THE ADVOCACY GROUP
(50 states, Federal and DC, )703-597-4276
1201 Wilson Blvd., 27th Floor, Arlington, VA, 22209,
Subjects: All Subjects
TAG is a one-stop, results-oriented network for clients with needs in a single state or multiple jurisdictions. The TAG network consists of one top firm per jurisdiction or specialty. Collectively we are 60+ firms including lobbyists across the US, public affairs specialists in various countries (Australia, Canada, Mexico, Russia, CIS, Central Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Turkey, Israel, United Kingdom and the European Union) and specialty services (50-state legislative and regulatory tracking, grassroots, jury selection, market entry strategy and social enterprise business development).
Each TAG member offers its clients a tailored strategy that will provide them with a solution. Our TAG members are an integrated team, both near and far throughout the world, yet offering insight within each location.
The TAG network consists of the top lobbying firms across the US, public affairs specialists in various countries and specialty services.
US Members:
50-States
DC Council
US Congress
International:
Profile Consulting (Aust) Pty Ltd (Australia)
Tactix (Canada)
Monarch Global Strategies (Mexico, Central & South America)
Kesarev (Russia, CIS, Central Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Turkey & Israel)
Instinctif Partners (United Kingdom & the European Union)
Specialty members:
Five Corners Strategies (Grassroots Advocacy & Public Affairs)
FOCUS, a Leonine Business (50-State Legislative & Regulatory Tracking & Analysis)
Select Litigation (Jury Selection)
Bullpen, LLC (Market Entry Strategy)
The Virtuous Cycle Collaboratory (Social Enterprise Business Development)
Law Offices of Mitchell D. Gravo, Inc. (Specialty Member)
804-382-0991
PO Box 1097, Richmond, VA, 23218,
I am seasoned in providing consultation, policy program development and evaluation, and advocacy experience, with over 30 years, first in providing the day-to-day management of a national project funded by The Robert Wood Foundation and now through my own work as a lobbying and advocacy consultant in Virginia.
1) American Massage Therapy Association, Virginia Chapter
2) Brain Injury Association of Virginia
3) Commonwealth Autism Services, Inc
4) Connections Health Solutions
5) Hemophilia Association of the Capital Area
9) Virginia Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
10) Virginia Association of Community Services Boards, Inc.
11) Virginia Athletic Trainers Association
12) Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program
13) Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation
14) Virginia Counselors Association
15-20 years
My client portfolio (and professional interests) require close working relationships with members of the Virginia General Assembly who serve on education, health, judiciary, and appropriations committees. I also regularly consult with and attend executive branch agencies and meetings for health professions regulation, Medicaid, behavioral health and substance use disorder, and education.
A native of Pennsylvania, I have lived in Virginia for over 50 years. I hold a baccalaureate degree (cum laude) and a master's degree in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, a master's in public health from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a doctorate in higher education administration from the College of William & Mary in Virginia.
757-776-8566
One Columbus Center, Suite 600-612, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462,
Subjects: Agencies/Regulations, Alcohol, Animals/Agriculture, Appropriations/Budgets, Business/Commerce, Children/Family/Women, City/County Government, Education, Energy/Utilities, Environment/Recycling, Finance/Banking, Food/Restaurants, Gaming, Health Care, Housing/Real Estate/Development/Construction, Manufacturing, Media/Entertainment, Medicare/Medicaid, Non-Profit, Pharmaceuticals, Planning/Land Use/Zoning, Privacy/Internet, Professional/Vocational Licensing, Public Safety, Telecommunications, Tourism/Hospitality, Transportation/Vehicles
Principle Advantage is unlike many large legal practices with government relations divisions, we are a small government relations firm that provides big results for our clients. We understand that your focus needs to on be building and managing your organization, and you need a partner with the know-how to navigate the complex space of government and public relations. Principle Advantage has built a reputation with clients, colleagues, and elected officials in the business and government space. We match this reputation with solid messaging, legislative knowledge, and a vast network of relationships to deliver results for you.
0-5 years
Prior to Cindy's relocation away from the D.C. metro area and her focus on state policy, Cindy's work on the federal level garnered her with a Campaigns and Elections Magazine Rising Star Award.
