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September 2, 2010
With more than a hundred million users on Twitter, there are sure to be a few folks out there that will reflect your interests. We know you follow @Zapwater, and many of you probably follow our resident Twitterlebrity @SusiePR. She reminds us often that she has over 1100 followers.
Twitter recently rolled out a simple, but powerful new feature to help address that — “Suggestions for You”. The suggestions are based on several factors, including people you follow and the people they follow. You’ll see these suggestions on Twitter.com and the Find People section.
We’re often asked who do we follow. So here are some tips from some members of the Zapwater team.
@Megan_L – “@DailyMakeover and @PitchForkMedia”
@JenniferLake – “@thecut: The best place to get a daily dose of fashion news is to head to this Twitter account which is New York magazine’s fashion blog, The Cut.”
@BillieHoligay - “@ladygaga: Need I say more?”
@DeanneCD – “@womensHealthMag and @UsWeekly.”
@SusiePR – “@slarkpope, Homepage Editor at abcnews.com”
@DavidMZapata – “@SebastianJunger, my favorite author.”
While public relations is our primary focus, many clients consider Zapwater a true partner and extension of their team. Many of our clients depend on us to handle and help manage most of their total marketing efforts. From branding to marketing collateral, we provide input in a variety of areas. Take Zapwater client, Barton Healthcare.
As the largest caregiver in the state of Illinois providing support for individuals requiring assisted living, mental health, skilled nursing and intermediate care, Barton wears a lot of hats. After engaging Zapwater as their first public relations firm in February 2009, they quickly determined that in order to achieve their visibility goals and present their brand in a more cohesive way, they would need to develop new marketing materials, revamp their website and revisit their overall strategy when it comes to marketing themselves to the Illinois health care community and potential consumers.
We also helped develop new logos for some of their operating units.
 
Zapwater led and project managed the development of the website by sourcing a local Chicago-based web company to create a site that reflected all of the Barton facilities in a visually appealing and functional way. Zapwater managed this partnership throughout the entire design process and also created new content for each page.
The result was a user-friendly site that encouraged visitors to experience Barton through an integrated community page, organized content and helpful search tools. The new website launched November 2009 and has since seen a 29 percent increase in monthly visitors. Furthermore, Zapwater was recognized for its work at the Publicity Club of Chicago’s annual Silver Trumpet awards. Through this success, Zapwater has been pulled in to help coordinate other marketing efforts for the organization. Most recently, the team helped drive the development of an advertisement that ran in a local community newspaper as part of an overall community-relations strategy driven by the brand.
Zapwater continues to place a large emphasis on investing in the agency’s human capital. The agency recently hired Megan Lagesse as Publicist to help work on hospitality and lifestyle accounts. Before joining the Zapwater team, Megan worked at Edelman, handling public relations for a variety of clients including SC Johnson, Dove, Knob Creek and Quaker. Prior to Edelman she started her career at Margie Korshak and Red Chicago, both Chicago-based boutique agencies.
In addition, Zapwater promoted Kassy Reiff to Senior Publicist. As a key member of the hospitality team, Kassy works on Texas de Brazil, RA Sushi, Blue Plate Catering, Park Grill, Rhapsody, and aja at the dana hotel & spa. Kassy began her public relations career at Red Chicago, a Chicago-based boutique agency, where she worked with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ Ben Pao Chinese Restaurant, Robbins Bros. Engagement Ring Store and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana. Prior to her work at Red Chicago, Kassy was employed at MB Real Estate, as a member of its marketing team.
As the agency continues to grow, Zapwater is always scouting new public relations talent to add to our team. If you know of someone that could possibly be a fit for our team, email Sarah Marseille at sarah@zapwater.com.
Personalized favor, invitation, and accessory websites, ForYourParty.com and BeforeYourParty.com retained Zapwater for public relations efforts in the beginning of 2010. Since then, the website has continued to flourish as a must-stop online store for cocktail napkins, coasters, matchboxes, stir sticks, gift bags, gift tags, save-the-dates, and more for all occasions.
