In John Truscott's opinion, Grand Rapids is a "high energy, high growth city." That's why he and his business partner Kelly Rossman decided to open a West Michigan office for their public relations and marketing company,
Truscott Rossman.
With 16 employees and offices in Lansing and Detroit, Truscott says the allure of Grand Rapids' economic vitality prompted them to open a Grand Rapids market in April. The firm operates from the
Regus offices at 250 Monroe Ave. NW.
"[In Michigan,] Grand Rapids is probably the fastest growing area with the most economic opportunity," Truscott says.
"I think a lot of us in Lansing have a perception of Grand Rapids as a sort of uptight, conservative community, and it's anything but that," Rossman adds. "The perception for those of us who don't spend time there is that the city is pretty white and pretty conservative, and that's not the case at all. I can't begin to tell you the level of excitement all of us have about our Grand Rapids office; we have a number of employees who are young and can't wait to get over there."
Truscott and Rossman are seasoned marketers who joined forces in January to form Truscott Rossman. Their professional portfolios include Truscott's 11-year stint as former Governor John Engler's communications director and Rossman's nine years working in the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate for former Governor Jim Blanchard.
While the company offers a suite of services that include media relations, litigation communication and ballot campaigns, it is this "working both sides of the aisle" background that the two feel sets the company apart.
"This shows we have the ability to work with anybody and everybody," Rossman says. "There are few issues we haven't worked on over the years."
Source: John Truscott and Kelly Rossman, Truscott Rossman
Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor
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