2009 IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

With 2008 winding down, it might be a good time to reflect on the year that has been. But I am not like that! In the spirit of Zapwater's Holiday Card, I am ready to burst into 2009. It will be a very busy year and I already have much on the agenda. Here are some of the things (some of which didn't make it on to the holiday card) that I am looking forward to in 2009:

1) My parents will both be 60 in 2009. I plan on taking them on a trip to mark this occasion. It will be a place they both enjoy dearly.
2) A new President will be in office! I am thankful and eager to see how President-Elect Obama handles the challenges of running this country.
3) The New York Rangers returning to Chicago to face the Blackhawks. I will finally have an opportunity to see my hometown team play here in Chicago.
4) My friend's November wedding in Rincon, Puerto Rico. It will be a perfect escape before the winter descends.
5) The return of the band Phish. I don't know if I am more excited to see these guys in concert again or to just go to several shows with old friends.

So if you had the blues in 2008, it is time to move forward and push on. 2009 is near and I for one can’t wait. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

John H. Delaney
Special Projects/Office Manager

TOP 10

So after starting my career in media relations at a boutique firm and spending the last two years at Zapwater, I definitely have seen both the high's and low's of working at an agency. However this past year at Zapwater, I have seen a lot of amazing accomplishments the entire team has achieved on behalf of clients and as one of the few growing agencies in Chicago. Below please find my TOP 10 list of media relations highlights for 2008 from Zapwater clients:


10. K.Amato earrings were seen on Eva Longoria Parker four (4) times in a two (2) month span.

09. Green Tie Ball XVII gets the most amount of publicity since its early days of inception.

08. The wrap party for Johnny's Depp's movie "Public Enemies" is hosted at Bon V.

07. le Dress opens in Wicker Park and gets awarded best new dress boutique by Chicago Magazine.

06. Kelly Edwards gets major national publicity in Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, and the Tyra Banks Show.

05. Kim Kleeman of Shakespeare Squared was awarded 40 Under 40 in Crain's Chicago Business.

04. FOX Chicago (WFLD-TV) honors RA Sushi as the best sushi restaurant in Chicago.

03. The Hotel Sax Chicago hosts an amazing two-day unveiling with over 5, 000 people in attendance.

02. The Illinois Film Office, Flashpoint Academy and Zapwater host a party at Sundance for the movie "The Merry Gentleman."

01. HUB 51 finally opens and is most talked about new restaurant in Chicago with a superb menu and unbelievable events.

Kiran Advani
Vice President, Lifestyle

WE ARE PROUD OF OUR CLIENTS

I love to brag about our clients. I often say that Zapwater is proud to work with the best and brightest. The fact that so many clients have garnered Forty Under Forty accolades around the country only confirms that statement. Recently, another Zapwater client was bestowed with this honor and this one has special meaning to me. Congratulations to Anthony Marlowe, President of TMone for being named to Corridor Business Journal's Forty under Forty list as among Iowa's best and brightest. The CBJ is the weekly business newspaper for the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Corridor.

The reason this has special meaning to me is because I first met Anthony when I was a recent college graduate managing a Congressional Campaign in Illinois. He was a senior at Lyons Township High School. After speaking to his AP Government class, I convinced Anthony to come volunteer on the campaign. We've been friends ever since. He is also a strong representation of the young entrepreneurs that Zapwater loves working with.

Davd Zapata