As we start 2024, the NAFTZ begins the new year with a new partnership in place to continue to work towards our 5-Year Advocacy vision.  I am happy to welcome Sorini Samet and Associates as our new Government Relations Advisors. 

In accordance with the Association’s policy regarding external advisors, the NAFTZ embarked on a Request for Proposal (RFP) process for its Government Relations Advisor role. 

Requests for Proposals were distributed to 16 firms that either focus exclusively on Government Relations or have significant Government Relations practice areas.  Of the firms invited to participate, 9 submitted a response by the RFP deadline.  Each of the responses was evaluated and vetted by the NAFTZ based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, relevant trade experience including association representation experience, approach to government relations efforts, capacity and cost structure.

The NAFTZ Executive Committee reviewed the finalist firms and interviews were conducted.  The interviews offered the finalist candidates an opportunity to address issues such as the approach to the NAFTZ’s Advocacy 5-year vision, opportunities for the NAFTZ given the current trade landscape, the approach and resources available to monitor activities from both a regulatory and Congressional perspective, the ability to engage Grantees for advocacy issues and efforts, the ability to create and support NAFTZ with web content, talking points, etc., as well as efforts to maintain NAFTZ’s visibility and presence on the Hill on an on-going basis. 

Based on the collective results, Sorini Samet and Associates was selected to represent the NAFTZ beginning January 1, 2024.

The NAFTZ looks forward to working with Sorini Samet & Associates as we continue to take all of our advocacy initiatives to the next level and we look forward to the membership meeting them at our upcoming Legislative Summit February 26-28, 2024, in Washington, DC.  Please be sure to visit the NAFTZ’s website for more information on our advocacy efforts – https://www.naftz.org/advocacy-2/.

Finally, it is also important to acknowledge the long-standing relationship NAFTZ has had with Smith Dawson Andrews.  We appreciate the partnership with Jim Smith through the years. 

By:

Jeffrey Tafel
NAFTZ President