The strategic plan for the government relations program must flow from the association’s overall mission statement. Issues must be marketed to individual members and prospective members to gain their support for consistent, industry-wide advocacy.

Legislative relations and political action are specialized activities. Although EAI does not employ staff lobbyists, the principals of the firm do have extensive legislative and regulatory agency experience and access to top lobbying firms. They have the expertise needed to guide an association’s officers in the management of programs that help shape public policy. Among the services EAI provides are:

• Legislative monitoring. Using the most advanced computer-based systems, your association leaders can always be on top of legislative, administrative or regulatory affairs.
• Legislative testimony. Working in concert with your industry allies, EAI will research and prepare effective statements for presentation before committees.
• Officer briefings. With personal coaching and video playback, association spokespersons can be critiqued and prepared for appearances before government committees.
• Public relations. EAI will follow up legislative testimony with press releases and background materials for reporters on the association’s positions.

• Advocacy. Development, writing and production of advocacy and public education programs and materials.
• Coalitions. Creation of coalitions to broaden the base of support for association goals.
• Analysis. Review and analysis of legislation and regulatory documents.
• New Legislation. Drafting of legislation and testimony.
• Guidance. Steering of issues through the complicated budgetary, authorization and regulatory agency processes.
• Appropriations. Participation in the development of appropriations and authorization bills.
• Education. Education and briefing for congressional, executive and regulatory agency officials on issues of importance to the association.