Having worked as an Intern at Zapwater Communications for four months now, I have had the opportunity to work in close contact with two of the Senior Publicists. During the first three months, I worked with Annie Neyman on a variety of hospitality and restaurant accounts. Although I am currently a graduating senior at the University of Chicago with a concentration in Public Policy Studies, working with Annie has allowed me to pursue another one of my passions: the food and restaurant industry. As my first introduction into the world of Public Relations, Annie has not only provided me with a basic and general understanding of day to day tasks, but also indulges me in “foodie gossip”. During this time we basically discuss our favorite restaurants in Chicago and provide suggestions for one another.
This past month, I began working with Ali Hazlinger on a variety of accounts, but I often assist with Empire and Elm Street Liquors. Building on the basic research and communication capabilities I learned with Annie, she has provided me with the opportunity to practice my writing skills with a series of pitches. In addition to all of the behind the scenes workings of a Public Relations company, this will allow me to leave my internship with a portfolio of written works. Both Ali and Annie have played the role of mentors for me, and their guidance is something that has been extremely helpful.
Due to the fact that the other four days of my week are spent running around attending classes and other activities, it is incredibly refreshing to come to work and experience a change of pace. Immediately after walking through the doors, I am greeted by a smiling Susan, and it is only after catching up with her that I proceed to the main room. Being an intern, I am conveniently located in the large common room, which is surrounded by all of the other offices. Therefore, I am guaranteed interaction with everyone in the company. Ali always likes to joke that we must at first be a little scared by the self-described “loud and chaotic” work environment, but I see this as an environment where there is an open flow of ideas that we interns then get to take part in as well. Within one day, I had the opportunity to work on projects within lifestyle, hospitality and public affairs, something that given my background and where I would like to be in the future has been a perfect fit. I cannot imagine a more informative and fun atmosphere to work in!
If you’ve driven on a highway in Illinois, you probably have seen a big red truck. That’s Central States Trucking located in Bensenville, Illinois, which is one of the fastest growing trucking companies in the Midwest.
The company’s President is Doug Grane.
Recently, the Illinois Trucking Association and American Trucking Association tapped Doug Grane to discuss transportation issues in our nation’s capitol. He met with three Illinois Members of Congress, including Congressman Peter Roskam who represents the district where Central States Trucking is located. Doug also met with Congresswoman Melissa Bean and Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. During these meetings, Doug discussed issues that affected the industry such as taxes, regulations, alternative fuels, labor issues and the status of Illinois toll roads.
While in town, Doug shared a major development at Central States Trucking with one of the nation’s largest trucking magazines Transport Topics. Central States Trucking purchased twenty acres of land at the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Logistics Park located near Joliet, Illinois. This significant real estate development will allow the company to serve its customers in a more efficient manner by saving time and resources by opening a “satellite office” at this location.
Doug is a third generation entrepreneur who is leading Central States Trucking to unparalleled growth. This family owned and operated business is not only becoming an industry leader but a public policy leader.
But, in all seriousness this international case has shed light on the struggles fathers face in custody battles and how divisive these cases can become. There is no better expert on this issue than Chicago divorce attorney and fathers’ advocate Jeffery Leving.
In consecutive days this week, Jeffery Leving appeared on CNN”s “Nancy Grace” show and MSNBC’s “Dayside” serving as a legal expert commenting on the intense custody battle. According to Leving, the biological father in this case has rights to the child and should be awarded that by the court. Leving also studied the Bahamian law before and offered insight on the differences between the two jurisdictions.
Leving also pointed out that Danielynn’s upbringing has not garnered the media attention it deserves. If custody is awarded to the maternal grandmother (Virgie Arthur), what happens when Dannielynn asks about her mom, her life and her dad? How will she respond? Will the maternal grandmother harbor ill will towards the father and cast a negative light? How can someone who has been out of her own daughter’s life usurp the rights of the father? It shouldn’t according to Leving.
Unfortunately, drugs, diaries and dollars have dominated the airwaves instead of the future for Danielynn.
On February 24th, 2007, Al Gore made history when An Inconvenient Truth, the documentary of his campaign to draw awareness to looming global warming issues, took home an Oscar in the category of Best Documentary Feature.
The March issue of Domino provides readers a “green list” with 125 seriously cute eco-makeover ideas for every room. The most recent issue of Vanity Fair boasts the title, the “Green Issue.” Green is everywhere. As awareness surrounding global warming, endangered species and environmentalism increases, going “green” has become the trend of the times.
Almost every industry, from fashion to food, has taken part in the green revolution. Construction companies with environmentally friendly materials are in high demand. Homeowners are designing houses in-line with “green,” eco-friendly guidelines. Diners are seeking restaurants that offer foods produced in an eco-friendly process. Even fashion and jewelry designers are catching on to the trend toward living “green.” The industry has been infused with “green” inspirations in every sector.
My client, Tivi accessories, has taken the warm-weather jewelry trend of clear, almost translucent, jewelry and oversized cuffs and made them compatible with this “green” lifestyle. The latest cuffs and belt buckles by Tivi are must-haves for looking current and living “green” during the upcoming warmer weather season. The environmentally conscious accessories are created from eco-resin and are perfectly aligned with the current “green” movement. With Earth Day (April 22nd) fast approaching, Tivi’s eco-friendly and unisex pieces are the ultimate fashion-forward products for this generation!
The minds behind the line, furniture turned accessory designers Paul Lewin and Ryan Wither, are fresh faces in the fashion industry. Their collection of industrial yet elegant cuffs and belt buckles are very of-the-moment. Tivi cuffs begin as flat sheets of resin that transform with heat and are fitted to machined-out aluminum ends. The unique materials used in the design make Tivi accessories visually stunning, attractive, and, most importantly, “green!”
For the sake of the environment, we hope this fad of “green”-friendly products and fashion doesn’t fade!
Every year as Mother’s Day approaches, you hear about the “perfect gift” for Mom, but does that one gift even really exist? In response to that frustration, Zapwater clients are here to provide us with Mother’s Day offerings for whatever her style (or mood that day) may be!
With a tagline like “hot like your mom and tough like your dad,” it is no surprise that Tivi is going to offer-up something totally unique, a limited edition snakeskin clutch which is a favorite of celebrity moms like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Garner.Limited Edition Snakeskin Clutch for $320. Only available by calling Tivi at (303) 482-2359.
For the more reserved fashionable Mama, K.Amato offers a mix of classic and contemporary styles, vintage trends and gold silver tones. This might be one of those gifts you end-up buying for Mom and just have to borrow for yourself! Ontario Necklace for $70. Available on-line at www.k-amato.com.
Body Endeavors is providing an amazing deal, purchase a full-price single service for your Mother and get a service for yourself at half-price. This gift is the ideal selection to pamper your Mom and rejuvinate your bond and bodies all at the same time. Choose from the following bonus gifts: 55 minute Pilates session, Personal Training, Nutritional Consultation, or Massage. Call Body Endeavors at (312) 202-0028 for more information..
The best gift option might be treating Mom to a mouthwatering Mother’s Day Brunch at Socca. This Mother’s Day let her sit back and enjoy Chef Roger Herring’s crepes and orange Mimosas amongst many other delectable treats! Socca is located at 3301 N Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657. Call (773) 248-1155 for reservations.
Although most budgets don’t allocate for one of each, Zapwater clients have some perfect gift(s) to choose from for Mom (and that you can enjoy too).