In addition to appearing in multiple bridal publications including Brides Magazine and Martha Stewart Weddings, the website will appear in countless media outlets this fall such as Fast Company, InStyle Magazine, Southern Living, and more.
But the work didn’t stop with print publication placements. Zapwater coordinated an August 2010 appearance of ForYourParty.com’s fonder, Sari Mintz on the Martha Stewart Living Today radio show on Sirius Satellite radio. Sari chatted about the success of the website and about the importance of adding personalized favors and accessories to your party. To listen to the interview, visit here: http://vimeo.com/14250118.
Every year nearly 100,000 music aficionados from around the world blow into our already Windy City for its renowned music festival, Lollapalooza. This year, headlining acts ranged from the outrageous Lady Gaga to rock and roll legends Green Day. The annual convergence of star power in Chicago never fails to draw hoards of celebrity fans. And if we’re lucky, our clients draw their attention while they’re here!
This year, Chicago nightlife hot spot Crimson Lounge, in Thompson Hotels’ Sax Chicago, hosted after parties for the Black Keys and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros following their Lollapalooza performances. Both bands are increasingly popular among music-savvy hipsters from the West Coast and attracted a unique blend of famous enthusiasts. Ed Westwick and on-again-off-again girlfriend, and Gossip Girl co-star, Jessiza Szohr, Zoe Kravitz, David Arquette, Danny Masterson, and band members from the Strokes and Phoenix all stopped by Crimson Lounge throughout the weekend to lend their support to their favorite bands.
The ensuing media frenzy resulted in a full week of mentions in media outlets ranging from gossip blogs to some of the country’s most widely read, reputable newspapers.
 
With summer in Chicago starting to wind down I’m thinking about all the places I want to eat outdoors one last time before calling alfresco dining quits for 2010. Before I dive into a few of my favorite places let me assure you that I don’t take dining outdoors lightly. It’s one of my favorite warm weather activities and I mourn the loss of sipping a cold beer with sun beating on my back each fall.
Without further ado, here’s a sampling of my favorite eateries in different ‘hoods:
Duchamp –here, is sharing is caring. Duchamp features communal seating and small plates to share making it the perfect place to split a bottle wine and share small plates with friends.
Bull & Bear – you and your work friends have had a long, rough day and the one thing everyone wants is good food and an even better beer – without having to crawl down Michigan Ave. in rush hour to get to it. Bull & Bear is the perfect walking distance from most downtown offices, on Well’s and Hubbard. Serving upscale bar food and a large beverage menu, it’s a crowd pleaser.
404 Wine Bar – just right for a first date, 100th date or low key night with the ladies, 404 Wine Bar will make you feel like you’re in a cozy hideaway from the loud city. An added bonus, there’s a fire place in the patio for cooler summer/fall nights.
Moodys – located in Edgewater, this pub has the absolute cutest cobblestone garden tucked away behind trees and flowers. Moody’s has been voted multiple times to have the best burger and sangria in Chicago, which is enough of a reason to make the trek north. Small warning: the inside is darker and creepier than the deepest cellar you’ve ever been in – which makes this place an outdoor dining only spot for me.
Happy Noshing!
Megan
Publicist
In order to position the Arboretum of South Barrington as the premier fall fashion and shopping destination, Zapwater secured a fashion segment on WGN Channel 9 in Chicago. Allison Krupp from the Arboretum’s marketing team showed viewers how to look like a million dollar dollars for under $100.
The Zapwater team worked with various Arboretum tenants including Soft Surroundings, Francesca’s Collection, Chico’s, L.L. Bean and DSW to create five fabulous looks for less.
GAVIN Boutique, a freestanding store located in the shopping district of downtown Evanston, Ill., brings contemporary fashion in an inviting and elegant atmosphere. Conceptualized by former runway model turned entrepreneur and mother of six, Lauren Cavalla Runzel, GAVIN is home to more than 50 of the hottest brands in the market including Erickson Beamon, Obakki, Helmut Lang, Gryphon, Sass & Bide, House of Harlow, and Elizabeth & James.
