Gary Meltz, a one-time aide to Rep. Eliot L. Engel, D-N.Y., who has since carved out a niche for himself in the crisis management game, is inviting friends and colleagues to come celebrate the birth of Meltz Communications.  

The fledgling communications firm officially threw open its doors in late January. But Meltz suggested that the myriad demands of actually setting up shop have made it nearly impossible to stop and enjoy a single minute of the momentous life change.  

He hopes to rectify all that by indulging friends with a few drinks, some gourmet treats and signature matchbooks (‘natch) at an invite-only reception scheduled to take place April 8 from 6-8 p.m. at the Science Club (1136 19^th St. NW). Meltz said he is determined to harness the collective expertise of the “best bipartisan communications and lobbying specialists” around — a constant challenge he maintains is best addressed on a case-by-case basis.  

“Every time a potential client comes in, I have a different team,” Meltz said of his strategy of surrounding himself with clutch hitters from Capitol Hill, the private sector and the media.  

“Who are the best people in this town, the best allies that we can put together, to help you win your fight?” was how he explained his custom recruiting strategy, adding, “I sort of ‘activate’ them based on what the problem is.”  

The only problem we anticipate Meltz might encounter Tuesday is keeping the serving trays filled once folks figure out he splurged on sweets from Georgetown Cupcake.