Artificial Intelligence (AI) seems to be everywhere, and the media landscape is no exception. A recent AP-NORC poll found that more than half of all Americans and 74% of those under 30 are turning to AI like ChatGPT or Google Gemini over traditional search tools. That shift changes how stories spread and what information rises to the top.

So what does this shift mean for your PR strategy? Knowing where AI pulls from, managing the risks of user-driven content and playing the long game with GEO are now just as critical as securing a headline in a top outlet.

1. Understand where AI looks
Tools like ChatGPT don’t just read the big papers. They draw from smaller news sites along with non-traditional platforms like Wikipedia, Reddit, YouTube and forums. Mapping out a media strategy that targets outlets indexed by AI and leverages user-driven content makes it more likely your message gets picked up.

2. Reputation management is key
User-driven content is a double-edged sword. It can amplify your message, but it can just as easily spread inaccurate or misleading takes. A Reddit thread or forum post can shape AI results just as much as a headline in a major outlet. That makes reputation management part of your AI strategy. If you’re not tracking what’s out there, someone else could be shaping the story for you.

3. Play the long game
AI visibility does not happen overnight. Just like Search Engine Optimization (SEO), it takes steady effort and consistency. Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is about shaping how AI tools surface answers. That means investing in credible content that AI models can recognize and trust over time. The more authoritative material you put into the ecosystem, the more likely it is that AI will carry your narrative forward.

AI is reshaping the way stories spread. The only question is whether it will find yours.

The post A Communicator’s Guide to AI appeared first on The Mach 1 Group.

“Lexicon” by Max Barry
Mach 1 Reader: Mary Love
Lexicon by Max Barry may be over a decade old, but it feels eerily relevant today. As a language and history nerd, I loved this Dan Brown–style thriller that explores the power of words across history and the role of communication in modern times, all wrapped in a gripping plot of secret societies and mind control. One of my favorite page-turners ever.

“Overstaying” by Ariane Koch
Mach 1 Reader: Caroline Payne
In my opinion: The more bizarre the book, the better. If you use reading as a form of escapism, might I recommend this debut novel by German author Ariane Koch?

A meandering, morally questionable character lives alone in their large, childhood home in a sleepy village. One night, fumbling home from the local bar, the lead picks up a vagrant off the street and invites them to live with her. The guest becomes a sort of pet – he sleeps in the room with the vacuum collection and the lead is proud of her hospitality and empathy. Eventually, though, this drifter becomes a burden, crippling the lead character with indecision, anger and neuroses. This story is not about the plot, it’s about the slip into absurdity.

I randomly picked this up in a bookstore in New York and the owner said, “did you pick this because of the cover?” Well, obviously.

“Sunrise on the Reaping” by Suzanne Collins
Mach 1 Reader: Carsyn Collins
Before you ask, no, I’m not related to one of the greatest writers of this decade, but herHunger Games series did have major influence on my passion for reading at a young age, hooking me onto the world of dystopia.

If you’re someone who 1) needs a break from real-world politics and loves to explore the fictional kind or 2) is obsessed with Hunger Games and wants to dive deeper into the lore of Panem – this book is for you.

Sunrise on the Reaping dives into the beautifully layered backstory of Haymitch Abernathy, the infamous mentor from the original trilogy. Amid the deadly 50th Hunger Games, he navigates the Capitol’s twisted, manipulative politics while quietly, cleverly resisting their control – a glimpse at where his love for rebellion began.

What makes it remarkable is seeing an unsung hero emerge amid the corruption: Haymitch’s journey is one of resilience, strategy and longing – whether it’s forming unexpected alliances, taking a stand in small but meaningful ways or trying to find a way back to his love, Lenore. By the end, you understand exactly how the trauma and triumph of these Games shape the character we know and love in the original series.

“Topographia Hibernica” by Blindboy Boatclub
Mach 1 Reader: Talan Tyminski
What happens when an Irish artist, best known for going viral in the 2010s with a song about a horse and a plastic bag on his head, decides to start a podcast and write a book of short stories? You get Blindboy Boatclub’s Topographia Hibernica: a brilliantly bizarre collection stitched together with wit, magical realism and Celtic mythology.

From a poitín maker desperate to protect his child from changelings to a solicitor mourning the loss of his dog-race–obsessed client, each story pulls you somewhere unexpected. It’s weird, it’s wonderful and if you want something a little off the beaten path, it’s well worth the read.

