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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT CAPITOL STRATEGIES
CAPITOL STRATEGIES WORKS TO IMPROVE THE STATE OF KANSAS
By Jewlissa Frickey, writer, KSAE Magazine
“Our longstanding relationships with legislators of both parties, and from across all regions of Kansas, allows us to provide the level of engagement needed by an association to be successful,” said Capitol Strategies partner Sean Miller. “We work with our clients to identify realistic goals and develop and implement the strategy, timeline and resource allocation necessary to achieve their objectives.”
Capitol Strategies was founded in 1976 and is one of the longest operating government affairs firms working in the Kansas Capitol. Started by John C. Peterson, a former Kansas State Capitol Strategies was founded in 1976, making it one of the longest operating government affairs firms at the Statehouse. Front row, from representative, he works alongside Bill Brady left: John C. Peterson, founder and chief executive; and Bill Brady, and Sean Miller, as well as other associates. partner. Back row, from left: Leigh Keck; Sean Miller, partner; and Since the firm’s creation, it has grown to be Michelle Butler. Not pictured is Tom Cox. one of the most respected and successful government relations entities in the state of Kansas. can be difficult for many associations due to staff size and the crowded legislative schedule.”
Government affairs firms, such as Capitol Strategies, bring resources to the Capitol that an association may not be able to provide. “Associations in Kansas have very different needs, so understanding those needs and working to bolster their existing framework is key,” Miller said. “Some of our clients have very active governmental relations staff and others have no presence at all in the Statehouse.” However, Miller cautioned that an organization such as his requires support from association membership. “It’s equally important for an association to understand that a good lobby team is only a piece of the puzzle,” he said. “Having a membership that is active and regularly communicating with their local legislators and the state administration often is the tipping point for achieving success.”
Capitol Strategies works with an association’s leadership to develop priorities and work to engage its general membership throughout the legislative process. When developing an organization’s priorities, Miller notes that it is important to also educate the leadership teams on the opportunities and challenges that will be present during the legislative session. Once an organization recognizes the importance of engagement and other challenges, a full strategy can be developed that includes traditional media, social media and personal outreach aimed at key members of the Legislature. Miller explained, “The timing of these actions can be absolutely critical to the ultimate success of the initiative.”
While smaller associations may outsource their legislative advocacy needs, larger associations may use government affairs firms to provide extra resources and help bridge the gaps inherent in a compressed legislative schedule.
Professionals within a government affairs firm work with legislators and other state leaders daily, so their personal relationships and legislative experience can help an association achieve the goals most beneficial to their membership.
“Our staff size, and their diversity of experiences from all levels and types of governmental involvement, allows us to have a thorough understanding of the process, the people and thus the opportunities that may present themselves at any given time,” Miller explained. “We are able to cover all the committee work and other activities during the session. This
four years, there is a constant need to build and strengthen those new relationships – something Capitol Strategies prides itself in doing. In addition to the everchanging nature of lobbying, the increased presence of internet and social media must be managed as well to adjust the way information, or misinformation, flows.
The role social media plays in legislation provides a level of uniqueness that was unseen before. With representatives and senators being in near constant communication with their constituents on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, the social media applications allow for ample opportunities for messaging purposes – but could also provide a flood of bad information. This rise in social media has only strengthened polarization in politics, which is why Capitol Strategies gives prominent attention to its own online presence in order to effectively communicate with and educate both policy makers and the firm’s clients, during the Kansas Legislature session and in the interim. Miller spoke on the work performed during the interim period by stating, “For a lobbyist who works with associations, this is the perfect time to set up site visits to member facilities so that legislators can see for themselves the opportunities and challenges that your members have daily. Laying this framework throughout the year really helps an association achieve success in the future.”
Amidst a global pandemic, individuals in all areas of life were challenged to reevaluate their day-to-day approaches. Capitol Strategies was no exception as the firm adjusted to social distancing and virtual meetings as opposed to the typical form of client contact that its team was used to.
“For an industry built on face-to-face conversations, social distancing and the lack of in-person meetings turned our business world upside down,” Miller said. “We had to rapidly become proficient with the various online meeting platforms and reformat new ways (and re-embrace old ways) of delivering information.”
In addition, the Capitol Strategies staff was physically divided in the 2021 legislative session in order to ensure their work could continue in case of a quarantine situation.
