— Alvarez to also serve as a partner in the firm’s Washington office —

CHICAGO – Ballard Partners, a leading international lobbying firm, today announced the opening of its new office in Chicago, Illinois. Michael Alvarez, a top lobbyist in Chicago, will lead the firm’s Chicago office as Managing Partner, and will also serve as a partner in the firm’s Washington office.

The expansion to Chicago marks a significant milestone for Ballard Partners, strengthening its presence in the Midwest and further solidifying its position as a top U.S.-based international lobbying firm. The Chicago office will provide a wide range of services, including government relations, public affairs and strategic communications to clients across various sectors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michael Alvarez to the Ballard Partners team,” said Brian Ballard, President and Founder of Ballard Partners. “His deep understanding of the Chicago market, coupled with his extensive experience and network, makes him the ideal leader for our new office. We are confident that Michael’s expertise will be invaluable to our clients as we continue to grow our presence in the Midwest.”

Michael Alvarez brings a wealth of exceptional experience to Ballard Partners. He is the founder of Michael Alvarez & Associates, a full-service public and government affairs firm, providing strategic advice and tactical assistance to companies, organizations and coalitions. Alvarez is well respected in Chicago and known for unparalleled levels of professionalism, integrity and effectiveness.

“I am honored to join Ballard Partners and lead the firm’s expansion into Chicago,” said Alvarez. “Ballard Partners has a stellar reputation for providing exceptional client service and achieving outstanding results. I look forward to working with the talented team at Ballard Partners to build a strong presence in Chicago and serve our clients’ needs effectively.”

Washington, DC – Ballard Partners, a premier U.S. lobbying firm, is proud to announce the expansion of the Ballard Global Alliance through a strategic partnership with Cefeidas Group in the Argentine Republic.

This partnership gives Ballard Partners a presence in Latin America, allowing its clients to experience seamless and effective public affairs services in the hemisphere. Through its synergy with Ballard’s offices, Cefeidas Group will enhance its operational capabilities and expand its presence in Washington, DC, along with other key U.S. hubs.

“We are delighted to partner with Cefeidas Group, a distinguished firm renowned for its excellence in Latin America. With a strong track record of delivering exceptional insights and client-centered solutions, Cefeidas Group aligns with our shared commitment to providing comprehensive services,” said Brian Ballard, President and Founder of Ballard Partners. “Through this collaboration, both our firms will be positioned to offer premier services, granting our clients access to in-depth expertise and an expanded range of government affairs solutions in both the Southern Cone and the United States.”

The Ballard-Cefeidas Group collaboration will empower clients to navigate complex regulatory environments, build strategic relationships with key decision-makers, and explore new opportunities across the United States and Latin America.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Ballard Partners. This partnership will increase our capacity to provide our clients with enhanced and unparalleled access to American markets, industries, and institutions,” said Juan Cruz Díaz, Managing Director of Cefeidas Group. “This is a pivotal time for Latin America, and our clients will be positioned to take full advantage of the cooperation throughout the hemisphere.”

The new partnership will allow both firms to provide a comprehensive suite of strategic services in the Southern Cone and the U.S., including:

● Public Policy Advocacy: Providing expert guidance on navigating legislative procedures and representing clients’ interests before lawmakers and regulatory agencies.
● Regulatory Affairs Analysis: Offering strategic advice on compliance with intricate regulations and navigating the rapidly evolving regulatory environment.
● Public Affairs: Crafting and executing comprehensive public affairs campaigns to influence public opinion and generate support for clients’ initiatives and goals.
● Risk and Crisis Management: Assessing regulatory and political developments that can affect clients’ interests and delivering rapid response strategies and effective communication plans to mitigate and manage crises that may affect clients’ reputations and operations.
● International Market Consulting: Offering expert guidance on entering new markets and navigating the complexities of international trade and investment regulations.

About the Ballard Global Alliance
The BGA is designed to meet the evolving needs of multinational corporations, trade associations, and other organizations operating in the international arena. By leveraging the collective strengths of its member firms, the BGA will provide clients with:

– Global Reach: Access to a network of experienced professionals with deep local knowledge and relationships in key markets.
– Seamless Service: Coordinated and integrated support across borders, ensuring a consistent and efficient experience.
– Strategic Expertise: Insights and guidance on navigating complex political, regulatory, and public affairs challenges.

Ballard Partners will continue to expand the BGA through strategic partnerships with leading firms in other key markets.

Washington, DC – Ballard Partners, a leading U.S. lobbying firm, is proud to announce the expansion of the Ballard Global Alliance through a strategic partnership with The GR Company in the Republic of Korea. This partnership provides Ballard Partners with a footprint in Seoul and the GR Company will bolster its Washington, DC, capacity through the relationship with Ballard’s office in the nation’s capital and throughout the U.S.

“We are thrilled to be joining forces with The GR Company, a firm that shares our commitment to excellence and client-focused solutions. This partnership will empower our clients to leverage the combined expertise and influence of two leading lobbying firms, opening new opportunities in Korea and the US,” said Brian Ballard, President and Founder of Ballard Partners.

