Successful lobbyist makes relationship with PR/advertising firm official
HENDERSON, Nev. – Josh Griffin, a leading Nevada lobbyist, has become a partner of Henderson-based Imagine Marketing, a public relations and advertising firm.
Griffin, who is president of the Griffin Communications Group, has worked closely with Imagine Marketing president D.J. Allen since 2002, and Allen said the new business partnership was the next logical step in the relationship.
“Josh is well-respected and connected throughout the state,” said Allen, who founded Imagine in 2000. “He has a strong business mind and is an extremely creative thinker. We are all encouraged about Josh’s investment into Imagine, and we are looking forward to what the future will bring. He will be a huge asset to both current and future clients.”
A former state assemblyman, Griffin said the transaction allows his firm and Imagine Marketing to strengthen its partnership.
“Government affairs has always been closely connected with public relations and advertising,” Griffin said. “This will allow both firms the opportunity to offer more services to their respective clientele. At the same time, it will also allow both firms to work together to attract new clients that will benefit from all we can offer together.”
Allen remains majority partner of Imagine Marketing while Brian Rouff remains managing partner and oversees the day-to-day operations of the firm. Alex Raffi, Imagine Marketing’s creative director, has been a partner in the firm since 2002.
Griffin, who will continue to operate the Griffin Communications Group, will oversee all government affairs services provided to Imagine Marketing clients. The relationship will also allow opportunities for more local lobbying efforts.
Both Imagine Marketing and the Griffin Communications Group will officially operate as separate entities for the time being. However, all involved say a complete merger in the future is not out of the question.
“This is about building the best team possible to offer solutions for clients,” Rouff said.
“This just makes sense – we make each other better,” Griffin said. “Both companies are very good at what they do and, together, we can do great things for clients. We all believe this is the start of something special.”
Some of Griffin’s current government affairs clients include MGM Mirage, the Nevada System of Higher Education, The Greenspun Corporation, St. Rose Dominican Hospitals and Barrick Gold Corp.
Imagine’s client roster includes the Galleria at Sunset, City of Henderson, Henderson Libraries and SouthwestUSA Bank.
The firm has also enjoyed success working closely with UNLV head basketball coach Lon Kruger and marketing the Runnin’ Rebel men’s basketball program, which drew its largest crowds in a decade this past season. Allen and Kruger co-authored a book which was published late last year, “The Xs & Os of Success: A Playbook for Leaders in Business and Life.”
For more information about Imagine Marketing, visit www.imnv.com.