Mendez, Steadman & Associates, Inc. is a political consulting
firm with almost 50 years combined experience in strategic public
affairs, government relations, and policy development. Offering
a spectrum of professional lobbying and campaign consulting
services, our expertise includes health care, education, housing,
information technology, business, criminal justice, civil rights,
banking and financial, state budgeting and environmental issues.
We specialize in building key relationships and working in
tandem with the executive and legislative branches of Colorado's
state and local governments. Our experience in every aspect
of the legislative process enables us to successfully influence
top decision-makers and create positive public policy changes
on behalf of our clients.
We
are committed to our client’s issues and their success.
Through our dedication to providing high quality service, we
have helped numerous clients enhance their political power and
obtain their public policy and campaign objectives. Mendez,
Steadman & Associates approaches every issue with careful
analysis, strategic planning, and the deliberate work it takes
to produce results. Our firm is widely respected for our strategy,
integrity and tenacity.
The firm has been established for over 20 years and began as
Mountain Legislative Consulting Services. The name was later
changed to Mendez and Associates and in 2001, Mendez, Steadman
& Associates, Inc. was formed. Although the name of the
firm is new, the firm’s reputation, depth of experience
and track record of accomplishments have all been solidly established.
As a result, the firm is well positioned among legislators,
agency staff, and lobbying colleagues.
Through our skill and experience and our client’s expertise
in their respective fields, we have successfully influenced
public policy. Our broad and diverse client base provides the
firm with a breadth of experience that benefits all of our clients.
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Philosophy
Mendez, Steadman & Associates works to meet the needs of
our clients while maintaining the utmost integrity - which is
why we have retained many of our clients for years. We pride
ourselves in being honest with clients and elected officials,
and providing detailed information that helps decision-makers
make good choices. The most important asset a lobbyist has is
the ability to be trusted to provide accurate information and
to keep his or her word. We don’t just talk the talk,
we walk the walk and are tenacious in our pursuit of our client’s
objectives. Honesty, integrity, and tenacity is the philosophy
we apply in all that we do.
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Approach
Mendez, Steadman & Associates maintains a constant presence
at the State Capitol during the legislative
sessions. We observe committee hearings and floor debates, and
interact with legislators, budget analysts and legislative staffers
on a daily basis. Legislative strategy is developed in close
consultation with the client and their coalition partners when
appropriate.
Our work includes monitoring legislation from introduction
to committee hearings, floor debates, and final passage. We
closely monitor the state budget and the Joint Budget Committee
process and keep our clients abreast of any potential changes
that may impact them. Once priority bills have been identified,
we work the issue from every angle, including meeting with legislators
and staffers on a regular basis, as well as working with other
lobbyists and allied interest groups to achieve the desired
outcome. When introducing proactive legislation, we will recruit
bill sponsors, secure appropriate committee referrals, and assist
in developing interest group support. We will count votes and
lobby for passage of priority bills, as well as work with gubernatorial
staff to encourage the Governor’s support.
Our clients’ issues are often complex and we acknowledge
that their staff is often in the best position to thoroughly
explain the issues. Our expectation is that the staff
will work with us to deliver accurate and persuasive messages
on their behalf. When necessary, we will facilitate opportunities
for the client to explain the bills and issues to committees,
interest groups, and legislators.
We approach our lobbying responsibilities as a team. Each client
is assigned a lead lobbyist as their primary contact. Although
the lead lobbyist will be the person directly responsible for
achieving the outlined objectives, all members of the firm stay
abreast of each client’s issues. In addition, our office
manager has experience working with the Colorado General Assembly
and assists in securing committee reports, creating legislative
updates, and providing current information on bill status and
legislative schedules.
This team approach enables us to dedicate additional staff
resources to an issue when needed, such as before a key committee
hearing or impending floor vote. We are tenacious in our efforts
to count all the votes and create every advantage for our clients’
desired outcomes.
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Communication
Mendez,
Steadman & Associates prides itself on using new technologies
that aid us in efficiently communicating with our clients.
We have an automated database for tracking bills that
allows us to regularly provide reports to clients during
the legislative session. We understand that most businesses
and organizations have multiple persons who need to be
informed about government and public affairs activities.
We use email and faxes to provide up-to-the-minute status
reports to ensure that all pertinent information is relayed
quickly to the appropriate persons.
Our lobbyists are often away from the office, but through the
use of modern technologies, they’re always in touch. We
use the Blackberry system to send and receive e-mail messages
while at the Capitol and quickly respond to any client concerns.
In addition to the Blackberry, we’re available by cell
phone, enabling us to immediately report developments, promptly
respond to inquiries, and alert clients of the need to mobilize
political action.
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Facility
Mendez, Steadman & Associates is conveniently located two
blocks east of the Capitol, in the heart of Denver’s Capitol
Hill neighborhood. Our office includes a spacious conference
room, guest parking, internet access, copy and fax machines,
as well as the services of our full-time office manager. Our
conference room is also available to clients for legislative
committees meetings, board meetings, or other events.
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