A couple weeks back, one of Zapwater’s more recent client additions, RA Sushi completed its 3rd annual Nicky’s Week fundraiser benefiting the internationally recognized St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The fundraiser was developed in memory of longtime St. Jude patient Nicholas “Nicky” Malliard who died in February 2005 after a long battle with brain cancer. Nephew of one RA’s founders, Rich Howland, Nicky held a special place in the hearts of RA associates throughout the organization.
RA donated 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of select menu items during the week of May 27 through June 2 and on the final day, Nicky’s Week culminated with a silent auction at each location, featuring various items such as gift certificates to local shops and restaurants, baseball tickets, gift baskets and wine. Topping last year’s proceeds by almost $30,000, the week resulted in a great success for RA (especially our local Chicagoland locations). The fundraiser included all thirteen of the company’s restaurants and raised more than $100,000 nationwide. RA’s two Chicagoland locations combined efforts in raising more than $12,000 throughout the weeklong program.

Zapwater is currently working alongside RA in planning the grand opening of the their third Chicagoland location in Lombard, IL on August 9 with all bar proceeds from the evening going to a TBD charity. This specific account has been especially exciting for me as it is my first (hopefully of many to come) restaurant account which is a great personal area of interest. And it truly becomes that much more rewarding to work with a company that combines humanitarian efforts in their line of work so keep an eye out for RA!

Natalie Cowel
Publicist

It’s a nickname her peers have affectionately given to her and with good reason.

Sandra Westlund-Deenihan has broken the mold when it comes to her business and shaping public policy. She rescued her father’s manufacturing company from the auction block shortly after his death and today Quality Float Works, Inc. is experiencing record revenue growth. And, her colleagues tapped her to serve in leadership positions with several major business associations from the National Association of Manufacturers to the US Chamber of Commerce utilizing her expertise in business and workforce development.

“Feisty Factories”

In the June issue of Fortune Small Business, the magazine’s cover story featured a handful of smaller manufacturers from across the country that are surging while larger manufacturers are declining. Quality Float Works, Inc. was tapped for this story and the article featured Sandy, and her son Jason, holding up a variety of the floats in all shapes and sizes. They take pride in their craftsmanship and it shows as the story explained how a float has not been returned in years. The reason for that is simple, quality isn’t just in the name but the products they make. Their company places a premium on service and that’s why they have a 100% inspection rate at every level of production.

“A pipeline of workers…”

Sandy’s top public policy initiative is to develop a real workforce development plan that creates a pipeline of workers for generations of manufacturers to come. She recently traveled to our nation’s capitol unveiling her vision for closing the skills gap to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The nation’s largest business organization has tapped Sandy to serve on the top education and workforce development committee that will outline their plans for Congress in the next year. In late June, she will serve on a panel on behalf of the National Association of Manufacturers, the nation’s largest premier manufacturing association, to discuss her vision for employers and the skills gap to businesses in the Midwest. Sandy not only sits on the Board of Directors of NAM, but also has been designated one of their “Business Champion,” which is an elite task force of members who are committed to shaping public policy for their industry. Her grandfather started this business in his southwest side home in Chicago and Sandy believes her legacy is to leave a workforce for her son, Jason Speer, for generations to come.

And as you can see, there is a reason why they call her “Tiny, But Mighty.”

Ryan McLaughlin
VP/Group Director, Public Affairs

Chasalla’s owner Marc Engel threw a dazzling re-grand opening party Friday, June 1st at the store’s new location on 106 Oak Street. The event was complete with a red carpet, champagne and models looking stylish in the latest Chasalla fashions.