Principle Advantage has built a reputation with colleagues, elected officials, and agencies heads on both sides of the aisle in the business and the state and local government space. We have a vast database of relationships built in the state legislature, executive levels, state agency heads, local government and influencers throughout the state. merge In the high stakes, ever-changing government relations environment, we understand that relationships will get you in the right door, but you need a partner with you that is prepared with a persuasive message powered by facts and sound policy.
We match our reputation and relationships with solid messaging, legislative knowledge, and a vast network of relationships to deliver results for you.
Cindy DiFranco is a skilled government relations pro with over ten years of experience in the Virginia General Assembly. Cindy brings a diverse field of expertise to Principle Advantage and is adept at engaging legislators, lobbyists and community stakeholders to advance legislative initiatives and issue advocacy campaigns. She has spearheaded policy and grassroots mobilization efforts across a broad range of topics including flooding, gaming, healthcare and transportation.
Prior to joining Principle Advantage, Cindy served as the Chief of Staff to a senior member of the House of Delegates. Cindy was also the Director of Political Services for a K Street public relations firm in Washington D.C. where she executed large scale voter contact programs for federal candidates and issue advocacy campaigns for Fortune 500 companies before relocating to the Hampton Roads region where she worked on numerous local government and state-level political campaigns.
Cindy is passionate about mentoring and supporting youth and has served on the Board of Champions for Children to Prevent Child Abuse in Hampton Roads.
757-871-1445
205 Par Drive, Williamsburg, VA, 23188,
Subjects: Agencies/Regulations, Alcohol, Animals/Agriculture, Appropriations/Budgets, Business/Commerce, Education, Energy/Utilities, Environment/Recycling, Finance/Banking, Gaming, Health Care, Housing/Real Estate/Development/Construction, Labor/Unions, Manufacturing, Non-Profit, Planning/Land Use/Zoning, Privacy/Internet, Professional/Vocational Licensing, RFP/Procurement, Science/Technology, Taxes, Telecommunications, Tobacco, Tourism/Hospitality, Transportation/Vehicles
The Gaston Group is a well-respected, Virginia-based government relations and public affairs firm offering nearly two decades of experience in public policy, legislative affairs, grassroots and grasstops organizing, and media relations. Our practical approach to politics focuses on both sides of the political aisle, at all levels of government. In today's world, business strategy, politics, public policy, communications and public perception must intersect successfully and effectively. With a reputation for high ethical standards and a commitment to honesty, The Gaston Group is a trusted name that means success for our clients.We understand both the opportunities and challenges in communicating with government officials and agencies, and can assist clients in integrating effective government relations with their larger business objectives. In order to help clients reach those objectives, we are committed to providing year-round, individualized attention -- clearly, our clients come first.We represent professional trade associations, corporations, and non-profit organizations covering a variety of issues in the areas of housing, real estate and development, land use and zoning, landlord-tenant, renewable and alternative energy, telecommunications and technology, the arts, seafood production and processing, finance and economic development before the United States Congress, federal regulatory agencies, the General Assembly of Virginia, state regulatory agencies, local government and local governmental agencies.We are located in Williamsburg, Virginia, in the heart of Virginia's original capital and part of the metropolitan region known as Hampton Roads' one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country with a population of nearly two million people.
1) AT&T
5) ITG Brands
20+ years
Susan S. Gaston, Founder and President of the Gaston Group, is a government relations and public affairs consultant. Susan has been involved in the political and legislative fields for most of her life, having watched her father lobby for the oil and gas industries at the state and federal levels. With over 20 years of governmental affairs and lobbying experience in the United States Congress, the General Assembly of Virginia, federal and state regulatory agencies, and local government bodies, she has created strong relationships and contacts with elected and appointed officials on both sides of the political aisle.
Susan works with her clients to develop successful legislative strategies that include direct lobbying, public policy advocacy and message development, public testimony, media relations and coalition building. She is experienced in running effective, successful grassroots and grasstops campaigns that focus on community influence and earned media. Her clients include multiple professional trade associations, Fortune 200 and 500 companies, and other business interests that span the fields of housing, real estate and development, land use and zoning, commercial fishing and seafood production, thoroughbred racing, technology, telecommunications, electrical generation, financial investments, transportation infrastructure, ports operations and renewable energy.