Non-Fiction

“A Walk in the Park” by Peter Fedarko
Mach 1 Reader: Jamie McCormick
More than five million people visit the Grand Canyon each year, but less than one percent of visitors attempt a rim-to-rim hike, nearly 25 miles down the North Rim and back up out of the South Rim. Fewer than two dozen people in history have completed a full thru-hike, more than 700 miles of difficult and mostly unmarked terrain. If you’ve ever hiked in the Grand Canyon or even just looked over the edge of the rim, you know how wild this idea is — let alone with little preparation or fitness. That is where this true story begins, as an outdoor photographer and journalist duo attempt “a walk in the park.” This book weaves their story with the rich and often complex history of the park: the stories of communities deeply woven into the Grand Canyon, the convoluted history of its status as public land, and the rich ecological and geological landscape.

“Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir” by Ina Garten
Mach 1 Reader: Alice Claiborne
My favorite cookbook author and queen of entertainment, Ina Garten, just published a personal reflection on her life. A few years ago, my mom, sister and I heard her speak at a fireside chat in Austin and were captivated by her story – how she went from working in the White House to burning out, flipping open the classifieds and on a whim buying a little café in the Hamptons, even though she didn’t live there. I couldn’t resist picking up her new book to learn more about the journey that made her America’s favorite cookbook author.

“Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection” by John Green
Mach 1 Reader: Sharon Chapman
The “cough, cough, blood in the hanky” trope is a cultural shorthand for consumption, aka tuberculosis (TB), in many a movie and TV show. When you see it, you know that character is probably not going to live until the end (“Moulin Rouge,” anyone?). Green weaves the history of TB, which has killed millions for centuries, with the biography of Henry, a young TB patient he meets in 2019 in Sierra Leone who shares a name with Green’s son. As Henry’s condition worsens, we learn a brief history of tuberculosis, which has been around forever, and has been curable for some time.

Why do so many people still die of it? Green gives an overview of the political, racial and industrial factors, all heartbreaking and infuriating. Why is “everything tuberculosis”? Green, who before becoming obsessed with consumption was known for his young adult nonfiction, including “The Fault in Our Stars,” makes a strong case for how the disease has affected every part of life. He connects TB’s ripples through history, including a patient named Stetson who created the cowboy hat, the start of World War I, the impact of patients seeking a healthier climate on the growth of New Mexico, and even consumption’s influence on destructive beauty norms. That’s just a few.

“Everything Is Tuberculosis” is a quick read and only 5+ hours as an audiobook, but Green packs a lot in and is likely to leave readers wanting to learn more.

The post Mach 1 Reading List: 2025 Summer Edition appeared first on The Mach 1 Group.

Grassroots communication campaigns are a not-so-secret weapon. They unite voices behind a singular goal, amplify local narratives and empower everyday spokespeople to drive real action. When it comes to public engagement, there’s strength in numbers, and we know how to rally them. 

Grass Roots? Who Does it Root For?  

While some strategies speak to the “grass tops” (think elected officials or industry leaders), grassroots efforts tap into communities. These could be geographic (West Texans), demographic (Gen Z voters), cultural (soda drinkers), or experience-based (parents of public-school kids). The goal? Recruit advocates who already care and give them the tools to care louder. 

Whether you’re influencing public opinion around public policy, building a brand reputation or setting the tone before a high-profile trial, a well-run grassroots campaign turns a whisper network into a sonic boom. 

Building the Army 

We start by identifying the communities who already get it – or who potentially could. Then we help our clients find their champions: the parents, teachers, small business owners, influencers or TikTok creators ready to carry water for the cause. Sometimes, it’s as easy as calling your cousin (you know, the one who always has thoughts on Facebook) or looking at comments on relevant news articles.  

Once recruited, we arm them with clear and concise messaging, social media content, shareable graphics, collateral and talking points that keep everyone on the same page, aligned towards the same goal. No wildcards here, just local voices that collectively move the needle. 

Go Local 

Localization is key. That means taking your message and rooting it in real stories from real people. It builds credibility and ultimately increases impact. Real experiences can also cut through online noise, but also add a more relevant peg for local media.  

By building out community engagement, you also hear more stories and gain valuable insight into the real lived experiences, which can also influence your messaging and strategy.  

Harness Social Media’s Powers for Good and Not for Evil 

Facebook, X and Nextdoor are grassroots goldmines. They’re hotbeds of hot takes and ripe for recruitment. Instagram and TikTok are great, too, typically offering more high-effort, high-reward content.  