Chicago’s own Ali Azhar and Kelly Edwards from the hit television show “Design on a Dime” were the very trendy hosts of the evening. Kelly wore a feisty little Dolce and Gabbana dress with COUTURE by K.Amato jewelry and Ali was hard to miss in a Roberto Cavalli long sleeve shirt. The guests at this party were nothing less than dressed to impress and definitely set the fashion bar for Chicago socialites. I think the time has come for party-goers to step their game up and update their wardrobes! Your attire says a lot about you, so why not invest in a few quality items that exude your taste and personality. Before heading to Chicago’s latest hot spots like NV Penthouse Lounge and Crimson Lounge make sure to stop by Chasalla on Oak Street for some new threads!

The store currently hosts designer labels such as D&G by Dolce and Gabbana, Just Cavalli by Roberto Cavalli, GFerré by Gianfranco Ferré, Versace Jeans Couture, John Richmond, Jean’s Paul Gautier, Dom Rebel, D Squared, Replay and Diesel.

Click here to view a segment from Metromix TV of the Chasalla Grand Opening Party.

Elizabeth Kujawa
Publicist

I love being Greek and living in Chicago. I come from a household where we eat home-cooked Greek food nearly every night of the week. I have also been to a ton of Greek restaurants in Chicago so I consider myself a bit of an ‘expert’ when it comes to Greek cuisine. There are some amazing restaurants in Greektown and in the surrounding areas that make me feel like I am actually dining in Greece! My list below provides a brief synopsis of a few of my favorite (and the best) places to dine in Greektown.

For Dinner- Greek Islands
Where the atmosphere is everything. The music is lively and crowd is energetic; the restaurant is loud and boisterous which makes dining fun. My family and I usually order about 10 different appetizers as opposed to actual meals since these are items that we do not make at home.

Eleni’s Picks: The village salad (fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, green peppers, and feta cheese) and fried zucchini are my favorite. The saganaki (Greek cheese which the waiters light on fire), grilled octopus, and tirokafteri (feta cheese blended with red peppers) are also highly recommended.

In the Summer- Athena
Athena restaurant, in my opinion, has the best food in Greektown!! I love going to Athena during the summer. There is an outdoor garden with a flowing waterfall, which makes me feel like I’m actually sitting in Greece. The interior is elegantly decorated and when it’s cold the fireplace is always burning.

Eleni’s Picks: My favorite thing to order is the Chicken Lemonada, lemon chicken served over rice.

Café- Artopolis
Artopolis is a nice change from the typical restaurants in Greektown. It is a great café to chill with a group of friends or go on a casual date. The crowd on Fridays and Saturdays is young and fun. When the weather is nice, the French doors on the ground level are opened and you feel as if you are sitting outdoors.

Eleni’s Picks: My friends and I always order the Loukoumades (they are a Greek pastry which resemble doughnut holes covered in honey and cinnamon). The loukoumades at Artopolis are the best that I have ever had the Fredos (double ices espressos) are delicious.

Late Night- 9 Muses
9 Muses is the hot, late-night spot in Greektown. On Fridays and Saturdays the place is always packed and the hottest European music is blaring. The crowd is young, swanky, and sophisticated. 9 Muses serves lunch and dinner, and becomes a lounge after hours.

Eleni’s Picks: The drinks are outstanding; I recommend the Cosmos. If you decide to go for dinner, they make the best Souvlakia in Greektown, and the Spanakopita is delish. You have to complete your meal with the Greek fries. They are seasoned French Fries that are good with any main dish.

I hope you get the chance to experience some Greek dining this summer!

Eleni
Zapwater Intern

Central States Trucking is one of the fastest growing trucking companies in the Midwest. In the last three months, the company has acquired property adjacent to rail lines in northwest and southwest Illinois in an effort to better serve their customers in a more efficient manner.

In March, Central States Trucking acquired twenty acres of land near Joliet, Illinois near the Burlington Northern Sante-Fe (BNSF) line. This location will allow the company to open a “satellite office” and hire 15-20 drivers. With this location, Central States Trucking will be able to serve its existing customer base in the south and southwest suburbs in a more efficient manner. In addition the close proximity of this location to major interchanges such as I-55, I-80 and I-57 will increase efficiency of their deliveries.

