Introduction

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.

Recommendations

  • "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
  • Clients

    1) Advanced RX Management, LLC

    2) Adventist HealthCare, Inc.

    3) Alkermes

    4) American Chemistry Council

    5) Baltimore Cyber Range LLC dba BCR Cyber

    6) Baltimore Ravens

    7) Baltimore Urban Revitalization LLC

    8) Baltimore Washington Rapid Rail, LLC

    9) Boys & Girls Clubs of America

    10) Cable Telecommunications Association of Maryland and Delaware

    11) CBAC Gaming, LLC (Horseshoe Casino)

    12) Chesapeake Urology Associates, LLC

    13) Cigna Corporate Services, LLC

    14) Compass Pathways

    15) Constellation Energy Generation, LLC

    16) Council for Responsible Nutrition

    17) Electronic Payments Coalition, Inc.

    18) Empower

    19) Entertainment Software Association

    20) Historic Annapolis, Inc.

    21) Holcim Participations (US) Inc.

    22) Industrial Logistics Properties Trust

    23) Johns Hopkins

    24) Junior Achievement of Central Maryland

    25) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors of Maryland

    26) Maryland Academy of Advanced Practice Clinicians

    27) Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants

    28) Maryland Beer Wholesalers Association, Inc.

    29) Maryland Orthopaedic Association

    30) Maryland Patient Care and Access Coalition

    31) Maryland Transportation Policy Coalition

    32) Maryland Wholesale Cannabis Trade Association

    33) Maryland Works, Inc.

    34) Motion Picture Association, Inc.

    35) National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, Maryland

    36) Northeast Maglev, LLC, The

    37) Northrop Grumman Corporation

    38) Parsons Transportation Group Inc.

    39) Pfizer Inc.

    40) Prince George's County Public Schools

    41) RAI Services Company

    42) Service Properties Trust

    43) Synergics Wind Energy, LLC

    44) Teach for America

    45) Toyota Motor North America, Inc.

    46) Under Armour

    47) Washington County Community Coalition

    48) Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission

    Number of Years as a Lobbyist

    20+ years

    Biography

    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.

    Last Updated: April 08, 2025