Arc 3 Communications

Arc 3 Announces Public Affairs Veteran as New Director of Public Affairs

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Arc 3 Communications is pleased to announce the addition of Chris Scheve as Director of Public Affairs to our team. A government and public affairs veteran whose career has spanned the highest levels in Washington – at the White House, on Capitol Hill and in the private sector, Chris’ wealth of legislative and policy experience will further the mission of Arc 3 Communications by providing high quality advocacy services to meet the public affairs needs of our clients.

Chris has effectively advocated issues and policies ranging from immigration, trade and workforce, to environment, climate change and sustainability. Chris is adept at working across party lines to achieve his objectives and has earned a reputation as being an honest broker and a strategically agile government relations professional.

Chris comes to Arc 3 Communications from AquaTerra Strategies, a firm he launched in 2009 with a focus on legislative and public affairs at all levels of government. Chris provided clients with analysis of the political and institutional forces shaping regulatory and legislative initiatives; advised clients on budget and procurement developments; and developed strategies, policy guidance, and action plans for coalitions seeking to inform policy makers and shape and influence outcomes.

Prior to launching AquaTerra, Chris led legislative affairs for the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) where he developed and implemented strategies for outreach to the Congress on all environmental, climate and energy priorities of the White House.

Chris has also served as a member of the management team at the U.S. Department of Commerce where he was the senior advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce on climate change, oceans, fisheries, satellite, weather and science policy issues. In that capacity, he managed policy activities for the U.S. Department of Commerce and affiliated bureaus, and worked with the public affairs, legal, budget and legislative affairs offices to craft and implement strategies for advancing the Secretary’s agenda.

Chris also brings his work in the private sector for Accenture, as well as his policy work on the leadership staff of the U.S. House of Representatives. At Accenture, Chris drew upon his expertise in immigration and trade to develop strategies for Accenture’s leadership to ensure the success of the corporation’s global business model. He also worked with Accenture’s energy practice to analyze whether regulatory and legislative developments presented new business opportunities for Accenture.

On Capitol Hill, Chris worked in the leadership offices for two House Speakers on a range of public policy issues and coordinated the enactment of several high-profile issues, such as immigration provisions and passage of Permanent Normal Trade Relations for China and the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act.

Chris is a graduate of Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and German. He resides in Marietta, Ga and is a father to two boys. In his free time, Chris is active in the soccer community where he has refereed soccer from the youth to the college and professional levels of the sport.

“I look forward to working with Arc 3 Communications in their public affairs and advocacy practice,” Chris said. “It is an innovative agency, located on the historic Marietta Square, doing amazing work in content, digital, and advocacy for the top trade associations and companies in the country.”

 

Happy Thanksgiving! Arc 3 Communications Founder Reflects on All He is Grateful For

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As we celebrate Thanksgiving and the 10th year of our agency, I wanted to stop and reflect on those things that I’m grateful for as its founder. My entrepreneurial journey has been an amazing ride of ups and downs, but I have so many things to be grateful for. Here are some of those things that I’m most thankful for:

1. I am grateful for our clients in the public affairs space that have entrusted us over the years to help with their content, digital and advocacy needs. We have worked with clients ranging from government agencies to trade associations to businesses to non-profits at the local, state and national levels. It has been our pleasure to help them accomplish their legislative, policy, electoral and public affairs goals.

2.  I am grateful for the talented team of public affairs experts, content marketers, developers and social media experts at Arc 3.

3.  I am grateful to our trusted partners in helping us to carry out our mission. These knowledgeable experts in accounting, law, finance, human resources and technology are invaluable.

4. I am grateful to the great team at the historic Stephens Building who provide us with a neat space to work, just off the historic Marietta Square.

5. I am grateful to own a business in the Cobb County community that I grew up in. Cobb’s business friendly environment and rich history and civic life combined with being surrounded by family and friends and mentors has kept me grounded and helped my business flourish.  

