Foundation and Growth
In October, 1966, the heads of the Washington offices of GE, Goodyear and US Steel established the Business-Government Relations Council as a (501)(c)(6) not for profit organization. The Council’s core mission was to promote a better understanding of the roles of the business community and the federal government in national affairs, and to help its members develop and implement best practices in the field of government relations. To be considered for membership, an individual had to be the head of a company’s federal government relations function and be that company’s chief public policy spokesperson in Washington. In addition, the organization sought members who were already well recognized leaders within the government relations community. The bar for our leadership was set equally high early on, with Bryce Harlow – the head of Proctor & Gamble’s Washington office – serving as the Council’s first president. Mr. Harlow had previously served as the first Deputy Assistant to the President for Congressional Affairs under President Eisenhower, and later for President Nixon.
The original Council of twelve quickly grew to thirty-seven by February, 1967. The maximum number of active members increased over time from fifty to seventy-five, and then to one hundred. The growth in membership reflected the expanding number of businesses with Washington offices and the recognition among government officials and business leaders in the important role of the B-GRC.
President Reagan's Remarks to the Business-Government Relations Council on December 13, 1988
Council Activities
One of the earliest steps taken by the Council’s Board was to establish committees for reaching out to senior officials within the Executive Branch, Congress and the media. The committees began a dialogue, and established important lines of communication. An early success included the creation of a forum with the editors of U.S. News and World Report in 1969 to review current public policy issues.
Each year, the B-GRC held several meetings featuring guest speakers addressing key issues of the day. An annual meeting outside of Washington was also held to allow for more in-depth conversations between Council members and leaders of the business community, Congress, the Executive Branch, organized labor, and the media. Over the years, the Council has exchanged views with White House Chiefs of Staff and other senior White House officials, Cabinet Secretaries, Ambassadors, and Leaders from the House and Senate.
To help its members increase their effectiveness and grow their professions, the leadership of B-GRC established a “Best Practices” Committee in 1976 to harness the knowledge of its members and outside experts. Considerable resources and time have been devoted over the years to assist Council members in staying abreast of changes in the field of government relations. Specific best practice areas have included crisis management, compliance with ethics and lobbying requirements, and internal and external communications.
Looking Forward
Much has changed in the 50-plus years since the B-GRC was formed. The types of companies that comprise its membership, the increased focus on international affairs, and the pace at which events transpire in Washington are dramatically different. Proud of its past and excited about its future, the B-GRC remains committed to pursuing its core missions in the years ahead.