David M. Zapata @ Zapwater Communications

AN APPLE FOR THE TEACHER

2010-04-27T17:22:00.002-06:00

I imagine the majority of the readers of this blog are working professionals working toward their career goals, or students earning degrees so they too can achieve their professional goals. We grew up knowing that we would graduate from high school, likely attend college and begin to accomplish life goals we set for ourselves at a young age. To people like us, some level of success is expected, and the ability to follow a “career path” is normal and, at times, taken for granted.

What many of us fail to realize, is that for a large number of Americans, the ability to even read this blog is a feat worthy of recognition. That is because 23 percent of American adults are unable to demonstrate reading proficiency (National Center for Family Literacy), and 53 percent have low or limited literacy skills (Literacy Chicago). In Chicago specifically, students in Chicago’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods are far more likely to receive instruction based on low expectations for student learning (Consortium on Chicago School Research), which translates to likelihood of professional development and achievement.

Discrepancies such as these make organizations like the Golden Apple Foundation increasingly important to the betterment of Chicago’s education system. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Golden Apple Foundation recognizes outstanding schoolteachers and provides integrated, innovative programs and resources that enhance the quality, resiliency, and creativity of classroom teachers and improve teaching and learning throughout Illinois. The organization is now planning to expand its professional development program in the Chicago area to provide quality services to teachers in low-income communities using the whole school as the unit of change.

And you can help. This Thursday, April 29 from 7 to 10 p.m., Chicago nightclub Lumen (839 West Fulton Market) invites Chicagoans to Casino Night, presented by the Golden Apple Associates Board. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this event will support the Golden Apple Foundation.

For just $35, guests will enjoy entertainment from DJ Lil’ Mikey, Dewar’s Scotch tasting, two hours of complimentary vodka cocktails, appetizers courtesy of Hel’s Kitchen and the chance to win more than 35 fabulous raffle prizes. If you would like to join us in raising money to better the education system in our own backyard, please visit http://goldenapplecasinonight.eventbrite.com/ and a ticket.

Susie Schreiber
Account Supervisor

THE INSPIRATION ROOKIE

2010-04-24T14:34:00.003-06:00

As publicists, we at Zapwater are constantly looking to our surroundings for inspiration. Inspiration for new partnership ideas. Inspiration for unique events and promotions. Inspiration for generating client publicity. You’d be surprised where we find our ideas. My latest inspiration comes straight from Chicago-based fashion blogger and style world sensation, Tavi (www.thestylerookie.com).

Did I mention Tavi is merely 13-years-old? And yet, her unique perspective and entertaining writing style makes her one of the most widely-known and controversial voices in the fashion industry today. My world at Zapwater focuses not on fashion, but rather primarily on health and education-based clientele. And yet, after reading the wisdom of a 13-year-old girl, I cannot help but feel renewed in my daily work.

Tavi has taught me to look at things from a different perspective. She pays attention to the minute details most would otherwise look over and finds happiness in the smallest and sometimes most simple things. Most importantly, Tavi has proved that everyone, no matter age or experience, has something new to offer, and I look forward to reading her perspective each week. Who says inspiration can’t come from the mind of a teenager? YAY LET’S MAKE A SANDWHICH!

Sarah Marseille
Senior Publicist

EVENT MADNESS

2010-04-24T12:21:00.004-06:00

One of the perks of working at Zapwater is we always have fun events for clients that we get to go to – and the past couple of weeks have been especially full of them! Last week we headed over to the loop location of HALO [FOR MEN] to celebrate their one year anniversary. The place was packed with guests enjoying Pearl Vodka and El Mayor Tequila. There was even a surprise delivery from Berry Chill which topped the night off!

This week started with Meteo-RA-logy Madness at Ra Sushi on Wednesday night. Ra invited four of the city’s meteorologists Amy Freeze, Mary Kay Kleist, Ginger Zee and Duffy Atkins to create their own signature sushi rolls and partner with a non-profit organization to raise money for a cause of their choice. Each of the meteorologists’ sushi rolls were delicious but in the end Duffy Atkins’ ‘Fujita-Toro’ roll won, raising money for In Concert Chicago, an organization that arranges for Chicago-area student and professional musicians to perform for senior citizens at nursing homes, retirement communities and assisted living centers. Not only was this event for a good cause, but all of the sushi rolls were delicious!

