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WASHINGTON D.C. – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) today announced the addition of veteran health care communicator Michelle Baker as a public affairs partner. Baker brings decades of leadership experience across the corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors to oversee the continued growth and development of the firm’s award-winning public affairs department.

“We are at an unprecedented point of growth and change in the public affairs industry and at FTP. To continue to make an impact in this complex policy environment, we must bring innovative thinking and creativity to deliver for clients while maintaining the agility and personal attention to our clients that makes FTP unique,” said FTP Founding Partner Jeff Forbes. “Michelle’s experience from the frontlines of large, traditional communications campaigns and agencies augments FTP’s advocacy and policy skillsets. With Michelle on board, we will continue to deliver sound policy strategy from the local to national level informed by full-service communications best practices and insights.”

“Michelle is a proven leader with both clients and staff,” said FTP Managing Partner Rob Mathias. “She brings remarkable experience, a sharp eye, and an extremely good nature. We are lucky to have her and are just as delighted that she is here.”

Prior to joining FTP, Baker was a chief of staff of health and executive vice president of corporate strategic initiatives at Ketchum and D.C. health practice lead at Weber Shandwick/Powell Tate. In these roles, she spearheaded global campaigns and programs in health, education, food, defense, tech, and other industries. Her broad health care experience includes leading corporate and public affairs work across health systems, biopharmaceutical companies, government agencies, payers, professional medical associations, and nonprofits. In addition, Michelle developed and led multiple coalitions and campaigns focused on today’s most pressing health challenges including addiction, mental health, heart disease, cancer, vaccinations, and emerging public health threats.

“I have had the chance to work with some of the leaders at FTP and seen firsthand how the team delivers for clients across many industries,” Baker said. “There is something special here and I am excited to lead this talented group at this crucial time of change. Professional, political, and personal interests increasingly intersect and sometimes conflict. It is important for clients to have bipartisan counsel that considers the full range of communications platforms available to make an impact.”

A long-term advocate for family caregiving and memory care, Michelle has been a board member of the Caregiver’s Action Network (CAN) for 10 years. She is also the chair of the Board of Trustees of Arts for the Aging (AFTA), focused on engaging older adults in multidisciplinary arts for health.

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About Forbes Tate Partners:

Forbes Tate Partners is a bipartisan, full-service public affairs consultancy specializing in government relations, grassroots advocacy, strategic communications, fundraising, and business development. The firm’s primary areas of specialty are the development and implementation of bipartisan lobbying and advocacy strategies related to tax, health care, natural resource management, trade, energy, telecommunications, outdoor recreation, appropriations, and agriculture. Jeff Forbes and Dan Tate, Jr. founded the firm in 2012.

This piece originally appeared in Fast Company on July 28, 2023.

Tech startups are leading the innovation revolution, driving economic growth, and changing the world around us. But the elephant in the room is how federal and state government policies, rulemakings, and politics affect how entrepreneurs grow their businesses and get their products into the hands of consumers.

From immigration issues to intellectual property, Congress, the White House, and literally hundreds of regulatory bodies can make or break your day. As a tech entrepreneur, you have an important role in determining which way it goes.

Here are four areas where the federal government and politics impact new tech businesses and some tips for how business leaders can effectively navigate these changing dynamics.

FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES

Legislative activities on Capitol Hill, including bills related to taxes, technology, infrastructure, workforce development, and climate change, shape the policy framework within which tech startups operate.

Tax policies can directly impact a startup’s financial viability and investment decisions, while legislation related to technology and innovation can influence market access, competitive standing, and business practices related to intellectual property rights, data privacy, and more.

One proactive—and attainable—goal business leaders should consider is building direct relationships with members of Congress to establish themselves as policy resources. Tech innovation dramatically outpaces policymaker understanding. As elected officials and staff struggle to catch up, directly sharing your experiences will help ensure that the very decision-makers who are shaping industry-governing policies will craft them thoughtfully to aid—not hinder—your industry.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Thousands of federal regulations issued each year by various agencies have significant implications for tech startups.

