Gaffney, Bennett and Associates was founded in the mid 1980s by Jay Malcynsky[1] and Brian Gaffney in New Britain, Connecticut.[2] The firm has been heavily involved with representing big companies seeking state aid or tax breaks to expand their presence in Connecticut.[2]
In the late 1990s the firm represented the New England Patriots in negotiations with the State of Connecticut to move the Patriots to Hartford.[2]
In 2009 Gaffney, Bennett and Associates made twice as much as the second largest lobbying firm.[3] In 2011 they made over $4.7 million from lobbying services, again more than twice as much as the second largest lobbying firm.[2]
In 2012 Vernon Mayor George F. Apel ended the town contract with Gaffney, Bennett and Associates which the town had on retainer since 2009.[4]
In 2015 Gaffney, Bennett and Associates revenue was three times that of the second largest lobbying company in the state.[5]
Gaffney Bennett Public Relations
In 2002 Gaffney, Bennett and Associates launched a PR Services arm called Gaffney Bennett Public Relations (GBPR) to handle corporate positioning, media relations, crisis communications, brand management, and cause-related marketing for existing and new clients.[6] GBPR has offices in Connecticut and New York City.[7] In 2011 GBPR launched a line of a la carte PR services called "the Press Release Shop."[8] In 2019 GBPR hired North Carolina based Ted Novin to split his time between their New York office and clients in North Carolina. Novin had previously been a spokesperson for the National Rifle Association of America and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.[9]
