Jennifer Fortney, President

 Jennifer Fortney started Cascade Communications in 2001 after a strong desire to combine her passions and diverse marketing background into a career.

With 20 years as a performer in the arts, Jennifer has worked in entertainment, arts, sports, radio and television as a journalist and marketing professional. She also has a strong background in hi tech, Internet, consumer products, startups, promotions, copywriting, crisis communications, fundraising and special events totaling over 12 years in the media and marketing industries.

Today, Cascade Communications works with several area and national businesses including; Cartridge World - Chicagoland, be.ology Clothing, Mini Me Geology, Red Bull North America, Joe's Bar, the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum, How America Thinks, LLC, Alexis Drake Jewelry and Lifestyle Therapy & Balance Center.

Jennifer has built a strong reputation with journalists and works with start ups, not-for-profits, small-medium sized businesses, women-owned businesses and events. Cascade's clientele includes lifestyle consumer products and services, events, arts and entertainment.

Her sharp nose for news has made her an asset to larger PR firms.  Jennifer has conducted freelance media relations for Dome/Hill & Knowlton, Edelman Worldwide, BSMG/Weber Shandwick, Leo Burnett, Corporate Technology Communications, CKPR and the Reilly Group. Clients include: The US Army, Maytag, Harley-Davidson, Motorola, The Hershey Company, Angel Soft - Angels in Action Awards, and SC Johnson.

Jennifer has received placements for clients in the WomenEntrepreneur.com, Associated Press, UPI, Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Shape, American Spa, Today's Chicago Woman, Chicago, Chicago Social, Boston Globe, Bon Appetit, Fast Company, Esquire, WGN-TV Superstation, the "Today" show, CNN, CBS Network, Food Network, DailyCandy.com, MarketWatch, MotleyFool.com, Digitalcity.com, Metromix.com and ABC.com amongst hundreds of radio, TV, print and online hits across the country.

Before starting her own boutique firm, Jennifer was with BSMG Worldwide, now Weber Shandwick, and Knoll Communications. A native of Kansas, she held the post of Director of Promotions and Marketing at KTPK-FM. Jennifer also worked with the Kansas City Royals Baseball Company, KNSS-AM, and the Wichita Symphony Orchestra.

Jennifer has a Bachelor's of Science in Journalism, Business Communications from the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas. She also holds a minor in Music - Vocal Performance. She served as Director of the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce Marketing Committee and Auction with A Vision Committee Chair, and sat on the Board of Directors for the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce for three years. She is now a board member of the Counseling Center of Lake View and a volunteer with the American Diabetes Association. Jennifer has taken part in a roundtable panel for the Gleacher School of Business - University of Chicago and taught tele-classes on public relations for small business.