Mercury Group

Mercury Group is a firm offering services in public relations, advertising, communications and political consulting. Its website lists its services as crisis communications; media training; legislative and issues management; coalition building; political consulting; image, issue and membership advertising; litigation communications; video production; narrowcasting and interactive development; and videoconferencing. 

Lisa Powers, who now is vice-president of communications for the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association, worked at the Mercury Group for such clients as Charlton Heston and The Williams Companies energy firm.

"The Mercury Group has handled PR for the NRA for more than 20 years," reported PR Week in September 2005 ("NRA Courts Controversy in Push To Amplify Message," PR Week, September 19, 2005).

Shooting for Bush in 2000
The firm's website describes its work around the 2000 presidential election:
 * Because of the closeness of the presidential race, combined with slim majorities in both the U.S. House and Senate, the National Rifle Association called upon Mercury Group to help implement the NRA's most comprehensive election campaign ever. ... Mercury Group crafted the overall theme of the campaign — 'Vote Freedom First'. ... Mercury Group designed and implemented an aggressive, efficient campaign including radio and television advertising; outdoor advertising; bumper strips and other collateral materials; direct mail; and earned media appearances. ... When the dust settled from the 2000 elections, a pro-NRA President was in the White House. And with a success rate of 85 percent in state and local elections, a pro-NRA majority had been seated in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

Fake News Makers
The firm's website also states that it produces video news releases, among other video products. 

Clients
Clients listed on the firm's website include:
 * Air Force Memorial Foundation
 * Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association
 * National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
 * Charlton Heston's Arena PAC
 * George Allen for U.S. Senate
 * International Association of Amusment Parks and Attractions
 * National Rifle Association
 * Navajo Nation
 * Williams Energy

Contact Information
The Mercury Group 201 N. Union St., Suite 510 Alexandria, VA 22314

Phone: 703-299-9470 Fax: 703-299-9478 Website: http://www.mercgroup.com

SourceWatch Resources

 * Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association
 * Video news releases