GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Public policy is central to business success and central to public policy is government relations and legislative advocacy. The Gaston Group works to influence the introduction, enactment and amending of legislation, from the development of legislative language to committee action to gubernatorial approval. Through direct lobbying, executive and legislative branch networks, and navigation of the legislative process, we help clents to develop powerful tools for shaping public policy.
GRASSROOTS AND GRASSTOPS
Nothing resonates more than when those who are affected by legislation or regulation speak directly to its impact. By working closely with clients on developing grassroots support, including media relations, community education and information dissemination, we are better prepared to deliver your message to key policy makers. Similarly, through community connections created in nearly 30 years of living in Hampton Roads, we can connect you to leading “grasstops” in the area. The Gaston Group associates with many key political, business and community influentials at the state and local levels who in turn can reach out to those making policy, creating an additional level of lobbying at your disposal.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
The Gaston Group engages in comprehensive public affairs efforts for our clients, including direct lobbying, legislative advocacy and monitoring, committee and regulatory agency meeting attendance and action, media management, event organizing and attendance, stakeholder involvement, politial marketing and business development, corporate affairs, and networking and contact development. By combining these extensive services, the Gaston Group aims to influence public policy and build common ground for client success.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Through effective public policy development, a vast government relations network and extensive community contacts, the Gaston Group works with clients to establish the right partnerships and connections to grow and expand their business. We assist existing businesses to increase their presence in the Commonwealth and we work with companies that desire to establish a presence here in Virginia. We believe that there is an intersection between a favorable public policy framework, economic development and business growth that allows our clients to locate, expand and prosper in Virginia.
Susan with members of the Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS® at the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Annual Legislative Conference in May 2016, where Susan presented on the value of using housing data and analytics to effect positive housing policy
The Gaston Group, LLC provides comprehensive solutions to develop an integrated and effective government relations and public affairs strategy. We build a proactive, inclusive program that will exceed your expectations and deliver success.
From message development to coalition building, we create solutions to exceed your expectations and deliver success.
Message Development
The Gaston Group, LLC frames policy issues and crafts a clear, substantive message that will resonate with policy makers. We construct position statements and talking points, draft and deliver public testimony, and provide other vital communications to decision makers and stakeholders. We will generate the tools to convey your message.
Coalition Building
We can identify and recruit significant allies to enhance the client’s opportunities for success. We have in-depth knowledge of key individuals and organizations, both public and private, and an extensive network of contacts, to assist in building critical coalitions centered around specific issues.
Relationship Building
Knowing decision makers is a key element in any public affairs or legislative operation. Whether it is with an elected official, an appointed official or a professional staff person, we have the important relationships you need…before you need them.
Teaming Partnerships
To make certain that all of the needs of our clients are met, The Gaston Group, LLC frequently engages in a variety of teaming partnerships with other professionals and businesses. Whether it is an attorney, a technology specialist or a graphics designer, we offer a multi-disciplinary approach in order to gain success for our clients. By engaging in teaming relationships, The Gaston Group, LLC acts as the direct contact to ensure that the services provided by our team will meet the expectations of the client.