How to Build Good Government Relationships 

Political advocacy isn’t just for lobbyists. Public relations practitioners are getting more involved in political arena – whether it’s honing the message for your client’s communications with congressional, coordinating grassroots campaigns or being the key contact with local elected officials.  But political advocacy can be daunting and unpredictable.  It’s all about relationships!  This program, presented by Gina Balkus, CEO of the Home Care Association of NH, will walk you through the basic steps for building a government relations strategy into your PR plan and provide useful tools for even the most-seasoned practitioner.

This event will be held on March 21, 2012, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at  The Elliot at River’s Edge, Manchester, NH.

The cost for members is $20, non-members $35, and students/interns $10.

Gina Balkus, APR, is the Chief Executive Officer of the Home Care Association of New Hampshire, a non-profit trade association representing the state’s home health providers.  Prior to joining HCANH in September 2011, she was Director of Government Relations for Dartmouth-Hitchcock, where she implemented public policy strategies for Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and the 900+ physicians in DH community practices.  From 1986 – 1999, she was the lead lobbyist and media spokesperson at the NH Hospital Association, where she served as VP, Public Affairs.  In the mid-1990’s, a Medicaid Advocacy Campaign she created for hospitals won  the “Best of New England Lamplighter Award” from the New England Society for Healthcare Communications (NESHCo) and a national “Banner Award” from the Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development.  In 2002, NESHCo honored her with its Evans Houghton Memorial Award for exemplary achievement in healthcare communications.  Gina currently serves on the Board of Directors of the NH Healthy Kids Corporation and St. Mary’s Bank. A native of New Hampshire, Gina graduated from Dartmouth College and was a Fulbright Scholar in Poland.