By Kim Hart
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, March 22, 2007

SheaHedges Group, a McLean public relations firm founded 10 years ago by two technology-savvy marketing experts, is changing directions.

This week, the firm formally changed its name to SpeakerBox Communications -- a rebranding move that comes just as founder Kristi Hedges announced she is leaving the firm to spin out another company.

Elizabeth Shea, 42, and Hedges, 37, started their company to serve the region's growing technology industry. Shea began her career in the marketing departments of Silicon Valley companies such as Apple Computer and SuperMac Technologies. Hedges parlayed her background with a public relations agency to start consulting for tech start-ups in the mid-'90s.

"We didn't see people servicing that market in this area," Hedges said, adding that the firm works heavily with companies backed by venture capital.

Hedges also noticed a direct correlation between the communication skills of executives and the success of their companies. The company she is set to start in the fall will help CEOs and entrepreneurs develop leadership and communication skills. The yet-unnamed company will operate out of the same building as SpeakerBox, but no longer will have a formal business partnership. They do, however, plan to work together for mutual clients.

SpeakerBox, which has 20 employees, will continue to focus on the technology community and plans to create a stronger presence in tech hubs, such as Silicon Valley, Boston and Austin, Texas. Last year, the company opened an office in Atlanta.

"Our goal is to expand our geographic reach and provide additional services on a more global level," Shea said.

Area companies have been busy winning awards in the past few weeks. Pace Harmon, a Vienna-based technology consulting firm, was selected as one of Consulting Magazine's "Seven Small Jewels." The award is given each year to seven firms across the country. Pace Harmon works with Fortune 500 and middle-market companies on outsourcing deals, as well as information technology strategies and supply-chain efficiency.

Bowman Consulting was voted the best civil engineering firm of the year in the Washington area by the Metropolitan Washington Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. Bowman is headquartered in Chantilly and has about 300 employees and nine offices in the region.

Finally, Virginia has been named the most business-friendly state by Chicago-based corporate relocation firm Pollina Corporate Real Estate Inc. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) announced the designation Monday. States were evaluated based on taxes, labor climate, energy costs and state incentive programs. The other states listed among the top five were South Carolina, Florida, North Carolina and Utah.

Have news about business in Fairfax County? Contact Kim Hart at 703-383-5120 orhartk@washpost.com.