Last night, the Zapwater team headed to Kenmore Live Studio to join aja’s Executive Chef, Joshua Linton from the dana hotel & spa, and Chicago Red Stars Player and GreenLaces Founder, Natalie Spilger, for an evening of live cooking demonstrations and sustainable cooking tips to benefit Green Laces. GreenLaces is an organization dedicated to giving back to the planet through funding initiatives. I can’t think of a better way to start the weekend – charity and delicious food from Chef Linton!

Deanne Daneck
Senior Publicist

NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, HALO [FOR] MEN LOCATION

2010-04-24T11:56:00.004-06:00

With a multitude of locations throughout Chicago, there is always a hard decision to be made when it comes to hosting events at any of the HALO [FOR MEN] locals. However, this time around, it was a no-brainer. With the re-make of Nightmare on Elm Street coming out next Friday, there was no question that a pre-screening party was a must at the flagship Gold Coast location on…dun dun dun…ELM STREET. Located at 21 W. Elm St., HALO [FOR MEN] turned into a Freddie Krueger’s dream night, a party full of stylish guys and girls showed up to check out a peak at the trailer, nosh on some fabulous RA Sushi, indulge in killer cocktails and of course, score a pass to see the film two days before anyone else next week. Victims were also treated to swag bags, shout out to Terry Hines and Associates and Warner Brothers, including t-shirts, water bottles, key chains and gift certificate to HALO [FOR MEN] and RA Sushi penny drink cards.
Almost as scary as Freddie himself, Zapwater’s own Assistant Publicist Michael Corrigan, who worked the door in his red tie, gray pants and shirt and perfectly placed fedora, way to rock it! PS, he did a FABULOUS job, can’t wait for the next HALO soiree!

Holly Winter
Group Director

HALO [FOR MEN]’S NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET

2010-04-20T10:31:00.003-06:00

One, Two, Freddy’s coming for you! Filmed in Chicago last summer, the anticipation is building in the city for Michael Bay’s latest horror movie remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street. To coincide with the film’s release, Zapwater client HALO [FOR MEN] will host an after hours event at their Spa in the Gold Coast (21 W Elm St) on Thursday, April 22 from 9-11 pm. Film fans are encouraged to grab their red and grey/green garb and experience HALO’s makeover into the infamous lair of Freddy Krueger. Guests will be treated to a night complete with complimentary "Krueger's Claw" paraffin hand dips, bloody booze and killer cuisine. Don’t be tardy for this party; the first 50 guests will receive 2 complimentary passes for the Chicago premier private screening of "A Nightmare on Elm Street" on April 28th at AMC River East. All attendees will score a slashing swag bag with discount vouchers, t-shirts, mugs and more. RSVP to events@zapwater.com. If you are lucky you may spot yours truly rocking a chic version of Freddy’s signature killer glove. Don’t fall asleep, you may never wake up!

Michael Corrigan
Asst. Publicist

OUT WITH THE OLD

2010-04-20T09:44:00.002-06:00

I can’t believe it, but it’s already mid-April. With this time of year comes, warmer weather, and as any Chicagoan will tell you, the best time of year to simply, live in Chicago. The grass is actually turning green, the flowers are blooming and allergies are in full gear; a hit I am willing to take if that means warmer temps.

Also with spring, comes cleaning. In lieu of my traditional Chicago apartment size I am revamping my small closet for the season. This means under-bed-storage of bulky sweaters and back-of-the-closet boots to make room for light cardigans, sun dresses and sandals. In my life pre-Chicago I would never have to perform such a task, simply because I had a “normal” size closet but things change.

I guess you can’t really say these are “new” changes, rather they are just things that happen at this time of year. As a Wrigleyville resident, another thought that crosses my mind this time of year during baseball season: does anyone work during the week in this town?

