Masiello, Martucci & Associates

State approval was the final but significant hurdle that stood in the way of a pharmaceutical company and approval for its novel drug, a life-changing medication for children with a rare form of pediatric epilepsy. The drug showed promise during clinical trials in reducing the frequency of seizures in patients. However, due to its cannabinoid-based composition, it was not available in the state of New York.

Masiello, Martucci & Associates (MMA), a Buffalo, New York lobbying firm, came to their aid. Representing the pharmaceutical company in front of state lawmakers, it successfully rescheduled the drug from a banned Schedule I to a pharmaceutical-grade Schedule III or IV. This victory ensured uninterrupted access to medication for over a hundred children, remarkably improving their quality of life.

MMA brings a refined skill set and a strategic approach to lobbying, distinguishing it as a valued player in the industry. Led by partners Anthony M. Masiello, a former mayor of the city of Buffalo and state senator, and Victor Martucci, a seasoned business professional, it draws from two distinct backgrounds to deliver a specialized service to its clients.

“We apply the principles we have learned from business, sports, and politics for our clients in a strategic formula individually designed to secure a win for them,” says Anthony M. Masiello, president of MMA.

The company’s work with Say Yes Buffalo, a nonprofit dedicated to providing scholarships and academic services to inner-city students, proved invaluable for the organization. To bridge a funding gap of $10 million for their endowment campaign, MMA representing Say Yes Buffalo, strategically approached the state during fiscal 2024 budget negotiations. It leveraged its relationships and expertise and brought along a Say Yes scholar to share her transformative experience of the program that helped turn her life around. The powerful personal story led to a groundbreaking commitment from the state, starting with $2.5 million in the current budget and a pledge to provide the remaining funds over the next four years, enabling the organization’s expansion and self-sustaining model.

MMA represents a wide range of entities from local governments to clients with international reach. One of its significant strengths lies in the ability to swiftly switch hats, adapt, and confront changing circumstances for a dynamic clientele. Its success is rooted in its commitment to hard work, building relationships, and understanding the political calculations that shape decision-making.

As the political landscape evolves with changing administrations, MMA excels at renewing relationships and identifying key decision-makers who can influence clients’ goals. It shines at coalition-building and forging alliances among multiple stakeholders to maximize the impact of their lobbying strategies. It ensures that clients’ messages are delivered clearly and concisely, aligning with elected officials’ political realities and objectives, and bridging the gap between clients and decisionmakers.

“It really is just hard work, relationships, knowing who the key players are in government,” Martucci said. “And it starts with a well thought out strategy.”

To stay ahead in the lobbying space, it forms strong ties with local governments, including a longstanding relationship with the current New York governor, and recently welcomed a senior advisor to expand its reach and forge partnerships.

MMA’s dedication to supporting its clients goes above and beyond, as even when the COVID-19 lockdown presented specific challenges, it tackled them head-on. It facilitated the waiver process for clients to remain operational during the pandemic and assisted them in navigating the financial losses inflicted by the economic shutdown by directing them toward available public funds and securing additional state aid.

For example, it is currently actively engaged in helping healthcare systems like Kaleida Health and Erie County Medical Center recover from the moratorium that was placed on elective surgeries during the pandemic in the state of New York.

As MMA looks to the future, its focus remains on expanding its capabilities while maintaining the personalized attention it gives to clients. Through a balance of growth and commitment to client satisfaction, it solidifies its position as an outstanding lobbying firm dedicated to delivering favorable outcomes for its diverse client base.