Ask any established C-suite in America today, and they will tell you regulations related to data protection, cybersecurity, product safety, and industry-specific compliance requirements have a tremendous effect on operational procedures, costs, and market viability. Being aware of and staying in front of federal rulemaking can alter a company’s bottom line, particularly when there is an opportunity to submit comments from your perspective in response to an agency rulemaking process or request for information.

While startups should not waste their time scouring the Federal Register every day, it is essential to stay informed about the rulemaking process in general and be on the lookout for trends. Monitoring industry publications, engaging legal experts, and leveraging industry networks can help startups proactively assess and adapt to evolving regulatory requirements, avoiding unexpected hurdles.

FREE MONEY

Federal government policies and programs play a crucial role in shaping the funding landscape for tech startups.

Initiatives such as Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants provide critical funding for early-stage research and innovation. Additionally, federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Defense (DoD), and Department of Energy (DOE) offer specific grant programs for startups in those industry sectors, from machine learning and AI to water reuse technologies and biofuel production.

Do not overlook the role of non-dilutive capital coming from federal government funding opportunities. Grant writing experts can help you understand the criteria and application processes and provide logistical support and guidance, giving your company an upper hand in securing funding and growing your business.

NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK

Tech startups can benefit from collaboration and partnerships with the federal government. Government agencies often seek innovative solutions from startups through challenges, pilot programs, and procurement contracts. These collaborations provide startups with opportunities for revenue growth, market validation, and access to government resources.

Tech startups should actively explore government procurement opportunities and leverage resources such as the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) to navigate the procurement process effectively. Networking with government agencies, participating in industry conferences, and forming partnerships with established contractors can increase the chances of success in the government sector.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Here’s the bottom line: take control of your story and don’t hope decision-makers are hearing you; make sure they are listening to you. Treat lawmakers and regulators as you would a customer by showcasing how you support local economies and families, create value in the market, and serve their interests.

In some circumstances, membership in a relevant trade association or coalition of companies can add value to your efforts, provided you engage and fully leverage it. Don’t simply send a check and assume your problems will be resolved.

But for many, that is not enough. Find a partner on the ground in D.C. who will help you navigate this space, be honest about what your precious dollars are worth, and be creative in separating yourself from a sea of other startups. By staying informed, engaging with decision-makers, and actively participating in shaping policies, your startup can navigate the dynamic regulatory landscape and policy environment and leverage opportunities for growth.

WASHINGTON – For the fourth consecutive year, Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) has been named a top 10 performing lobbying firm. In fact, FTP finished number 10 out of nearly 400 competitor firms, building on years of consecutive gains for our government relations practice.

“Last year, FTP celebrated 10 years in business. This recognition serves as further proof that our work in that decade has been both meaningful for our clients and charted new territory in our industry,” said FTP Founding Partner Jeff Forbes. “This achievement would not be possible without the dedication and ingenuity of our bipartisan roster of professionals, which now spans federal and state government relations, public affairs, research and insights, and digital services. Our clients remain our number one priority, and this recognition will help us to continue attracting top talent, executing effective and creative campaigns, and delivering wins that matter for them.”

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About Forbes Tate Partners:

WASHINGTON – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP), a bipartisan, full-service government relations and public affairs firm, today announced it has promoted the single largest number of senior staff members in the firm’s 10-year history:

“This past year, Forbes Tate Partners was thrilled to expand the Forbes Tate family with our acquisition of Engage, a D.C.-based digital media agency, and to be recognized again as an elite agency and among the top lobbying firms in the country. We are proud of our entire team and are thrilled to highlight those on our team who are driving our business forward,” said Jeff Forbes, FTP Founding Partner. “These experts consistently demonstrate their expertise and tireless dedication for our clients and our firm. We are excited for their careers here and the future of FTP.”

Kelley Williams has been promoted to be a partner on the government relations team. Kelley specializes in financial services, insurance, and banking issues. She also lobbies on transportation, telecom, fintech, and energy issues for the firm’s clients.