6. I am grateful to our agency competitors, who by their efforts in the marketplace, push us to do better and strive to be our best.

7. I am grateful for the digital, social media, creative and tech start-up community of Atlanta in which we are constantly learning new tools and tactics through shared knowledge and learning.

8. As Founder of an agency focused on public affairs, I am grateful for the many long-standing institutions in government, politics and civic life and the leaders, people and ideas that sustain them. While it’s been under siege by a pandemic and a time of technological and societal pressures, the great civic life of our country depends upon engaged citizens, media, candidates, elected officials and government public servants at all levels.

9. I am grateful for mentors, friends and colleagues throughout my career in government, politics, academia and the agency world who have offered sound advice and encouragement. Many have also referred business our way and I’m thankful.

10. I am most grateful to my family for their constant love, patience, prayers and support throughout my entrepreneurial journey. My wife Mary and our five children have shared this experience with me every step of the way. Mary has been a sounding board, critic, and cheerleader. Her kindness, patience and love has been the rock upon which my successful agency has been built.

Most of all, I am grateful to God for these last 10 years and the opportunity to embark on my entrepreneurial journey. Without his love and my faith in him, nothing is possible.

How to Secure Your Association’s Place as a Thought Leader with Your Content

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The term “thought leadership” tends to be used loosely these days to describe any content that has to do with an industry, regardless if it has any real value to the reader or not. In truth, With so much online noise fighting for your member’s attention, your association must step up and provide quality content that benefits and provides real value to your audience.

What is Thought Leadership Content?

Thought leadership is not necessarily just a type of content, but a type of content marketing. According to Marketing Insider Group, this type of content marketing involves tapping into the experience and knowledge of your industry or business to answer the biggest questions on the minds of your audience on a particular topic. When it comes to thought leadership, your audience is usually looking for the best answer to a question.

In order to provide the best answers to your members, you need to be an expert on the topics you are discussing. As an association, you may have contacts in your network that can help with this; or you can take it upon yourself to do thorough research to develop content that has accurate and detailed information to ensure that you establish credibility and protect your reputation. Often members will look to the association for answers or support; and having this type of content available not only helps them, but also shows potential members that you truly understand the industry you represent.

How to Create Valuable Thought Leadership Content

Thought leadership content can come in many forms, and be distributed across many mediums. Blogs, essays, videos, presentations, webinars, research studies and any other form of media that can provide your members and potential members with useful, enlightening, and valuable information are considered thought leadership content pieces. This content is commonly available for free or in exchange for a registration of a name, email, and other contact information.

One of the key aspects to thought leadership content is that it is not a membership sales pitch. While critical to audience engagement, it should be kept enlightening, interesting, and informational. Your call to action at the end of the piece can be your pitch for your readers to take actions such as signing up for your newsletter.

A recent study by Edelman and LinkedIn shows there is an oversaturation of “thought leadership” content online. This makes it essential to come up with content that stands out from the rest. This can include original research and insights by your association with information that pertains specifically to your industry.

Whether you create content in-house or outsource for it, be sure to create, upload, and share content across channels including your website, e-newsletter and social media accounts.

Why is Thought Leader Content Important?

In this day and age, standing out by creating original content that resonates and solidifies your association as a trusted thought leader in your space is important. According to an article from Association’s Now, successful thought leadership content can raise your association’s platform. The recent Edelman and LinkedIn study showed 64 percent of the respondents say that thought leadership is used when deciding to trust an organization’s capabilities.

Having strong thought leadership content goes a long way in increasing awareness, bringing leads, establishing relationships, providing value, and recruiting new members to your association. It also drives SEO and your online visibility, making it more likely your association’s content appears first to people who are looking for information related to your industry. Doing your own research and creating original and high-quality thought leadership content will go a long way in securing your association as the overall thought leader for your members and potential members.

For help with your Association’s content marketing efforts or for more information, visit our website at www.arc3communications.com or contact us at info@arc3communications.com.

