Sorini, Samet & Associates is working to encourage Congress to pass free trade zones to promote development in areas devastated by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in November. The storm killed more than 6,300 people and affected 16M others.
SS&A has a $15K monthly retainer pact with the Confederation of Garment Exporters of the Philippines to push for U.S. Congressional approval for “Qualified Industrial Zones” in the impacted sector, which would enjoy duty-free access for all Philippine manufactured to the U.S. market.
The firm guided the original QIZs that were set up in Egypt and Jordan. In its contract, SS&A says it understands the policy, politics and technical aspects of trade including the interactions between Congress and the Obama Administration. I
It also possesses the “creativity and tenacity to find solutions to complex political issues.”
The US Agency of International Development has provided nearly $90M in relief for the Philippines.
The bulk of the American money (32 percent) went for logistics and relief commodities. That amount was followed by shelter and settlements (28 percent) and water/sanitation/hygiene (21 percent).
Anthropic, the San Francisco-based artificial intelligence start-up, has retained Republican powerhouse firm Fierce Government Relations for DC representation.
Chad Horrell, who was senior manager for government relations at DoorDash, has joined BGR Group as VP in its state and local practice.
Continental Strategy, which has close ties with the Trump administration, has registered Geneva-based Rolex as a client for services regarding the tariffs on watch imports.
Kimberly-Clark calls on Ballard Partners as it moves to acquires Kenvue, maker of Tylenol. 
Brett Horton, who was chief of staff to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, has joined the American Hotel & Lodging Assn. as its chief advocacy officer, a new position.