In May, Central States Trucking acquired seven acres of land in Rochelle, Illinois near the Union Pacific rail line. This location will also contain a “satellite office” and require 15-20 drivers to be hired. Rochelle is located in the northwestern part of the state and close to major cities such as Rockford and DeKalb. In fact, Rockford is the third largest city in the State of Illinois and a hub of industry. Their announcement garnered significant community attention with front-page articles in the Rochelle News Leader and Telegraph Newspaper as well as major coverage by the Rockford Register Star and The Midweek covering northwestern Illinois. To underscore the importance of their announcement, WREX-TV in Rockford featured this expansion as their lead story in the 10 pm news hour.

Central States Trucking continues to set the benchmark for Midwestern trucking companies. You’re going to see a lot more of those maroon & white trucks on the highway no matter where you’re traveling in Illinois.

Ryan McLaughlin
VP/Group Director, Public Affairs

Let’s face it; not every dad is easy to shop for. When completing the annual chore of shopping for the “perfect” Father’s Day gift, it’s easy to turn to ties. This classic gift of neckwear never fails. After all, every dad needs a good tie. But what does the gift say about its recipient? Not much.

Nevertheless, many of us choose this safe route year after year to avoid the, “Oh… This is…Nice,” reaction that often follows the unwrapping of a flop gift. This year, Zapwater Communications is offering a safe alternative. We have compiled an assortment of quality Father’s Day gifts that are sure to draw a genuinely positive reaction. From fashion to fine dining, this gift guide offers everything a father could want…and nothing he’s had before.

TK MEN: Have a Dad who hates to shop? Chicago’s premier men’s boutique, TK Men, has a remedy. It recently unveiled a free stylist service offering for men; a one stop shop for wardrobe direction and fitting. The service is the perfect gift for fathers who are fashion conscious but dread a day at the mall. Lindsay McKay, TK Men owner and stylist to the stars, works with men to create outfits that are fashionable and functional. Dads can enjoy an ice-cold beer during their personal styling session!! The only cost associated is the price of the clothing. By taking personal taste and lifestyle into consideration, McKay has the ability to make over any man and provide impressive individual style in collaboration with one’s current wardrobe.

PRITZKER MILITARY LIBRARY: The Pritzker Military Library was first established to provide a greater understanding of military issues with a focus on the Citizen Soldier. Today, the library hosts weekly events with preceding complimentary wine and cheese receptions. All events are broadcast live and available online via Podcast. In addition, the library holds special exhibits and an extensive gallery of military artifacts and artwork. A membership to the Pritzker Military Library is the ultimate gift for history buff fathers. The Associate Member annual fee is $125 and includes research and borrowing privileges, discounts with the library’s book vendor, early notification of author and special events, access to guest and visiting authors through “members-only” receptions and access to research databases.

HOTEL SAX CHICAGO: The House of Blues Hotel Chicago is currently in the midst of a complete remodel. This June, it will open its doors as the new Hotel Sax Chicago, one of the most luxurious destinations in the city. Make your reservations today and treat both parents to a glamorous night on the town and a first-look stay at the newly renovated Hotel Sax Chicago. The hotel is the epicenter of Marina City, one square block of entertainment venues and award winning restaurants. A reservation for one of Chicago’s finest accommodations is the perfect gift for any father!

DR. PIELET: Chicago’s Dr. Pielet offers a range of non-surgical procedures that are the perfect rejuvenating gift to help your dad achieve a young, fresh look this Father’s Day. Portrait® treats sun-damaged skin, reduces wrinkles of all sizes and improves skin tone and texture with a revolutionary treatment. While some treatments lead to improved skin only at the surface, Portrait® alters the structures below the surface creating unique conditions for continuing regeneration and skin improvements. Dr. Pielet has been featured on the Discovery Channel, Oprah After the Show, Fox News, CBS2 News and NBC5 News.