Zephyr Government Strategies | Regulations
With the constant stream of new laws and rules coming out of Springfield, the regulatory scene in Illinois is constantly changing, and Zephyr Government Strategies understands it may be difficult for your organization to keep track of everything.
The regulation process in Illinois is similar to its rulemaking process: the legislature gives State agencies broad authority to issue opinions and draft advisory guidance on all matters surrounding regulation in Illinois. Keeping track of all the moving parts in the Illinois regulatory world can be overwhelming, which is why Zephyr is well-equipped to act as your guide through the state’s often-daunting regulatory process. We keep track of every possible new regulation that can affect your organization’s operations, so you don’t have to. Our excellent relationships with the leadership and senior staff throughout the entirety of Illinois’ executive branch — especially the various agencies tasked with formulating the regulations your organization cares about — helps ensure you are informed of all the important developments and prepared to take action whenever necessary.
How Zephyr Government Strategies Can Help Your Business
Regulation does not happen in a vacuum either, as State agencies formulate regulations after extensive dialogue between the government and business where they try to incorporate suggestions and requests from all interested parties. This gives your organization a vital opening to help mold and influence any regulations that may change or threaten your operations. Zephyr has deep experience in the regulatory sphere with extensive knowledge on how this often-overlooked side of Springfield policymaking operates. We have the right relationships with the most influential leaders and their staffs to ensure you have a foot in the door and the know-how to maximize your impact on the direction of regulation in Illinois.
Additionally, as the passage of large reform omnibus bills in Springfield has shown us, keeping track of the volume of changes in the regulatory sphere can be anywhere from challenging to outright overwhelming. Zephyr Government Strategies can take the work out of your hands, including regulatory changes specifically tailored to your organization in your periodic reports to ensure you stay ahead of any important changes to your industry and your way of conducting operations. Please get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help represent your interests in the regulatory process.
Q&A:
How are regulations made in Illinois?
▪ Regulations in Illinois are made through a lengthy, open process of public hearings and town halls as state agencies trade opinions and write guidance drafts on nearly every aspect of doing business in Illinois. As part of the Illinois regulation process, state agencies seek feedback and dialogue with industry leaders and leading stakeholders. Zephyr can get your foot in that door and empower you to help mold the future of regulation in Illinois.
Who has Zephyr worked with in the Illinois regulatory process?
▪ Zephyr works with all of its clients on the Illinois regulatory process, carefully keeping track of every development in the regulation world to stay ahead of anything that can change the way your organization conducts business in Illinois. Our work includes sitting in on every relevant town hall and regulatory hearing to comprehensively understand the direction regulation in Illinois is heading.
Before launching Zephyr, Michael spent more than a decade as Senior Vice President for State Government Affairs at McGuireWoods Consulting, where he counseled a diverse roster of clients, helping them define and achieve a wide range of objectives at all levels of government. In addition to his state government affairs work, Michael led the firm’s national multi-state practice, helping clients in statehouses across the country. Whether developing and executing a stakeholder engagement strategy, finding and managing teams of contract lobbyists or managing new market entry, Michael has an extensive network across the country that can help clients reach their goals.
Michael began his career as a senior legislative staffer for former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, where he gained an appreciation for legislative dynamics, including balancing the interests of various constituencies, driving momentum by forming creative coalitions, and effectively leveraging media attention to build critical support for the caucus and its initiatives.
“We realize that dealing with government at all levels can be scary, but so is being trapped in the old school status quo. Zephyr helps our clients navigate the government maze with confidence by finding the right exit ramp and by promoting mutual wins. While valuable outcomes don’t often come easily, we believe that clear thinking and hard work is the shortest distance between two points.“
Prior to joining Zephyr, Jeremy spent nearly half a decade working for McGuireWoods Consulting where he managed the office’s legislative tracking platform and provided analysis of all pending legislation and regulation at the statehouse and Chicago City Council. In addition, Jeremy assisted with the office’s business development initiatives through the drafting of proposals and client contracts.
Prior to joining McGuireWoods Consulting, Jeremy worked as an account executive at Resolute Consulting, an independent national public affairs and strategic communications firm. In that role, he assisted with the formulation of communications and outreach strategies for Resolute clients in the healthcare, energy, financial services, and real estate sectors. He also worked closely with the firm’s partners and other senior leadership on business development and marketing initiatives.
In addition to his experience at Resolute, Jeremy worked as field organizer on a Chicago aldermanic race.