Keeping in mind their umbrella company’s 3-fold commitment to effective leadership and client management, WHD expanded and opened an office in Washington, DC. Today, aside from Washington, DC, WHDGA has offices in Milwaukee and Madison. The firm has clearly evolved into a world class company that’s dedicated not only to government affairs but also to sharing their expertise in similarly significant fields like public affairs, communications development, strategic planning and positioning, marketing, and grassroots organization.

The Team
WHDGA employs only the most experienced professionals - political insiders who are adept in dealing with clients from both the public and private sectors. These highly competitive individuals are well-motivated and civic-minded public affairs experts who always put the needs, demands and expectations of the clients on top of everything else.

What makes the WHDGA team different from other government affairs firms’ teams is that it is made up of respectable and highly experienced individuals who used to be members of the Wisconsin Legislature’s federal and state executive branches. Other team members are advocates and lobbyists while some are well-respected professionals from the fields of public affairs, marketing, and communications.

Some of the firm’s biggest clients are the American Heart Association, Buffett Early Childhood Fund, Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Environmental Defense, Mayo Clinic, McCain Foods, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Philips Electronics, United Healthcare, and Wisconsin Builders Association.

Environmental Commitments
Aside from dealing with their usual day-to-day legal obligations, WHDGA’s dedicated workers are also involved in various worthwhile community and environmental causes.
One of the most interesting environmental advocacies of Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek Government Affairs is its unwavering support for PrarieFire BioFuels Coop, a member-owned cooperative dedicated to the cause of generating support for vegetable oil-based fuel sources and usage.

Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek Government Affairs’ Washington, DC office is headed by Alan McLeod whose experience in political and public affairs spans more than 20 years. Prior to joining WHDGA, McLeod worked as Chief of Staff for Wisconsin’s Ron Kind. He was also one of the major movers of the Army Corps Reform and was mainly responsible for ensuring the Army Corps’ water projects were environmentally friendly.

Services
Ron Klink & Associates offers services that answer the entire spectrum of any organization’s government and public relations needs. These offerings include business development and contacts, federal and state appropriations for municipalities, federal government relations, state and local government relations, political consulting and public affairs consulting. Its specialties, as enumerated in a press release by affiliate institution The Livingston Group LLC, are regulatory reform, legislative initiatives and federal procurement. Indeed, as its opening lines proclaim, Ron Klink & Associates is in the business of keeping their doors open to all government policy makers.

Client Base
Today its client base is comprised of well-known companies across such diverse industries as technology, healthcare and telecommunications and includes non-profit organizations with distinct initiatives as well. These names include the Community Broadcasters Association, Best Home Systems Inc., North American Securities Administrators Association (NAASA), and Sentry Data Systems (F/K/A Freedom Health Care). In 2007, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) was added to the roster.

As the lobbyist who personally handles the lattermost account, Ron Klink sees to it that the major concerns of the EDF (transportation, energy/nuclear, clean air & water; land use and conservation; and marine/maritime/boating/fisheries and natural resources) are lobbied for.

Presently, Ron Klink & Associates has two offices, one in Murrysville, Pennsylvania and the other in Washington, DC. It was founded in 2001 by Ron Klink, a former four-term (consecutive) congressman of the 4th District of Pennsylvania. Before he became a politician, however, Ron Klink was a well-known television and radio reporter who anchored the news on KDKA-TV from 1978 to 1992.

One of the key mantras that the firm has committed itself to lies in the belief that “the key to success is access.” And this is what the company not only promises, but delivers to each of its clients.

Founded in 2001 by Patricia A. Lynch, heralded by The New York Times as The Grand Dame of the Lobbyist Corps, the Albany-based firm has provided solutions for giant Fortune 500 companies and small non-profit organizations. Among its most recent clients are Cablevision System Corporation, Madison Square Garden LP, The Walt Disney Corporation, and Albany Law School. One distinguished client they handle is the Environmental Defense Fund. PLA secured this account in 2007 and has continued to lobby for the organization’s sustainability issues like agriculture, clean air & water (quality), and natural resources.

In a September 2008 article, Forbes declared Patricia Lynch Associates as A New Breed of Government Relations and Media Specialists. With its business philosophy that transcends partisanship, industry and government levels, it has established itself as the decisive authority on political and media affairs.

