MADISON — After 26 years as one of the prominent voices and leaders in the Wisconsin business community through his work at Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), Senior Vice President of Government Relations James Buchen will be leaving the organization to establish a new, independent public affairs firm.
Buchen will continue to serve the Wisconsin business community by providing lobbying, consulting, management and communications services to clients looking for guidance on government relations. Buchen will remain at WMC through December.
In announcing Buchen’s departure, Kurt R. Bauer, President and CEO of WMC said, “Buchen is widely recognized as the dean of the business lobby corps and his long experience handling the complex issues we face on a daily basis will be sorely missed. However, we do intend to continue to tap his expertise in the future through a consulting relationship.”
Former WMC President Jim Haney, who worked with Buchen for 24 years, said, “Buchen’s background, experience and relationships immediately make him one of the most credible voices on business issues in Wisconsin. His unmatched insight into the issues surrounding Wisconsin’s business climate ensures that he will be a well-respected advocate for clients working with Governor Scott Walker’s administration and the Wisconsin Legislature.”
During his nearly three decade tenure at WMC, Buchen managed government relations, communications and public relations, litigation, political affairs and membership. He played a key role in enhancing WMC’s stature and influence over the years by assembling and directing a highly talented team of government relations professionals and by pioneering the effective use of “issue advocacy” to engage the general public in support of improving the business climate in Wisconsin.
Buchen’s new firm will provide a full range of public affairs services including policy development, legislative drafting, strategy development, lobbying, issue advocacy, political consulting and communications. In addition to the experience Buchen brings to the table, his firm has formed a strategic partnership with the Hamilton Consulting Group, one of the preeminent business lobbying firms in Wisconsin. Hamilton currently represents more than 30 clients including a number of Wisconsin businesses, associations and Fortune 500 companies.
Buchen’s partnership with Hamilton Consulting will provide clients with an exceptional resource of unparalleled lobbying and political experience coupled with extensive policy expertise. Both organizations look forward to the opportunity to continue their strong advocacy for strengthening Wisconsin’s standing in the global business community.
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for further information contact
James Buchen 608.661.6910 or 608-219-8202
