Todd Womack, president and CEO of Bridge Public Affairs, spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga Tuesday at The Mountain City Club about government relations and federal policy as part of the club's ongoing speaker series featuring regional business leaders.
Mr. Womack's firm operates offices in Chattanooga, Nashville, Johnson City, and Washington D.C. He previously served as chief of staff to former U.S. Senator Bob Corker at a time when he chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
During his presentation, Mr. Womack discussed how businesses interact with federal regulatory processes, emphasizing the importance of early engagement in policy development. He explained that many companies wait too long to get involved in regulatory discussions, missing opportunities to provide valuable input during the rule-making process.
He outlined his firm's approach to lobbying, which involves connecting clients with policymakers across different levels of government. Womack emphasized that effective lobbying focuses on education and relationship-building rather than traditional influence tactics, with the goal of ensuring policymakers have accurate information about regulatory impacts on businesses and communities.
Bridge Public Affairs was founded in 2019 and represents clients in healthcare, technology, infrastructure, and national security sectors. The firm has grown to represent over 40 clients and has been recognized as one of the country's leading lobbying organizations by industry publications including The Hill and Politico.
The company reports 30 percent year-over-year growth since its establishment.
Mr. Womack referenced several projects his firm has worked on, including the 21st Century Waterfront Project, a comprehensive infrastructure initiative aimed at modernizing port facilities along the Tennessee River, and the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery, where Bridge Public Affairs helped secure federal funding for anti-trafficking efforts.
He described the process of building relationships between private sector clients and government officials as requiring patience and genuine expertise in policy areas.
The presentation included discussion of current policy trends affecting businesses, particularly regarding infrastructure spending, healthcare regulations, and technology policy. Womack highlighted how recent federal legislation on semiconductor manufacturing and renewable energy creates opportunities for Tennessee-based companies to compete for federal contracts and incentives.
When asked about regulatory changes affecting local businesses, Mr. Womack noted that Chattanooga companies should pay particular attention to proposed changes in environmental regulations and transportation policy. He highlighted the Tennessee Valley's unique advantages in manufacturing and logistics, emphasizing the importance of ensuring federal policy recognizes and supports those regional strengths. Additionally, club members inquired about the timeline for infrastructure projects and potential economic impacts on the region.
Mr. Womack emphasized that his firm works to ensure Tennessee's interests are represented in discussions about federal spending priorities. He continues to serve as an advisor to former Senator Corker on international business matters. His firm's client portfolio spans multiple industries, with particular strength in representing companies seeking to expand their federal contracting opportunities and navigate regulatory compliance.
The presentation concluded with Mr. Womack encouraging local business leaders to stay engaged with policy developments that could affect their operations. He noted that government relations isn't limited to large corporations, as small and medium-sized businesses often have compelling perspectives to share with policymakers.
The Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga meets weekly on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. at The Mountain City Club at 729 Chestnut St. The service organization focuses on community improvement and youth programs, regularly hosting speakers who address topics relevant to regional economic development and civic engagement.