Courtesy art

ALPENA — In a press release on Thursday, Blackwaters NE, an event production and broadcasting company, announced the appointment of D.J. Vacek as the new head of production, effective immediately.

Blackwaters is the developing company seeking to lease the Alpena County Fairgrounds from Alpena County and offered to make about $3 million in improvements, as well as host events.

Vacek takes over for Jason Atwell, whose contributions have shaped the company’s vision and design projects, according to a Blackwaters NE press release.

The News reached out to Attwell for comment.

Blackwaters stated that D.J. Vacek brings “a wealth of experience to his new role, having made a name for himself in Olympic sports-style and music broadcasts.”

“His reputation as a premier production manager is well-deserved, with TV Guide highlighting his ability to infuse a cinematic quality into sports productions and noting,” Blackwaters’ leadership stated in the release. “We look forward to seeing more from this rising production star.”

Beyond his experience in sports broadcasting, Vacek has a background in music touring, according to the release. Blackwaters states that this experience positions him “uniquely to enhance Blackwaters’ production capabilities and deliver outstanding content to audiences.”

“I am thrilled to join Blackwaters as head of production,” Vacek said in the release. “This opportunity allows me to merge my passion for storytelling with my production experience. I look forward to bringing my vision and expertise to our upcoming projects and contributing to the company’s continued success.”

As Vacek assumes this role, Blackwaters said he aims to promote innovation and collaboration across teams, “ensuring Blackwaters NE remains at the forefront of the industry. His leadership is expected to elevate the quality and impact of productions, setting new benchmarks for excellence.”

Along with Vacek’s appointment, Blackwaters has initiated expansion projects over the past month, according to the release.

“The company is reallocating resources and assets to support these initiatives, reflecting their commitment to growth and enhancing the cultural landscape of Alpena,” the release stated. “This strategic approach underscores Blackwaters’ dedication to fostering a dynamic and innovative environment, enabling them to adapt to industry demands while positively impacting the community.”

“By welcoming fresh talent and diverse perspectives, Blackwaters is cultivating a thriving culture that aligns with its vision for progress and excellence,” the release added.

Blackwaters said the public can expect more press releases over the next 30 to 60 days announcing projects coming forward and how Blackwaters has reallocated “and increased resources for the betterment of Alpena.”