Arc 3 Communications Celebrates 10-year Business Anniversary

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Marietta, Ga. (October 27, 2021) – Arc 3 Communications, a public affairs agency located just off the historic downtown square of Marietta, Ga. celebrates their 10-year business anniversary today. Started by founder and president, Patrick L. Burns, Arc 3 Communications has provided winning content, digital, and advocacy solutions for clients since 2011. For 10 years, Arc 3 has provided quality services to trade associations, businesses, non-profits, and government agencies, helping them achieve their organizational goals in a complex media and public affairs landscape.

“I am so grateful to our clients from across the country who have entrusted us to serve their content, digital, and advocacy needs,” said company founder and president, Patrick Burns, “I look forward to working with our growing, talented and innovative team to help our clients achieve their public affairs goals for many more years to come.”

For more information about Arc 3 Communications, visit www.arc3communications.com

 

About Arc 3 Communications  

 

Founded in 2011, Arc 3 Communications is an innovative public affairs agency that specializes in content, digital and advocacy services for clients. Arc 3 provides winning public affairs solutions to businesses, trade associations, non-profits, and government agencies. We produce dynamic content, innovative digital campaigns and effective advocacy that results in legislative, electoral, and public opinion victories for our clients.

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Top 4 Tips to Best Represent Your Association at In-Person Events

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As in-person meetings begin to make a comeback, it is time to dust off your association’s trade show materials and be sure you are ready to put your best foot forward as you return to the in-person world of trade shows and annual conferences. We all became familiar with virtual platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams during COVID and may have even attended virtual conferences on behalf of your association during this time. As many can probably attest, virtual conferences and meetings do not have the same effect as face to face does. Below are four tips for making sure you represent your association well as the world returns to in person events.

  1. Be Aware of COVID-19 Precautions and Rules

One thing that will be new as your association returns to in person events is that many if not all of these will have COVID-19 rules and precautions. These can usually be found on the website for the conference or event or will be emailed out by the host and they can differ depending on location. It is important that you are aware and follow these rules as you attend the show as it is respectful of others and also reflects well on your association.

One example of these new rules is one that involves wearing a certain color based on your social comfort level during COVID. At a recent in-person event, the hosts gave attendees different colored bracelets; green, yellow, and red. Green meant you are open to handshakes and high-fives, yellow meant you are open to elbow bumps only, and red meant you do not want any physical contact and would like social distance.

Many events also continue to have mask requirements, and some are requiring proof of vaccination before allowing attendance. Be sure you are aware of these types of requirements before attending an event to avoid not being permitted to attend. There may also be new rules for exhibitors and presenters, so if your association is participating in this type of role, be sure you review any such rules beforehand so all attendees with your association can be prepared.

  1. Make Sure You are Up to Date

It has been nearly two years since many large in-person events were last held. For some, a lot has changed in that period of time. From personal items like your business card to association related items like information hand-outs at exhibit halls, it is important to ensure all information is current and relevant to show that you and your association are credible. The last thing you want to do is to give hundreds of people outdated information regarding your association’s industry; that would not do well for your credibility or reputation.

Your business card is your personal identification. Potential new members or current members may use it to get in contact with you. That is why you must be sure to have the right address, telephone number, email, association position and any other information you might include be up to date and current. It may sound simple, but it also may have been a while since you’ve given out your information outside of an email or a zoom message. Again, it reflects well on you and on the association that you represent.

  1. Let People Know You’re There

An important part of conference and in-person events for your association is the networking. Whether it is an event your association is hosting or whether you are attending on your association’s behalf, networking is a big part of these events. Why not get a head start prior to attending the event and let people know you are going to be there? This is especially important if you are exhibiting in an exhibit hall or presenting at an important panel.

Social media pages, both personal and your association’s page are a great way to announce your presence and even where you will be within the conference so that people can find you. If the conference or host has an event app with an announcement feature, you can post on that. Check also if the conference you are attending has a twitter handle or a hashtag as a way to tag and announce updates. This will bring people to your exhibit or presentation and ensure you get the turnout you want.

