There are three types of people: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who say “What happened?”

When founder Joe Mapes realized this years ago, he knew this was the foundation upon which a governmental relations firm should be built. This set the tone of the company that began in 1950 that still prevails and inspires everyone affiliated with Mapes & Mapes today.

The company’s goal is to continue a legacy of experience, integrity, and ethics to create business and political opportunities for all its clients.

Mapes & Mapes specializes in governmental relations because we truly enjoy helping people flourish in their business and professional interests. We make our clients’ voice heard effectively amidst the quagmire of government and politics. Our blend of knowledge of the process with relationships built on trust affords benefits of that process to all whom we represent.

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What we do at Mapes & Mapes

M.L. “Bud” Mapes was the father of Joe Mapes, the current owner and principal consultant for Mapes & Mapes, Inc. Born July 8, 1930 in Ozark, Missouri, Bud served his country in the Korean War from January 1951 until March 1955, then moved to Baton Rouge and began a distinguished 50-year career as the first registered lobbyist of Louisiana. Often referred to as the “Dean of Louisiana Lobbyists,” Bud Mapes worked with eight Louisiana governors during his career, beginning with Earl Long and ending with Kathleen Babineaux Blanco. Some of the clients he was proud to have represented included the Louisiana Farm Bureau, Southwestern Lumberman’s Association, Louisiana Finance Association, 3M Company, Entergy, Cole-National Corp., Louisiana Retailers Association, Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association and Louisiana Building Material Dealers Association.

Mr. Mapes founded Mapes & Associates which later became Mapes & Mapes, Inc. under the guidance of his son, Joe Mapes. Bud, who never retired, worked diligently for the people of Louisiana until his passing on December 1, 2005 and always practiced the motto, “What is the right thing to do?” It is this legacy which Joe Mapes and the professionals at Mapes and Mapes are proud to continue in their lobbying efforts today.

So valuable were Bud Mapes’ contributions to the state of Louisiana as a lobbyist and businessman, that the Louisiana Legislature drafted and passed two resolutions recognizing him: one to commend and congratulate his 50 years of work and the other to honor him on his passing.