Diana Romeo
Intern

MAYRA'S COMMENTARY ON THE FINANCIAL CRISIS

2010-04-18T18:32:00.004-06:00

I hear people every day debating what caused the worst recession we’ve seen since The Great Depression. The conversations usually include comments about the Wall Street fat cats and their bonuses. While I absolutely agree that Wall Street greed is responsible, my anger has more recently shifted toward our government.

First, the American public is manipulated into purchasing homes. It’s the American dream after all, isn’t it? If you own a home, you get to deduct the mortgage interest and real estate taxes that you pay hopefully decreasing your total tax bill at the end of the year...and who doesn’t want to do that? So, work, work, work and save, save, save so that you too can one day own a home.

Then, in order to ensure that banks will lend, the government created Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Fannie Mae was created in 1938 during the Great Depression and Freddie Mac came along in 1970 after Fannie Mae was taken public in 1968 to prevent Fannie Mae from monopolizing the market. Now America’s two largest mortgage companies, Fannie and Freddie together hold or guarantee some $5 trillion in debt. Both companies are what we call Government Sponsored Enterprises. In short, there is an implicit guarantee that the US government will not let these companies fail. The purpose of both entities is to purchase home loans from lending institutions, pool them and sell them as securities to investors on the open market. This increases the supply of money institutions have available for additional mortgage lending so you and I can get a loan when we decide to purchase that home. Fannie and Freddie made home ownership a real possibility for almost anyone and at the same time forever shifted the fundamental practice of ‘making a loan.’ Lending institutions no longer had to hold the loans on their balance sheet, which meant they were not scrutinizing the borrowers as they previously had. Remember that childhood game of hot potato? As lending criteria loosened and more convoluted loan products were created that consumers didn’t understand, a vicious cycle began. Throw investors into the secondary market that have no knowledge of real estate or the CMBS market and you have sure disaster.

Encourage the public to purchase a home…fine. Encourage and create an environment whereby lending institutions will lend…awesome. Wall Street AND our government worked in tandem to create a market where everyone makes money on us, the borrowers, several times over, and neither one is looking out for our best interest. Wall Street…fine. But, our government was elected to represent us.

The bonds that were created from our home loans were supposed to be appropriately rated by rating agencies like Moody’s, Fitch and S & P. What ultimately brought down the whole market was that these agencies were not doing their job and assessing risk. It comes down to the basic premise that the company seeking an objective 3rd party opinion, whether it be for financial results (Arthur Andersen and Enron – ring a bell?) or for securities, should not compensate the company that is providing the opinion – it creates a conflict of interest. A bank pools several loans together knowing full well that the securities they are backing should not be rated AAA and asks Moody’s to rate the issuance. Moody’s knows that if they don’t provide the AAA rating requested, the bank will simply go to another agency. I am left frustrated. All of our Congressmen are aware of this and have done nothing. We are going on three years since the collapse of the market and nothing has been done to avert this from happening again.

Mayra Bacik
CFO

ATHLETES AND EARTH DAY

2010-04-18T11:05:00.002-06:00

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In honor of Earth Day, Chicago Red Star and GreenLaces Founder Natalie Spilger stopped by ABC 7 Chicago to discuss what it means to be Green.

SOLVING THE SUBURBAN MEDIA MARKET

2010-04-18T08:06:00.003-06:00

Eight Zapwater colleagues and I hopped on the bus and headed to Maggiano’s for our monthly trip to the PCC Lunch. We sat at our table and anxiously awaited the food to arrive (by the way, it was quite delicious—chopped salad, fried zucchini, baked ziti, chicken marsala and cheesecake).

As the meal wound down and we were sipping iced teas and coffees, the panel for “Solving the Suburban Media Market” was introduced. Editors from WGN/CLTV, the Daily Herald, Triblocal.com and the Sun-Times Media West group shared insider tips regarding how to get noticed in the suburban market.

We quickly learned that each and every one of these media groups has undergone some major changes within the past few years, including mergers, buyouts and the introduction of user-generated content. With these changes, they have learned the value of the web and have been experimenting to determine the most effective methods to get the news to their target audiences.

