SGAC Celebrates 50 Years of Advancing State Government Affairs

For 50 years, the State Government Affairs Council (SGAC) has stood at the forefront of U.S. multi-state government affairs - uniting advocacy professionals across corporate, association, and service provider sectors to elevate the voice of business in state capitals. From our founding in 1975 to today's growing membership, SGAC has consistently delivered premier professional development, peer connections, and legislative insight. As we mark this milestone, we honor five decades of leadership, collaboration, and success - and look ahead with excitement to the next 50 years of advancing state government relations excellence.

Meet Lobby the Lobster: SGAC's Unofficial Mascot on a Mission

Lobby the Lobster has become SGAC's beloved unofficial mascot, traveling far and wide. Last year's 50 in 50 Capitol Challenge marked an exciting milestone as Lobby officially visited every U.S. state capitol, along with several U.S. territories and even a few international destinations.

This year, Lobby is back on the road as part of SGAC's Building Bridges campaign. As members travel for meetings, conferences and legislative sessions, we encourage you to bring Lobby along and capture what "building bridges" looks like across the country, whether it's across the aisle, across chambers, across states, or across sectors.

Learn more here.

Keep sharing your photos and stories as Lobby continues the journey! Tag SGAC and use #sgacnews and #lobbythelobster when posting your Lobby adventures so we can follow along and highlight the bridges our community is building!

Explore SGAC's 50 Years

historical timeline

Explore SGAC's journey over the past five decades. This timeline highlights key milestones, events, and achievements that have shaped our organization and the state government affairs community we serve.

State Resolutions Celebrating SGAC's 50th Anniversary

In honor of SGAC's 50th Anniversary, resolutions have been passed across the country recognizing our milestone year and SGAC's role in fostering collaboration between state government affairs professionals and legislative leaders. These resolutions will be showcased during the Leaders' Policy Conference and are featured here to celebrate this special moment in SGAC's history.

View the Resolutions Here

50th Anniversary Podcasts: Lessons from SGAC's Journey

In celebration of SGAC's 50th anniversary, The Lobby introduces three special "Lessons Learned" episodes:

Leading Through Legacy
Recorded live at the 2025 National Summit, this episode spotlights a panel of past SGAC presidents - moderated by Executive Director Beth Loudy - as they reflect on leadership, resilience, mentorship, and the enduring impact of their tenures.
Live at the 2025 National Summit, former presidents share their leadership stories. | Listen on Apple podcasts here.

Essential Career Advice from Industry Leaders
Captured at the 2024 Leaders' Policy Conference, a diverse group of lobbyists and government affairs professionals share their best career insights, stories, and guidance for both emerging and seasoned practitioners.
Top career tips from industry leaders at the 2024 LPC. | Listen on Apple podcasts here.

Celebrating 50 Years of Giving Back
SGAC Past Presidents reflect on SGAC's long-standing tradition of philanthropy. From creative community partnerships to this year's Lobby the Lobster campaign, hear how members have made a difference - and how you can get involved.
Philanthropic highlights and heartfelt stories from SGAC leaders during the 50th anniversary year. | Listen on Apple podcasts here.

These episodes offer timeless guidance, professional wisdom, and a window into the heart of SGAC's mission - empowering its community to lead with purpose throughout the next 50 years.