Appian Consulting is built on a foundation of nearly two decades of experience in Washington. Appian Consulting's founder, Vance Schuemann, has been on the forefront of constructing original concepts and proposed solutions for some of the major policy issues that have recently faced the telecommunications, media, and technology industries. Vance has also helped develop and implement multifaceted strategies that have resulted in significant legislation, regulatory agency action, and government policy. Equally as valuable is his extensive experience working to prevent, or mitigate, numerous, potentially negative actions by Congress and federal agencies through innovative, yet flexible, approaches and straightforward advocacy. Moreover, Appian Consulting brings an additional range of knowledge and experience due to the substantial amount of time that Vance Schuemann has spent on advocacy efforts involving Congress, the Executive branch, and federal agencies on issues related to cybersecurity, e-commerce, privacy, patents, intellectual property, trade, tax, pensions, financial services, the environment, and energy. Appian Consulting provides these specific services for its clients: •Identification of opportunities and threats •Strategic planning •Political advice and engagement •Public relations and crisis communications •Formulation of messages and policy solutions •Drafting of legislation, amendments to legislation, and legislative report language •Preparation of testimony, position papers, advocacy letters, and regulatory briefs •Direct advocacy to members of Congress, the Executive Branch, and regulatory agency officials and their staffs •Monitoring of legislative and regulatory activity •Coalition-building and media outreach •Coordination of events for key decision makers •Regulatory compliance •Compliance with applicable lobbying laws, including creation, and maintenance of PACs