Susan is an honors graduate of the College of William and Mary with a degree in American Government and English. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Human Resources Development from The George Washington University. A former intern in the Washington, D. C. office of United States Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Susan is an avid runner, a yoga enthusiast and an accomplished and dedicated equestrienne.
Recently, she was appointed to the Board of Advisors for the Sorensen Institute for Public Policy at the University of Virginia, a high honor for a government relations professional in the Commonwealth. As a member of the President's Advisory Cabinet at The College of William and Mary, Susan works with other government relations alumnae as they guide the College to increased influence in Virginia politics.
An active member of her community, Susan is on the Regional Board of Directors for Village Bank, serves on the Governmental Affairs Committee of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance, and is on the Board of Directors for Agriculture in the Classroom. A lifelong Episcopalian, Susan is a member of Bruton Parish Episcopal Church where her activity focuses on the altar and floral guild. Her previous community activities include serving as President of the Junior League of Hampton Roads, President of the St. Andrew's Episcopal School Parents' Council and a member of the Board of Directors for the Virginia Symphony, as well as numerous volunteer activities at the Virginia Living Museum and the Peninsula Fine Arts Center, among others.
Susan is married to Dr. David W. Gaston, Superintendent of Schools for Charles City County and a tenured adjunct professor in the Darden School of Education at Old Dominion University. They have two sons, John, a Naval ROTC Marine Midshipman 1st Class and EMT/Paramedic candidate attending Old Dominion University, and Henry, a 3rd Class Cadet at the Virginia Military Institute. The Gaston's reside in Williamsburg with their Labrador Retriever, Anne Morgan, and their Thoroughbred, Coletrane.
804-644-6600
707 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Richmond, VA, 23219,
The Vectre Corporation was established in 1989 as a subsidiary of the Virginia law firm of Hazel & Thomas, P.C., with offices in Northern Virginia and Richmond, to provide necessary, highly-specialized non-legal services in the area of government relations. Hazel & Thomas merged with ReedSmith LLP in 1999. The firm has grown to the point that today it is widely acknowledged for its expertise and communication abilities by federal, state and local government officials as one of its leading government relations resources.
In 1992, The Vectre Corporation expanded its range of services when it became the Virginia member of The Advocacy Group (TAG), an international network of law and government relations firms providing advocacy services at State Capitols throughout the United States, Latin America and Europe. In 1995, The Vectre Corporation became an independent firm, owned by members of its Board of Directors.
Today, The Vectre Corporation is headquartered at 707 East Main Street, an easy walk from the Virginia's Capitol Square. The firm includes six full-time professional government affairs advocates with more than eight decades of cumulative experience. The Vectre Corporation has expanded by opening an office in Northern Virginia.
Firm Specialties:
Vectre's areas of special expertise involve both traditional lobbying as well as grassroots and grass-tops lobbying. Vectre brings to any project strong experience in winning legislative battles on behalf of diverse corporate interests.
H. BENSON DENDY III serves as President of The Vectre Corporation and a member of its Board of Directors. As a senior staff member for two Virginia Governors, he has held positions as diverse as Secretary of the Commonwealth, Secretary to the Governor's Cabinet, and Special Assistant to the Governor. He began his career in state government in 1978, as a legislative assistant to the Lieutenant Governor. Over the course of seven legislative sessions, he advocated for two Governors' agendas in the General Assembly. He served on transition committees for Virginia Governors Mark Warner and Terry McAuliffe.
In 2016, Dendy was appointed to the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University, where he currently serves as Vice Rector. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Containerization & Intermodal Institute. In 2002, he was appointed by Governor Mark Warner to the Council on the Southern Community of the Southern Growth Policies Board.
