Nexsen Pruet Creates The Public Policy Group

Columbia, S.C. - Nexsen Pruet Jacobs & Pollard, LLP, one of South Carolina's largest law firms, has formed a separate company that will specialize in public issues advocacy.

The company, The Public Policy Group, LLC, will operate throughout the Carolinas and in Washington to assist businesses, trade organizations and others in lobbying before local, state and federal governmental entities. In addition, The Public Policy Group will offer a full range of support services which will enhance the company's government relations work. These services include media relations, grassroots organizing, public opinion surveys and advertising.

Dan Jones, long-time public relations and public affairs consultant, has been named president of the new company. Mr. Jones has more than 20 years experience in government relations work in South Carolina and Washington. He was vice president of public affairs for Laidlaw Environmental Services for 10 years, managed South Carolina government affairs for Duke Power Company and held a similar position for SCANA. Before joining the Public Policy Group, he was president and owner of Dan Jones and Company.

Vicki Clarke Parker, the law firm's government relations specialist, joins the new company in a similar position. Before joining Nexsen Pruet as a lobbyist in 1995, Ms. Clarke was a veteran of Washington political life, including director of the political division's field force for the Republican National Committee, director of delegate relations for the White House Conference on Small Business and special assistant for the U.S. Department of Energy.

"This is a new approach to lobbying that will set new standards for the industry," said Al Pollard, managing partner of Nexsen Pruet. With the communications revolution, serious issue advocacy involves more than face-to-face meetings with public officials. Lobbyists must have at their disposal tools to organize grassroots support for their cause, along with ways to communicate their message. Dan Jones has put together the ability to offer all of these services within one company. The Public Policy Group in essence is a one-stop shop for clients interested in advocating their causes before public bodies," he said.

For more information go to www.TPPG.com