Clapp Communications is Hiring!

We are hiring! Check out the position below and join our growing team!

Boutique Baltimore based advertising and public relations agency seeks a communications assistant with knowledge of media, public relations, event planning, advertising and marketing. A minimum of one year experience, either professionally or through college internships in an agency or corporate communications setting, is required.

Duties to include:
 Contribute to creative and strategy meetings with staff and/or vendors.
 Write professional press releases for a variety of different clients.
 Assist account manager with client requests and fulfillment.
 Perform research on various topics depending on the client/project at hand.
 Conduct research and compile media contact lists.
 Conduct media outreach through phone and e-mail correspondence.
 Assist in the writing/revision of television, radio and print advertisements.
 Organize client and media contacts.
 Staff marketing events.
 Take lead on social media campaigns.
 Keep up with local, regional and national news and blogs.
 Manage agency’s social media outlets and website.
 Other duties as assigned.

This will be a one-year, 30-hour per week internship position with a monthly stipend. Position available immediately. Deadline for resume submissions is Monday, January 30. To apply, please email resume to Stephanie Frankel at stephanie@barbclapp.com.

Clapp Communications Names Colleen Riopko Strategic Media Director

Baltimore, MD- (January 9, 2011) – Clapp Communications is pleased to announce that Colleen Riopko has been named the firm’s Strategic Media Director. Colleen has served as a Senior Account Executive with the Lutherville, MD and Charlotte, NC based marketing and communications firm since 2007. In her new role Colleen will be responsible for overseeing media related initiatives and campaigns for the firm’s clients and will continue to manage advertising, marketing and public relations initiatives on an individual basis for her current clients.

“We are excited for Colleen to take on this new role at Clapp Communications,” stated Barb Clapp, President and CEO of Clapp Communications. “As our firm continues to grow I believe that Colleen’s tremendous media expertise and involvement in all media related initiatives is something that will truly benefit our clients and help them to achieve their strategic goals.”

Colleen brings experience in strategic marketing, project management, media buying and public relations to Clapp Communications. Colleen got her start in media buying at Zenith Media Services and at OMD, both of New York, NY. There she worked on a major entertainment and Fortune 500 accounts focusing on ensuring quality media buys in top local markets throughout the United States. Colleen’s knowledge of the media industry and financial aptitude led her to a position as a senior analyst in the advertising sales department at Parade Magazine. While at Parade, Colleen worked to coordinate ad positioning and pricing structures, while ensuring profitability for the magazine.

Following her work at Parade, Colleen took a position as the media manager for a boutique firm in upstate New York. There she was responsible for overseeing all aspects of media planning and buying. Her marketing savvy and personal approach to client relations allowed Colleen to grow her responsibilities and area of expertise.

Colleen joined Clapp Communications in 2007.  She holds Bachelors Degree in political science with a minor in communications from Loyola University Maryland (formerly Loyola College).

About Clapp Communications
Clapp Communications is a full-service marketing agency, whose expertise spans public affairs, media planning and buying, brand development, public relations, event planning, marketing strategy and product launch, as well as creative development. Clapp Communications is customer service driven and tailors individual programs to meet clients’ needs. Customers consist of local, regional and large national brands in sectors including education, healthcare, government, associations, non-profit, corporate, hospitality and economic development.

Please visit www.clappcommunications.com for more information about Clapp Communications.

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MARYLAND AGENCY CELEBRATES 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH EXPANSION AND NAME CHANGE TO MIRROR TREMENDOUS GROWTH

Award-Winning Barb Clapp Advertising & Marketing Announces Expansion into Charlotte; New Name, Clapp Communications, Better Articulates Scope of Work

Lutherville, MD – (October 27, 2011) – Award-winning Baltimore agency Barb Clapp Advertising & Marketing first opened its doors in October, 2001, and on its 10th anniversary, the agency enters into its second decade of business with announcements reflecting its continued growth and success. As a testament to the increased level and scope of the agency’s work, it will now do business as Clapp Communications and open a second location in the Charlotte market, led by Director Beth Sykes.

