ERIC SUNSTROM

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ERIC SUNSTROM

( Louisiana,  )

The Chesapeake Group

Introduction

The Chesapeake Group approaches government relations and lobbying with a focus on customer service and information sharing. Navigating bureaucracy can be intimidating and frustrating, but through decades of experience and relationship building I assist my clients in achieving their goals at the Capitol and understanding the complex processes behind the scenes. Connecting people to tackle issues and remove barriers to business is tremendously rewarding and why I love my work.

Recommendations  Client List  Number of Years as a Lobbyist  Relationships  Biography 
Recommendations

  • "Eric is as solid, effective, and responsive as one could want in a government relations professional. He understands what's important and what isn't, and only spends his and our valuable time on the former. Top notch." - Hunter Limbaugh, Southeastern Counsel Wine Institute
  • "Eric was chosen as our lobbyist because of his work ethic and outstanding relationships with legislators and other advocates. His ability to get competing interests to work together and find solutions has proven invaluable." - Brett Michelin, Senior Director, State Government Affairs Association for Accessible Medicine

    • Clients

    1) American Massage Therapy Association

    2) Association for Accessible Medicine

    3) Blue Line Solutions

    4) Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP

    5) Capital Area Groundwater Conservation District

    6) Capital City Produce

    7) City of Alexandria

    8) City of Monroe

    9) Fred's in Tigerland

    10) Higher Stepping

    11) La Oyster Dealers and Growers' Association

    12) Louisiana Association of Marriage and Family Therapy

    13) Louisiana Budget Project

    14) Louisiana Conference of Mayors

    15) Louisiana Motor Transport Association

    16) Louisiana Shrimp Association

    17) Louisiana Unity Table

    18) National Strategies, Inc

    19) Robertson Produce

    20) School Nutrition Association of Louisiana

    21) Sky Marketing Corporation

    22) St Tammany Parish Assessor

    23) The Humane Society of the United States

    24) The Sunray Companies

    25) Vending Machine Operators Association of Louisiana

    26) Verbatim Reporters of Louisiana

    27) Westbank Fishing, LLC

    28) Wine Institute

    Number of Years as a Lobbyist

    20+ years

    Relationships

    Current member of the Dean's Advisory Council for the La State University School of Veterinary Medicine

    Member of Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL) - A Non-Paritsan Policy Group

    Sigma Nu Alumni Association

    Former Member-Governor's DWI Task Force

    Biography

    Eric M. Sunstrom has had a distinguished career communicating complex issues to public officials; first as an in-house government affairs executive and most recently as the head of a successful lobbying firm. Eric's career began in local lobbying as the first ever director of governmental affairs for the St. Tammany Home Builders Association. From there he was hired as the Louisiana Restaurant Association's VP of government affairs.

    His experience in the halls of the legislature made for an easy transition to contract lobbying and public relations. Eric launched The Chesapeake Group in 2004 bringing his expertise to a wider range of clients, designing and implementing programs to promote legislative and regulatory initiatives on their behalf. Since that time he has advocated issues from industry-supported fee increases, tax cuts and pro-business legislation. Currently, Eric serves as President of The Chesapeake Group, coordinating the legislative agenda for a number of clients. Mr. Sunstrom was recently appointed to the LSU School of Vetinary Medicine Dean's Advisory Council. He is a former member of the Governor's DWI Task Force, and the Hunting and Fishing Advisory Education Council.

    Eric is a native of Baltimore, Md and attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. He resides in Baton Rouge with his wife Meg and their Doberman, Copper.

    Last Updated: July 13, 2025