Sponsored Ad

One of the premier lobbying firms in Annapolis, Manis Canning & Associates (MCA) has been representing the interests of its clients for almost 50 years, dating back to 1974. Our team collectively has more than 100 years of experience working with legislatures, executives, and regulators in local, state and federal governments.

We provide creative, proactive government affairs, public relations, business and trade association management strategies and programs to a diverse group of clients. We conduct ourselves in a bipartisan manner and pride ourselves in our ability to build and manage effective grassroots organizations and issue-based coalitions. We believe credibility is essential to maintaining our firm's good name and the good name of our clients, and preserving that commodity is of paramount importance.

20+ years

  • The Motion Picture Association of America began its relationship with MCA in 1974, working with Co-Founder George Manis. We can't imagine working with anyone else. They anticipate our issues and their professionalism and integrity is unmatched in Annapolis. For decades, it has been clear to MPAA that their relationships with elected leaders are based on trust and mutual respect. - Vans Stevenson, Senior Vice President, State Government Affairs, Motion Picture Association of America
  • No matter how large or small, I can always trust MCA to dive into the substance of an issue. Their experience working at the highest levels of State and local government gives them a unique command of both the process and the issues. There is no one I'd rather work with in Annapolis. - Anne Lindner, Vice President of State Legislative Affairs, Pepco Holdings
  • MCA continues to help us navigate the complexities of one of the largest and most important urban renewal projects in the country, Port Covington. Available at all times, day or night, I know I can count on them for their strong grasp of the issues and effective leadership. - Marc Weller, President and CEO Weller Development Company
  • We turned to MCA help secure funding for our new Regional Youth Workforce and Innovation Center. They have become a trusted partner and advisor, not just for our new Center, but also on efforts to expand career and technical exploration in the K-12 school system. - Jennifer Bodensiek, President and CEO, Junior Achievement of Central Maryland
  • We added MCA to our team when we needed timely advice on an issue of great importance to the company. They quickly brought themselves up to speed and knew the players to get the job done. We can't thank them enough for their results- oriented approach. Their knowledge of all levels and branches of Maryland government has been invaluable. - Brett Kelly, Vice President, Fraport Maryland (formerly Airmall Maryland)
  • It isn't easy to start a new business - let alone a new industry. MCA gave the medical cannabis growers and processors in our organization instant credibility, and a powerful voice in Annapolis. With their help, we have gotten our businesses off the ground and are delivering a safe, reliable and affordable medical product to Maryland patients. - Jake Van Wingerden, owner of SunMed Growers and past President of the Maryland Wholesale Medical Cannabis Trade Association (CANMD)
  • I've worked with MCA for many years, and I have always been impressed by their thorough approach to government affairs. They work in a bipartisan manner to get results for their clients and they are clearly respected on both sides of the aisle by elected officials and staff alike. The MCA team has helped facilitate relationships and presented opportunities for me to communicate directly with policymakers about issues important to my business. - Gary Mangum, co-Founder of ForwardGro and former CEO of Bell Nursery
  • A long-time trusted advisor to Maryland policymakers, Joseph C. Bryce, Esq., is regarded as one of Maryland's top governmental program architects and advocates. He brings his reputation for creative and insightful problem solving and ability to manage large, complex projects and issues to MCA.

    Joe has the ability to handle controversial issues in a professional manner. This skill, combined with his detailed and extensive knowledge of all levels of government, has proven invaluable to our clients.

    For nearly twenty years, Joe distinguished himself working at the highest levels of government. He worked with two Maryland Governors, the Maryland Senate President, and the Chancellor of the University System of Maryland. In all of these positions, Joe provided senior policy and budget advice, and implemented legislative agendas in areas such as health, K-12 and higher education, environment, gaming, tax policy, energy, and social and criminal justice.
    Joe served as Governor Martin O'Malley's Senior Policy and Legislative Advisor (2007-2012); the University System of Maryland's Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Relations (2002 to 2007); Chief Legislative Officer for Governor Parris N. Glendening (1997 to 2002); and Chief of Staff to Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. (1994 to 1997).

    Joe graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1989. In 1993, he graduated first in his class from Georgetown Law School. He is the recipient of numerous professional and academic recognitions and honors and currently serves on the Board of the Maryland Stadium Authority as an appointee of Governor Larry Hogan. Joe and his wife, Kristin Jones Bryce, have two adult children (Joey and Madison) and reside in Odenton.

    I currently represent clients in the areas of healthcare, healthcare financing, health reform, health certificate of need (CON), casino gaming, lottery, horse racing, transportation, motor vehicles, rental cars, insurance, state and local taxes, franchises, business regulation, IT - information technology, environmental regulation, procurement, state contracting, bid protests, and acquisition of public funds for private programs and projects. Additionally, I advise clients on state and local ethics laws, election laws and lobbying rules.

    I previously served as the former staff counsel to the Maryland Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and the Department of Fiscal Services.

