DRM Government and Public Affairs Group: Public Relations

When challenges arise, DRM’s experienced public affairs team guides you through the process of gathering information and communicating with your many publics.

What’s the Issue?

What has happened?   What is at risk? What must you do  now? Ask DRM about the five crisis management steps. 

Who’s Listening?

An important element of a public relations strategy is figuring out which “publics” to address. From your employee families to the television audience, breaking down your interest groups is a critical first step. DRM helps you to look in all directions.

Is it Confidential?

Combining the legal resources of the state’s largest law firm with the experience and savvy of the public affairs team gives DRM’s public affairs clients the confidence they need to understand which matters can be made public and which are legally protected by privacy rights. Understanding confidentiality is a critical element of your public relations strategy.

What Will You Say?

Thoughtful strategies yield good results. Break your message down into its essential elements and tell your story widely. DRM’s team helps you decide what to say and when to say it. 

When the Media Comes Knocking

Should you let them in or slam the door? Will your message be buried in small type behind the classified ads, or be featured as the lead story on Page One? DRM’s experienced team works with the media every day. We understand how news is collected.

Turn Our Team Into Your Team

In any organization, crises can arise on a moments notice. How you handle them will determine the public’s opinion. Our team knows the territory.

• As Chair of the Montpelier School Board, John Hollar faces an interested news media after every meeting. As a lobbyist at DRM, John is accustomed to publicly discussing a client’s position before individual lawmakers, committees and the press.
• As a reporter, Joe Choquette experienced first-hand what news gatherers need and want. As a media specialist with a major university and executive director of a major trade association, he learned to work with the press in a respectful, professional manner. DRM clients enjoy the benefit of that experience.

Success Stories

Ask us how we:

• helped a long-time manufacturer of outdoor sporting equipment to announce a move out of state;
• managed communication for a large unionized printing operation announcing a closing and relocation;
• advised a local branch of an international manufacturer on public relations strategies for dealing with a chemical release;
• assisted a large Canadian company with strategic communication surrounding the acquisition of a well-known Vermont utility;
• advised a small business client on crisis communication regarding a fatal accident on its property.

Contact Us

To explore how the DRM Government and Public Affairs Group can help you manage an emerging crisis, contact Practice Group Chairs John H. Hollar and Joe Choquette at 802-225-5500.