The Early Years:
Prior to 1986, lobbyists; governmental affairs professionals at associations, corporations, state departments, and universities; and the public had no easy access to Ohio legislative documents or the ability to easily monitor or track legislative activities. Many did not have computers and those who did were connecting at very slow speeds (remember those 1200 and 2400 baud modems
?). Ohio legislative bills, analyses, court and agency decisions and opinions were only available in print. Realizing there was a need for quick and easy access to government and legislative documents, the ability to easily track legislation and prepare reports for clients and management, Hannah Information Systems was created. The company began the first online legislative service in Ohio in 1986, pioneering this new support system for governmental affairs professionals and providing limited public access through Ohio’s public and university library systems. Since there was a vacuum in the marketplace for increased news coverage of the Statehouse and state government, the company grew from a database-information service to add news coverage in 1987 when it introduced its daily newsletter, The Hannah Report. At that time, the news division of the company was formed. In early years, the service was known then as Hannah Online and was provided through dial-up services
The Company Today:
Continuing a trend started in 1986, the company still stores all of its documents on the company’s computers and Hannah News Service provides online research of Ohio government legislative and legal documents ...more than any state agency site provides today. Hannah News Service continues to employ Ohio’s most professional, respected and journalists with degrees to cover the legislature and state government. Hannah News Service serves as the technological trend-setter in Columbus. Companies throughout the country look to Hannah News Service as they try to imitate what the company has been able to accomplish since 1986. Two leaders of the company have served as officers in NOLA, the national organization for companies like Hannah News Service. In fact, one of the leaders of Hannah News Service is a founding member of NOLA. The company was built on customer service, comprehensive daily current information as well as its significant research service capabilities. It maintains a strong commitment to providing world-class news, information and products to its clients.
