Public Affairs Veterans Join Forces to Form New D.C. Firm

An influential new voice emerges on K Street

Washington, D.C. (February 5, 2008) – Two veteran Washington D.C. public affairs experts – who have long run successful firms of their own – Samuel A. Simon and Robin Strongin, are joining forces to create a new enterprise: Amplify Public Affairs LLC. The new venture aims to blend "inside the beltway know-how" with innovative communication technologies to provide complete and integrated strategies for its clients.

"Amplify will combine proven tactics with our deep knowledge of the issues and the power of the Internet," said Strongin. "Our goal is to amplify our clients' messages, impact, and ultimately success, both on and off line."

Simon will serve as Amplify's chairman, and Strongin will be president and chief executive officer. Simon's previous company, Issue Dynamics, Inc., (IDI), has been a pioneer in Washington public affairs for over 22 years, originating the field of strategic alliances, as well as being the first to adapt the Internet for public policy. Throughout its history, IDI has brokered client relationships, integrated online strategies, provided public affairs expertise and created award-winning public affairs campaigns.

Strongin joins Amplify from her position as partner at Polidais LLC, a Washington DC public affairs firm specializing in health care. While at Polidais, she provided media strategy and issues management services in health care, science, medicine and technological innovation. Her previous experience includes tenures on Capitol Hill, in the federal government, and in academia.

"Robin has a 25-year career in public affairs and policy analysis," said Simon. "Her impressive record of accomplishments and strong combination of market knowledge, operational experience and industry leadership will help ensure the growth and success of our new venture."

The new company plans to build on IDI's accomplishments, which range from securing policy victories to trailblazing in online advocacy. Such accomplishments include a successful strategic alliance campaign for a large, multi-national pharmaceutical company which contributed to an expansion of national Medicare coverage as well as the acquisition of Progressive Island, a destination within the popular virtual world Second Life, designed specifically for progressive advocacy groups. The island is currently home to a number of non-profit groups, including the ACLU, IFAW and RootsCamp.

Most recently, the IDI Internet team was honored with a Webby Award for their work on the International Federation of Animal Welfare (IFAW) Animal Rescue Blog, as well as a Silver Horizon Interactive Award for the Center for Community Change's Fair Immigration Reform Movement site.

More information about Amplify can be found at www.amplifypublicaffairs.net.

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About Amplify Public Affairs, LLC
Amplify is the next generation in public affairs, leading the way in the integration of new media and traditional communications strategies. With unequalled expertise in aligning allies, connecting voices, and promoting action, Amplify serves as a relationship builder, creating and sustaining win-win collaborations to move issues forward and influence targeted audiences. Through the blending of innovative communication technologies, credible coalition building, grassroots and top-tiered public affairs expertise, Amplify leverages connections to achieve targeted objectives in the public, private, and political arenas.