    My clients range from the CBAC Gaming (Horseshoe Casino Baltimore), Education Affiliates/Fortis College, Enterprise/Alamo/National Rental Cars, Maryland Physicians Care MCO, and Washington Area New Auto Dealers Association.

    20+ years

    Former staff counsel to Maryland Senate Budget and Taxation Committee handling matters related to state & local taxes, retirement, and agency budgets

    Experienced lobbyist on health care delivery systems, health insurance, and health occupations, including managed care, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, dental plans, and pharmaceuticals

    Team leader on multi-firm effort to preserve the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and to enact a statutory framework for a nearly $400 million capital redevelopment effort for Maryland's racetracks

    Counsel for automotive industries including new automobile dealers and rental car agencies

    Lead lobbyist on legislation to authorize transportation network companies

    Experienced gaming lobbyist representing lottery, casino, racetrack, and sports wagering interests

    Procurement counsel assisting entities on RFPs, bids and other offers of goods, services, and construction to state & local governments

    Counsels clients on state and local ethics laws, gift laws, campaign contribution compliance, election laws, and lobbying rules

    Fiscal Analyst, Department of Fiscal Services (1988)
    Committee Staff, Maryland Senate Budget & Taxation Committee (1989 - 1990)

  • RWL's government relations group consistently ranks among Maryland's top lobbyists for good reason. Their team approach, in-depth understanding of their clients' interests, relationships at all levels of government and superb strategies are second to none. - Joseph De Francis, Former President and CEO, Maryland Jockey Club
  • Michael V. Johansen is the Administrative Partner at Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC and the Chair of the firm's Administrative Law and Regulatory Compliance practice. Mike has nearly 30 years of experience in lobbying and legal matters before the General Assembly, executive agencies, and local/municipal governments in the state of Maryland. As a registered lobbyist, he has represented clients in the areas of healthcare, healthcare financing, health reform, health certificate of need (CON), casino gaming, lottery, horse racing, transportation, motor vehicles, rental cars, insurance, state and local taxes, franchises, business regulation, IT - information technology, environmental regulation, procurement, state contracting, bid protests, and acquisition of public funds for private programs and projects. Mike also advises clients on state and local ethics laws, gift laws, campaign contribution compliance, election laws and lobbying rules.

    Prior to joining the firm, Mike was legislative staff to the Maryland General Assembly, the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee, and the Department of Fiscal Services. He is a member of the board of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Maryland Chapter and a board member of the Indian Creek School.

    One of the premier lobbying firms in Annapolis, Manis Canning & Associates (MCA) has been representing the interests of its clients for almost 50 years, dating back to 1974. Our team collectively has more than 100 years of experience working with legislatures, executives, and regulators in local, state and federal governments.

    We provide creative, proactive government affairs, public relations, business and trade association management strategies and programs to a diverse group of clients. We conduct ourselves in a bipartisan manner and pride ourselves in our ability to build and manage effective grassroots organizations and issue-based coalitions. We believe credibility is essential to maintaining our firm's good name and the good name of our clients, and preserving that commodity is of paramount importance.

    20+ years

  • The Motion Picture Association of America began its relationship with MCA in 1974, working with Co-Founder George Manis. We can't imagine working with anyone else. They anticipate our issues and their professionalism and integrity is unmatched in Annapolis. For decades, it has been clear to MPAA that their relationships with elected leaders are based on trust and mutual respect. - Vans Stevenson, Senior Vice President, State Government Affairs, Motion Picture Association of America
  • No matter how large or small, I can always trust MCA to dive into the substance of an issue. Their experience working at the highest levels of State and local government gives them a unique command of both the process and the issues. There is no one I'd rather work with in Annapolis. - Anne Lindner, Vice President of State Legislative Affairs, Pepco Holdings
  • MCA continues to help us navigate the complexities of one of the largest and most important urban renewal projects in the country, Port Covington. Available at all times, day or night, I know I can count on them for their strong grasp of the issues and effective leadership. - Marc Weller, President and CEO Weller Development Company
  • We turned to MCA help secure funding for our new Regional Youth Workforce and Innovation Center. They have become a trusted partner and advisor, not just for our new Center, but also on efforts to expand career and technical exploration in the K-12 school system. - Jennifer Bodensiek, President and CEO, Junior Achievement of Central Maryland
  • We added MCA to our team when we needed timely advice on an issue of great importance to the company. They quickly brought themselves up to speed and knew the players to get the job done. We can't thank them enough for their results- oriented approach. Their knowledge of all levels and branches of Maryland government has been invaluable. - Brett Kelly, Vice President, Fraport Maryland (formerly Airmall Maryland)
  • It isn't easy to start a new business - let alone a new industry. MCA gave the medical cannabis growers and processors in our organization instant credibility, and a powerful voice in Annapolis. With their help, we have gotten our businesses off the ground and are delivering a safe, reliable and affordable medical product to Maryland patients. - Jake Van Wingerden, owner of SunMed Growers and past President of the Maryland Wholesale Medical Cannabis Trade Association (CANMD)
  • I've worked with MCA for many years, and I have always been impressed by their thorough approach to government affairs. They work in a bipartisan manner to get results for their clients and they are clearly respected on both sides of the aisle by elected officials and staff alike. The MCA team has helped facilitate relationships and presented opportunities for me to communicate directly with policymakers about issues important to my business. - Gary Mangum, co-Founder of ForwardGro and former CEO of Bell Nursery
  • Accomplishing goals in Annapolis depends in large measure on mutual trust and mastery of the legislative process, two attributes that John F. Favazza, Esq., has honed through his experiences in Annapolis and applies now as a member of the MCA firm.