Dendy has been appointed and reappointed to the Board of Trustees of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, a state agency, by six Virginia Governors of both parties. He served as Chairman for nine years and is currently Chairman Emeritus. In 2003, he was appointed by the United States Secretary of the Interior to the Federal Jamestown 400th Commemoration Commission and served as the Federal Commission's Vice Chairman. From 2013 – 2020, Dendy served on the Executive Committee of the American Evolution 2019 Commemoration which highlighted the 400th anniversary of key historical events that occurred in Virginia in 1619 that continue to influence our world today. These events were the anniversary of the first representative assembly in the New World, the arrival of the first recorded African slaves to English North America, the arrival of the first English women in significant numbers and the first official English Thanksgiving.
He served on the Board of Trustees of the Valentine Richmond History Center for 14 years and is a former director of the Virginia YMCA and the Maymont Foundation. He is a former member of the Board of Trustees of the American Council of Young Political Leaders, a core grantee of the United States Department of State that conducts international exchange programs for young governmental leaders. He is a member of the Honorary Council to the St. George's Foundation in Bermuda. Dendy also has extensive experience in helping international corporations develop business in this country.
Dendy graduated from the University of Richmond, magna cum laude, and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. A member of Second Presbyterian Church, Dendy serves as an elder. He and his late wife, Stacey, had three children. The family enjoys skiing at Wintergreen and spending time in the summer at Virginia Beach.
He has served as Chairman of The Advocacy Group, the premier municipal, state, federal and international government and public affairs organization in the world and currently serves on its board of directors. Dendy was one of the first 24 government relations professionals nationwide to complete the State Government Affairs Council Professional Certification Program in 2012 and currently has completed the Council's silver level program for advanced certification.
202-596-8250
95 Blue Stone Hills Drive, Harrisonburg, VA, 22801,
Subjects: All Subjects, Cannabis/Drug Legalization
In 1996, I began working for Gov. Don Siegelman of Alabama focusing on legislative and fundraising issues. In 2000, I worked for Gov. Jim Hodges of South Carolina focusing on similar issues. Since then, I successfully represented non-profit organizations and major domestic and European corporations at the federal and state levels of government. I advised clients on federal and state issues including appropriations, health care, education, defense, internet safety, federal drug policy, homeland security and law enforcement issues.
6-10 years
Fairfax County Criminal Justice Advisory Board (Political Appointee)
Candidate, Herndon Town Council
Virginia House of Delegates Courts of Justice Committee
Virginia House of Delegates Leadership
Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee
Virginia Senate Leadership
U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security
U.S Senate Committee on the Judiciary
U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Biden for President National Finance Committee
Hillary for America National Finance Committee
In 1996, while a second year law student, I got involved in the political process. I began working on the Siegelman for Governor campaign raising over 9 million dollars and unseating an incumbent governor. Since then, I worked with Governors, Members of Congress, and state legislators. I successfully represented non-profit organizations and major domestic and European corporations at the federal and state levels of government. In 2002, I joined the Charles Consulting Group, LLC as the Vice President of Government Affairs. I represented numerous clients with divergent interests and specialized in federal appropriations. During my tenure with the Charles Group, I had a 100% success rate with all clients seeking federal appropriations. Additionally, I advised clients on health care, education, defense, internet safety, drug policy, homeland security and law enforcement issues as well as the development and implementation of grassroots advocacy strategies. I also advised clients in Virginia, Ohio and Idaho on bail related issues affecting the commercial bail industry. I hold a J.D. from The Thomas Goode Jones School of Law and a B.A. from The University of North Carolina.
(757) 333-7505
One Columbus Center, Suite 600-612, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462,
Subjects: Agencies/Regulations, Alcohol, Animals/Agriculture, Appropriations/Budgets, Business/Commerce, Children/Family/Women, City/County Government, Education, Energy/Utilities, Environment/Recycling, Finance/Banking, Food/Restaurants, Gaming, Health Care, Housing/Real Estate/Development/Construction, Manufacturing, Medicare/Medicaid, Non-Profit, Pharmaceuticals, Planning/Land Use/Zoning, Privacy/Internet, Professional/Vocational Licensing, Public Safety, Telecommunications, Tourism/Hospitality, Transportation/Vehicles
Principle Advantage is unlike many large legal practices with government relations divisions, we are a small government relations firm that provides big results for our clients. We understand that your focus needs to on be building and managing your organization, and you need a partner with the know-how to navigate the complex space of government and public relations. Principle Advantage has built a reputation with clients, colleagues, and elected officials in the business and government space. We match this reputation with solid messaging, legislative knowledge, and a vast network of relationships to deliver results for you.
