RENT WITH US
SERVICE QUALITY COMMITMENT
JENNIFER SILVA, Equipment Sales & Rentals
cell: 780.717.7197 email: jsilva@gcsenergy.ca
a long-term plan for your relationship with
government is needed. This is typically a
six-month to one-year strategy. However, if
your requirement involves legislation needed
or changed, it could take a few years of
strategy and interaction to deal with just a
couple of issues. This amount of time may
also be necessary if you require approvals
on a project, such as environmental impact
approvals, and these are needed from multiple
ministries. Creating that strategy is
what a government relations firm can do
for you.
A firm can also update you on changes
in a ministry’s staffing, especially at the
highest levels. A change in a chief of staff
or a deputy minister can have an impact
on your file. Letting you know about this
change allows you to ensure there was a
transfer of knowledge to the person now assuming
the position.
Staying engaged with these decisionmakers
through the year is your relationship.
Share updates about your business
using emails, newsletters and other correspondence.
Attend functions through the
year for the opportunity to have informal
conversations with government officials.
These interactions will shorten your introductions
in the future when an issue arises
and you need to meet. It then becomes
a brief phone call or meeting, rather than
starting the process all over again.
Forming and maintaining your relationship
with government is an important
consideration for business, whether
it is located in Saskatchewan or anywhere
in the world that recognizes the opportunities
here. You tell your story, but government
relations firms help you tell it in
a way that engages those you meet. This
is how you professionally and effectively
FEATURE
navigate your relationship with government
to the benefit of your business and
its future.
Kelly Gallagher is the vice-president of
Martin Charlton Communications.
LONDONBIKERIDER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
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