DC Area Web Design Firm Colleagues Go Barefoot In Support of Children Without Access to Proper Footwear.

Washington, D.C. (April 2012) – In response to the millions of children in the world that grow up without shoes, staff at DC area web design firm, Blue Water Media, went barefoot last Tuesday.  They braved boardrooms, client engagements, DC city streets and crowded airports sans footwear to participate in the TOMS One Day without Shoes Challenge (www.onedaywithoutshoes.com), to raise awareness about the impact a pair of shoes can have on a child’s life by going without shoes for one day.

Why are shoes so important?

Many children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or going to school, these children are at risk:

• A leading cause of disease in developing countries is soil-transmitted diseases, which can penetrate the skin through bare feet. Wearing shoes can help prevent these diseases, and the long-term physical and cognitive harm they cause.

Created in Collaboration with Mentor Foundation USA’s Authentic Career Experiences (ACE) Program, The Day’s Activities Resulted in a Positive Learning Opportunity for All.

Washington DC (March, 2012) – DC web design firm, Blue Water Media, hosted a mentoring event for the students of Cesar Chavez High School last Monday.  The event was part of Blue Water Media’s corporate philanthropy partnership with Mentor Foundation USA, which also includes regular mentoring sessions between Blue Water Media employees and Cesar Chavez students.  The overarching goal of the initiative is to provide DC area disadvantaged youth with additional support from caring adult mentors, as well as exposure to a professional work environment.

Blue Water Media’s Drupal Web Designers Improved Site Navigation and Functionality, Driving User Interaction and Promoting Long Fence in the Digital Space.

Leading commercial and residential construction company, Long Fence, just launched a new website created by DC area web design firm, Blue Water Media.  Built in the award-winning Drupal content management system, http://www.longfence.com features a streamlined interface, strong call to actions and an extensive media center boasting a dynamic and highly customized photo gallery. The revamped website will help Long Fence continue to strengthen their respected reputation for excellence in the online sphere.

By presenting a substantial amount of information in an intuitive and aesthetically appealing manner, the website maximizes usability.  On the homepage, target users can easily select from the company’s clearly identified 2 main service offerings: residential contracting or commercial contracting with the ability to quickly review special offers and fence rental information.  Strategic use of breadcrumb navigation further facilitates ease of use, while prominently placed callouts to request a free estimate, call Long Fence, or connect via social media maximize engagement and leads.

Blue Water Media Engages the Local Community Through a Corporate School-Based Mentoring Program Which Connects Employees to Disadvantaged DC Area High School Students.

Blue Water Media has recently joined forces with youth development and outreach foundation, Mentor Foundation USA, as a part of its corporate mentoring program.  The initiative consists of ongoing mentoring sessions between Blue Water Media employees and local high school students, and a Career Day at Blue Water Media’s corporate headquarters where mentees will shadow employees and attend professional development workshops.  Blue Water Media ultimately hopes to provide DC area disadvantaged youth with additional support from caring adult mentors as well as exposure to the professional work environment.

There is much evidence supporting the fact that youth benefit from having positive mentors in their lives.  According to a recent study conducted by an independent national research organization, “Children who have mentors in their lives are 46% less likely to use illegal drugs, 26% less likely to use alcohol and 52% less likely to skip school than those children without Mentors,” (Tierney, J.P., Grossman and Resch, N.L.).

With over 13 years spent working in the Internet space, Mr. Schwab has played a central role in assisting over 700 companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations through the often challenging process of implementing new Web sites, Internet technology, and software applications. As the Blue Water Media CEO and founder of the groundbreaking new franchise management platform, Waterfall FMS, Curt has his finger on the pulse of all things digital.

What trends in technology are you noticing?

“Cloud consolidation and software as a service has gained traction recently. Traditional desktop computers are declining in use. Thin clients, tablets and anything mobile is where we see growth potential. We have also seen a major shift recently in the Government space to open source.”

What up-and-coming technologies excite you?