However, despite the hardships COVID-19 brought, Capitol Strategies found a silver lining in the potential for outreach. “The ability for an association to have a state leader, or a national expert, present virtually at board meetings provided previously unrealized statewide engagement and education,” said Miller. “It provided an opportunity for their members to participate in the political process in a way they never envisioned pre-pandemic. The Kansas political process always has been a relatively open process, and with every committee meeting and floor session now being broadcast on the internet this is truer than ever.” Capitol Strategies’ goal is to ensure that policy makers have the information necessary to make educated decisions that ultimately best serve their districts and the state of Kansas as a whole. By facilitating communication between lawmaker, their constituents, and the associations and members serving their communities, the firm does just that.
“The legislative process can move so fast that it’s important to engage on your issues immediately,” said Miller. “If you aren’t able to take advantage of an opportunity when it arises, or stop an action that would have negative consequences, it simply may be impossible to reverse that action tomorrow. Having additional eyes and ears in the state Capitol, whether it’s Capitol Strategies or another governmental affairs firm, can be very beneficial to an association and its members.”
Moving forward, Capitol Strategies hopes to embrace newly developing technology and to continue utilizing the tools necessary to achieve the goals of its clients. “We’ll all be working to thread the needle by seeking to actively engage our clients and members across the state through web platforms while still having the critical policy discussions necessary for the long-term success of every organization.” F
PMCA Changes Name, Becomes Fuel True
For over 100 years, there has been a statewide organization representing independent energy marketers, convenience store owners and the professionals in the field throughout Kansas. That organization has a new name. The Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association now is known as Fuel True – Independent Energy and Convenience. “Our new brand, Fuel True, is forward focused, and will allow our team of professionals to better serve our members, and more cohesively offer our membership benefits for another century,” said Thomas Palace, executive director. For more information, visit www.fueltrue.org.
Photo courtesy of Home2 Suites by Hilton
Home2 Suites by Hilton Reaches Downtown Wichita
Home2 Suites by Hilton is one of the fastest growing brands in Hilton’s history and, as of January 2021, has opened doors in the historic Delano district of downtown Wichita. The new hotel has excellent visibility and is well positioned for easy access to shopping, entertainment and several eateries. The four-story, pet-friendly, 95-room hotel features a range of value, tech-focused and eco-conscious amenities. For more information on a personal or business stay, visit www.wichitadowntown.home2suitesbyhilton.com.
Hilton Garden Inn Opens in Hays
Hilton Garden Inn & Convention Center opened November of 2020 in Hays, Kansas. This new addition is located near Fort Hays State University, the Sternberg Museum and the Fort Hays Historic Site. Guests of the hotel will find several enhanced food and drink options, including onsite dining options such as the Garden Grille and Bar. Additionally, guests will have access to The Shop, a 24-hour, grab-and-go retail space. For more information, visit www.hgi.com.
Manhattan Conference Center Completes Expansion
Manhattan Convention and Visitors Bureau has announced the completion of the Manhattan Conference Center expansion at Hilton Garden Inn. Construction began in March 2020 and was completed by December 2020. The conference center grew by 11,800 sq. ft., for a total of 34,000 sq. ft. of space, which easily accommodates a variety of seating arrangements and a large pre-convene area. “We are thrilled to welcome meeting planners and convention goers back to Manhattan with this expansion to the Manhattan Conference Center,” said Karen Hibbard, Manhattan CVB vice president and director. For more information, visit manhattancvb.org/meetings.
NEW FACES
Keating
Dixon Berkley
Dains
Teresa Keating has joined the Kansas Health Care Association as the special programs coordinator. She brings 20 years of association experience to her new role, with eight years of that being health care related. Polly Berkley was promoted to vice president of operations and education earlier this year. She has been with the organization since January of 2014. For more information, visit www.khca.org.
Visit Topeka Names Dixon as President
Visit Topeka and Greater Topeka Partnership announced Sean Dixon as the next Visit Topeka president. Dixon previously served as marketing director for the Springfield, Missouri Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Throughout this hiring process, I’ve fallen in love with Topeka and the spirit of cooperation demonstrated by the leadership of the Partnership, the City of Topeka, the Topeka Lodging Association and others,” Dixon said. For more information on Visit Topeka, visit www.topekapartnership.com.
Emporia CVB Names Dains as Director
The Emporia Chamber and Visitors Bureau announced Lelan Dains as the new director of the organization. “I am elated to have the opportunity to serve in the role as director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau,” said Dains. “I look forward to working with the team in finding new and creative ways to enhance the Emporia experience for our residents and out of town guests.” For more information, visit www.visitemporia.com. F
