Research/Monitoring Government.
Once we grasp the public policy priorities and goals of our
client, we begin our government monitoring. We track pending
legislation and executive initiatives to pinpoint measures that
may have an impact on them. We 
establish an early warning system
by contacting key leaders to determine if something not apparent
may be coming. We also identify proactive opportunities that may
exist. Relevant information is then provided to the client.
Once an issue is active, CK&R partners arrange and attend meetings with the legislators and
government officials who are driving the measure and process.
We attend subcommittee and committee meetings as necessary.
When the Legislature is in session, communication is transmitted
through coordinated and ad hoc channels, as developments on our client's issue require. When Michigan's full-time Legislature is
not in session communication is done as needed.
Strategic Counsel.
Hundreds of issues compete for the attention of Michigan's
Legislators and Executive Branch. An effective government
relations program prioritizes and focuses resources on critical
issues where need is certain or success is a real possibility.
CK&R's razor-sharp understanding of Michigan government will help
our client set priorities.
When it's time
for action, CK&R will help our client decide when and how best to
launch the advocacy strategy and tactics by assessing the
political climate in Lansing
and seeking guidance and input from
supporters in the Legislature and Executive Branch
It is important
to note the importance of CK&R's partnership approach to client
advocacy. From our many decades of government experience, we have
found the chances of winning greatly increase when the lobbying
consultants are able to help shape the client's policy positions.
By forming a real client-consultants team, better decisions are
made because all factors can be considered, including the current
political realities and environment in the Capitol. Of course, in
the end, any position taken by our client would become the
position of CK&R.
Active Lobbying.
Once implementation strategies are set, next comes direct
communications with legislators and other key government
officials. A sound plan of attack is imperative. CK&R and the
appropriate client officials will use written materials,
one-on-one and group meetings to communicate our client's agenda.
If proactive 
legislation is needed, bill sponsors must be secured.
When our client must oppose legislation, the consultant must
thoroughly understand which bills and amendments are of greatest
concern.
By working as partners, CK&R
principals stay in ready position to seek proactive opportunities
to advance our client's agenda. For example, an unrelated, highly
publicized event might provide an advantageous climate in which to
introduce a bill or hold a committee vote. A fast-moving bill
might provide a vehicle for one of your priorities. Or, a close
vote on a highly visible and/or important bill might allow your
supporters to use their votes as bargaining leverage for your
legislation.
Procurement Counseling.
Securing a State of Michigan contract is far more complex than
simply submitting the lowest bid. Advanced knowledge of a
particular need in state government and familiarity with the
decision-makers can be key. Early involvement can give qualified
clients the opportunity to provide input into the development of
bid specifications. The result is usually a Request for Proposal
(RFP)
that better meets the needs of the state and gives our
client a fair opportunity to be the successful bidder. Our
numerous contacts with state department personnel provide an early detection system for our procurement process counseling
services. CK&R is aware of the time and resources that clients
commit to an RFP response. CK&R helps to position our clients as
qualified providers of services to the state and its citizens.
