Zipko Strategy and Connolly Kuhl Group, St. Paul, MN-based shops, are merging under the name Velocity Public Affairs.
The combined firm will focus on strategic planning, grassroots marketing and mobilization, government relations, marketing communications, coalition building and media relations.
![]() (l-r) Mike Zipko, Patrick Connolly, Carl Kuhl |
“Velocity is an opportunity for both of our companies to build on what is already a strong partnership,” said Mike Zipko, who founded his firm four years ago.
“We bring together a unique mix of media, business, government and political campaign experience that is incredibly important to help our clients,” added Patrick Connolly and Carl Kuhl, who founded Connolly Kuhl in 2010.
Zipko has served as deputy communications director for Governor-elect Jesse Ventura’s transition office and deputy press secretary for Minnesota Governor Arne H. Carlson.
Connolly has worked on behalf of the Mayo Clinic, U.S. Senator Norm Coleman and the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Chambers of Commerce. Kuhl’s experience includes positions as campaign manager, communications director, press secretary, field director and policy liaison.
Velocity will serve public sector, non-profit and industry clients across the upper Midwest.


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