Government Relations Strategy and Process

Madison Government Affairs recognizes that each client is unique and has a different set of needs. Since each client is unique, with distinct capabilities and different needs, we work with each client based on an operational process that involves four phases of action.

The ever-changing Washington environment dictates the involvement of the client as well as the government affairs professional. We embrace the "team approach" because it will increase the potential for success. Madison Government Affairs will work diligently on your behalf, both in Washington and in your community. Our collective success requires that you and those within your organization also provide their best effort. Participation from members of your organization, whether it be in Washington or in your community, is necessary in the development of a comprehensive program and if we are to be successful.

As mentioned, our operational process involves four phases of action:

• Organizational Review
• Analysis and Recommendations
• Strategy Development
• Execution

At each of these phases, the recommendations and participation by you and your organization are critical. This involvement may include, where appropriate, meetings in Washington with Members of Congress as well as Executive Department officials.

THE FOUR PHASE PROCESS

Organizational Review

This effort is accomplished through an on-site interview process with key members of your organization. The intended purpose is to obtain an understanding of your organization and personnel; identify strengths, weaknesses and potential Washington and community relationships. This information is necessary to create a foundation of data that will be utilized in the development of the three next phases of effort.

Analysis and Recommendations

The information and data obtained during the Organizational Review will be analyzed and a written brief will be prepared for you. Under most circumstances, this document will be presented to you and your leadership in the form of a briefing. It is at this time that several recommendations will be presented for your consideration. These recommendations will include projects and programs designed to address your needs.

Strategy Development

This phase requires the development of a Washington and community strategy to meet the agreed upon project(s) or program. A detailed plan will be prepared by Madison Government Affairs based on the agreed upon objective. The strategy plan is a working document that will be changed as situations and circumstances require. It is at this phase as well as the next, that we will determine whom best to make our arguments to Members of Congress and the Executive Branch. In addition to the strategy plan, a "prospectus" or "project book" should be developed jointly that fully explains the project or program we will be seeking from Congress or the Executive Branch.

Execution

The strategy execution phase is critical to our success. Regardless of the quality of the strategy, if we cannot execute the plan we will not be successful. Madison Government Affairs will prepare you for the meetings with elected and appointed officials. We will conduct a strategy session before each visit and provide you with the necessary briefing and background materials. Our goal is to provide you the tools and information to be successful.

It is the belief of Madison Government Affairs that the process outlined above increases your chances to be successful in the Washington environment. This process combined with attention to detail should lead to success. Please understand that there are outside influences and unknowns that can negatively affect even the best-laid plans. Therefore, no guarantees are offered other than our commitment to work extremely hard on your behalf during all phases of the process.

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