The Ballard-GR Company Korea Partnership will combine the extensive resources and expertise of both firms and provide exceptional advocacy and influence for clients across the Pacific. By joining forces, the two firms will expand their physical presence in Korea and the U.S. and be able to offer clients seamless access to a vast network of seasoned lobbyists, policymakers, and government relations professionals. This collaboration will enable clients to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, build relationships with key decision-makers and achieve their strategic objectives.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Ballard Partners, a US lobbying powerhouse. Through this partnership, we are able to offer our clients deeper and exceptional access to the American market at this critical point in time. This is a win-win for both firms and our clients, and we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership,” said Jakob Edberg, CEO and President of The GR Company.

The new office-expansion partnership will allow both firms to provide a comprehensive suite of government relations services in Korea and the US, including:

● Legislative Advocacy: Expert guidance on navigating legislative

processes and advocating for clients’ interests before lawmakers and

regulatory bodies.

● Regulatory Affairs: Strategic counsel on compliance with complex

regulations and navigating the ever-changing regulatory landscape.

● Public Affairs: Development and execution of comprehensive public

affairs campaigns to shape public opinion and build support for clients’

initiatives.

● Crisis Management: Rapid response and effective communication

strategies to mitigate and manage crises that could impact clients’

reputations and operations.

● International Market Access: Expert guidance on entering new

markets and navigating complex international trade and investment

regulations.

About the Ballard Global Alliance

The BGA is designed to meet the evolving needs of multinational corporations, trade associations, and other organizations operating worldwide. By leveraging the collective strengths of its member firms, the BGA will provide clients with:

1. Global Reach: Access to a network of experienced professionals with deep local  knowledge and relationships in key markets.

2. Seamless Service: Coordinated and integrated support across borders, ensuring a consistent and efficient experience.

3. Strategic Expertise: Insights and guidance on navigating complex political, regulatory, and public affairs challenges.

Ballard Partners will continue to expand the BGA through strategic partnerships with leading firms in other key markets.

Trans-Atlantic and Trans-Pacific Partnerships Launch Ballard Global Alliance

Washington, D.C., Tokyo and London – Ballard Partners is pleased to announce the formation of exclusive strategic alliances with KyodoPR in Japan and SABI Strategy Group in the United Kingdom. These partnerships mark the launch of the Ballard Global Alliance (BGA), a network designed to provide unparalleled government relations and public affairs services in key international markets.

Japan: KyodoPR. KyodoPR, a premier public affairs firm in Japan, offers strategic communication and government relations counsel to a distinguished roster of domestic and international clients. The firm is renowned for its deep understanding of the Japanese political landscape and its ability to develop and execute effective communication campaigns. 

United Kingdom: SABI Strategy Group.Founded in 2015, SABI Strategy Group is a leading strategic communications firm based in London. SABI provides public relations, campaign management, research, and government advocacy services to a diverse clientele, including governments, political parties, multinational corporations, development organizations, and family offices.

Through these exclusive partnerships, clients of KyodoPR and SABI Strategy Group will benefit from Ballard Partners’ bipartisan team of lobbyists in Washington, D.C., and across the United States. Conversely, Ballard Partners’ global clients will gain unprecedented access to the expertise of KyodoPR’s consultants in Japan and SABI’s consultants in the United Kingdom. This alliance allows clients to leverage the extensive industry knowledge, expertise, and cultural acumen of both firms, enabling them to navigate complex regulatory environments and achieve their strategic objectives.

“We are honored and excited to partner with KyodoPR and SABI Strategy Group, both of whom are impressive and leading firms in their countries,” said Brian Ballard, President and Founder of Ballard Partners. “This collaboration further strengthens our ability to serve our clients by providing unparalleled service across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.”

“We are confident that this partnership will be instrumental in providing our clients with excellent insight and assistance in the US market,” said Tetsuya Tani, President of KyodoPR. “By combining our expertise, we can offer our clients a truly comprehensive suite of services to support their business objectives.”

“By joining forces with Ballard Partners, we are solidifying our commitment to delivering unparalleled strategic counsel and support to our clients as they navigate the complexities of the American market,” said Henry Sands, Founder and Managing Director of SABI Strategy Group. “By combining our expertise, we can offer our clients a truly comprehensive suite of services to support their business objectives and navigate the evolving geopolitical environment.”

Each firm will continue to operate independently under its existing management teams while sharing offices and facilities.

About the Ballard Global Alliance

The BGA is designed to meet the evolving needs of multinational corporations, trade associations, and other organizations operating worldwide. By leveraging the collective strengths of its member firms, the BGA will provide clients with:

1. Global Reach: Access to a network of experienced professionals with deep local   knowledge and relationships in key markets.

2. Seamless Service: Coordinated and integrated support across borders, ensuring a consistent and efficient experience.

3. Strategic Expertise: Insights and guidance on navigating complex political, regulatory, and public affairs challenges.

Ballard Partners will continue to expand the BGA through strategic partnerships with leading firms in other key markets.

Contact:

Justin Sayfie, Ballard Partners, [email protected]

Katsuya Watanabe, KyodoPR

Henry Sands, SABI Strategy Group