Kristina Dunklin has been promoted to be a partner on the government relations team. Kristina specializes in healthcare, energy, and agriculture policy. She also has extensive experience in the appropriations process, helping the firm’s clients across multiple sectors.

Clare Flannery has been promoted to be a senior vice president on the public affairs team. Clare specializes in coalition building and management, integrated public affairs campaigns, and reputation risk management. She has also served as a campaign manager, strategic communications adviser and spokesperson for coalitions, campaigns, executives, and politicians on the local, state, and national stages.

Meg Baglien has been promoted to be a senior vice president on the public affairs team. Meg manages a diverse portfolio of clients across industries, including health care and technology. She specializes in strategic communications, brand reputation management, advocacy campaign development, and leading coalition efforts.

Chanse Jones has been promoted to be a vice president on the public affairs team. Chanse is a veteran of Capitol Hill and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is well-versed in media relations. He brings an invaluable network and years of experience spearheading national advocacy campaigns and political endorsement events.

Will May has been promoted to be a vice president on the public affairs team. Will specializes in financial services, transportation, and health care, and brings extensive experience in strategic communications, grasstops advocacy, and business development to the firm.

Colin Finnegan has been promoted to be a vice president on the public affairs team. Colin specializes in energy and environmental issues. He draws on years of coalition management, grassroots mobilization, and strategic communications to execute some of the firm’s most successful client projects.

Also promoted were Elizabeth Gonzalez (Senior Vice President, Operations), Emily Schell (Vice President, Operations), Chris Memenza (Vice President, Operations), Elizabeth Kapolka (Director, Public Affairs), Natalie Bauman (Director, Public Affairs), Gwen Fuller (Senior Analyst, Public Affairs), Eliza Green (Senior Analyst, Public Affairs), Kelsey Chan (Senior Analyst, Public Affairs), and Adam Kawut (Senior Analyst, Public Affairs).

In December 2021, FTP went public on the London Stock Exchange AIM (PPHC.L) as part of the Public Policy Holding Company (PPHC). It was once again recognized as one of Bloomberg Government’s top performing lobbying firms. Most recently, FTP was named a PRNEWS Top Elite 100 agency for 2023, a prestigious honor recognizing the firm as one of the leading public relations practices in the country.

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About Forbes Tate Partners:

This article originally appeared in ND xPlains.

In 2015, the legislature’s Republican Supermajority passed a repeal of North Dakota’s ban on corporate ownership of dairy and swine production – the so-called “ham and cheese bill.”

North Dakota voters petitioned to refer this bill to the ballot, and during the June 2016 primary elections, it was overwhelmingly rejected. 76-percent of North Dakotans, including a majority of voters in all 53 of the state’s counties, voted to uphold the state’s longstanding ban on corporate owned farms.

One would think such a resounding rejection by North Dakotans would be the final word on the matter. Sadly, that is not the case. The Republican Supermajority is once again pushing a repeal to the state’s corporate farming ban. This version – HB 1371 – is even more aggressive than its predecessor.

HB 1371 would remove production and feeding of dairy, swine, poultry, and cattle from the list activities that fall under the definition of a farm or ranch in the North Dakota Century Code. A repeal would pave the way for the corporate ownership of livestock operations in North Dakota.

State law already permits the formation of LLCs and other business entities, allowing greater accumulation of capital and shared ownership amongst North Dakota farm families. HB 1371 would further allow out-of-state multinational corporations to have sole ownership of hog, dairy and poultry farms, and cattle feedlots. The bill doesn’t even require corporate shareholders to be farmers or require these corporations to partner with in-state farmers and ranchers.

At the same time many North Dakota Republicans are breathlessly spreading conspiracy theories about Bill Gates buying farmland, they are intentionally paving the way for foreign corporate ownership of North Dakota farmland. We do not have to look too far to see the impact Chinese corporate ownership has on local communities.

