LIFE OF AN INTERN

Four months ago I began my internship at Zapwater Communications. Going in I was both nervous and excited for the experience that lay before me. Was I going to do well? What kind of things would I be working on? Would my only input be “cream and sugar in your coffee?” As a graduating senior at Columbia College Chicago majoring in Marketing Communications, I knew a challenging internship that offered hands on experience would be the best way for me to build my portfolio and help give me the confidence to take my burgeoning career to the next level. But would Zapwater Communications deliver?

From my first day I was working directly with Zapwater’s publicists on a variety of accounts in lifestyle, hospitality and corporate. On any given day I could spend the morning writing a case study for a hip, Chicago-based jewelry designer and in the afternoon I’ll be editing a release for an environmentally friendly paper company. The office atmosphere ranges from calm and collected to a controlled chaos, depending on what is going on that day (or even that hour!). The flow of ideas around the office is almost contagious, allowing me to learn something new every day I am here.

Throughout my semester here I have worked closely with publicist Susan Schreiber and senior publicist Annie Neyman on the Hotel Sax and Crimson Lounge accounts. Recently Zapwater used their event savvy to help orchestrate the grand unveiling of the newly renovated Hotel Sax. The two-day event was one of my favorite experiences at Zapwater because it gave me, and over a thousand party goers, an opportunity to see the final outcome of all Zapwater’s hard work that I was fortunate enough to take part in.

So has Zapwater delivered? In case you couldn’t already tell, the answer is a resounding yes! As I am about to dive head first into post-college life, I know that my experience at Zapwater has helped to prepare me for the challenges that are ahead. With my newly fattened portfolio in my hands and the Zapwater mantra “We don’t make headlines, our clients do” in my mind, I am ready for all the world of public relations has to throw at me!

Emma Richards
Intern

ZAPWATER'S BEST FRIENDS

Today's Chicago Tribune's Red Eye discusses the current "Doggie Divide" in Chicago. In the article, Chicago dog lovers and haters face off on the rules of "petiquette."

Zapwater definately takes the side of dog lovers since our office and building are both dog friendly. In fact, today we are being visited by Mayra Camara's bulldog Leonard.

On other days, it's not uncommon for my "boys" Boots and Henry to make guest appearances at the office.

So next time you stop by Zapwater, make sure you bring some treats.


David Zapata

WHAT IS GREEN? PART DEUX

One of Zapwater's newest clients is Boise, Inc. As an industry leader in recycled papers. Boise's Jackson (AL) Mill has delivered high quality recycled products for more than a decade and processes more than 300 tons per day of post-consumer recovered paper.

Recently, Zapwater is helped coordinate Boise’s first Recycled Summit in Denver, Colorado, where Boise will speak to its commitment to sustainability for preserving and protecting our natural resources for ourselves and for future generations.

The summit addressed, through guest speakers and panel discussions, the
impact the paper industry has on the environment, as well as the issues of
recycling and sustainability in the papermaking process.

Alexander Toeldte, CEO of Boise, Inc. welcomed attendees and opened the Summit with remarks.

"Boise has an ever sharper focus on customer needs and sustainable business practices."

Guest speakers included environmental experts and professionals,academics and specialists in the forest management fields.

While the terms "green" and paper companies may not seem synonymous, the leaders in the industry have taken great steps to make their production processes more environmentally friendly.

Natalie Cowel
Publicist

BULLDOG AWARDS

Susie Schreiber and I just returned from San Francisco where Zapwater received two 2008 Bulldog awards. As a young company, winning awards hasn’t really been a priority. In fact, this is the first time Zapwater has entered any industry award programs. The fact that we went two for two in awards submissions is pretty exciting.

The Bulldogs are sponsored each year by The Bulldog Reporter, a national media relations publication. What sets these awards apart from others in the public relations field is that they honor strategic business thinking as much as results in using the press to tell an organization's story. In addition, the competition is the only major awards judged exclusively by top working journalists from some of the leading media outlets in the country including The New York Times, Fox News, Fast Company and The Washington Post.

Zapwater was awarded a Silver Bulldog Award for its work on behalf of the Hotel Sax Chicago. Its campaign “Turning Everyday Joe’s into J.Lo’s” was recognized in the Best Travel, Hospitality & Destinations Campaign category.

Zapwater’s effort on behalf of Attorney Jeffery Leving also won a Silver Bulldog Award in the Best Response to Breaking News category. The campaign entitled “Bringing Attention to the Subject of Parental Alienation” was in response to the leaked Alec Baldwin phone message.

While in San Francisco, Susie and I celebrated victory at a great neighborhood restaurant North Beach Sushi. It was recommended by Tricia Gellman Holmes, VP of Marketing at LiveBooks. While winning award is a new frontier for Zapwater, I was able to get Susie to enter new culinary frontiers eating dishes like Uni (Sea Urchin), Ama Ebi (Raw Shrimp), Ika (Squid) and Tako (Octopus). At Zapwater, it was really a week of firsts. Just ask Susie.

David Zapata

DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION

The Chicago DJ scene continues to hold its own not only on the dance floor but with national recognition as well. DJs Matt ROAN and E-SIX debuted their new four turntable video DJ component at local nightclub Le Passage during their signature Dance Party Magic event on April 4th.

For those of you who have not been fortunate enough to experience Matt ROAN and E-SIX live, this duo provides a highly energized, original and thoughtful performance that leaves the crowd no choice but to feed off their enthusiasm. Therefore, an already successful Dance Party Magic has only been enhanced or revolutionized by the new visual component of their show.

Unlike previously added visual effects, ROAN and E-SIX have taken the time to have original music videos and other images remixed to fit their music specifically. The images shown during their shows are almost an extended component of the music and definitely add another level of originality to an already stand-out act.

However, in addition to their newly enhanced live performance, DJ E-SIX is representing Chicago as well as his top 5 DJ picks on the national music website www.fusicology.com. DJ E-SIX's top 5 is only a taste of what is to come of their live act, but hopefully it will hold you over for now. Don't miss the upcoming Dance Party Magic One Year Anniversary!

Rebecca Palkovics
Assistant Publicist