Political Communications Pros Open New D.C. Firm

Phillip Hayes — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 14:13:44 -0500

Cummins and Hayes Launch North Bridge Communications

North Bridge Communications, a new public affairs firm in the nation's capital, today officially opened for business.

Paul Cummins, a long-time political communications strategist formerly with the DCI Group, and Phillip Hayes, the communications director for a trade association that represents the country's sugar industry, co-founded the firm.

"Over the years, I've found that clients have real and unique communications problems," Cummins said. "They deserve customized solutions, not cookie-cutter campaigns that are too often managed by junior-level staffers who are learning on the job and on the client's dime."

Among the sectors in which North Bridge Communications specializes: Agribusiness, technology, trade, and energy.

Lawmakers, Not Newspapers, Write Farm Bills

Phillip Hayes — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 14:12:59 -0500

Most big-city reporters don't know the difference between sweet corn and corn sweetener. Yet, somehow they all think they're experts when it comes to farm policy. An examination of the country's top newspapers shows that 19 of the largest 20 publications have actively editorialized against current farm programs. Headlines like "Prairie Plutocrats," "Welfare Reform for Farmers," and "Put Agribusiness on a Diet" seem to spring up weekly...