In a rare act of bipartisan unity, Senators John Tester of Montana and Mike Rounds of South Dakota have introduced the Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security Act of 2023. The PASS Act would amend the Defense Production Act to add the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and trigger a review of foreign purchases of farmland and other agricultural transactions with foreign entities.

The North Dakota Republican push to repeal the ban on corporate farming follows closely on the heels of another agricultural ownership kerfuffle that has been in the news recently. In this instance it was a proposed corn-milling plant near Grand Forks – and the Grand Forks Air Force Base. Construction of that plant has been blocked over national security concerns related to the plant’s Chinese-based ownership group.

While they breathlessly cheer that outcome, North Dakota Republicans are at the same time paving the way for foreign owned corporate farming all over the state. Smithfield Foods is owned by the Chinese corporation WH Group and controls over 20-percent of the hog and swine business in America.

It makes one wonder where the Republican Supermajority draws the line over corporate foreign ownership. Is it when they stand to personally benefit?

No matter the motive of those pushing the repeal of North Dakota’s corporate farming ban, it’s just plain wrong. And there can be no room for compromise on this matter.

North Dakota Republicans pushed for years to lower the state’s oil extraction tax but were continually rebuffed by the overwhelming public antipathy to that push. In 2015 the North Dakota Republicans finally succeeded in pushing that oil extraction tax cut through, claiming it would be a one-time thing and not part of an ongoing push to continually give away North Dakota’s resources without proper compensation. That one-time thing has now been revisited and expanded just eight years later, as the North Dakota Republicans have just passed a further cut to the state’s oil extraction tax.

Now we are told that the changes to the ban on corporate farming are limited and will only apply to certain small sectors of the state’s agricultural economy. Hogwash. This is just the first step for this Republican supermajority. If HB 1371 passes it might take as many as two or three more legislative sessions before the entirety of the state’s corporate farming ban is completely erased. Again, there can be no room for compromise on this matter.

Ask any North Dakota farmer or rancher and they will tell you the biggest problems they face are not production related. The big issue is processing. Specifically, the lack of market access and the lack of competition among processors, trapping farmers in a system where processors set the market and farmers are left to squeeze out a living.

Flooding our state with more corporate ownership will do nothing to solve those problems. It will just accelerate the decline of small towns and shutter even more family farms. North Dakota’s corporate farming ban has served us well for over 90 years. There’s no reason to change course now.

Tell your legislator to reject corporate farming and vote “NO” on HB 1371.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP) today announced the addition of Samantha Leahy to the Government Relations team as Senior Vice President. Sam brings with her a tremendous amount of expertise in national security, foreign policy, and defense matters to one of Washington’s top performing firms.

Prior to joining FTP, Samantha led national security and foreign relations policy initiatives in the U.S. Senate as the Senior Legislative Assistant for Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX). She was responsible for crafting the Senator’s national security platform, addressing matters across the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations, Armed Services, Banking, Commerce, Science and Transportation, Homeland Security and Government Affairs, and Judiciary. Sam has also managed the National Defense Authorization Act process, securing dozens of initiatives each fiscal year. Additionally, she served as the Personal Representative of the Member (PRM) on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where she advanced measures relating to democracy, human rights, and sanctions.

“We are thrilled to add seasoned Capitol Hill veterans like Sam to our team,” said FTP Founding Partner Jeff Forbes. “She has demonstrated mastery of the legislative and political process throughout her career. That experience will be put to work on Day One for our clients as we work collaboratively to advance their policy goals and objectives.”

“Samantha Leahy has been a major component of my Senate office from Day One and has been continuously promoted from a young administrative assistant to a senior policy advisor on national security issues involving the Armed Services, Commerce, Foreign Relations and Judiciary Committees,” said U.S. Senator Ted Cruz. “She has a well-deserved reputation for being able to get things done – even across the aisle – in the Senate and was a driving force behind legislative successes such as securing Purple Hearts for victims of the 2009 Fort Hood terrorist attack, placing restrictions on UN Ambassadors who have engaged in terrorism, and imposing conditions on international financial institutions to curtail funding of corrupt, anti-democratic regimes. She will be missed, but she is not going far. I look forward to continuing to benefit from her advice and counsel. Congratulations to Forbes Tate on this terrific hire.”

