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ENERGY. Alberta-Texas Energy Ventures Inc., a Houston-based oil and gas exploration and development company, recently hired Clark Hill to work on oil and gas development opportunities and strategy, according to disclosures. Former Rep. John Culberson (R-Texas) and Kevin Kelly, former chief counsel to the secretary of the Senate Democratic Conference, among others, will work on the account.

TRADE. PPG Industries Inc., which supplies paints, coatings, specialty materials, chemicals, glass and fiberglass, hired K&L Gates to work on issues related to customs and enforcement issues in Russia. Former Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.) and Amy Carnevale, former chief of staff to ex-Rep. George Nethercutt (R-Wash.), will work on the account. 

{mosads}Raymond Geddes & Co, Inc., a Baltimore novelty school supplies shop, hired the Vogel Group for Section 301 tariffs issues. Alex Vogel, former chief counsel to ex-Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.); Brian Johnson, a former director of federal affairs at the American Petroleum Institute; and Samir Kapadia, a former staffer involved with government relations at the Heritage Foundation, will work on the account.

SMR Automotive Mirrors International USA Inc., an automotive component manufacturer, hired the Vogel Group to work on issues around advanced manufacturing and workforce training. Vogel, Johnson and Kapadia will also work on the account.

HOMELAND SECURITY. DetectaChem Inc., a developer of handheld explosive and drug threat detection technology, hired Cornerstone Government Affairs to assist with meetings on drug testing kits at the Department of Homeland Security. Connie LaRossa, former deputy assistant secretary for House affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, will work on the account.

Updated on Sept. 24 at 8:15 a.m.