This September 2010, GAVIN will launch an e-commerce website, ShopGavin.com, featuring both apparel and accessories from both established and emerging lines. The team at GAVIN Boutique is also working with lines like Pencey and Alice + Olivia to design exclusive pieces for the website. Fashion industry insiders including Erin Kaplan, Director of PR for ELLE Magazine and Graham Kostic, Art Director for Rue La La will also contribute fashion content for the website.
Zapwater worked with GAVIN to host a full day of exclusive media appointments to preview the website at the Nirvana Suite, the luxury penthouse suite at the dana hotel & spa. In addition, Zapwater will coordinate and implement a launch event at the boutique to help celebrate the arrival of the website. The celebration will include previews of the website, gift bags, fashion insiders, and more.
September 1, 2010
This week, my fiancé and I will be saying “I do” in an outdoor ceremony and reception in Chicago. While I try to keep any and all bridezilla tendencies at bay, the team at Zapwater has been a welcome source of comic relief and support for me on this journey. From hosting a bridal shower complete with delicious food, hilarious stories, and clever games to putting up with my wedding woes, I am blessed to have great co-workers who care.
Are you planning a wedding reception or engagement party? Zapwater has an incredible roster of clients that can help with your event planning needs. Want custom shoes for your bridesmaids? Check out Eidia Lush. Need catering advice, ideas, and proposals, and menu ideas? Blue Plate Catering should be at the top of your list. Searching for rehearsal dinner spaces? Be sure to stop by Park Grill, Duchamp, Texas de Brazil, or RA Sushi to see what they have to offer.
And while I will be out of the country, it’s a comfort to know that the Zapwater team is strong and always willing to step in to lend a hand.
Jenn Lake
Creative Director
Mark your calendars for these upcoming Zapwater Events. The events will take place from September – October 2010. We hope that you can join us! To be added to our email list to receive invitations to events, please submit your contact information to rsvp@zapwater.com
SEPTEMBER 2010
Buck Wild at Bull & Bear
WHEN: Tuesday, September 2, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Bull & Bear Chicago (431 North Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60654, 312- 527-5973)
Twilight Traffic Control and Bull & Bear Chicago host the official Ohio State University launch party, hosted by Ohio State basketball and NBA legend and Big Ten Network Basketball Analyst Jimmy Jackson. Guests can enjoy $2 Natty Light Cans, $5 Block “O” Bombs, $3 Heiny Gate Pours and 20% off your food bill if the Buckeyes win.
RA SUSHI Second Kids Sushi Workshop
WHEN: September 12,at Noon. Space is limited to 20 children, ages eight and up
WHERE: RA Glenview in The Glen Town Center (2601 Aviator Ln., Glenview, IL, 847.510.1100)
COST: $15 per child, Parental supervision or signed permission slip required per child. Sign up in advance at RA Sushi in Glenview or call to register.
Just in time for the return of the school year, Chicagoland’s hippest Japanese fusion restaurant, RA Sushi, continues to offer young sushi lovers a class they can sink their teeth into. Kids Sushi 101 is a hands-on workshop, both educational and fun for a variety of ages. The two hour tutorial, ideal for a birthday party or afternoon out, includes a take-home apron, sushi rolling instructions, ingredients for both California Rolls and Candy Sushi Rolls, a beverage, and of course sushi.
HALO [FOR MEN] and Movember Kickoff
WHEN: Wednesday, September 15, GOLD COAST Party, 6 – 8 p.m.
Wednesday, September 29, LINCOLN PARK Party 6 – 8 p.m.