We know how to navigate the platforms and pick the right messengers, and messages, for each. 

Case Study: Make Our Schools Safe Day 2025 

We led a national grassroots campaign that recruited advocates from every corner of the country, which culminated in one collective day of unity and action. We worked with several key stakeholder groups in key states: lawmakers, teachers, parents, students and school safety advocates, equipping them with social media graphics, flyers and one pagers, messaging and talking points. The result? National media coverage, a united message, a digital wave that couldn’t be ignored and ultimately persuaded and informed public policy.  

The people are the true changemakers, when activated appropriately.   

TLDR: Unleash the hordes of angry Facebook users. What’s the worst that could happen?

The post Unleashing the Power of the People <br> <br>Why Grassroots Campaigns Win Big appeared first on The Mach 1 Group.

• Leader of the Year – Gold: Katherine McLane, Founder & CEO, honored for her visionary leadership and influence in public affairs.
  
• PR Professional Who Makes a Difference – Gold: Mary Bell Love, for her unmatched dedication to client success and industry mentorship.
  
• PR Up and Comer – Silver: Caroline Payne, for her rapid rise and standout execution in high-stakes client campaigns.
  
• Best Not-for-Profit/Association Campaign – Silver: Bike MS: Texas MS 150 – 2024, celebrating the campaign’s ability to mobilize communities and boost awareness.
  
• Best Public Affairs Campaign –Silver: Texas Secretary of State 2024 Voter Education Tour, recognized for bipartisan messaging and measurable civic impact.

PRSA Houston – The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) – Houston Chapter is one of the largest PRSA chapters in the country. The Excalibur Awards honor excellence in strategic communications across the Greater Houston area.

• Silver: Texas Secretary of State’s 2024 Voter Education Tour
  Category: Public Service/Non-Profit/Public Affairs Campaigns
  Recognized for boosting voter participation through a statewide civic education initiative.

IABC Houston – The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) – Houston Chapter honors professional communicators who demonstrate strategic and creative excellence through its Bronze Quill Awards, part of a global IABC recognition program.

• Award of Excellence: Bike MS: Texas MS 150 – 40th Anniversary Campaign Category 16: Nonprofit Sector Communication | Division 1: Communication Management
  Honored for compelling storytelling and community engagement in support of the National MS Society.
  
• Award of Excellence: Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC) Member Communication and Advocacy Training Series
  Category 21: Communication Education & Training | Division 3: Education & Training
  Recognized for equipping local leaders with tools for advocacy.

In addition to this year’s award wins, Mach 1 continues to earn recognition on the national stage. Most recently, the firm was named a finalist in PR Daily’s 2025 Nonprofit Communications Awards, an honor that highlights Mach 1’s leadership in advocacy and awareness campaigns. The finalist designation reflects standout storytelling, measurable results and strategic execution in nonprofit communications. Winners will be announced at a special awards luncheon on September 26 at the Yale Club in New York City.

As 2025 reaches its halfway mark, Mach 1 reflects on a season of meaningful wins and looks ahead with optimism. These recognitions celebrate the caliber of our clients and the incredible talent of our team. We’re honored to be part of some of the most consequential and creative campaigns happening today.

A huge thank you to our clients for trusting us to bring their missions to life through impactful campaigns. We’re honored to support such meaningful work that allows us to do what we do best.

With more milestones on the horizon, Mach 1 remains dedicated to pushing boundaries, elevating client voices and delivering strategic communications that produce excellence.

The post Midyear Milestones: Mach 1’s 2025 So Far appeared first on The Mach 1 Group.

As much as we pride ourselves on high-impact messaging, we’re equally proud of our four-legged, furry and fabulous team members who keep our days grounded (and often covered in pet hair). So for this holiday week, we’re giving the spotlight to the real stars of Mach 1.

the Pets of Mach 1

Pepper, Pet of Caroline Payne, VP
Tall, scruffy and the ultimate sidekick, Pepper is a December 2024 rescue who recently discovered she’s 50% Old English Sheepdog, 50% Lab/Boxer, and 100% the best girl. She’s never more than a foot away from her human, or the nearest treat.

Archie, Pet of Olivia Vegas, Intern
A handsome German Shepherd with a passion for frisbee and a focus that would make any campaign manager proud.

Winston, Pet of Olivia Vegas, Intern
This English Cocker Spaniel may be all ears, but his heart belongs to broccoli and ice. He’s the office gourmet.

