Colorado Lobbyist RFP System Debuts Next Week

Posted: Oct. 27, 2017

The Colorado Lobbyists Association debuts an online Lobbyist RFP system on Wednesday, Nov. 1. 

The new system is intended to "grow the pie" for lobbyist services by making it easier for corporations and associations to broadcast their intent to hire a contract lobbyist, whether on a retainer or for project-based work. 

The system requires hiring entities to put considerable thought into their advocacy needs so that lobbyists can quickly decide whether to submit a formal response. RFPs are to be distributed to CLA members. 

CLA cautions that the Lobbyist RFP system must not be used by hiring entities to do the following: 

1. Shop for lower prices for the purpose of contract re-negotiation with an existing firm (there are other, better ways to review pricing)

2. Shop for a new agency without that agency's knowledge (and even then you need to give serious consideration to the high costs of transition)

3. Supplant the preferred method of hiring a lobbyist -- researching firms on the CLA and other websites, and interviewing up to three qualifying firms face to face

The Colorado Lobbyists Association is a professional society open to individuals who are registered as professional or state lobbyists in Colorado and also to individuals, groups and companies who support lobbying and other government-relations activities in the state.

Professional lobbyists and state liaisons have until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, to join the association as founding members. Read about our member benefits here. Join here. 

There Are 5 More Days To Join CLA As A Founding Member

Posted: Oct. 27, 2017

Colorado registered professional lobbyists and state legislative liaisons have five more days -- until 11:59 p.m. Oct. 31, 2017 -- to join the Colorado Lobbyists Association as founding members. 

Founding members will be listed as such in the association's online directory. The designation honors those lobbyists and liaisons who joined the association during its first month of formation, providing support to CLA at a critical juncture in its history. 

The first 100 members, whether founding or otherwise, also receive significant first-year discount on membership prices. Solo lobbyists who are among the first 100 of all members to join enjoy a 33.3% discount on first-year dues. 

Read more about the association's member benefits here. Join here!

Kasandre Brown Named Membership Specialist For CLA

Posted: Oct. 25, 2017

Kasandre Brown has been named membership and meetings specialist for the Colorado Lobbyists Association. 

Brown, who received a BA in Arts Administration from Westminster College in Salt Lake City in 2015, previously worked as a venue sales associate for Denver Botanic Gardens / Chatfield in Littleton. She also was a scholar at ArtsBridge, a Salt Lake City program that takes college students into elementary schools to work on curriculum based art.

In January 2015, she had a Sundance Film Festival Internship through The Creative Coalition.

Members: Don't Forget To Join Discussion 'Circles'

Posted: Oct. 19, 2017

CLA members now have an opportunity to join the discussion circles that interest them and receive periodic updates on those topics from the association's staff as well as from other members. 

Click on the link, and you'll be prompted to sign in to access the circles, which are:

Accepting New Clients 

A discussion circle on running your lobbying business as a business. 

Adding It Up With The JBC 

A discussion circle for those with a particular interest in the Joint Budget Committee. Because, math.

Amendment 41 Lounge 

Welcome to CLA's discussion circle about ethics in politics and in lobbying.

Capitol Clear 

If heavy users of airports can move through security quickly, why not heavy users of Colorado's Capitol?

Everything Elections  

Candidates, parties, initiatives. Consider this discussion circle your personal ballot box.

Millennial Musings 

A circle especially for the under-35 lobbyist.