MB&A Launches Campaign for American Language Lobby

DALLAS, July 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael A. Burns and Associates (MB&A), a Dallas-based communications firm, is launching a nationwide PR push for the American Language Enterprise Advocacy (ALEA). As the first-ever U.S. lobby for the language industry, ALEA will give a national voice to the country's $20 billion commercial language enterprise.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130730/DA55197LOGO)

A joint initiative of the Globalization and Localization Association (GALA) and the National Council for Languages and International Studies (NCLIS), ALEA is pressing the case for national policies to promote language funding and competencies in the United States. The PR campaign will target business and political media nationwide, with a heavy focus on the Washington D.C. press corps.

"Most people have no idea what the language industry entails, let alone how significant its contribution is to the global economy," said Michael Burns, president of MB&A. "It's time to raise awareness of how vital professional language skills are to the future of this country, and we're very proud to be part of the effort."

ALEA is seeking legislation and joint public-private initiatives to fuel the development of language capabilities that underpin U.S. exports and global policy. Among other initiatives, the lobby is working to stop disproportionate cuts to language-related funding.

"The language industry enables some $1.5 trillion in U.S. exports today," said Hans Fenstermacher, CEO of GALA. "Every dollar of U.S. global commerce rests on a tiny investment in language, so it's vitally important for us to adopt policies that strengthen, rather than weaken our nation's language skills. ALEA is a major step forward in moving language to the forefront of the national agenda."

Dr. Bill Rivers, executive director of NCLIS, said a major goal is to fuel awareness of language issues and priorities on Capitol Hill. "Language skills aren't a nice-to-have, they're essential if the United States wants to be at parity with other industrialized nations," Rivers said. "It's no longer possible to ignore the important role foreign languages play in American culture and business."

About MB&A
Michael A. Burns & Associates Inc. (www.mbapr.com) is a business-to-business communications firm with established strengths in media relations, digital communications, branding and creative services. Founded in 1989, MB&A is a member of The Worldcom Public Relations Group (www.worldcomgroup.com), the world's largest network of independent PR agencies.

SOURCE Michael A. Burns & Associates