Recently, our client, the new Hotel Sax Chicago launched some incredible packages based on celebrity contract riders. (You know, all the stuff celebrities request in their hotel rooms or green rooms during their stay.) Packages are inspired by various artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Rat Pack and even a fictionalized character with a true celebrity persona – Ari Gold. The hotel offers guests a chance to live like these famous faces for a night with rooms filled with white flowers, apple pie, tubs of Heineken, a bath butler or your own personal “Loyd” for the day.
A few weeks ago, I got a call from producers at Nightline, ABC’s nightly news program asking about the Celebrity Rider Inspired packages and expressing their interest in featuring the Hotel Sax and these packages in an upcoming segment. I couldn’t believe it! Nightline is one of the most prestigious news programs in the country and we were honored to work with them.
The piece aired this past Tuesday night during the “Sign of the Times” segment. One of the most rewarding things about a job in PR is actually watching your work come to fruition and I have to say this was hands down one of my favorite PR experiences and one of my favorite clips.
Every five years, Congress embarks on a lengthy process to reauthorize federal farm policy through legislation commonly referred to as the “Farm Bill.” The Farm Bill is one of the most closely watched pieces of legislation by Congress, media, lobbyists and rural America. Although many may not take a second glance at this legislation, you should. Why? This year the Farm Bill has the opportunity to tackle one of the most pressing issues facing the nation – obesity.
Over the past two years, a broad-based coalition of agricultural organizations have joined together to shape a Farm Bill that is more competitive, improves the quality and safety of foods and improves nutrition for all Americans, especially children. The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance represents 120 specialty crop organizations and 350 individual specialty crops throughout the nation in their effort to raise the level of debate on nutrition.
So, what is a specialty crop?
This is a classification used to describe fruits, vegetables, potatoes, nuts, nurseries, etc. Just about everything you see in the produce section at your local grocery store. Actually, specialty crops account for nearly half of all the cash crop receipts in America and are a vital component of the agricultural economy.
Getting back to nutrition, how does the Farm Bill help combat obesity?
For the first time, Congress has the opportunity to write into law legislation that would establish a nationwide effort to include fruits & vegetable in schools in each and every state. The USDA Fruit & Vegetable Snack Program – if authorized by Congress – would allow more than 5,000 schools and 4.5 million children by incorporating healthy eating into the school lunch program. There is no more effective way to establish a routine for healthy eating than give children fruits & vegetables every day at school.
So, how is Congress reacting…
A recent editorial by The Hill - one of the top publications covering politics and policy in our nation’s capitol – sums up the efforts of the Alliance very well. “Most notably, growers of fruits and vegetables appear to be on the verge of winning significant support for the first time. The bill approved by the House last summer includes $1.6 billion to help growers of tomatoes, oranges and other so-called specialty crops…”
This boost was made possible – in part – by the efforts of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi who took her case to the floor indicated her support of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance and their priorities. Recently, the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee passed a bill that would take the needs and priorities of specialty crop growers to even higher levels.
But, the food fight is far from over. The U.S. Senate is poised to vote on the Farm Bill very soon but there is still division on the bill as a whole. Robert Guenther, Senior Vice President for Public Policy at the United Fresh Produce Association, shared his thoughts on the future of the Farm Bill and its impacts on the nation’s specialty crop industry.
Many have voiced their concerns with the Farm Bill as a whole, but Congress has a chance to enact a program that is a true paradigm shift in nutrition policy and sets a course for health eating in our nation’s schools. Let’s hope they do just that.
The Zapwater Blog has gone a long way in communicating the depth and diversity of our client roster and what a great place Zapwater is to work. Yes, Zapwater has a booming hospitality and lifestyle practice. But most people don't know we also have equally booming corporate and public affairs practices.
Zapwater Communications, Inc. is a Chicago-based boutique public relations and public affairs agency, launched in 2004 by political and public relations veteran David M. Zapata.
With the reach of a big agency and with boutique-quality services, all Zapwater campaigns show return-on-investment and provide tangible measurements for success. By mixing proven practices with new and innovative techniques, Zapwater’s service offerings include the following:
Public and Media Relations o How do you cut through the clutter? Even a great product can get lost in the shuffle if it doesn’t have the right machine behind it. Zapwater's unique approach and extensive contacts help our clients wade through a sea of competition to ensure that they’re placed smack in front of decision-makers and thought leaders vital to their success.
Event Management o Zapwater excels in the creation of events that capture the attention of the media who influence your clients most. Zapwater's team are involved in the planning of award-winning events that range from five to 5,000 people. In short, we know the power of a well-executed event.
Marketing Communications o Zapwater helps clients build brand equity through a wide variety of marketing tactics. While we’re known for our award-winning media campaigns, we also help our clients with all facets of marketing. From message development to shortening the sales cycle, we ensure that our clients have the right tools to meet their goals.
Crisis Communications o The reputation of an organization is its most valuable asset. Zapwater works with its clients to confront situations and issues that might threaten that reputation. Whether it is a product recall or a rumor that is getting louder, Zapwater is prepared to provide counsel and damage control. Our team has gained invaluable experience working in both the political and corporate worlds.
Want to learn more about Zapwater Communications? Call David Zapata at 312.943.0333 or e-mail david@zapwater.com.
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Recently, our client, the new Hotel Sax Chicago launched some incredible packages based on celebrity contract riders. (You know, all the stuff celebrities request in their hotel rooms or green rooms during their stay.) Packages are inspired by various artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Rat Pack and even a fictionalized character with a true celebrity persona – Ari Gold. The hotel offers guests a chance to live like these famous faces for a night with rooms filled with white flowers, apple pie, tubs of Heineken, a bath butler or your own personal “Loyd” for the day.