11-15 years
In 2013, she was chosen to serve on Governor Terence R. McAuliffe's Technology Transition Team, and in 2017 was chosen to serve on Governor Ralph Northam's Commerce and Trade, Energy Workgroup. In 2018, she was a recipient of the Women in Business Award within the Hampton Roads region.
Principle Advantage has built a reputation with colleagues, elected officials, and agencies heads on both sides of the aisle in the business and the state and local government space. We have a vast database of relationships built in the state legislature, executive levels, state agency heads, local government and influencers throughout the state. merge In the high stakes, ever-changing government relations environment, we understand that relationships will get you in the right door, but you need a partner with you that is prepared with a persuasive message powered by facts and sound policy.
We match our reputation and relationships with solid messaging, legislative knowledge, and a vast network of relationships to deliver results for you.
Angie Bezik started her political and public relations career as the Legislative Director for a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. After seven years, she was recruited by a prominent Richmond-based lobbying firm to run its Hampton Roads office. Combining her desire to own her firm with what she saw as a need for more boutique firms in Richmond, Angie founded Principle Advantage Government Relations Group. Angie develops and implements successful strategies for legislation, budget items, and project coordination with an array of clients at the state and local level. She has successfully served clients within the alternative/renewable energy, health, technology, and transportation sectors. She also represents local government and quasi-governmental authorities. Additionally, she works with businesses and organizations to develop strategic plans to enhance their profiles, missions, and branding by making introductions to appropriate businesses, government officials and staff, community leaders, and organizations.Throughout her career, Angie has established solid relationships with local, state, and federal representatives, departments and agencies, and business leaders.
804.775.1917
800 E. Canal Street, Richmond, VA, 23219,
Subjects: All Subjects, Agencies/Regulations, Appropriations/Budgets, Ballot Measures/Campaign Finance/Elections, Business/Commerce, Energy/Utilities, Finance/Banking, Food/Restaurants, Health Care, Immigration, Manufacturing, Medicare/Medicaid, Non-Profit, Pharmaceuticals, Privacy/Internet, Science/Technology, Taxes, Telecommunications, Tourism/Hospitality, Transportation/Vehicles
Links:Website, LinkedIn, Florida Politics Covers MWC Comments on Transition Teams as New Administrations Set Priorities, McGuireWoods Consulting's Advocacy Team Supports Passage of Historic Great American Outdoors Act, National Multistate Strategy Update - A Look Ahead to 2021, Transition Teams: How to Work Effectively with Incoming Administrations
I help clients solve tough problems. I understand how governments work, and still smile on a regular basis. Clients find my approach creative and thoughtful, with a bias towards action. My colleagues and I enjoy working with a variety of teams and try to be a reliable partner. What separates our team from others is our ability to execute through to completion.
6-10 years
Mike is a senior vice-president with McGuireWoods Consulting and a partner with the McGuireWoods LLP law firm. He helps clients develop strategies to address complex public policy challenges. He is a seasoned operative who understands how to integrate direct lobbying, grassroots campaigning, communications, and digital media to achieve results.
Viewed by his clients as a trusted advisor, Mike helps to lead the firm's multi-state national practice, working with clients across the country as they interact with governors, attorneys general, state legislators, and regulators. He has a wide bandwidth exposure to numerous and diverse industries (healthcare to energy to tech to transportation) and regularly interfaces with legal and corporate executives.
In the spring of 2015, Mike raised $63,000 in 70 days for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man of the Year campaign. As a part of this effort to raise awareness and money for LLS, Mike was "pushed" out of an airplane at 11,300 feet by a 1st grader who was fighting leukemia. Yes, he is scared of heights.
804-967-9604
4701 Cox Rd., Suite 400, Glen Allen, VA, 23060,
1) Amgen
7) International Business Machines Corporation
8) Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and its Affiliates
8049679604
4701 Cox Road, Suite 400, Glen Allen, VA, 23060,