The regulatory body on lobbying organizations, the state Commission on Public Integrity, reported that 2007 saw the firm with earnings that ran up to around $6.7 million in compensation from its 152 clients. Also, PLA has a clientele list that is longer than any other lobbying firm in the state. Currently, they have executive offices located in Albany, White Plains, Buffalo, New York City and Panama City.

The pride of Patricia Lynch Associates Inc. is, of course, its top tier professionals. Collectively, they represent over 200 years of experience in political affairs, media management and relations expertise with the New York State Legislature, the Executive Chamber, state and federal agencies, and municipal government.

The team that makes up PLA Inc. is a premier resource pool when it comes to a wide-range of competencies. Services provided by the firm include legislation development, advocacy, navigation of government regulations, grass roots campaigns and coalition building, strategic communication plans, and new communications technology, among others. Furthermore, without question, they deliver optimal results which form the foundation of their commendable reputation.

With its excellent roster of authorities on different specializations, the firm has some of the industry’s most dignified partners: Allison Lee, Christopher Grimaldi, Esq., Patrick McCarthy, Hon. Paul Tokasz, Christopher Bombardier, Jacquelyn Williams and Darren Dopp. Patricia A. Lynch continues her responsibilities as the firm’s Principal.

Hogan & Hartson’s expertise covers corporate, finance, and tax; government and regulatory; intellectual property; litigation; and several pro bono legal services. Its competency is not bound by any sector, as it has myriad clients from every major industry including aerospace and defense, government services and homeland security, pharmaceutical and biotechnology, telecommunications, media and entertainment among many others. The firm is true to its commitment of bringing in top attorneys from different backgrounds to create one of the most diverse teams of legal professionals. Hogan & Hartson chooses people who use their distinctiveness as a competitive advantage rather than as a limitation.

From a single lawyer’s fervent devotion to the ideals that underlie the legal profession, to what is one of the top international law firms, Hogan & Hartson has progressed dynamically as an organization since its inception in 1904. Founder Frank J. Hogan is constantly remembered in the firm’s dedication to professional excellence through superior client service, integrity, community service, diversity, industry-focus and team-oriented approach that it considers imperative to succeed.

One of the firm’s most significant accomplishments is its pioneering campaign for Corporate Social Responsibility, even before it became a management buzzword. In 1970, Hogan & Hartson established its Community Services Department and has since addressed both high impact issues as well as individual concerns. In its almost four decades of service, the CSD has championed civil rights, environmental, homeless and other public interest organizations. It has built relationships with the National Parks Conservation Association and the Public Council in its several environmental initiatives.

A defining moment in the history of CSD’s support for the environment was the victory it claimed in defense of the Gunnison River. In 2003, the government’s Interior Department was planning to divert the river’s flow away from the Gunnison National Park where the natural landmark, the Black Canyon, is located. Although it took most of three years in litigation, Hogan & Hartson secured the national park from encroaching private and federal interests.

Another recent endeavor in the name of protecting the planet is the firm’s collaboration with environmental groups to protect the resources of the Pacific Ocean. Hogan & Hartson currently functions as advisor to the Marine Conservation Biology Institute on the historic protection of Pacific Ocean habitats.

The Early Years
Under the leadership of former United States Vice President Thomas A. Hendricks, Baker & Daniels developed from several Indianapolis-based law firms beginning 1863. With his partner Oscar B. Hord, Hendricks carried the firm through a series of changes, both in personnel and name, until the entry of Conrad Baker in 1873. Eventually, the firm was renamed Baker, Hord & Hendricks.

Several years later, in 1881, a law office headed by Albert Baker and Edward Daniels opened in the building that adjoined Baker, Hord & Hendricks. Since telephone service was still new at that time, the two offices decided to share a line. Later on, Albert Baker and Edward Daniels took over Baker, Hord & Hendricks and the name was eventually changed to Baker & Daniels. Over the years, the law firm metamorphosed and developed into one of the finest in the whole of Indiana. Along with the growth of Baker & Daniels, B&D Consulting also surged forward. At present, aside from its office in Indianapolis, B&D Consulting also serves numerous clients in Chicago and Washington.

Service
B&D Consulting values its clients and this is evident in their unwavering commitment to excellent client service. The firm’s team players work around the principles of accessibility, responsiveness, courtesy, and communication.

Environmental Advocacy
Aside from legal advising, B&D Consulting also works on a number of worthy projects aimed at protecting and sustaining the value of the environment.