In its first 10 years, the agency grew from a home office with good contacts, tremendous drive, and knowledge of the marketplace, to a nationally-recognized, award-winning firm with more than 35 active accounts located throughout the country. Just this past year, Clapp Communications, received the Best in Show Award from the American Advertising Association of Baltimore and was honored on the national level at the PR News Platinum PR Awards.

“The caliber of work we have been handling as of late is on par with some of the larger, national agencies. To celebrate that growth, and our 10 year anniversary, it is fitting to announce changes that speak to what Barb and her team members have accomplished over the last decade,” said Communications Director Stephanie Frankel. “Barb has always taken a personalized approach in working with each one of our clients, giving them, no matter size or scope, top notch quality service. She has instilled that type of customer service and work ethic in each one of us. It is exciting to be able to take that approach to a new city and continue our rapid growth.”

The agency has also recently secured numerous state, regional and national clients including the International Dyslexia Association, Volunteers of America, LifeSpan Network, the Veterans Affairs (VA) Maryland Medical Center, University of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University, Parkway Consulting, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), the Maryland Lottery, and others, that have provided Clapp Communications the opportunity to travel throughout the country securing multi-platform media placement, developing marketing and social media strategy, planning events, and creating strategic advertising plans.

“Our name change reflects the scope and caliber of work that our team is producing ten years later. My team’s wealth of knowledge and creativity in all facets of this business is beyond compare,” said Barb Clapp, president and CEO of Clapp Communications. “The expansion of our agency into Charlotte is also a natural fit. It is a prosperous area for our clients with many of our clients already doing business in that region.

“When I started the agency 10 years ago, I dreamed of having this type of success and knew it could be accomplished, but not alone. With the help of an amazing team, loyal clients, and many business partners, friends and family members who have helped the agency thrive, Clapp Communications is now ready to take the next step in its growth. We will maintain our same hallmark service and award-winning work, but now our brand identity will better represent the talent and experience of this agency.”

The name change to Clapp Communications will take place immediately and the agency’s Charlotte office will open Monday, Nov. 7. Clapp Communications’ new website address is www.clappcommunications.com and the agency unveiled a new logo.

About Clapp Communications
Clapp Communications is a full-service marketing agency, whose expertise spans public affairs, media planning and buying, brand development, public relations, event planning, marketing strategy and product launch, as well as creative development. Clapp Communications is customer service driven and tailors individual programs to meet clients’ needs. Customers consist of local, regional and large national brands in sectors including education, healthcare, government, associations, non-profit, corporate, hospitality and economic development.

Please visit, www.clappcommunications.com for more information about Clapp Communications.
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Guest Blogger: SASSY

My Top Fashion Tips for Cooler Weather!

Now that the fall season has officially begun, it is time to break out the warmer clothes that have been hiding in the back of your closet. Here are tips to help revamp your usual warm outfit options and keep you looking fabulous through the fall.

• Python print is a great look for bags, shoes and even jackets. It matches everything and can really spice up any outfit. Just be careful not to overdo it by wearing it with another crazy print.
• Ponchos are easy to wear and so comfortable. When it is really cold outside try wearing a turtleneck sweater underneath to avoid the bulkiness of a winter jacket.
• Chunky sweaters offer the perfect combination of warmth and style. A big, thick cable knit sweater can easily be worn with a skirt or pair of jeans.
• Tall boots with any sized heel look great matched up with a pair of plain leggings.
• It is okay to wear your evening shoes during the day. Break out a fancier pair and match them up with your favorite jeans and a cute top.
• Plaid and paisley prints are perfect for the cooler weather. They offer a simple way to change up your usual plain colored clothing options.
• Add some sparkle to your day time outfit! Match a sequin tank with a warm black cardigan to jazz up your everyday look.
• Black tights and black leggings are still both in and each look amazing matched with a pair of thick heeled black pumps.
• Look fierce with sharply lined eyes. Go out and buy a tube of old fashioned liquid eyeliner and practice a few times to perfect a steady line.
• Keep the spirit of summer alive with brightly colored pants! Try wearing a red or cobalt pair with a neutral or black sweater.
• Don’t be afraid to mix gold and silver accessories. Combine gold and silver chains, earrings and belt buckles. The old idea of keeping all metals the same on your outfit is no longer a rule. Go out on a limb and wear your favorite gold necklace and silver earrings at the same time!
• Try a large clutch pocketbook. Don’t get me wrong, I love big bags. However, for a simple dinner date or evening show they can sometimes be impractical. Replace your usual large pocketbook with a big clutch to maintain that same bold look. 
• You can still wear shorts during the colder months! Black wool shorts offer a nice change from the usual skirt or dress option. Match your favorite shorts with opaque black tights and dress it up with a cute blouse and a pair of pumps. If you are looking for a more casual outfit try a chunky sweater and a high pair of boots.
• Keep warm by wearing velvet. Velvets soft and cozy feel is perfect for the cooler weather and you don’t have to only wear it at night. Start your day off with a velvet blazer, skirt or pair of pants.