  1. Be Prepared

Again, it has been nearly two years since you may have attended an in-person conference. Be sure you have everything you need, and if you need to take time to get everything together, be sure to do so in advance to prevent rushing and forgetting something important. If you are presenting, be sure you have your notes, any handouts, and most importantly, a back-up of your presentation! If you are exhibiting, be positive you have brought your banners, décor, information, hand-outs, and if you give out pens, candy, or other freebies, remember to bring them.

You want everything to look great and run smoothly so that your association not only stands out but looks good doing so. Make sure you are ready for any inquiries about the association you may get from members or potential members. It is always good to be prepared and it reflects well on your association and how you run things.

As we come together once again face to face and readjust to large group events, be prepared to put your best image forward back in person representing your association and industry. This will help generate leads during these networking opportunities and will help grow your membership. It will also let the current members know you are credible, responsible and that you represent the industry and your members professionally. Stay safe and before you know it, attending conferences and events will feel like second nature again.

What is Public Affairs and Why It is Really Important

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The term “public affairs” is commonplace on the news and in government meetings, but what exactly is public affairs and what does it involve? Not to be confused with public relations, public affairs is defined by the Public Affairs Council as an organization’s efforts to monitor and manage its business environment. It combines strategies for government relations, communications, issues management and corporate citizenship. Public affairs aims to influence public policy, build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials such as legislators, and engage with and monitor stakeholders. Those who specialize in public affairs act as lobbyists on behalf of their organizations, and they interact with groups who are interested in lobbying the government for legislation regarding particular issues.

How Does Public Affairs Work?

Public affairs tend to deal with noncorporate entities, such as government agencies, nonprofits, and trade associations. Some roles involved with public affairs include lobbyist, policy analyst, community affairs manager, and policy program coordinator. Advocacy plays a major part in public affairs. Government and public advocacy are key aspects to a successful public affairs strategy. Creating and maintaining relationships that will benefit your industry or cause is vital to influencing laws and actions.

Lobbyists, whose purpose is to take part in an organized attempt to influence legislators, are professional advocates for individuals and organizations.  The advocacy a lobbyist takes part in can help shape laws and regulations and help introduce new legislation that will support the organization’s cause. They also fight back against any policies or legislation that would cause harm to their organization or industry.

The Difference Between Public Affairs and Public Relations

One common misconception is that public affairs is the same as public relations. While they have similarities, such as both involving interaction with the public, they are different in that public affairs involves matters that directly affect the public, such as legislation, whereas public relations build a connection between the public and a specific organization. Public affairs tend to focus on public policy while public relations deals more with commercial goals. This is the main difference between the two.

With public relations focusing mostly on marketing and improving a company’s image, the strategies are different from those found in a public affairs campaign. In public relations you may use some of the following strategies:

  • Drafting Press Releases.
  • Sending pitches to journalists.
  • Reaching out to media contacts.
  • Social media strategy
  • Creating content.
  • Launching PR campaigns.
  • Writing speeches.

Public affairs services are used by companies to help align business interests and public policies. Some of the strategies used to achieve this are:

  • Lobbying for and against legislation or regulations at the local, state, or federal level.
  • Establishing contact and maintaining ongoing relationships with politicians, political advisors, and government regulators.
  • Maintaining a strong relationship with company stakeholders.
  • Monitor policy proceedings that pertain to an industry.
  • Leveraging power of words to influence public policy.
  • Coalition Building
  • Data Analysis
  • Grassroots Mobilization
  • Surveys, Public Opinion Polling

Public affairs and public relations can both use the media to help their cause, so reaching out to journalists and media outlets to form relationships is a strategy found in both areas. Sometimes you may use some public relations strategies with public affairs, and vice versa.

Our Public Affairs Experience

During these tumultuous times of an ever changing political, legislative and regulatory landscape in which government is having a huge impact on industries and organizations, having a strong public affairs program is vital.

