A recently completed thesis study has chronicled the growth, both intentional and unintentional, of H2O Associates, a Silicon Alley-based visual communications firm. In an examination of H2O's path toward equity development, the study revealed the difficulties encountered in building true value within a creative service company, and the mechanisms by which the firm¹s principals are accomplishing this goal.

Through the boom of 2000, into the declining economy of 2001, H2O has navigated the maze of new media pitfalls and technology startups, acquiring an insider's view of the year's hottest industry sectors through the development of B2B marketing strategies and visual materials. Though many of these companies have vanished, H2O continues to adapt to the changing marketplace, translating these strategies to other, more established industry sectors.

"The ability to build lasting value is difficult, but not impossible," said Jason Dodd, Founder and Senior Partner at H2O. "You must be willing to deal with change as the constant factor - in people, methodology and clients. Managed correctly, these changes can help a company to develop more quickly."

Throughout the difficult growth and development process, H2O has held fast, defining a process and structure, honing strategies for selling their services. The result of all these efforts is a firm that is experienced, flexible, and has the ability to scale up or down and still make a certain profit.

About H2O Associates:

H2O is a visual communications firm, developing integrated solutions since 1986. Implementing strategy first: the message, the market, and the most potent means of delivery - converging to develop fresh, new ways for companies to present their brands. H2O delivers solutions that clearly communicate their clients' corporate culture, and directly enhance brand value. Located in New York¹s Silicon Alley, they offer print, web and interactive solutions to the business-to-business marketplace. H2O's representative list of clients crosses varied markets, and includes American Express, SG Cowen, Primedia, Gruner + Jahr, and Mail.com. To learn more about H2O Associates visit our award-winning Web site at www.h2oassociates.com.

About Susan Bowman:

As the recent Creative Director of parenting publications at Sesame Workshop (formerly Children's Television Workshop) Ms. Bowman oversaw Sesame Street Parents magazine and Custom Publishing developing corporate partnerships with Ford, Clorox, Polaroid, Merck, and Kellogg's. She has lectured on the integration of the creative process and business strategy at Parsons School of Design, Concordia University, and Rutgers University. Ms. Bowman is a recent graduate of Masters in Design Management from Pratt Institute.