Henry & Rory, Pets of Mary Love, COO
Henry, a 13-year-old toy poodle, has been the Mach 1 mascot since day one. Rory, his younger Aussiedoodle brother, enjoys rolling in the sunshine, chasing deer and keeping the perimeter secure.

Mr. Peabody, Pet of Alice Claiborne, VP & Director of Earned Media
A 10-year-old Maltipoo and fashion icon. With his natural tuxedo coloring, Mr. Peabody is always dressed to impress.

Pancake, Pet of Talan Tyminski, Senior VP & Client Service Director
She is three years old, deeply suspicious of kitchen appliances and a proud defender of all things domestic. Appliances beware.

Marley, Pet of Katherine McLane, Founder & CEO
A 13-year-old Abyssinian with the grace of Cary Grant. Marley is polite, polished and clearly in charge.

Rexy, Pet of Katherine McLane, Founder & CEO
Twelve weeks old and six pounds of pure chaos. This Cava Poo loves naps, deer-chasing attempts and generally tormenting Marley (who does not find it charming).

Chloe, Pet of Carsyn Collins, Account Executive
With matching initials and a birthday exactly one month apart from her human, Chloe the cat meows only during client calls. It’s called brand consistency.

Nelli, Pet of Meadow Votis, Intern
A 10-year-old chocolate Lab, Nelli is the official UT Austin Waterski Team dog. She plays fetch, swims like a champ and dances like nobody’s watching (even when everyone is).

Dottie, Pet of Sharon Chapman, VP
A sweet and quirky Catahoula leopard dog mix, Dottie was rescued during the 2021 freeze with her litter of seven pups. When she was adopted, her name was coincidentally the same as her human’s grandmother – a clear indication it was meant to be!

Bessie, Pet of Jamie McCormick, Senior Strategist
Bessie Joni Mitchell McCormick, Jamie’s eight-year-old Great Pyrenees, is an actual angel if she approves of your presence. Bessie loves a swimming hole, an off-leash hike and to guard the backyard.

Floyd, Pet of Jamie McCormick, Senior Strategist
Floyd is Jamie’s one-year-old Australian Shepherd. He was born on the eclipse and he’s named for Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon/Eclipse. He is very playful, funny and can jump wildly high. He approves of everyone’s presence.

At Mach 1, our furry coworkers may not join meetings (on purpose), but they’re a big part of what keeps us grounded. They remind us to take breaks, stay curious and enjoy the everyday moments.

Happy Fourth of July week from all of us (and our furry friends) at The Mach 1 Group!

The post The Pets of Mach 1: Our Behind-the-Scenes Dream Team appeared first on The Mach 1 Group.

Throw out the old playbooks. It’s a whole new ballgame. Time to reinvent how legislative and policy campaigns are built.

That was our attitude heading into the 89th Texas Legislative Session, and through elbow grease, innovation and more than a few late-night hearings, we are looking back on a groundbreaking Session. Texas lawmakers passed a slate of new laws that will shape the future of our state and we were honored to play our part.

This Session was a triumph for our team. We were fortunate to be invited to embrace meaningful, substantive policy issues, and it just so happened we also cared about them a great

deal. We tracked and worked on 41 bills, spanning areas including education, regulatory reform, affordable housing, cryptocurrency, healthcare and more.

Our messaging broke through the noise – with over 1,600 media mentions, generating an estimated $76 million in publicity value.

These results weren’t luck – they were the product of original, tailored communication strategies that elevated our clients’ voices and shaped the broader policy conversation. We ensured that the policies our clients care about were not only heard but also understood.

Among our standout moments:

● The Coalition for Regulatory Efficiency and Reform’s Texas DOGE Bill (SB 14) sparked a national dialogue around state-level government efficiency offices, with strategic storytelling and media hits that drove the conversation after becoming the first bill of the Session to pass onto the Governor’s desk!

● The Life of the Mother Act broke through a crowded legislative landscape by garnering bipartisan support on a highly debated issue.

● On HB 2, we supported key voices fighting for smarter, more effective education policy – bringing visibility to one of Texas’ most complex and deeply consequential debates.

As I look back on the Session, I want to extend my deepest thanks to our clients who chose us for their important causes, our friends under the dome and the entire Mach 1 team. Their tireless devotion to our clients’ success reminded me of my political campaign days – everyone pulling in the same direction for the win.

Onward,

Katherine McLane, CEO & Founder

The post  A Letter From Our CEO: 89th Session Recap appeared first on The Mach 1 Group.