There are so many options for this upcoming season! Have fun with your clothes and don’t be afraid to break some of the traditional rules. Remember to wear what you love and love what you wear!

SASSY

Email me at staceylynn@email.com

Guest Blogger: SASSY

What do I wear as the weather turns cooler?

One of my favorite times of year is when the seasons change because I can finally try out some of the new styles featured in recent magazines. Putting on a new piece of clothing is always so much fun and it makes me feel much more confident! By this point in the season I have grown so tired of wearing the same skirts, dresses and tank tops and I get very anxious thinking about new possible clothing options. Although we all look forward to the change in wardrobe, I know that switching your closet from cute sundresses to warm winter sweaters can sometimes take up a lot of your time. Even though summer is still hanging on, the calendar suggests that warmer clothes are now necessary. If you don’t have time to rearrange your closet or take a shopping trip to the mall, then I have some suggestions for how to quickly adapt to the changing climate.

Have you been waiting for the weather to change so you can finally wear your favorite sweater? Now is the time to try it; tank dresses look great with a cardigan over them! This easy transition gives the dress you have already worn a few times a great, new, fresh look. You could also match up a cute little strapless shirt with a pair of black slacks and a cardigan. This is a great way to carry your favorite summer clothes into the fall season.

What about shoes? Now is the time to pull out your closed-toed shoes and match them up with one of your cutest summer dresses. A basic black or nude pump is perfect for the fall weather. Wearing dresses with pumps not only looks terrific but it also offers a level of comfort that is unbeatable. Layering your shirts is another great way to integrate summer and fall clothing options. Put a basic long sleeve white t-shirt under a strapless shirt or dress and add some jewelry to make it office appropriate. Have you been dying to break your boots out? Try matching them up with a fun skirt and show off your bare legs! I love this look showing off some leg is a great way to display the perfect amount of skin as the weather gets cooler. A blazer is also another option that looks stunning paired up with a pair of slacks or even a pencil skirt.

So don’t think you have to get the winter stuff out quite yet! You can let it rest for a little while longer. After all, winter is a very long season and you will have plenty of time to wear your warmer clothes. I will have my top 10 favorite trends for winter soon!

Sassy

Email me at staceylynn@email.com

Charm City for the Southern Girl

I can’t say that I wasn’t skeptical when my college (and current) boyfriend, a Baltimore native, insisted that his charming hometown could give any southern city a run for its money. I laughed. I was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, a “big town little city” where everybody knows everybody, great restaurants are on every corner, and the weather stays pleasant most of the year. Surely Baltimore couldn’t come close to the Heart of Dixie. What about grits? What about sweet tea? What about cute southern boys with impeccable manners? Well, I probably shouldn’t have asked about that.

I continued to doubt him—then I visited. I was incredibly impressed by the quaint red brick buildings and the cobblestone streets of the city and the lush green pastures as we drove towards his home in Baltimore County. Everywhere we went, people were incredibly friendly. This remained true when I moved to Baltimore the following summer. Fresh crabs smothered in Old Bay served with watermelon and feta salad almost made me forget about my mother’s homemade blue stone shrimp and grits—almost. I fell in love with the warm summer nights we spent cheering on the O’s at Camden Yards (there is no Birmingham equivalent). I enjoyed strolling the halls of the Baltimore Museum of Art, searching for the perfect bagel among local Jewish delis, and learning about Baltimore’s history at Fort McHenry. I realized that Baltimore has so much to offer—but somehow retains that big town feel. I started to truly understand the name “Charm City.”

