Merritt Group Named a ''2006 Best Place to Work'' by Washington Business Journal; Leading Technology Communications Firm Ranked Fourth in ''Small Business'' Category.

RESTON, Va. -- Merritt Group, Inc., one of the fastest growing communications firms for technology companies, today announced its recognition as one of Washington Business Journal's "Best Places to Work." Merritt Group is one of the 50 finalists identified from more than 200 nominated organizations in the Greater Washington area. Nominated by employees, winning employers are chosen based on employee feedback provided through anonymous survey results. The distinction is a result of Merritt Group's strong emphasis on creating a rich and rewarding experience both professionally and personally for its approximately 35 professionals in Reston, Virginia and San Francisco, California.

"Our employees are the lifeline to Merritt Group's success. To be named as a best place to work by our employees is the greatest validation of our efforts to create a unique and collaborative culture," said Ben Merritt, CEO & founder, Merritt Group, Inc. "We've created an environment where employees are treated like volunteers and this philosophy permeates everything we do - from delivering exceptional client service, collaborating among teams and creating a warm and friendly atmosphere for employees to learn and grow."

Washington Business Journal created the "Best Places to Work" list to honor the region's leading employers as determined by their employees. Employees from the nominated companies evaluate their employers according to team effectiveness, retention, employee alignment with company goals, trust with co-workers, individual contribution, manager effectiveness, trust in senior leaders, feeling valued, work engagement, and people practices. Measured through a set of 40 quantitative and qualitative questions, the winners are judged against similar sized companies and ranked according to employee responses. The top 2006 Best Places to Work in Greater Washington are profiled in a special supplement in the May 12th edition of Washington Business Journal.

A combination of insightful leadership and a host of innovative employee development programs distinguish Merritt Group from its peers. Merritt Group has adopted programs to foster continual professional growth, encourage work/ life balance, and continuously recognize and reward excellent performance. Merritt Group employees were quoted in the survey as saying:

--"I have been with the company for almost seven years, which is an eternity almost in the PR agency world. So to stay at a place for this long for me means that I truly value the senior management and the decisions they have made over the years."

--"My direct manager and senior management make sure that I am achieving my goals and give helpful feedback if I need guidance or have any questions."

--"It would seriously take a knock-out, over-the-top offer to have me even consider leaving the great people and the great client work of Merritt Group."

Merritt Group puts an emphasis on learning and growth initiatives, such as management and leadership courses open to the entire staff, career planning and evaluations with quarterly 360-degree reviews from subordinates, peers and managers, and regularly hosted webinars and presentations by guest speakers. The Merritt Group Book Club and weekly trend review provides an open learning and discussion forum for current marketing, business, and technology trends and issues. Participation in professional associations and networking events is actively encouraged by management.

Merritt Group offers employees extensive opportunities to promote a healthy work-life balance. Formal and informal programs range from telecommuting options to flex-time and compressed work week programs to quarterly allowances for volunteer service.

Merritt Group is currently hiring communications professionals at various levels in both its Reston and San Francisco locations.

About Merritt Group, Inc.

Since its founding in 1996, Merritt Group has helped technology companies drive awareness for their innovations. This includes a unique combination of market positioning, customer-focused messaging, public relations, and market research for established and startup technology companies. Our technology expertise is focused in four practices - Security, Enterprise Technology, Communications and Networking, and Government IT - each with a team dedicated to the issues, trends and influencers relevant to their industry segment. Merritt Group's offices are located in Reston, Virginia and San Francisco, California. For more information, please visit www.merrittgrp.com.