2008-09-17 23:39:03 -

- Kevin Herglotz, a public and government affairs expert in the food and retail industry, announced today the launch of HPA Strategies Inc., a full-service strategic communications, public affairs and government relations firm based in San Francisco. HPA Strategies will advise clients in the areas of issues management, strategic communications, public relations, media, government affairs and corporate responsibility.

As

president of HPA Strategies, Herglotz offers his clients nearly 20 years of strategic communications, media, public affairs and government relations experience, having served as a senior advisor to Fortune 100 company executives, elected officials, government agencies and non-profit organizations. With an extensive record managing successful public and government affairs programs, HPA Strategies has developed extensive strategic alliances with other specialized firms and consultants, enabling the firm to deliver winning results to meet its clients' needs.

"Kevin has been one of the most effective and influential advocates for the retail industry," said Bill Dombrowski, president of the California Retailers Association. "He utilizes every resource available to forge innovative solutions to complex issues and effectively communicates those priorities to key stakeholders and the media. There's no doubt Kevin will continue that leadership role at HPA Strategies."

Prior to forming HPA Strategies, Herglotz was Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Safeway Inc., one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America. During his five years at the company, Herglotz managed several portfolios, including media relations, communications, legislative and political strategies, community relations and corporate giving programs. His leadership helped strengthen the company's position as an industry leader in government and public affairs, building integrated, proactive strategies designed to strengthen its brand, including managing successful initiatives for healthcare, corporate responsibility, community giving, and sustainability, among other priorities. He also helped establish and manage the Coalition to Advance Healthcare Reform, bringing top business leaders together to push for market-based healthcare reforms at the state and national levels.

"To be effective you must clearly understand how to develop and execute a comprehensive plan to engage and win in an increasingly challenging environment," said United States Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President David Hirschman. "Kevin knows what it takes to win. He has a proven record of achieving clear results in the public relations and government affairs arena."

Herglotz has extensive experience working in federal and state government. He served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Communications for the United States Department of Agriculture, one of the largest and most diverse federal agencies. As the department's top spokesperson and a key advisor to the Secretary of Agriculture, he directed communications strategies for a wide range of policies, including agriculture, international trade, environmental, nutrition, and food safety. Herglotz successfully managed all communications elements and coordinated agency responses to numerous public crises and key policy initiatives, including natural disasters, food safety recalls, farm policy, trade negotiations and environmental conservation.

Herglotz worked in the Administration of California Governor Pete Wilson, where he served as spokesperson in the Governor's press office and as communications director for the California Department of Food and Agriculture. He also served on the Governor's re-election. Prior to relocating to California, Herglotz worked in Washington, D.C., in a number of media relations positions on Capitol Hill and for presidential campaigns.

"In today's changing public opinion and political landscape an organization's reputation and brand is built on effective communications and public affairs strategies," said Herglotz. "With extensive public and private sector communications experience, coupled with the expertise derived from meeting the demands placed on top Fortune companies, HPA Strategies can develop and execute effective public affairs initiatives for a wide array of clients."

Mr. Herglotz currently serves on the board of the US Chamber of Commerce and US Chamber Foundation. He recently completed a two year term as chair of the California Retailers Association and served as vice chair of the board of the California Grocers Association.

To learn more about HPA Strategies visit www.hpastrategies.com. HPA Strategies commits a portion of its profits to community-based charities and organizations focused on health, education and youth programs.

for HPA Strategies Inc.
MaryAnn Maloney, 949-375-0856