One of the most interesting points came from John Lampinen, Editor of the Daily Herald. He said that Facebook has become a really useful tool for journalists and editors to connect with PR people. Since it is different from other social media outlets, it allows people to build relationships and get to know one another in a social, as well as professional, environment. These strong relationships with media professionals are crucial to the public relations industry. On that note, I guess I better go and “friend” all my journalist contacts on Facebook!

Maria Leigh Mianecki
Intern

CHICAGOLAND FORECAST: CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MAKI

2010-04-17T15:31:00.004-06:00

Get ready, Chicagoans! There’s a maki storm in the forecast. RA Sushi, the stylishly edgy sushi restaurant and bar, is excited to announce the upcoming debut of their Meteo-RA-logy Madness contest. Meteo-RA-logy Madness is a contest that features a line-up of Chicagoland’s favorite weather people, picked to create a signature sushi roll and partner with non-profit organizations, to raise money for a good cause. The event is taking place at RA Sushi’s Chicago location at 1139 N. State St. on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Each weather person has created and named an original sushi roll that will be prepared by RA Sushi’s expert sushi chef. The rolls will then be sampled and judged by a panel of local media personalities, as well as the crowd in attendance. Each roll will be judged based on creativity of name, ingredients, presentation and most importantly, taste!

The 2010 Meteo-RA-logy Madness contest will feature:

• Mary Kay Kleist, CBS2’s lead meteorologist for “Monsters & Money in the Morning,” has created the “Maximum Vorticity” roll. Mary Kay is playing for The Randy Salerno Foundation, which assists bereaved children and families in McHenry County.

• Amy Freeze, from FOX Chicago News, is hoping to freeze out the competition with her roll, “The Freeze Front.” She has partnered with March of Dimes whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

• NBC5’s very own Ginger Zee has her eye on the prize with her roll “Hurricane Ginger.” Ginger is representing The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which works towards finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and melanoma and improving the quality of life for patients and their families.

• Last and certainly not least, Duffy Atkins from WGN/CLTV has coined the “Fujita-Toro Roll.” Duffy is playing for In Concert Chicago, an organization that arranges for Chicago-area student and professional musicians to perform for senior citizens at nursing homes, retirement communities and assisted-living centers.

The winning roll will be featured on its own menu from May 1 through May 15, 2010 at all three Chicagoland RA Sushi locations (Chicago, Glenview and Lombard.) A portion of the proceeds generated from the sale of the roll will benefit the winner’s charity of choice.

During the event, guests can also dine on RA Sushi’s entire menu of delectable dishes, as well as sample the restaurant’s specialty cocktails and assortment of sakes. Meteo-RA-logy Madness is open to the public and attendance is free of charge.

Kassy Reiff
Senior Publicist

IT'S EASY TO BE GREEN

2010-04-15T10:06:00.003-06:00

When you think of the color green, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s emotions like greed and envy or maybe material items like money? This April 2010, Zapwater’s signature color orange is slightly being overshadowed (and we’re okay with it) by the color green in honor of Earth Month.

Recently, Zapwater was tapped as the agency of record for GreenLaces, a non-profit organization dedicated to giving back to the Planet through promises and funding environmental initiatives. GreenLaces was founded by Chicago Red Stars player, Natalie Spilger, a Stanford graduate who believes that athletes should not only serve as role models to youth, but also give back to the Planet. GreenLaces confronts this challenge through pop culture and individual reform providing an immediate and viral impact. GreenLaces inspires the masses to make “green” promises to the Planet whether it’s showering in a shorter period of time, using cups instead of plastic water bottles, and then purchasing green laces to serve as a reminder to that promise.

Show your support for the Planet and make your own “green” routine promises by visiting GreenLaces at www.greenlaces.org. Also, be sure to tune in to Natalie Spilger this Saturday, April 17th on ABC Channel 7 at 6:30 AM, as she provides great green tips and discusses more about GreenLaces.

Jenn Lake
Creative Director

SORRY DAD

2010-04-11T11:58:00.009-06:00

I can’t believe what I am about to Blog. In fact, my father might disown me as a son. Please understand, the old man grew up a few blocks from Yankees' Stadium.

