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.

    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
  • Nicholas G. Manis, the son of MCA co-founder George Manis and managing partner of the firm, has presided over legislative and special event successes on behalf of clients such as the Motion Picture Association of America, the Baltimore Ravens, the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants and Pfizer.

    Nick has been an accomplished lobbyist and legislative analyst for more than 25 years and has played an instrumental role in forging innovative and economically enhancing business partnerships among clients. He is proud to see MCA continuously ranked as one of the top lobbying firms in Maryland and the growth the firm has experienced during his time here. He has represented clients in matters related to sports entertainment, taxes, professional licensing, gaming, transportation, insurance, franchises, business regulation, information technology, environmental regulation, mergers and acquisitions, pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

    In 1989, Nick's business bent led him to co-found Manis & Wright Realty, a premier residential and commercial realty firm that grew from modest beginnings to a successful 40 associates company that merged with the largest real estate company in Maryland.

    Nick graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1980. He was the captain of the varsity lacrosse team during his time at College Park.

    A native of Annapolis, Nick is involved in many local business and community organizations including the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce, the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center Board of Advisors, Annapolis Youth Lacrosse Association, and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. He was presented the Louis L. Goldstein Award in 1998 in recognition of his efforts on behalf of the Maryland Alcohol Beverage Industry. He is married with two children.