Direct Lobbying

In a world of constant change due to term-limits, ever changing political winds and executive branch turnover, we at Clarkston Nelson adapt and thrive due to our extensive experience and hard work. We work extremely hard to successfully help our clients reach their advocacy goals through our professionalism and unique understanding of the legislative and executive process. We provide direct lobbying efforts to shape legislation and regulations from the beginning to implementation. Our firm is capable of providing all services necessary such as legislation and issue monitoring, public engagement counseling, public testimony, and coalition building.

Strategic Communications

We believe that public opinion shapes much of the debate and decisions at the government level. Clarkston Nelson have a long history of working with clients in the preparation and development of messaging to assist in their advocacy efforts before the legislature, regulators or any other decision-making body. Our strategic communications will be aimed at reaching our client’s underlying goal and often can be conveyed to the media and public to potentially sway opinion to our favor. Often times, strategic communications are aided with coalition building efforts to expand our sphere of influence and find additional partners that share with our goals and preferred outcomes.

Relationship Building

Our firm recognizes the vast importance of relationship building throughout the political, regulatory, and industry sectors. We believe healthy relationships are built on honest communication and respect. We work diligently with legislators and department contacts to know our clients and understand why their issues matter. Clarkston Nelson strive to maintain professional and positive relations with state elected officials and decision-makers and can utilize our relationships to assist clients with ensuring their issues are properly understood and considered when needed.

Budget Advocacy

Clarkston Nelson has a tremendous amount of experience following the state appropriations and budgeting process. Doug Nelson served as the former Commissioner of Administration and had a direct education on the process through is his past experience as a member of the Governor’s cabinet. Clarkston Nelson continue to assist clients with navigation through the
complex and daunting budget process from the early stages of planning to legislative appropriation, gubernatorial action, and finally implementation by various state departments. Clarkston Nelson provide constant monitoring of all state budget items, including the state project procurement process.

Monitoring Issues of Interest

Many of the problems or opportunities for clients begin due to an issue occurring outside the capitol building. As such, it is critical that clients constant monitor current events, elections, regulatory agencies, and legislative committees to stay aware of all issues of importance. Clarkston Nelson provide constant monitoring of all legislative, regulatory or news stories and report regularly to a client on any relevant issue as it may arise.

Further, over 2,000 bills are filed every year by the Missouri legislature. Clarkston Nelson provide a service that reviews all legislation filed or offered as amendments to ensure their clients understand the impact of such legislation and if a need arises to intervene with an advocacy effort.

Pac Planning and Compliance

Clarkston Nelson provide clients with advice and strategies for political giving that fit their needs. These plans are developed for supporting elected officials, candidates, or ballot questions. We aid with all required state reporting requirements and ensure that all requirements on donation limits, timely filing, and corporate registration laws are followed. Many state trade associations establish continuing committees before the Missouri Ethics Commission and require our services for bookkeeping and compliance.