“Samantha Leahy brings a decade of senior Capitol Hill experience to Forbes Tate. She is deeply familiar with the legislative process and in this time of divided government will be an invaluable source of insight and strategy,” said Victoria Coates, former Deputy National Security Advisor. “Samantha is also highly respected in both national security and diplomatic circles in Washington, all of whom will take note of this important appointment.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining the accomplished team at FTP. I’m looking forward to leveraging my national security and foreign relations experience to support the firm and bring about meaningful results for our clients,” said Samantha Leahy. “FTP has emerged as a leader in Washington, and I am eager to utilize my background to support the firm as it continues to grow.”

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About Forbes Tate Partners:

Forbes Tate Partners believes every child deserves a joyful holiday experience, regardless of where they live or the situations they face at home. Giving back to local students at Wheatley Education Campus is our way of helping to ensure this happens, and we are thrilled the Wheatley Toy Drive is back for its sixth year. We invite you to join us in meeting our goal of 1,000+ toy donations for Wheatley scholars ages 3-15

How to Get Involved:

FTP has created gift registries at Target, Walmart, and Amazon. All toys purchased through the registry links below will ship directly to Wheatley Education Campus:

Target

Walmart

Amazon

Participants may also choose their own toys. All gifts will be mailed by participants directly to the school for scholar pickup prior to the end of the school semester. For more information, please contact Jessica Williams at jwilliams@forbes-tate.com .

About Wheatley Education Campus

Wheatley Education Campus is a public school in northeastern Washington, D.C., serving 350 students from pre-K3 through 8th grade. Located in Ward 5, the school serves a student population wherein 100% of students qualify to receive federal, state, and/or local aid. Moreover, many Wheatley students and their families live in homeless shelters or other transitional housing. Wheatley serves one of D.C.’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods in which residents often lack resources to meet the basic needs of their children.

Many Wheatley families are unable to provide even a small gift for their kids during the holiday season. In previous years, local volunteers donated toys and teachers used their own money to purchase the rest of the gifts for students. In 2016, these volunteer efforts turned disastrous when there was a severe shortage of donations and many of the items provided (half empty box of crayons, dried up markers) were not appropriate gifts. To save the holiday, teachers and local government officials scrambled to distribute additional gifts donated by local churches. After hearing about this story, Forbes Tate Partners started our Toy Drive initiative in 2017 and has volunteered each holiday season since. Read FTP Founding Partner Dan Tate’s blog post about starting the Toy Drive here.

Forbes Tate Partners’ work with Molina Healthcare, telling the company’s story regarding the work it did to address COVID-19 and the charitable partnerships it has built through its MolinaCares Accord, was recently recognized as a finalist at Ragan’s 2022 PR Daily Awards in four categories, receiving honorable mentions in the following:

General Campaigns: Covid-19 Communications Campaign
General Campaigns: Video Campaign
Health Care PR and Marketing: Covid-19 Communications
Health Care PR and Marketing: Video

FTP and the MolinaCares Accord, in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Mississippi, teamed up with football Hall of Famer and three-time Super Bowl champion Jerry Rice, to launch a television and digital advertising campaign to help encourage Mississippians to get vaccinated.

Watch the Jerry Rice Vaccine PSA here.

FTP was also honored to help tell the story of Andrew’s fight with COVID-19 in “Andrew’s Journey”:

Due to complications from COVID-19, Molina member Andrew was in desperate need of a double lung transplant. See how Molina Healthcare of Texas and Houston Methodist Hospital teamed up to provide the critical care required for Andrew to recover from the disease and get his life back.

Watch Andrew’s Journey here.