HOUSTON, TX (June 4, 2025) – The Mach 1 Group (Mach 1) – a nationally recognized, prize-winning strategic communications firm founded in Austin is proud to be named a finalist for two prestigious Houston accolades: the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Excalibur Awards and the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Bronze Quill Awards. With a growing client base and established team members embedded in the region, these recognitions reflect a strategic investment in one of Texas’ most dynamic markets and underscore the firm’s continued momentum across the state and country.

Mach 1 has been named a finalist PRSA Houston Chapter’s 40th Annual Excalibur Awards for its work on the Texas Secretary of State’s 2024 Voter Education Tour, nominated in the category of Best Public Service/Non-Profit/Public Affairs Campaigns. The campaign achieved unprecedented results, generating more than 1,000 media mentions and contributing to a 5% increase in voter registration compared to 2022. Finalists will be celebrated at a gala on June 26 at The Majestic Metro in downtown Houston.
 
Mach 1 has also been selected by the Houston Chapter of the IABC as a winner in the Bronze Quill Awards in Division 1: Communication Management. The winning entry will be revealed at a June 12 gala at the downtown Houston Club.
 
“We’re thrilled to be honored by the Houston chapters of PRSA and IABC, a testament to the caliber of our team and the relentless drive we bring to our work,” said Katherine McLane, Mach 1 Founder and CEO. “It’s an honor to be celebrated in one of the most prestigious and competitive communications arenas in the State of Texas and the nation.”
 
Mach 1’s Houston work is powered by Vice President Caroline Payne, whose standout client management and political instincts have made her uniquely qualified to spearhead complex communications campaigns. 

“These Houston-based awards reflect the deliberate, high-impact approach that defines Mach 1,” said Mach 1 Partner and Chief Operating Officer Mary Love. “We’ve made an intentional investment in excellence, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see that commitment recognized.”

The post The Mach 1 Group Named Finalist for Houston’s PRSA Excalibur and IABC Bronze Quill Awards   appeared first on The Mach 1 Group.

The final weeks of Session are about positioning. Smart policy professionals know that how you close is just as important as how you started. Whether your bill passed, stalled or died, what you say next shapes the public narrative.

Sine Die isn’t when you start post-Session strategy – it’s when you hit send on it.

Here’s what we recommend heading into the legislative home stretch:

1. A bill signing doesn’t always signal victory.

Did you move the conversation? Gain a key hearing? Flip a vote? That’s impact! Talk about it. Frame your progress in a way that shows your momentum. Press coverage, coalition updates, digital content – now is the time to share them.

2. Thank your champions – and set the tone for the next chapter.

Gratitude matters, but don’t stop at “thank you.” Smart messaging includes what’s next, what remains unfinished and how you’ll keep fighting for your mission.

3. Control your story – or someone else will.

If things didn’t go your way, be honest. Then be strategic. Was there opposition you’ll need to engage next time? A missed opportunity you’ll learn from? Tell the truth and pair it with a plan.

4. Update your digital strategy now.

Post-Session graphics. Stakeholder appreciation. A LinkedIn post that positions your organization or cause as thoughtful, strategic and future-focused. This is not something to throw together after session – prep it now, while the strategy is still sharp.

5. Plan your press outreach early.

The best post-Session coverage is already teed up before Sine Die. Pre-drafted op-eds. Embargoed statements. Spokespeople on deck. The last week of Session is not the time to “circle back.” It’s the time to execute.

Here’s the bottom line: The strongest communications plans are developed before Sine Die – not as a post-Session scramble. So take an hour, solidify your message and prepare your team now. Because when the dust settles, the people who get heard are the ones who get ahead.

Finish loud. Finish clear. And if all else fails, call Mach 1.

The post Session is Ending…Your Message Shouldn’t: Crafting a Post-Session Strategy Starts Now appeared first on The Mach 1 Group.

In policy communications, research isn’t just the first step – it’s the foundation on which everything else is built. It’s easy to rush into crafting messages, designing graphics or scheduling media interviews, but your efforts can fall flat without a strong understanding of the policy issue at hand. While you don’t need to be a subject matter expert, having a solid grasp of the policy’s background, key stakeholders and legislative nuances will help ensure your messaging is accurate, credible and aligned with your organization’s goals.

But knowing the policy isn’t enough. You need to know how it’s being covered. What are reporters saying? How are they framing the story? Is it being reported through a partisan lens, or is it gaining traction as a bipartisan concern? Answering these questions helps you tailor your approach, pitch more effectively and anticipate tough questions or counter-narratives.

