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Track: Public Relations

Political Strategy: Phone Campaigns

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

A critical  advocacy tool to influence public opinion is implementing targeted phone campaigns. At Compass Public Relations, we have the ability to design political campaign strategies that successfully  mobilize constituents to support or oppose policies heard before state, local, and federal governments.These efforts are tailored to ensure maximum impact, and they provide a powerful voice to constituents who might otherwise go unheard in the legislative process.

Through careful demographic research and data analysis, Compass Public Relations consultants ensure that each campaign is directed toward the right audience. We send targeted and tailored messages that resonate with the recipients, enhancing the likelihood of action.   Our live calls are persuasive and personal, allowing for real-time engagement and providing legislators with a clear sense of where their constituents stand on issues. 

In many cases, Compass PR consultants work with lobbyists to execute these efforts in a strategic and coordinated manner. Whether it’s at the state level in Delaware or Maryland or targeting local municipalities, our phone campaigns are designed to make a difference..

As public relations specialists, our consultants are highly experienced in framing messages that either support or oppose  critical legislation. Once the message is set, we then identify key legislators who may decide the outcome of such issues. 

From there, we generate dozens – or even hundreds – of live constituent phone calls into legislators’ offices. This type of constituent engagement has the power to sway decisions and influence outcomes, making phone campaigns a vital part of any political campaign strategy. To learn more about how political strategy phone campaigns can support your cause, contact Compass PR today!

Compass PR: Political Strategy

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

The legislative session has convened in Maryland and Delaware, so it’s time for your organization’s voice to be heard. In today’s complex and information-saturated world, simply having a good cause and dedicated supporters may not be enough for your coalition or campaign to thrive. At Compass Advocacy, our Public Relations services act as a multiplier for your efforts, bringing years of advocacy experience and long-term relationships with the legislature. Through our industry expertise, large network, and tested political campaign strategies, we position our clients in front of key legislative allies that produce tangible results. 

Working at the intersection of business and government, our public relations firm develops authentic and compelling campaigns that mobilize constituents to support or oppose policies heard before state, local, and federal governments. As part of such services, our public relations specialists can facilitate patch-thru phone calls from constituents to legislators, letters to elected officials, polling and public opinion surveys, and much more. Additionally, identifying influential figures is essential for gaining traction and achieving your goals. Our team leverages targeted campaign strategies to find and engage committees, legislators, or third parties with your messaging. 

While your grassroots campaign or coalition may be passionate and dedicated, Compass can provide crucial amplification, such as phone, website, and email strategies to boost your message to the right decision-makers. Broad exposure and compelling narratives strengthens your voice, builds public trust, and increases your chances of making an impact. In the unique political landscapes of Delaware and Maryland, Compass can help your organization navigate the many legislative and public relations nuances–get started today!

 

Targeted Campaigns and Website Design

Posted on by Addison Pruitt

Are you looking to get your message in front of legislators and key decision-makers? We’re here to help you advocate your organization’s issues at the right time and to the right people. Through targeted campaigns to legislators, our team will design and implement call-to-action pages to generate emails, texts, and phone calls. This targeted feature on your website will enable constituents and advocacy groups to engage directly with their legislator based on their district. Whether that be for a particular bill or topic area, Compass can help advance your advocacy efforts to shape policy and public opinion.

Simple as that, your message can be sent to those who need to hear it! Reach out to our Public Relations team today to learn more!

Post-Elections Grassroots Advocacy

Posted on by Addison Pruitt

Now that General Elections are in our rear-view mirror (even if votes are still being counted…), we will look forward to General Assembly Sessions approaching in 2023.

With Maryland’s session opening on January 11, and Delaware’s starting January 10, you may need to begin to develop a strategy to shape public and legislator opinion.
Compass Public Relations can help you and your association, coalition, or organization generate emails to members’ elected officials in favor or against an issue or bill introduced. We can create websites that route emails to legislators, as well as create portals to ensure ease while getting your messaging through to decision makers.

This can be a simple add-on to a current contract, or an engagement on its own, the sky is the limit! Compass Public Relations is here to help you navigate 2023.

Elly Colmers

For nearly a decade, Elly has been lobbying at the state, local, and federal levels on a wide range of topics including tax credit policy, environmental and land use issues, and budget priorities. Prior to joining Compass, Elly advocated on behalf of historic preservation, smart growth, and land conservation non-profits, and she has forged strong relationships with General Assembly leadership and other key players during her time in Annapolis.

Her years of experience in all aspects of advocacy – from public policy development to coalition building to grassroots organizing- ensure a wholistic approach to lobbying for her clients.

A Baltimore native, Elly lives in the City with her son, and three cats. When not working, she enjoys cooking, reading, and supporting small businesses in her neighborhood.

Actively Engaging Congress Through Strategic Public Relations

Posted on by Addison Pruitt

Are you looking to get your message in front of Members of Congress? Compass Public Relations is here to help you advocate your organization’s issues at the right time and to the right people through targeted federal campaigns. We’ll assist in identifying your organization’s priorities to foster engagement with policymakers and their staff, media outlets, and key external audiences.

Here are ways that the Compass PR team can advance your advocacy efforts to shape policy and public opinion:

  1. Schedule site visits to your organization with Members of Congress and their staff
  2. Coordinate letters from advocacy groups, business associations, and subject matter experts to Members of Congress
  3. Gather placement of Op-Eds in local and national media outlets
  4. Craft tailored and clear messaging to help all stakeholders understand the importance of your organization’s issues

Addison Pruitt

Addison is a Principal of Government Relations and Director of Public Relations at Compass Advocacy. Wearing both hats, Addison connects the dots between government advocacy and brand strategy, helping clients on projects ranging from lobbying to logo design.