Bipartisan Public Affairs Firm Formalizes Partnership with Leading Digital Advocacy Specialists

WASHINGTON – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP), a bipartisan, full-service government relations and public affairs firm, today announced its acquisition of Engage, a D.C.-based digital media agency. The acquisition will cement the two firms’ long-standing partnership and enable the newly expanded FTP to advance its clients’ goals in even more seamless and productive ways in the face of an ever-changing advocacy market.

“Forbes Tate Partners just celebrated a decade in business,” said Jeff Forbes, FTP Founding Partner. “Today’s announcement marks the next step in our firm’s evolution as we continue to deliver a competitive edge for our clients. Having successfully partnered with Engage on many projects in the past, we are confident they are a perfect fit for our firm’s culture. We are delighted to formally welcome them to the Forbes Tate family and to add their considerable ability and expertise to our team.”

Added FTP Founding Partner Dan Tate, “The formalization of our partnership allows FTP a unique opportunity to add top-notch talent, expand our footprint, and, ultimately, be that much more effective on behalf of our combined group of clients, spanning the nation’s largest industries, from health care, energy, and financial services to emerging technologies, telecommunications, and manufacturing.”

“Digital public affairs is hardly new, but Forbes Tate’s commitment to investing in innovation clearly sets them apart,” said Engage Managing Partner Nick Schaper. “Engage has established best-in-class capabilities that blend winning creative and technology with decades of experience at the highest levels of public policy to achieve effective, measurable results.”

Engage Managing Partner Erik Rapprich said, “We look forward to formally joining forces with our colleagues at Forbes Tate to begin this new chapter in our shared history and unlock the value of the significant opportunity ahead.”

Engage, a full-service digital agency providing technology, design and creative, advocacy, and advertising services, was founded in 2007 and employs 19 professionals who have partnered with Fortune 500 companies, leading advocacy organizations, and the largest trade associations in the United States.

Last December, FTP went public on the London Stock Exchange AIM (PPHC.L) as part of the Public Policy Holding Company (PPHC). It was once again recognized as one of Bloomberg Government’s top performing lobbying firms for 2021. Most recently, FTP was named a PRNEWS Top Elite 100 agency for 2023, a prestigious honor recognizing the firm as one of the leading public relations practices in the country.

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About Forbes Tate Partners:

Bipartisan Firm Has Demonstrated Tremendous Public Affairs and State Advocacy
Growth in Recent Years

WASHINGTON – Forbes Tate Partners (FTP), a bipartisan, full-service public affairs firm, today announced that it is celebrating its 10^th year in business. The past decade has seen what started as a predominately one-party government relations firm with a dozen employees grow into an integrated, multi-faceted public affairs firm with nearly 80 employees providing best-in-class service to its clients.

“The advocacy world has changed dramatically since we opened the doors a decade ago. We sought not only to respond to those challenges, but to find a way to build a competitive edge from it for our clients,” said Founding Partner Jeff Forbes.

“Our growth has been intricately tied to a changing advocacy landscape, as a fully integrated and comprehensive approach is required to change policy inside the Beltway or in any statehouse,” continued Founding Partner Dan Tate, Jr. “As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to a future of continued evolution that will position our clients for success and sharpen our skills to embrace the next decade of change.”

Last December, FTP went public on the London Stock Exchange as part of the Public Policy Holding Company. It once again was recognized as one of Bloomberg Government’s top performing lobbying firms for 2021. Most recently, FTP was named a PRNEWS Top Elite 100 agency for 2023, a prestigious honor recognizing the firm as one of the leading public relations practices in the country.

“The firm owes its continued success to the work of our talented team, whose combined experience furnishes FTP with the expertise needed to amplify our clients’ strategic goals and achieve results,” continued Forbes.

“We are thrilled to celebrate a decade in business. Without the partnerships we have formed with our clients, some of whom I’m honored to say have been with us since we opened our doors, this growth wouldn’t have been possible,” concluded Tate. “It is an honor to represent them and advocate on their behalf, in Washington and across the country.”

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About Forbes Tate Partners:

Ready to change Washington?