I was lucky to spend my summer working for Barb and her team who accepted me immediately as one of the gals. A year later, I know I can still call and pick up right where we left off. I’m living up here once again this summer, and Barb has asked me to be a regular guest blogger, and I’m so excited! I should warn all of you though that I’m into everything, so there’s no telling what I will write about. Seriously, I’m into football, fashion, politics, cooking, you name it. I’m just happy that I get to share my love for this “big town little city” with y’all in the coming days!

“You can look far and wide, but you’ll never discover a stranger city with such extreme style. It’s as if every eccentric in the South decided to move north, ran out of gas in Baltimore, and decided to stay.” –John Waters

Catherine Sherer, former BCAM intern and soon-to-be senior at Sewanee

Baltimore Restaurant Week Just Around the Corner!

As a college student living in Baltimore, it is always important for me to be price conscious when it comes to extra spending. This is why I am very excited to announce that my favorite week in Baltimore is just around the corner. Yes, I am talking about the most delicious week of the summer: Baltimore Restaurant Week! In just one week (August 5-14) Baltimore’s best restaurants will be participating in special prix-fixe dinner menus for $35.11 and some will even have lunch menus for only $20.11.

Last year was my first experience at Restaurant Week. I gathered some friends and ventured out to experience what all the rave was about. When we looked at all the participating restaurants, we couldn’t believe our eyes. Restaurants ranging from the upscale Ruth’s Chris to the popular Red Maple were all listed. My eyes and my stomach were overwhelmed with excitement. We decided to pick RA, a sushi restaurant, located on the water near Fells Point. Just thinking about the strain my wallet would endure made me nervous; it really seemed just too good to be true. When we got there I was amazed that I would be receiving a 5-course meal for only $35. It was amazing. The staff was friendly, the food was unbelievably good, and the overall experience was great. RA was a fun, trendy restaurant that played upbeat music and had a great restaurant atmosphere. I enjoyed my experience so much that I returned to RA twice during last year’s restaurant week.

This year, I haven’t decided what restaurants I will be visiting, but my friends and I are already excited for a week of wonderful food and excitement.

Here is the link to find all participating restaurants and their menus:

http://www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com/?cuisine=Cuisine&neighborhood=Neighborhood

Check out our very own Barb Clapp quoted in the Baltimore Sun!

http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/maryland/baltimore-insider-blog/bs-ae-blueman-landers-campaign-20110721,0,1589036.story

Guest Blogger: SASSY

Now that summer is winding down, fall fashions are starting to re-appear in the stores and magazines. This hit me when I received Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale Preview and saw the Hunter heeled rain boots that are going to be a fall fashion must! Although it’s hard to believe that fall is just around the corner and summer is fading, there should be some great fashion trends to look forward to in this approaching season!

 

Although fall is on its way, I wanted to share with you some great purchases you must have before the summer ends!

 

This summer I was able to purchase my first Maxi dress. I never dreamed I would wear this dress style since I don’t quite hit the 5’3” mark, but paired with a platform shoe, this dress looked great! This dress is comfortable and is so flattering that whenever I wear it, I feel like I stand out in the crowd. I definitely recommend this purchase and would even consider buying more than one before the season ends.

 

Another must have is a white, oversized watch. I have the popular Michael Kors white ceramic which I absolutely love, but I wanted something to wear poolside and in water. In order to find the perfect watch I did some online research. I knew I wanted an oversized, white watch, but knew I was going to need to try them on in order to find the perfect fit. The G Shock man’s white watch was a little too big and was uncomfortable around my wrist. However, the Adidas man watch in white plastic fit perfectly! This can be found at Macy’s. I love this watch and so far have received many compliments!