    These traits coupled with his legal training and ability to deal effectively with complicated and sometimes controversial subject matter, give added strength to the Manis Canning team in work for their wide array of clients. He has a deep understanding of the nuances and subtleties of the legislative process and state government, and advises clients on strategies to accomplish their goals.

    John spent 13 years working inside the legislative process in Annapolis. He served as Counsel to the House Economic Matters Committee for four years, and then spent nine years working for the Speaker of the House, the last six as Chief of Staff. Working with the Speaker and House leadership, John gained insight into the larger strategic decisions that underpin the legislative process in Maryland. He was involved in a broad array of substantive and policy issues, but with a focus on business, environmental, gaming and tax structure issues.

    John holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in History from Towson University and Villanova University respectively and a law degree from the University of Maryland. A member of the Maryland Bar, John lives in Annapolis with his wife Erin, and their three children.

    LISA HARRIS JONES

    (Maryland)

    Subjects: All Subjects

    Links:Website

    In 2000, Harris Jones founded Harris Jones & Malone, LLC. To date, she remains the first and only Black woman in the State of Maryland to own and manage a law practice with a focus in lobbying, government relations, procurement, labor negotiations, criminal defense, and administrative trial board representation at both the state and local levels. Harris Jones & Malone proudly serves municipalities and related quasi-public agencies, non-profits, and small and large business enterprises, both publicly and privately held. Currently, Harris Jones & Malone represents clients on issues concerning, but not limited to construction, energy, water, retail sales, education, transportation, public safety, healthcare, gaming, real estate, telecommunications, procurement, corporate law, state funding for public and private development projects, taxation, labor, insurance, public interest, election, and environmental law.

    Due to her hard work and tireless advocacy, Harris Jones is widely regarded as a lobbyist with the ability to effect real change in the legislative process, regardless of the size of her client or the perceived power of her opponent. As a result of her successful track record, her clients have enabled her to become the first Black attorney/lobbyist to be consistently ranked in the top five earning lobbyists in Maryland following the conclusion of each legislative session since 2009.

    Harris Jones has worked on high profile matters such as the repeal of Maryland's Death Penalty, the enactment of the Civil Marriage Protection Act, and in 2019, the Community Safety and Strengthening Act, which authorizes Johns Hopkins University to establish a university police department.

    Among her many legislative accomplishments, Harris Jones lobbied successfully for the passage of a priority lien bill on behalf of the Community Associations Institute Maryland Legislative Action Committee (CAI), an organization representing common ownership communities. For many years, CAI had battled with financial institutions over this critical legislation. In only her second legislative session representing CAI, Harris Jones was able to facilitate an agreement and secure the votes needed to pass the bill. This law allows condominium associations to recover up to four months of association fees at the time of a foreclosure sale. Hard hit by the downturn in the housing market, association fees are vital to the financial stability of all common ownership communities.

    Harris Jones is a Member of the Board of Trustees/Directors of three publicly traded companies: Industrial Logistics Properties Trust, Diversified Healthcare Trust, and TravelCenters of America, LLC. She also serves on the Board of Trustees/Directors of Everyman Theatre and Baltimore Museum of Art. In 2021, Harris Jones was listed as one of The Daily Record's Power 100. She was also recognized by Savoy Magazine as one of the Most Influential Black Corporate Directors, an international honor. In 2019 Harris Jones received the Current Leader Award from the Alliance of Black Women Attorneys of Maryland, Inc. In 2016, Harris Jones received the Friend of Dyslexia Award for Outstanding Dyslexia Advocacy and also received the Maryland Government Relations Association's Community Service Award. Since 2000, Harris Jones has earned the following honors: YWCA Greater Baltimore's Special Leader Award, The Daily Record's Leadership in Law Award, The Baltimore Sun's 50 Women to Watch in 2013, The Daily Records Maryland's Top 100 Women in 2005 and 2009, The Baltimore Business Journal's 40 under 40, The Baltimore Times' Top 25 Young Leaders to Watch, and the Maryland Coalition for Responsive Government's 21st Century Woman distinction.

    20+ years