What You'll Learn in This Issue
Welcome to the fall edition of the SGR Network newsletter! In this issue, discover tips for measuring and communicating the value of your state government relations work and learn about upcoming events that will set you up for success for the remainder of 2021 and beyond.
Illustrating the Impact of State Government Relations in a Pandemic World
By Bethany Dame, Assistant Vice President of Political Engagement and Grassroots, APCIA
SGR Network Chair
Measuring, quantifying and reporting on the impact of a state government relations (SGR) team or initiative has always been challenging, but it’s necessary to demonstrate the success of a program and its role within a company or association. The past year-and-a-half has underscored the importance of illustrating the impact of SGR to avoid or minimize budget cuts resulting from the pandemic.
In fact, according to a State of Corporate Public Affairs survey conducted roughly three months into the pandemic, more than 8 out of 10 respondents (82 percent) believed COVID-19 would have a negative impact on public affairs budgets for business travel or in-person meetings. Nearly half (48 percent) expected the pandemic would have a negative impact on their overall public affairs budget, meaning SGR could be on the proverbial chopping block.
Tying program metrics to a company or organization’s larger mission and goals helps illustrate for other departments the critical role SGR plays. That understanding will impact everything from developing accurate organizational budgets to assessing the productivity and success of an SGR program.
Documenting the impact of an SGR program on members and stakeholders by illustrating the real-world financial implications of a specific policy or proposal — whether positive or negative — helps provide a deeper understanding of the role and value of the program.
Measuring both active and passive initiatives provides a holistic look at the impact of your SGR efforts. Active measurements include counts of specific legislation or policy proposals passed or defeated, while passive ones include building relationships and raising awareness with legislators on specific issues.
Highlighting the role SGR plays for other departments helps foster a greater sense of buy-in from leadership as well as employees. That includes proactively assisting other departments to help achieve their goals, even if it falls outside the traditional role of government affairs.
Not all of these recommendations are necessary to report on SGR efforts — and some may be out of the scope of SGR teams, depending on budget or organizational limitations. But no matter how you do it, measuring, analyzing and illustrating the impact of these efforts is critical to protect government relations and public affairs budgets while having a positive policy impact for your organization.
If you haven’t already, I hope you’ll join the State Government Relations Network and share your ideas and examples of how you and your organization measure and report on your SGR programs or efforts. Find access to additional resources by contacting Kelly Memphis at [email protected].[/vc_toggle]
Understanding What SGR Brings to the Table
By Kelly Memphis, Senior Manager of Government Relations,
Public Affairs Council
Government relations functions are often treated as cost centers in companies and associations. This, combined with how long it can take for policy changes or legislative wins to take place, can cause government relations professionals to feel disconnected from revenue generation. In reality, the opposite could not be more true – government relations is an essential part of gaining and protecting revenue, as well as achieving organizational goals. This is especially true at the state government relations level, where policy change is more achievable and policymakers more accessible.
Government relations provides dollar value because it:
- Shapes public policy across the country
- Influences public perception
- Preserves and maintains reputation
- Creates market and revenue opportunities/advantages
- Reduces operating costs
- Provides freedom to operate and grow
- Advances company’s mission and goals
- Provides stakeholder satisfaction and protects their day-to-day wellbeing
In addition to creating and communicating the mindset that government relations provides dollar value, the unique value of state government relations should also be spelled out explicitly for senior leadership and other stakeholders.
SGR is uniquely valuable because:
- State and local policies are contagious and costly
- State legislatures are many times more productive than Congress
- State and local government relations is accessible
- State and local elected officials often move to higher levels
- SGR can have a better ROI than federal government relations
The bottom line: Federal and state policies, laws and regulations control the operations of any organization. Public and policymaker opinion greatly impacts the success and profitability of companies, and government affairs departments guide perceptions and ensure companies have a seat at the table. Taking the time to find a way to clearly measure and communicate this to internal and external stakeholders will pay dividends in the resources and support you receive. For more ideas on how to show your value and improve your SGR outcomes, be sure to attend this year’s State and Local Government Relations Conference![/vc_toggle]
State and Local Government Relations Conference goes Virtual - Claim Your Gift!
The safety of our members, staff and conference attendees is our top priority. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, we are now shifting the 2021 State & Local Government Relations Conference to a virtual format. SLGR will now take place on a dynamic virtual platform over three half days, September 28-30, with an optional in-person outdoor reception.
Don’t wait to save your spot. Everyone registered for the virtual conference at close of business today – September 8 – is eligible to receive a fun swag bag in the mail!
Over the past few days, we’ve learned from speakers and members that they are experiencing travel restrictions once again or are concerned they may have to cancel their conference registration. Due to these developments, we made the decision to move to an all-virtual format to keep our community safe and ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to attend.
We look forward to delivering high-quality educational content and meaningful networking opportunities – while staying safe! We appreciate your understanding and support.
Other Upcoming Events and Resources You Can Use
Virtual Workshop: How to Analyze Congressional Bills | Nov. 10, 2 – 4:15 p.m. ET |
Analyzing the potential impact of a Congressional bill is a challenging but essential task. Our experts will share tips for making the process easier.
Webinar Recording: Coordinating Government Relations and Communications
How can you improve coordination between government relations teams and communications teams to ensure unity in external messaging? Hear tips about how to breakdown silos and create better flow by listening to this free webinar recording!
Impact Article: States and Localities Seize Regulatory Initiative
Differing party views. Overlapping authority. Learn more about regulatory complexities in the states and how organizations are responding.
Report: DEI Trends In Public Affairs
A Public Affairs Council survey on diversity, equity and inclusion examines DEI policies and practices in strategy and governance; hiring, staffing and training; working with external groups; and advancement and programming. View the report to learn more about the findings and how organizations can work toward progress