Longtime lobbyists start new ventures

Two of Raleigh's best-known lobbyists are leaving their respective groups to launch independent businesses.

Tony Adams announced today he's leaving the North Carolina Outdoor Advertising Association at the end of December after serving for 14 years as its executive director. Adams says he's opening his own lobbying and government relations firm – Adams and Associates Government Relations – in January.  

Brian Lewis also announced Saturday that he's leaving the North Carolina Association of Educators on Feb. 1 after five years as the group's political director and spokesman. Lewis says he'll be working on New Frame LLC – a "web, film and communications services" shop – as well as doing campaign consulting, teaching, and lobbying on children's and family issues.