The Arc 3 Communications’ public affairs team is an effective advocate on behalf of business and a leader in shaping public policy issues. We offer experienced, talented, well-connected and spirited advocacy at the intersection of government, business, media, and the community.

We are “campaign people” who are driven by the understanding that there will be an “election day” and that we’ll have to deliver results.

Do you need help with your public affairs efforts and strategies? We would love to hear from you! Contact us here.

Key Tips for Ensuring Your Association’s Digital Marketing Efforts Are Compliant

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In today’s world, much of the interaction we do with each other is through digital means. From social media to email, blogs to newsletters, many of your association’s marketing efforts are most likely digital. Both communicating with and providing value for your members, while also bringing in new members is achieved through digital marketing efforts. Ensuring your association’s digital efforts are compliant with laws and regulations regarding privacy rights and data is vital to protecting your association’s reputation and also your members.

In recent years, privacy rights and data protection have become key issues in the United States and globally. In 2018, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) was passed that “gives consumers more control over the personal information that businesses collect about them.” In 2016, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) became law in Europe. Like the CCPA, this regulation aims to give consumers more control or personal information, but also addresses the transfer of personal information outside of the European Union and European Economic Areas (EEA).

Being informed of privacy laws and regulations and making sure your digital efforts are compliant will not only help avoid legal issues but will protect relationships and trust with your members. While there are many requirements within these regulations, we have featured below a couple of key areas to be aware of when it comes to making sure your digital marketing efforts are compliant.

Email Marketing  

Email marketing is a major part of what associations do to provide news and information while also recruiting new members. One thing to be aware of when it comes to email is that there are strict anti-spam laws in the United States that you must follow to avoid hefty fines and a damaged reputation. The U.S. CAN-SPAM act, according to the Federal Trade Commission, is a law that sets the rules for commercial email, establishes requirements for commercial messages, gives recipients the right to have you stop emailing them, and spells out tough penalties for violations.

This law can easily be followed by only including people on your email lists who have opted into your email program. A few more factors to this law are that you are honest with your headers and subject lines, tell the recipients where you’re located, and if the email is an advertisement that you make that clear. As before mentioned, offering a clear and easy opt-out is also required and once that action is taken, emails must promptly cease.

Follow these rules, act in an ethical and respectful way, and your email program will reflect your association’s values.

Member Privacy and Data

A big issue in today’s society is that of privacy and data. Who has the right to your data and what do those who get access to your data do with that information? These questions have been at the forefront of everyone’s mind with the rise of social media platforms and Google. Whereas you as an association may not have access to that level of personal data; members do entrust you with sensitive information such as their names, addresses, emails, phone numbers, credit card information, and more. Protecting this data also protects your association’s reputation and will lead to trusting relationships and increased membership.

One way you can ensure member data is protected is to make sure you have a secure website. According to Hosting Tribunal, nearly 33 percent of websites have inadequate security. An easy way to tell if your website is secure is to look at your URL in the address bar, if your website is an HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) website as opposed to an HTTP website, your website is encrypted using Transport Layer Security (TLS). Other factors play into website security such as regular website maintenance, updating plug ins, and ensuring your hosting company has good security offerings.

You should never share, sell, or make public any sensitive member information. This will not only put you in hot water with your members, but also with the law. Overall, ensuring you have a secure website and that you treat member data responsibly, you will protect your reputation and your member’s well-being while building lasting relationships.

Compliance is Key

Compliance with privacy and data laws is vital to a successful digital marketing strategy and also to protecting your members privacy and your association’s credibility and reputation. While we have not discussed all compliance requirements, these are a couple of key areas to be aware of. Government websites are a reliable source for reading up on these laws, especially those applicable to your geographic location, and checking to make sure your association is fully compliant.

For help with your association’s digital efforts contact us here. For more information regarding our content, digital, and advocacy services for associations, visit our website.

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We’re located in historic downtown Marietta just off of the Square.

145 Church Street, Suite 290 Marietta Georgia 30060

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