Government Relations

Prior to joining Compass in 2021, he served as the Communications Specialist for the U.S. Architect of the Capitol’s historic Cannon Renewal Project, where he coordinated messaging and outreach initiatives to House Members, staff, and key congressional stakeholders.

Addison also spent three years in the Maryland General Assembly as Chief of Staff to Delegate Darryl Barnes, Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. In this role, he worked on legislation to improve equity, procurement, and funding opportunities for minority businesses and disadvantaged communities across the state of Maryland.

Public Relations

Aside from his political experience, Addison has helped several nonprofits and businesses in the Greater Washington Region, providing consulting services in branding, graphic design, website development, and multimedia. With a spirit for community and collaboration, he launched a creative pop-up event series in 2017 for young professionals to connect through arts and music.

Additional Background

Addison studied Marketing with a concentration in Product and Brand Management at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a lifelong resident of Prince George’s County and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Morgan Mills

Morgan brings a deep understanding of political landscapes, policy issues, and an unwavering commitment to effective advocacy. She offers insightful policy analysis and political strategy for our clients in Maryland and on the federal level, navigating the intricacies of varying levels of government to champion the interests of our clients.

Government Relations

During her time with Compass, Morgan has spearheaded initiatives across various levels of government, from the federal arena to the State level to local governments in DC and Maryland. Whether advocating for legislative changes, forging strategic partnerships, coalition building, or mobilizing grassroots efforts, Morgan is dedicated to driving impactful outcomes for our clients.

She has experience across a broad range of legislative issues including civil justice, cannabis, youth services, healthcare, and non-profits.

Prior to joining Compass, she spent two years gaining invaluable experience in Delegate Williams’ office, gaining firsthand insight into the legislative process, and developing a keen understanding of policymaking.

Public Relations

Aside from her lobbying efforts, Morgan also assists clients navigate coalition building, communication, and political campaign strategies to help shape public opinion on an array of topics. She has assisted several non-profits and businesses get through to key-decision makers through various grassroots campaigns, substantially impacting legislative decisions.

Born and raised in Anne Arundel County, Morgan lives in the Annapolis area with her fiancé and dog. When not working, she enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with her family.

Robert J. Garagiola

A triple threat for Compass, former Maryland state Senate Majority Leader Rob Garagiola serves as a Principal of Compass Government Relations and as the President of Compass Public Relations and Compass Law. With over 30 years of legislative, lobbying, and advocacy experience at the federal, state, and local levels of government, and nearly 25 years practicing law in D.C. and MD, Rob plays a leading role in managing the Compass leadership team and nurturing the firm’s enterprise growth and innovation.

Government Relations

As a former state Senator who served on the energy and health committees, including as Chairman of the Health Subcommittee and as Chair of the Joint Committee on Healthcare Delivery and Financing, Rob is an expert on energy, tax, healthcare, business regulation, and procurement matters, Rob lobbies for clients in Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. As a former elected official, he understands the inner workings of government. Prior to becoming a state Senator, he spent close to a decade on Capitol Hill – both as a lobbyist and senior staffer for U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., who is now the top Democrat on the Energy & Commerce Committee.

Law Practice 

Rob is a business attorney and a business owner. He uses his legal and practical experiences to benefit his corporate clients and has represented clients on business law matters in nearly every sector, ranging from accounting firms to physician practices and restaurants to consulting firms, as well as trade associations and nonprofits. Rob advises clients on general business, employment, and commercial leasing matters, helping them form and grow companies, draft corporate governance documents, and provide counsel on various contract issues. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2016.

Public Relations

Having run for office at the state and federal levels, Rob has extensive media and communications experience. For over a decade, he has helped clients with various grassroots advocacy efforts to affect and shape public opinion on a range of issues. Rob has also worked with clients to develop innovative strategies to convey their message before traditional media, digital media, and other venues.

Additional Background

Rob served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1995 to 2003 and received his jump wings in 2000. He is a member of various nonprofit boards, including those with a focus on the arts, healthcare, renewable energy, and public safety. He is married to Hannah Powers Garagiola, the founder of Compass Advocacy, and has five children and a Jack Russell Terrier named Oyster. In his spare time, he enjoys boating, traveling, reading, and cooking.

Practice Areas

Government Relations

  • Business Regulation
  • Energy
  • Healthcare
  • Procurement
  • Taxation & Fees

Public Relations

  • Communications
  • Grassroots & Political Campaign Strategy
  • Public Affairs & Coalition Building

Law

  • Business Law
  • Contracts & Commercial Leases
  • Employment/Labor Law

Team Spotlight: Addison Pruitt

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

Addison connects the dots between government advocacy and communications on behalf of Compass clients. Prior to joining Compass, he served as Communications Specialist for the U.S. Architect of the Capitol, where he coordinated messaging and led outreach initiatives to House Members, staff, and key congressional stakeholders.

As the former Chief of Staff to the Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, Delegate Darryl Barnes, Addison led the office’s marketing and strategic communication efforts, serving as a liaison for constituents on all legislative activities.

Addison has also worked with several nonprofits and businesses, providing consulting services in brand identity, graphic design, web development, and multimedia.

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