K Street's Expanding Project

"K Street," the Washington DC street famous for its lobbying firms, "has tinkered with its traditional business model in recent years," reports The Hill. "Lobbying firms are branching out to related but different business areas as a way to attract more clients and revenue." For example, Patton Boggs recently launched a "risk-management practice to help corporate clients understand the potential pitfalls in Washington that may await a planned merger or acquisition." Quinn Gillespie & Associates' new division, QGA Communications, is a PR practice offering "spokesperson training" and "forming alliances with other groups with similar interests," according to QGA's Terry Holt. Jefferson Consulting Group is a lobbying firm focused on federal marketing, or matching "client products with federal-agency needs." JCG founder Julie Susman said business is booming. It may grow even more, due to Hurricane Katrina. "FEMA called us the day of the disaster," said Susman.