Blue Lake Children's Publishing Promotes Kathryn Shimabukuro to Chief Executive Officer

Portland, OR (PRWEB) September 24, 2007 -- Blue Lake Children's Publishing (Blue Lake), publisher of The Tessy & Tab Reading Club, announced today that Kathryn Shimabukuro will lead the company as Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. The leadership transition allows founding CEO Judy Johnston to focus efforts on new product development and strategic partnerships.

"Blue Lake is poised for growth as the demand for early childhood development products, especially in the area of reading, continues to grow significantly," said Judy Johnston. "I have mentored Kathryn as a business professional for the last year and she has what it takes to manage a high growth company. Kathryn combines a passion for measurable programs with a relentless focus on the revenue ramp. "

Kathryn first met Judy and the Blue Lake team in 2003 and recognized the company potential. She became an investor when the company began raising capital. In 2006, she joined the Blue Lake team serving as vice president of marketing and sales. She quickly proved herself, managing the analysis of Blue Lake's first marketing efforts and leading the development of new, more cost-efficient channels to reach today's savvy mom.

Prior to joining Blue Lake, Kathryn spent 20 years as an executive in marketing, sales and business development with top financial companies: KPMG, Bank of America and Wells Fargo. An active angel investor, Kathryn founded the Women's Investment Network in 2003 and is currently serving as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN).

"As I step into this leadership role, I join a talented and creative team dedicated to bringing the best reading products to market," said Kathryn Shimabukuro. "We are creating more than children's magazines; we are creating programs for parents and their children to build critical reading skills in a fun and engaging way. I am proud of our products and am passionate about sharing them with parents and children worldwide."

About Blue Lake Children's Publishing

Founded in 2002 and based in Portland, Oregon, Blue Lake Children's Publishing believes that books and magazines can compete in a world saturated with electronic media. In an environment where children spend an average of four hours a day watching television, Blue Lake levels the playing field by delivering fresh, relevant and fun reading experiences.

Blue Lake's first product is The Tessy & Tab Reading Club, which combines a children's magazine subscription with tools for parents to help their preschooler get ready to read. This reading program builds early reading skills in children ages 2-6 and was developed to support the Six Skills for Early Literacy endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education. Blue Lake will have four magazines designed for progressive age groups. Future magazines include: the basics of social behavior for ages 6-9; a puzzle monthly for ages 8-11; and serialized literature for ages 10-13. For more information, call 1-800-921-3284 or visit www.tessyandtab.com.

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