Berman and Company is a public affairs firm owned by lobbyist Rick Berman, based in Washington DC. The company runs several industry-funded front groups such as the Center for Consumer Freedom[1] and the Center for Union Facts.[2]
The company generally works to advance the interests of big business over that of the consumer.[3][4][5] His companies have attacked groups looking to raise public awareness about obesity, the dangers of smoking, mad cow disease, drunk driving, the minimum wage and other causes.[5][4][3][6] Berman is also vehemently anti-union.[6][3]
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Background
Operations
Berman and Company employs 28 people, and brings in $10 million per year. According to a 2006 USA Today profile, "only Berman and his bookkeeper/wife know for sure what he makes."[4] Political watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington reports that Berman pockets approximately between 50-80% of the company's profits.[6]
The company has created a number of tax-exempt subgroups,[7] including the Center for Consumer Freedom (which attacks those who criticize smoking, fast food or alcohol)[6] and the Center for Union Facts (an anti-union group).[6] Through these groups, Berman and Company have attacked public awareness organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Ralph Nader's Center for Science in the Public Interest, and The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among many others.[4][6]
Funding
Though Berman and Company do not publicly name their clients, 60 Minutes obtained a list of the companies that fund them. Among the parties named were the Coca-Cola Company, Tyson Foods, Outback Steakhouse, Wendy's International, Inc., Brinker International (parent company of Chili's and Macaroni Grill), and Arby's.[3][6]
References
- ^ Website of the Center for Consumer Freedom
- ^ Business Week magazine online, Feb 27, 2006
- ^ a b c d 60 Minutes episode: "Meet Rick Berman, A.K.A. Dr. Evil".
- ^ a b c d USA Today article: "Got a nasty fight? Here's your man".
- ^ a b Berman Exposed: Facts on Berman.
- ^ a b c d e f g Who is Richard Berman? (1.2MB), Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
- ^ Citizens For Ethics & Responsibility in Washington: "Who Is Richard Berman?".
External links
- Berman and Company - official site
- UnionFacts.com - anti-union site run by Berman and Company
- SourceWatch article on Berman and Company
- BermanExposed.com - list of facts about Richard Berman
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