WHERE: HALO [FOR MEN] Gold Coast Salon and Spa (21 W Elm St, Chicago, 60610)
HALO [FOR MEN] Lincoln Park Salon (654 W Diversey Parkway, Chicago, 60614)
Cheers with both HALO [FOR MEN] and MOVEMBER as they toast to another year of charitable collaborations. On September 15 join Movember at HALO’s Gold Coast Salon and Spa as they gear up for the return of mustaches increasing awareness for prostate and testicular cancer. Then on September 29th show support for the cause while also honoring the anniversary of HALO’s Lincoln Park location. Guests will enjoy a bevy of adult beverages including complimentary cocktails and appetizers. All attendees will receive complimentary shaves and discount vouchers. For more information please visit www.movember.com
ShopGavin.com Launch Party
WHEN: September 16
WHERE: GAVIN Boutique (1939 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201, 847-328-7407)
GAVIN Boutique, a women’s apparel and accessory store in Evanston, IL will be launching an e-commerce website this fall, ShopGavin.com. The site will feature an array of established designers including Alice + Olivia, Pencey, Helmut Lang, Elizabeth & James, House of Harlow and more. Fashion industry influencers will also play a major role in the website launch. Erin Kaplan, Director of PR for ELLE Magazine and Graham Kostic, Art Director for Rue La La w The celebration will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and gift bags.
Arboretum Antiques Market
WHEN: Sunday, September 19, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WHERE: The Arboretum of South Barrington (100 W. Higgins Road (Higgins & Route 59), South Barrington, IL 60010, 847-426-6200)
Join the South Barrington, Barrington Hills and Hoffman Estates Police Departments and have your child’s car seat checked by a certified passenger safety technician and learn to install your seat correctly, for free. Join the Arboretum of South Barrington as they showcase an array of antiques from vendors including, but not limited to the following (subject to change). Featuring items from Estate Jewelers, Junk Warehouse, Recollections, Ltd., Altered Ever After, Down on the Farm Antiques & Collectibles.
Uncorked Autumn Splendor
WHERE: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 6 – 9 p.m.
WHEN: The Arboretum of South Barrington (100 W. Higgins Road (Higgins & Route 59), South Barrington, IL 60010, (847) 426-6200)
The Arboretum of South Barrington invites you to a wine tasting and culinary extravaganza, Uncorked. This year’s Uncorked is themed around ‘Autumn Splendor’ and is a progressive tasting of the beverage and culinary offerings of select Arboretum restaurant and retail tenants.
This event will benefit Clearbrook, a nonprofit organization devoted to enhancing the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to organization. Guests can purchase tickets ($25 plus service fees) in advance at: http://www.shopthearboretumsb.com/events-offers/summer-stroll
OCTOBER 2010
OK! Magazine Celebrates Its’ 5th Anniversary in Chicago
WHEN: Thursday, September 23 from 6-9 p.m.
WHERE: Vertigo Sky Lounge at the dana hotel & spa
To celebrate its’ 5th Anniversary, OK! Magazine is hosting a ‘birthday party’ in five cities across the U.S. including Chicago. Vertigo Sky Lounge located in the dana hotel and spa will host the soiree. A celebrity guest host will be in attendance to help Chicago and OK! celebrate.
Following the event, Vertigo will be open to the public for an OK! Magazine after-party. Stay tuned for information on how to RSVP.
Back in the Swing Retail Therapy Week
WHEN: October 11-17
WHERE: The Arboretum of South Barrington (100 W. Higgins Road (Higgins & Route 59), South Barrington, IL 60010, 847-426-6200)
This retail shopping event will help raise awareness to improve and protect your health after breast cancer. All you have to do is buy a Back in the Swing card, shop and you save, it’s as simple as that! Start saving and start supporting local breast cancer survivors. You can purchase your card starting Wednesday, September 1 for only $5 in The Arboretum of South Barrington’s management office, Located at H-72.
At participating stores, proceeds raised during October from the sale of the card will be donated to the Back in the Swing organization. To entice shoppers to purchase a gift card during October The Arboretum of South Barrington is turning their gift card program into a Back in the Swing branded card. The Arboretum is offering an additional discount, up to 20%, at participating stores and restaurants. Only those shoppers who purchase the special gift card will receive a Back in the Swing Retail Therapy Shopping Card as a gift with purchase. When customers show it to merchants at the time of purchase, they will be eligible to receive the discount.
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