Your Primary Professional Network in Washington, DC

 

WHY WE ARE IMPORTANT TO YOUR CAREER

 

A November 2011 article in The Economist ("Contact Sports") stated that "in the rarefied world of the corporate board, a good network matters."  The article went on to mention that executives with 400 contacts are, on average, paid 6 percent more than those with 200.  For non-executives, the gap is 14 percent. 

The Washington Intergovernmental Professional Group, LLC (WIPG) is the premier organization that introduces mid- to high-level professionals in the DC Metropolitan area to newly appointed Ambassadors from around the world, as well as newly elected Members of Congress.  We hold monthly networking events as a means of providing professionals extended exposure and access to key policy makers in the city.

 

WHY THERE IS A NEED FOR OUR SERVICES

As the demand for strategic partnerships and stronger networks with private and public sector groups continues to grow, it is clear that a need exists for DC-based professionals to expand their contacts among other key policy makers, business executives, political and community leaders. 

In the current economic times, DC-based professionals will need to depend on such contacts to obtain valuable information in the most cost-effective manner to ensure the best decisions are made when carrying out their business plans and policy goals. 

With the election of new members in the US House of Representatives and the US Senate, the demand to interact with the Freshman Class of this Congress becomes even more apparent. WIPG can help you develop and organize Congressional Meet and Greets, staff briefings, and fly-in activities specifically designed for your needs that would allow for the continued growth of your contacts in Congress at very little cost.

 

 

WHY WE CAN BE A USEFUL RESOURCE FOR YOUR NEXT JOB

Networking is the best way to find your next job, especially since the vast majority of job openings are never advertised.  They are usually filled via word of mouth.  Unfortunately, many job seekers are hesitant to take advantage of networking opportunities because they feel it is a waste of time, nor do they recognize the value of making key necessary contacts.  But networking is not a useless excercise—it’s about building relationships. As you look for a new job, these relationships can provide much-needed feedback, advice, and support.

 

Networking may sound difficult, or even intimidating—especially when it comes to
finding a job or asking for help—but it doesn’t have to be. Networking can be
rewarding, and even fun.  It can be a useful tool even if you are new to the DC area and do not know that many people. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Meet and Greet Reception

Featuring:  His Excellency Wendall K. Jones

The Ambassador of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas to the United States of America

April 2023

Washington, DC

 

Meet and Greet Luncheon

Featuring:  His Excellency Jean-Arthur Regibeau 

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the United States of America

May 2023

Washington, DC

WIPG Professional Networking Briefing for Members of the Diplomatic Community and Defense Attaches

Nelson Garcia, Founder and President of The Washington Intergovernmental Professional Group, along with our partners at the World Trade Center, Washington, DC, hosted a panel discussion on "The Basics of Lobbying Congress and Federal Agencies as a Member of the Diplomatic Community.”

 

Over 40+ embassies were represented. The discussion provided an overview of the 118th Congress and the key committees of jurisdiction on foreign and trade policy.

 

Thank you to WIPG Members and fellow panelists:

 

Luis Fortuño
Former Republican Governor of Puerto Rico
Former Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico
Partner, Steptoe & Johnson LLP

 

Thomas J. Kehoe
Trade Advisor to the USTR & USDA
Export Advisory Council for US Department of Commerce
Partner, Kingsbridge Strategies, Inc.

 

Thomas Kehoe
Former Law Clerk of the House Homeland Security Committee
Partner, Kingsbridge Strategies, Inc.

.

NEW MEMBER PROFILE:                                                      Robb Watters, Partner                                                        The Madison Group

Robb Watters founded The Madison Group in 2004 and brings clients a deep background in using the legislative arena to create new business opportunities and solve issues of concern for corporations, governments, and industry trade associations. His clients have included Intuit, CTIA - The Wireless Association, the New York Daily News, and Genworth Financial. Watters has also helped small, innovative companies create procurement relationships with the federal government.

 

Robb also has a long record of developing relationships for foreign governments and private foreign entities seeking new capital opportunities and assistance from partners in the U.S. His work helps overseas parties expand their financing and reach beyond their own borders. Through his work on international trade issues, Robb assisted in the establishment of the Forum for Trust in On-line Trade, a leading international B2B association.

 

Robb spent several years as a top aide to former US Representative Marc Neumann (R-WI), managing the intricacies of appropriations and budget matters. He also served as the Senior Policy Advisor to former US Representative Frank Riggs (R-CA), who was then Chairman of the House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. His years of working on appropriations and budget issues give him insight into the inner workings of getting funding for clients out of Capitol Hill. During his tenure in Congress, Robb assisted in drafting significant e-commerce legislation and is seen by lawmakers and staff as an influential resource about issues affecting companies in Silicon Valley. Robb has also served as a consultant to the Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative.

 

Robb currently serves on the board of MG Istanbul, The Advisory Board of ETI and the board of RNMG AG.  Formerly, Robb was a Gubernatorial appointed member of The Virginia Milk Commission. He also previously served on the Board of Trustees of The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates, the Audit and Compensation Committees of that Board, the Board of Governors of the Capitol Hill Club and the Membership Committee of the University Club of Washington, DC.

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