Ok. I probably should give you a little bit of background.

I am an obnoxious New York sports fan. I have never rooted against a New York team.

I also love talking trash about my New York teams.

How many World Series titles have the Yankees won since the Cubs last won a ring? The answer to that would be 27. Let’s go Yankees. Clap. Clap. Clap.

When my wife used her company tickets to take me to a Blackhawks v. Rangers game, I actually started a Potvin Sucks chant. Not familiar with the history of that chant, click here.

But now I have a confession to make.

Deep breathe.

I’ll soon be putting on my first Chicago sports jersey and rooting for the local team over its New York counterpart.

Are you ready to run with the Red Stars? I am.

This weekend, the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league kicks off its second season. Tonight, the Chicago Red Stars battle defending champions New York Sky Blue.

Yes, I'm using the excuse that the Sky Blue actually play in Jersey. However, the truth remains that I’ll be rooting for the Chicago team.

On a side note, I do have some NY-esque chants reserved for the Red Stars home opener next week.

David M. Zapata

RASMUSSEN HOSTS SYSTEM-WIDE CAREER FAIR

2010-04-10T10:06:00.010-06:00

In February 2010, Zapwater worked with Rasmussen College to publicize a system-wide career and networking fair. The campuses had more than 3,200 participants system-wide, with increases across the board on students and employers attending the job fair.

“I think the turnout was a really good sign for the economy,” Jamie Hintz, a career services advisor at the Rockford campus, said in an interview with the Steamwood Press. “I’ve had employers calling me since asking when the next job fair will be because they’re planning on hiring.”

Employers in attendance included: Wells Fargo, UPS, US Bank, RR Donnelley, Eagan Police, SUPERVALU, Comcast, H&R Block, Bright Horizons, Fifth Third Bank, State Farm, Bank of America, State Patrol of MN, and many more.

Individual events took place at all Rasmussen College campuses and online, garnering more than 25 print, broadcast and electronic media placements including Fox 9 in the Twin Cities, Green Bay Press Gazette, Rockford Register Star, My Fox Tampa, and Wasau News.

HOUSE OF MARLEY

2010-04-10T09:30:00.004-06:00

Working together for a better world, renowned reggae musician Bob Marley’s Family, along with HoMedics, tapped Zapwater Communications to handle the media relations and social media initiatives for the announcement of The House of Marley. Zapwater assisted with a private experience at the House of Blues in Chicago in February 2010 to make the formal announcement of the partnership.

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcchicago.com/video.

The Movement will officially begin in Q4 of 2010 with a line of consumer electronics including boom boxes, docking stations, ear buds and headphones. The House of Marley is committed to the development of innovative products that adhere to Marley family core values: Equality, authenticity, charity and sustainability. Part of that includes making eco-friendly offerings and sourcing materials such as leather, wood and bamboo, as well as recycled plastics and fabrics.

Zapwater Communications also worked with HoMedics and the House of Marley at the International Housewares Show at McCormick Place, securing media appointments and developing an eco-friendly press kit. For more information, please visit www.thehouseofmarley.com.

WE DON'T MAKE HEADLINES, OUR CLIENTS DO

2010-04-09T12:15:00.002-06:00

Living by the mantra, We Don’t Make the Headlines, Our Clients Do™, Zapwater Communications secured a lifestyle segment for Michael Gaffney on View from the Bay in San Francisco. As the Founder of the American Schools of Flower Design, Gaffney discussed DIY floral arrangements with the anchors and provided tips to viewers on how to create arrangements for all occasions.

ZAPWATER EVENTS

2010-04-09T10:49:00.005-06:00

Mark your calendars for these Zapwater Communications Client Events for April-June 2010

April 16, 2010 – “Winter is EFFEN Over” Event at Crimson Lounge
Crimson Lounge (333 N. Dearborn), will host “Winter is EFFEN Over,” to mark the beginning of warm weather in the Windy City, on Friday, April 16, 2010. The lounge will welcome back former resident DJ Samantha Ronson for the event, which will benefit the Spina Bifida Association of Illinois.

