Michael Petruzzello, Qorvis managing partner, says 2006 was a watershed year for Qorvis, which forged several AOR relationships with major companies such as United Technologies and Pratt & Whitney.

He also notes the firm's move into advertising - with its Sparky's Garage acquisition in late 2006 - is paying off: Qorvis recently won an award to handle advertising, marketing, and PR for the Virginia Lottery.

"We hope the Lottery will be the first of many substantial advertising accounts," he says, citing a ...