By Fiona Hutton

We have some great news to share! Fiona Hutton & Associates (FHA), recently ranked sixth on PRWeek’s list of public affairs agencies in the United States. What does that mean? For those of you who don’t typically study the publication of industry rankings, it means we’re on the right track.

We’ve been steadily building our practice with purpose, focusing on some of California’s most complex and controversial issues, including water and natural resources, healthcare, land use and development, infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing, among others. Each client engagement brings new insights, an opportunity to learn, and another landscape marker to apply.

To say it’s a labor of love is an understatement, but it’s clearly paying off. Every single day that I get to walk into our (very hip) offices, I feel energized and excited. We have an amazing team of professionals, interesting and forward-thinking clients and challenging daily issues. I feel blessed to still have this passion for my craft after 20 years in this industry.

Over the years, I’ve learned that a few core principles have been instrumental to our agency’s success. Hire smart, driven individuals who wake up each day with the natural desire to drive the boulder up the hill. Make time to teach them. They are truly our greatest asset. Work incredibly hard, innovate and anticipate around corners for our clients. And, act with integrity and compassion. It’s a small world in California’s public affairs circles. As a business owner, I have always believed that how you conduct yourself with peers, colleagues and competitors has a direct correlation to your bottom line. When you combine these elements, it ladders up to great accomplishments for clients, empowered employees and a financially healthy agency.

We are beyond proud to be part of the vibrant and fast-moving California public affairs landscape, where our government, business leaders, and opinion leaders are tackling dynamic, high-profile issues and driving innovative solutions through policymaking and advocacy.

The strong ranking in our industry reflects FHA’s culture and the blood, sweat and tears that pour in day in and day out by my team. I want to thank the entire staff for its dedication and commitment to client service. I also want to thank all of you for your continued support and business over the years. We couldn’t do what we do without you — and we wouldn’t want to.