One of the important practices of the firm deals with energy and climate change. On January 27, 2009, B&D Consulting took in Andrew Wheeler as the firm’s senior vice president for the said practice group. His group is tasked to work on various environment-related issues like climate change and renewable energy.

The firm also worked in partnership with Casey Trees Foundation when it planted trees in Washington, DC’s Lafayette Park.

And to complement their growing concern for clean technologies and the environment, B&D Consulting, together with Baker & Daniels, moved their Washington office to a greener building last December 2008. The 11-story LEED Gold building has a “green” roof, advanced air filtration systems, and increased natural lighting.

Alliance was initially known as The Trebor Group when its founder, Robert B. Jones, Jr., decided to establish the company back in 1999 after working as a government-relations lawyer for Mays and Valentine (now known as Troutman Sanders). Creating his own law firm was a dream come true for Jones who wanted to try a nontraditional type of activity after having been tied up to corporate law for several years.

After The Trebor Group merged with Capital Strategies, a local lobbying firm, it became the Alliance Group and Robert Jones began his service as the company’s president and CEO.

As the years went on, Alliance began to focus its sights on creating a first rate team that was ready to take on their clients’ needs while continuously expanding the company’s array of services. Jones gathered the best team that included former government executives and officials who joined forces to come up with a highly motivated group that was adept at interpersonal communications, technology, grassroots advocacy, and, of course, media and government relations.

Some of the firm’s most important clients are highly respected companies and organizations like Ford, Delta Airlines, Home Depot, Microsoft, National Home Service Contract Association, National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), RealTec, Siemens, and the Virginia Center for Public Safety.

The Alliance Group also works hand-in-hand with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) in pursuing various environmental advocacies. EDF (Environmental Defense Fund) is a US-based nonprofit environmental advocacy group that aims to address matters pertaining to ecosystem restoration, the oceans, global warming, and human health. Alliance joins EDF in carrying out some of its most significant environmental advocacies and activities.

Another worthwhile endeavor carried out by the Alliance Group is its dedicated service to one of its partners, the Virginia Climate Initiative. The Virginia Climate Initiative is a group composed of the citizens, organizations, and businesses of Virginia who work together in ensuring the protection and preservation of our natural heritage and our way of life, especially against the threats of climate change.

In the years to come, the Alliance Group will continue to better itself to ensure continuously evolving first rate service in government and media relations, its two major areas of interest.

Private equity pioneer Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Co (or KKR) was founded by cousins Henry Kravis and George R. Roberts together with Jerome Kohlberg, Jr. They created the company after they left Bear Stearns in 1976. Back then, it was called First Chicago Corporation and it started operations on the 1st day of May that year.

Since the concept of a buyout was new at that time, Henry Kravis and George Roberts made it their mission to educate the financial and business world about it. This eventually earned for them the reputation of being the pioneers in leveraged buyouts.

KKR made its first mark in the buyout scene when it acquired A.J. Industries in 1977 using capital raised by a group of investors. After eight years, KKR sold this investment and allowed their investors to collect huge returns. Over the years, KKR would acquire several more significant investments that were worth millions. Their buyouts generated media interest especially when well-known brands or companies were involved like the Safeway Stores, Duracell, and RJR Nabisco, which KKR acquired for $31.1 billion.

Aside from headline-hugging buyouts, KKR is also acknowledged for its expertise in growing and improving businesses by inculcating values inspired by teamwork, dedication, and discipline.

KKR’s approach to investment relies on a simple concept. Each time the company acquires a company or group, they bring in a team of management experts who strive to make the company thrive, grow, and improve. This way, KKR is able to create and maintain significant shareholder value. KKR’s management teams are composed of only the most knowledgeable and highly motivated individuals who are experts in implementing strategies. This global private equity firm is not afraid to take risks in order to ensure that their shareholders’ interests are well-protected and cared for.

In addition to their work in private equity, KKR is partnered with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). Under the Green Portfolio project, KKR and EDF are working hand-in-hand to find ways to study and improve the environmental performance of companies included in the private equity group’s portfolio. Under the project, tools are used to help reduce waste and find solutions for other environmental concerns like the use of toxic substances and greenhouse gas emissions.

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Co is the financial world’s agent of change, and it will continue to groom acquired companies into better and more substantial businesses.