Texas Capitol Group

Texas Capitol Group – August 5, 2010

Ex–Senate Staffer Joins Communications Firm that’s Part of Alliance with Close Ties to Perry

Veteran communications strategist Josh Meeks has returned to the private sector as the newest member of a media relations and public affairs firm that’s part of a powerful Austin–based alliance that includes several top lobbyists and political consultants.

Meeks has signed on as director at ROSS Communications after serving most of the past decade as a top aide to Kip Averitt before the Waco Republican stepped down from the Texas Senate in March...

ROSS Communications, which is led by founder and manageing partner Rossanna Salazar and senior partner Wayne Fleenor, has been part of the Texas Capitol Group since its inception more than four years ago. The Texas Capitol Group includes a half–dozen high–profile lobbyists including Bill Messer, Mike Toomey, Walter Fisher, Joe Garcia, Lara Keel and Billy Phenix.

Several Texas Capitol Group members including Toomey and Salazar have close ties to Governor Rick Perry, whose current chief of staff, Ray Sullivan, was a charter member of the government affairs shop’s team before moving to his present post. Toomey is a former Perry chief of staff while Salazar worked for him as a communications director when he was the state agriculture commissioner in the 1990’s.

Austin Business Journal – July 30, 2010

Profiles in Power

Congratulations to Lara Keel of The Texas Lobby Group for her recognition as one of the Austin Business Journal’s Profiles in Power and Women of Influence for 2010.

Nancy Ebe, president of Ebe & Associates PC, had this to say about Lara, “I can think of no one who is a greater woman of power and influence in representing businesses before the Legislature and agencies in Texas than Lara Keel. She is a standout in her field.”

The Austin Business Journal recognizes these women for their ability to make a difference among their community and influence Central Texas business. Lara Keel has been acknowledged for her unique leadership principles and serves as an inspiration for future female leaders. Congratulations again to Ms. Keel for making a difference in Central Texas business!

Austin Business Journal – January 20, 2006

Lobbyists Form Capitol Alliance

Ten of Austin’s most prominent lobbyists have joined forces to create a lobbying “dream team.”

Capitol mainstays such as Mike Toomey, former chief of staff for Gov. Rick Perry; former state Rep. Bill Messer; and Walter Fisher, former Texas Senate parlimentarian, have banded together to form the Texas Capitol Group. The group is a business alliance that capitalizes on decades of collective Capitol experience.

Austin American-Statesman – January 16, 2006

Texas Digest
Lobbying conglomerate formed

Four key lobbying and communications firms announced Thursday that they’re launching Texas Capitol Group to work with corporations, industry groups and non-profits. The partnership brings together the Texas Lobby Group, Walter Fisher and Associates, ROSS Communications Inc and Sullivan Public Affairs.

Its services will include lobbying, public relations and strategic counsel.

Texas Weekly – January 16, 2006

Political Notes

Some of the state’s top lobbyists and public affairs types have agreed to work together—sometimes—and to pitch some business together. The Texas Capitol Group would be better characterized as a friendly conspiracy than a company . . . The agreement to work together puts the group in competition for projects that often go to other firms …

Capitol Inside – January 12, 2006

Capitol Power Players Join Forces in New Group
Led by Influential Lobbyists Messer and Toomey

An influential collection of Austin lobbyists and consultants are concentrating their firepower into a new team called the Texas Capitol Group and predicting big results for the clients who enlist its services.

“The cumulative experience of our team is second to none,” said [Mike] Toomey, who served as chief of staff for both Clements and Perry in the governor’s office. Perry and Messer were members of the House at the same time Perry represented West Texas as a Democrat in the lower chamber in the 1980s.

Quorum Report – January 12, 2006

LOBBY, COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSONALS LAUNCH NEW CONSULTANCY

The Texas Lobby Group, Walter Fisher & Associates, ROSS Communications Inc., and Sullivan Public Affairs today announced the launch of the Texas Capitol Group – a strategic partnership that brings together a powerful team of professionals offering a comprehensive blend of public affairs services for new clients…