April 16, 2010 – HALO For Men Salon and Spa One Year Anniversary Party (Loop Location)
In celebration of one successful year of business, HALO For Men (70 W. Madison), is pleased to welcome guests to the salon to enjoy complimentary cocktails and hors d‘oeuvres from 6 to 8 p.m.

April 17, 2010 – Chicago Red Stars First Home Game
Chicago’s own women’s professional soccer team, the Red Stars, will open up the season with their first home game at Toyota Park on Saturday, April 17, 2010. The Red Stars, led by Head Coach Emma Hayes, will take on the Saint Louis Athletica at 7 p.m.

April 21, 2010 – MeteoRAlogy Madness Event at RA Sushi
RA Sushi (1139 N. State St.) will host a contest featuring Chicagoland’s favorite weather people, who will create a signature sushi roll. The winning roll will be featured on its own menu from May 1 through May 15, 2010 at all three Chicagoland RA Sushi locations (Chicago, Glenview and Lombard). A portion of the proceeds generated from the sale of the roll will go to the winner’s charity of choice.

April 29, 2010 – Golden Apple Fundraiser at Lumen (7 to 10 p.m.)
The Golden Apple Associates Board Presents “Casino Night” at Lumen (839 W. Fulton Market) on April 29, 2010 from 7 to 10 p.m. Proceeds benefit Golden Apple, which works to prepare Chicago-area teachers.

May 1, 2010 – Art Resources in Teaching (ART) Celebrates! Art and Hispanic Culture
Art Resources in Teaching is Chicago’s oldest and largest educational organization dedicated to providing vibrant visual arts programs to elementary school children, teachers, and parents in underserved neighborhoods and in schools with no art instruction. This event is to raise awareness and funds for ART and will take place at the National Museum of Mexican Art (1852 W. 19th St, Chicago). Tickets are $50 per person, or $150 for the entire family.

May 7th-9th, 2010 – Dana Rebecca Designs Trunk Show at Cy Fredericks
Third generation fine jewelry designer, Dana Levy of Dana Rebecca Designs will make a personal appearance and showcase new pieces from the collection at Cy Fredericks (2719 Pfingsten Road, Glenview, IL 60026).

May 15, 2010 – Chicago Red Stars Home Gave vs. Philadelphia Independence
Enjoy a night of soccer when the Chicago Red Stars take on the Philadelphia Independence on their home turf at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, IL. Kick-off starts at 6 PM CST and tickets are available on www.chicagoredstars.com

May 27, 2010 – Sex & The City Event at RA Sushi
*DETAILS TO COME!

May 30 to June 5, 2010 – “Nicky’s Week” Fundraiser at RA Sushi
RA Sushi will host its sixth annual “Nicky’s Week” fundraiser May 30 to June 5 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. All three Chicagoland RA locations (Chicago, Glenview and Lombard) will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of a variety of menu items and beverages to St. Jude.

June 6, 2010 – Chicago Red Stars Home Gave vs. Atlanta Beat
The Chicago Red Stars will play against the Atlanta Beat at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, IL on Sunday, June 6th. Kick-off starts at 5 PM CST. Individual game ticket prices range from $15 to $50 and available via their website www.chicagoredstars.com

June 23, 2010 - Chefs on the Grill
Featured Chicago chefs will come together at Park Grill (11 N. Michigan Ave,) in Millennium Park to showcase some of their favorite summer recipes. With ticket purchase, guests can enjoy delicious food and drinks at the popular al fresco dining destination. Proceeds will benefit Grant Park Conservancy.

For more information about Zapwater events, email mariam@zapwater.com

CAUSE RELATED MARKETING

2010-04-09T10:33:00.002-06:00

Do you have a special memory of a lost loved one? Specialists in cause related marketing, Zapwater is working with Chicago author, Emily Hoffman to help garner recipe submissions for her soon to be published cookbook, A Blending of Bittersweet Memories. On this ABC 7 Chicago segment, Emily whips up one of her Mother’s specialties and talks about her very special project.