Then there’s social. X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, TikTok, BlueSky and Instagram are where public opinion forms in real time. In Texas, X is a key hub for legislative updates, where influential voices drive dialogue each Session. It’s important to consider: What are community leaders, influencers and advocacy groups saying on these social platforms? Are myths or misinformation gaining traction? Monitoring trends, hashtags and key accounts helps you stay ahead of the narrative and engage more authentically with your audience. For deeper insights into media research, we recommend reviewing our 2025 Texas Media and Influence Report.

Bottom line: doing the work upfront saves you from scrambling later. A well-researched plan isn’t just smarter. It’s how you stay in the conversation – and ahead of it.

The post Relying on Research: The Benefits of an Evidence-Based Communications Plan appeared first on The Mach 1 Group.

• Appearances matter: Identify who would be the best to relay your overall goals. If you want to advance “Women in STEM,” we would recommend amplifying those voices and using them as the flight passengers, rather than pop stars and celebrities. There are surely several women who work in astrophysics who would have jumped at the opportunity to advance their industry and hop on a flight to the ozone.
• Call it what it is: Space tourism. Space tourism, while one day might be attainable for us plebians, is only accessible to the uber wealthy (note: not Uber wealthy, although Uber executives surely could make the shortlist of those with enough money to flee Earth for 10-15 minutes). Pick a lane – if you are marketing a dud as a diamond, batten down the hatches. If you market a dud as a dud, at least people know what they’re being fed. No one would blame Gayle King or Katy Perry for wanting to pay an astronomical fee for a joyride!
• Read the room: Think through potential outcomes and audience responses ahead of time to prepare. Gayle King was interviewed the next day and asked about the public backlash, and she was shocked. Be prepared for something to not be well-received by all. This point goes back to the “self-aware” portion – really take a look through different lenses to ensure you know all angles.
• Call Mach 1. 

The post The Importance of Messaging and Visual Case Study: Blue Origin appeared first on The Mach 1 Group.

Here’s how communications teams can stay aligned and effective with their GA team:

1. Understand the Legislative Landscape
Before drafting content or preparing outreach materials, take time to understand the legislative priorities and political environment. Knowing what’s moving (and what’s not) ensures your messaging is timely, relevant and grounded in the current moment.

2. Keep Messaging Focused and Consistent
Every piece of outreach – whether it’s collateral, a social post or media pitch – should reinforce key messages aligned with policy goals. Avoid introducing new narratives that may conflict or confuse. Cohesive, consistent messaging helps build trust with lawmakers, stakeholders and the public.

3. Maintain Balanced Support
While communications and government affairs work closely, they have different tactics and responsibilities. Staying in sync doesn’t mean doing the same work – it means asking what’s helpful, sharing context early and trusting each team to lead in their lane.

4. Stay Flexible and In Sync
Legislative priorities can shift quickly. Set up regular meetings to touch base and ensure your strategies remain aligned. Flexibility, paired with consistent internal communication, allows you to respond quickly without sacrificing clarity or coordination.

Strategic communication doesn’t just echo government affairs – it enhances it. When both teams stay in sync, they strengthen each other’s work and help ensure the organization speaks with one clear, confident voice.

The post Supporting Government Affairs Through Strategic Communication appeared first on The Mach 1 Group.

1. Be Informed: Track Committee Hearings and Be Ready to Testify
With bills moving quickly, staying informed on committee schedules is crucial. Check the Texas Legislature Online for daily postings and be prepared to testify on short notice. Have talking points ready for both supportive and opposing perspectives to address potential concerns from lawmakers. 

2. Stay Alert: Anticipate a Committee Substitute and Adjust Accordingly
Committees often introduce substitutes that modify bill language, sometimes significantly. Be sure to review changes quickly and determine how they impact your advocacy strategy. If a substitute alters your stance or messaging, be ready to reframe your testimony and communication efforts accordingly.

3. Build Your Network: Engage Key Stakeholders Early and Often
Keep in touch with committee members, legislative staff and relevant stakeholders throughout the process. Building relationships now ensures you can address concerns before they arise and gain the support needed to move your bill forward.

4. Prepare for the Next Steps: Amendments and Floor Debate
Once a bill passes committee, don’t let the momentum slow down. Anticipate potential amendments and be ready to provide guidance to lawmakers. Keep an eye on floor calendars, and mobilize supporters to contact their representatives at key moments.

The post Bill Filing Has Passed…What’s Next? appeared first on The Mach 1 Group.