciate what state government can do for and can do to a company.

From 1990 until 2005, Logan also served on the City of Auburn's (City) City Council. In that position, Logan was an effective member of a forward looking team of elected and appointed official who moved the City forward economically, educationally, and financially without losing the City's charm and character.

Logan's first run for office ended in a tie vote. This unusual experience engrained in Logan the importance of each vote during an election.

In 2005, Logan retired from SouthTrust and moved to Montgomery to form Southern Strategy Group's Alabama office. Since that time, the office has successfully served its clients at the legislative, regulatory, and local levels of Alabama government. Legislatively, Logan has passed several bills for clients and has been very instrumental in defeating legislation that would be harmful to them. In the regulatory arena, Logan has successfully represented clients before the Departments of Revenue, Banking, Insurance, Environmental Management, Conservation and Natural Resources, the Governor's Finance Department, and Accountancy. Logan has also opened the doors for clients dealing with various city and county governments, making sure that they were in front of the right person who could make or influence a favorable decision.

JAMES ABLE

(Alabama)

AKIESHA ANDERSON

(Alabama)
Clients:

GINGER AVERY

(Alabama)

JOSH BLADES

(Alabama)
Clients:

ROBERT BOWMAN

(Alabama)
  • 334-737-6401

  • PO Box 1488AuburnAL36831

ELAINE BURDESHAW

(Alabama)

LATRELL CLIFFORD WOOD

(Alabama)
  • 334-832-9060

  • 400 S Union StSuite 495MontgomeryAL36106

Clients:

COURTNEY CURENTON-BAKER

(Alabama)

DANIELLE DUNBAR

(Alabama)
  • 205-963-7969

  • P.O. Box 2512BirminghamAL35201-2512

MADELINE GREEN

(Alabama)
  • 334-386-5345

  • 522 Washington AvenueMontgomeryAL36104

CAROL GUNDLACH

(Alabama)
Clients:

PAUL HANKINS

(Alabama)

ROBYN HYDEN

(Alabama)
Clients:

FRANKLIN JOHNSON

(Alabama)

TRACEY MEYER

(Alabama)

JOHN MOORE

(Alabama)

MICHAEL NICHOLSON

(Alabama)
Clients:

STEVE PEGUES

(Alabama)
Clients:

JOHNNIE SMITH

(Alabama)

SALLY SMITH

(Alabama)

JERRY SPENCER

(Alabama)

STANLEY SPILLERS

(Alabama)

DAVIS STEWART

(Alabama)
Clients:

DAVID STOUT

(Alabama)
Clients:

DEREK TROTTER

(Alabama)
Clients:

ADA KATHERINE VAN WYHE

(Alabama)

CAROL VUCOVICH

(Alabama)

JEREMY WALKER

(Alabama)

VICKIE WATKINS

(Alabama)

MARK WILKERSON

(Alabama)
Clients:

TRACE ZARR

(Alabama)
  • 334-244-4001

  • 6987 Halcyon Park DriveMontgomeryAL36117