LEGAL MARKETING

2010-04-09T10:24:00.007-06:00

It is not uncommon for you to turn on a television and see a Zapwater client discussing complicated legal issues. A client in our award winning legal marketing practice, attorney Howard Ankin recently appeared on WGN’s Midday news segment. The segment increased awareness about Ankin Law Offices LLC and their ability to help with cases related to workers compensation, personal injury, wrongful death lawsuits, general practice, and motor vehicle accidents.

ZAPWATER COMMUNICATIONS HIRES FIRST CREATIVE DIRECTOR

2010-04-09T10:23:00.005-06:00

Zapwater recently hired Jenn Lake as the agency’s first Creative Director. In the newly created role, Jenn will oversee the creative direction of the firm and key accounts. She will also direct all marketing initiatives, brand growth and expansion, while also identifying potential partnerships and collaborations, and directing all new business development.

Prior to joining Zapwater, Jenn served as the Vice President of Skirt PR, a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle agency. While there, she led the agency’s fashion and lifestyle divisions while overseeing some of the agency’s largest accounts.

Throughout the course of her career, Jenn has quickly positioned herself in the industry as one of the leading young professionals with a reputation for exceeding client expectations with exceptional work and results. With extensive local, regional, and national media relationships, she consistently delivers out-of-box thinking and strategies that captures the attention of both media and consumers.

Should your business be looking for public relations support now or in the future, email Jenn at jenn@zapwater.com to receive more information about Zapwater Communications and hear more about our services.

ZAPWATER GRABS A PLATINUM ADRIAN AWARD

2010-04-09T08:39:00.011-06:00

Zapwater Communications has continued to position itself as one of the leading travel and hospitality agencies in the country. This was further proven at this year’s Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Adrian Awards, the largest and most prestigious travel marketing competition globally.

HSMAI recognized Zapwater Communications, Inc. with a Platinum Adrian Award as one of the twenty best travel marketing initiatives of 2009. HSMAI paid tribute to Zapwater for its work on behalf of Hotel Sax Chicago during the 20th annual HSMAI Adrian Awards Gala. President, David Zapata, along with Group Director of Hospitality, Annie Neyman Block and Account Supervisor, Susan Schrieber, attended the black-tie affair on Feb. 1, 2010 at the New York Marriott Marquis.

Zapwater won the Platinum Adrian Award for its highly creative "Turning Regular Joes into J-Lo's" packages and publicity program developed for the Hotel Sax Chicago. The Zapwater-developed concept allowed hotel guests to stay in rooms with amenities found in celebrity riders. The campaigned garnered a lot of national media attention including a feature story on ABC's Nightline.

To view all the winning HSMAI entries, visit www.adrianawards.com.

RUNNING WITH THE CHICAGO RED STARS

2010-04-09T07:32:00.006-06:00

We’re all certainly ready for the World Cup this year, so everyone seems to have soccer on the brain. So too does Zapwater, as the Chicago Red Stars, Chicago’s local team in Women's Professional Soccer (WPS), tapped our agency this Spring to build exposure for the team and all of its talented players and player personalities. This year marks the second season of the Red Stars, along with seven other teams across the United States featuring the best female soccer players from around the world -- Boston Breakers, FC Gold Pride (Bay Area), Saint Louis Athletica, Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY), Washington Freedom, Atlanta Beat and Philadelphia Independence.

If you’re “Ready to Run with the Red Stars,” come check out the Chicago Red Stars home opener on Saturday, April 17, at 7 PM, taking on a fierce rival down the road, the Saint Louis Athletica. All home games are played at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. If you’ve never been out to a game, it’s a great social activity to check out with friends or family, while enjoying some tough competition on the field.

BEEF, IT'S WHAT'S FOR DINNER

2010-04-06T16:16:00.003-06:00

Over the years, Zapwater Communications has positioned itself as one of the premier hospitality agencies in the Midwest. Our firm’s capabilities certainly far extend beyond food, of course, but thanks to an incredible roster of clients, little staff turnover, and resident foodie and Group Director of Hospitality, Annie Neyman, this division of our agency has greatly flourished over the years.

