Because business groups must work to get acquainted with the new administration or defend their industries from harmful regulations, public affairs jobs are weathering the economic storm well.

Doug Pinkham, president of the Public Affairs Council, said his members are gearing up for a "high level of activity," particularly in Washington.  

One year into the longest recession already on official U.S. history books, some sectors of the economy are still open for business and continue to report steady sales and hiring during the downturn.

CEO Update research shows a 72 percent increase in government relations-related job listings posted between Nov. 1, 2008 and Jan.  27, 2009, as lobbying shops adjust to the post-election changes in Washington.  Industry cutbacks have been more pronounced in the financial sector, where firms and groups like the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association have made drastic staff layoffs.  

But the group's January conference in California on emerging issues in public policy was sold out. And Pinkham believes that industries that cut back on their essential lobbying and policy staff will have to rethink their strategy six months from now as legislation with unintended consequences begins to emerge. 

"They'll have to spend a lot of money on consultants to address issues at the last minute. That's expensive, it rarely works, and they will learn the tough lessons and put their previous funding levels back into place."