Ed. note: The following survey and analysis comes by way of Dentons 50 partner Adam Nickas of Capitol Resources
Dentons 50 partner firm Capitol Resources conducted an anonymous survey on the news source, policy and advocacy organization preferences and habits of Tennessee policy insiders. The purpose of this survey was to discover what sources are considered most valuable and trustworthy by policy makers and shapers.
Survey recipients included state legislators and their staff, elected and appointed executive branch leaders and their staff, education officials from colleges and universities from across the state, municipal and local government leaders and registered lobbyists and organizations. While not inclusive of all policy organizations, the survey asked about twenty-five (25) specific statewide organizations and associations. 223 individuals responded to the survey.
In regards to exposure, 67% of participants indicated they regularly or often see or hear of the Beacon Center of Tennessee mentioned in connection with state or local policy issues. 63% indicated the same for the Tennessee Medical Association and 58.6% for the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce.
The Tennessee Medical Association (86%), Tennessee Chamber of Commerce (80%), Beacon Center of Tennessee (80%), and Tennessee Hospital Association (80%) were identified as being influential in the formulation and debate of public policy at either a high or moderate level.
Among those entities that are either regularly or often studied, cited, or utilized by policy insiders, Tennessee Medical Association (49.7%), Tennessee Hospital Association (37.58%), Tennessee Chamber of Commerce (36.95%), and Beacon Center of Tennessee (32.5%) came out on top.
“The economy, health care and public safety clearly dominate the policy conversation in Tennessee,” said Adam Nickas of Capitol Resources’ Tennessee office.
“These findings fall in lockstep with the priorities Governor Bill Lee has set forth. His focus on criminal justice reform, decreasing health care costs, and increasing vocational training and workforce development will provide these organizations the opportunity of becoming more influential in shaping public policy moving forward.”
Capitol Resources, LLC is one of the most comprehensive and successful government relations firms in the country and offers the full spectrum of lobbying and public affairs services tailored to meet the needs of their diverse array of clients. With offices in nine states and Washington, D.C., their clients include Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, mission-driven non-profits and key trade associations. Capitol Resources is part of the Dentons 50 Network.
The survey was conducted from July to October of 2018.