 

Another recent summer purchase was a nice pair of cotton, mid-thigh shorts. I was able to buy two for one at New York and Company. If you have not been to this store lately, I encourage you to take a look at its end of summer sales! Check out locations in theTowsonTownCenterorHuntValleyTowneCenter. Express is also holding a great sale I would definitely recommend checking out. I found these great white shorts that pair nicely with prints, solids, t-shirts, halters and can be worn in so many different ways with flats, platforms, and even heels if you want to dress them up.

 

My last summer recommendation would be to invest in some new jean cut offs. I am currently searching for a new pair myself. Last season I bought some Joe cut off’s from Loehmann’s, but have yet to find another pair I like as much. I am contemplating cutting a pair of my old Joe jeans. If you choose to do this, make sure you cut each leg even. I recommend trying them on and marking a little below where you wish them to fall on your legs or even consider marking a tad longer so you can roll them up one cuff. Once you cut, take a butter knife and father the ends together. Then rough up the edges, put them through the wash, then try on your new pair of cut off jeans! If they are not quite fringed enough, just repeat these steps until you get your desired look. Jean shorts transition great into fall, especially when paired with a nice sweater and cowboy boots.

 

These are some of my last minute simple summer ideas! My last word of advice is don’t go too crazy… after all we only have about 60 more days of summer!

 

SASSY

 

Email me at staceylynn@email.com

The 5 Things I Learned in My 4-Hour Australian Experience

As a college student who had spent the last few weeks stuck in a library, studying for finals, I had my eyes set on the prize: my summer vacation. I had just received news that I would be going to Brisbane, Australia for a week. This was more than enough to make up for those last few weeks of solitude I had endured.

My body, however, had other plans. In the week leading up to my departure, I started to feel feverish. Once the doctor told me that I had this summer’s “popular virus,” all I could do was rest for the next few days and pray I could still make it onto an airplane. Luckily, I woke up feeling optimistic the morning of my flight. After 23 hours in the air (and a quick layover), I arrived in Brisbane. Since I had arrived about four hours before check-in, I had time to kill. Walking around Brisbane, these are the things that I learned:

 

1. Australians love coffee. As I walked around the streets of downtown Brisbane, I realized that there were cafés every four feet—literally. For the entire four hours I spent walking around, the lines at the coffee shops never faltered. Australians really do love their coffee.

2. Despite being an Australian product, Uggs are not cheaper in Australia. Although I spent my entire visit sleeping in a hotel bed, this was actually the biggest disappointment of the trip. I was hoping to replace my pair that had been ruined by a New York winter… no such luck.

3. Australians don’t like the name Burger King. Although Subway, McDonalds, KFC, and Quizno’s are all along the streets of Brisbane, there was no Burger King in sight. Instead, I noticed a Hungry Jack’s, which donned the usual red, blue, and orange BK logo. Later I found out, Hungry Jack’s is an Australian franchise of the Burger King Corporation. The Hungry Jack’s menu even featured the BK classic—Whoppers. I wonder what Australians have against the name Burger King…

Hungry Jack's

4. Nothing, besides coffee shops and Hungry Jack’s, is open before 11am. In order to make the most of my 4-hour wait, I tried to visit numerous museums, shops, galleries, and the public library. Nothing, however, was open until 11am. After aimlessly walking around for an hour, I resigned and joined the line of people waiting outside of the museum for the doors to open.

5. Australians are not big on lunch. Although coffee is a necessity, lunch must not be. Although I saw swarms of people walking to work that morning, around lunchtime, the streets seemed quiet. As I walked around looking for a place to sit and grab a quick bite, it proved to be difficult. Coffee seemed to be my only option. After searching for 30 minutes, I finally found a coffee shop that also served salads. As I sat eating my salad, people kept coming in and out for… you guessed it—coffee.

 

Despite wrapping multiple scarves around my neck and wearing about three layers of sweaters for the flight, my condition had gotten worse after arriving in Australia. I guess scarves and sweaters are no match for bad air circulation and the lack of sleep that accompanies international flights. My virus returned, this time even bigger and badder. After my quick adventure around downtown, I wasn’t able to leave my bed again until the morning of my departure. Regardless, the four hours I spent in Brisbane were magical.