Recently, Zapwater was thrilled to be announce that we are the agency of record for all 16 locations of Texas de Brazil nationwide, including Bejos Lounges at all locations and their Texas de Brazil Express concept in Dallas, Texas. We couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this brand and help increase awareness of the restaurants.

If you haven’t had a chance to visit one of their locations, you are missing out. Just be sure to save room because we’re not kidding when we say it’s a lot of food!

Also, don’t worry if you’re not a meat eater as their salad bar is a great meal in and of itself.

Jenn Lake, Creative Director

SPRING EVENTS IN FULL BLOOM

2010-04-05T16:35:00.004-06:00

Spring time in Chicago is quickly becoming my favorite season. After living in Los Angeles for five years where the weather is permanently 70 degrees, it becomes very easy to get jaded. One year in Chicago has taught me that great weather is something that truly needs to be celebrated! After months of snow, wind, and freezing temperatures Chicagoans rejoice as the temperature starts to climb.,

A happy buzz builds in the city, flip- flops come out, and the streets come alive with the hustle and bustle of pedestrians. I experienced this first hand last week when the Zapwater clan closed shop a tad early on Thursday to celebrate the birthday of our Creative Directory Jenn Lake. Walking down Rush St we realized we were not alone. The patios were jam packed with people who had flown the coop early to celebrate the weather with a post work cocktail. A vibe filled the air that truly could only be experienced first hand, warm weather had finally arrived!

As the season continues, Zapwater will be taking advantage of the climate and giving the town plenty of options and post work distractions. Stop by HALO [FOR MEN]’s 1 Year Anniversary in the Loop on April 15th with complimentary drinks and appetizers. On April 16th Winter is EFFEN over at the Sax Chicago’s Crimson Lounge when they welcome back former resident DJ Samantha Ronson for a cocktail reception that will be benefit the Spina Bifida Association of Illinois. April 23rd will feature RA Sushi hosting Meteo-RA-logy Madness, a sushi-rolling event that will pit local weather women against each other to raise money for local charities. Out with the old and in with a new season of Zapwater events!

Michael Corrigan
Asst. Publicist

JAMMIN' AT ZAPWATER

2010-04-03T15:32:00.004-06:00

Like most people, I have always been a fan of Bob Marley and his soothing, yet powerful message and beats.

Recently, Zapwater had the pleasure of handling the PR for the official launch of The House of Marley in Chicago. On March 14, 2010, a number of local influencers, media and contacts from around the world gathered to watch as Alon Kaufman, CEO of HoMedics and The Marley Family, announced their new Movement to build a better world.

This fall, three collections (Jammin’, Freedom and Destiny) will hit shelves, offering music and Bob Marley lovers an array of ear buds, boomboxes, docking stations and speaker boxes. That is just the beginning. Additional consumer lines are already in the works!

Get in on the action and become a fan on Facebook and follow @houseofmarley on Twitter. If you are looking for me, you can find me spreading the love and sporting my new, House of Marley bracelet. One Love!

Holly Winter
Group Director

ATHLETIC INSPIRED APPAREL

2010-04-01T07:43:00.005-06:00

One of the top trends showcased during Spring 2010 New York Fashion Week was athletic-inspired apparel. Take for instance fashion designer Alexander Wang whose entire runway show was influenced by football. From lace-up caramel leather shorts and ribbed athletic socks, the designer put the “sport” in “sportswear” (see photos below).

Photos courtesy of Style.com

In an effort to help real women translate the sporty styles seen on the runway to the real world, we enlisted the help of the players from the Chicago Red Stars. Who better to show how real women can pull off these looks than true athletes?

In addition, Zapwater joined forces with Graham Kostic, Style Editor of Chicago Social and Host of Glossed and Found to help showcase four, athletic-inspired ready-to-wear looks from GAVIN Boutique, Le Dress, Bloomingdales, and Target. Chicago Red Stars players including Marian Dalmy, Ella Masar, Brittany Klein, and Natalie Spilger were great “sports” and did an incredible job modeling.

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In case you missed the segment and want to see the Chicago Red Stars in action, be sure to check out their home opener on April 17th at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, IL. For details, visit www.ChicagoRedStars.com.

Jenn Lake
Creative Director