The Capital One Grand Slam of Curling and iSport Media and Management announced their newest corporate sponsor as Procter & Gamble’s Swiffer signed on board to become an official partner of curling’s elite international series. In addition, Swiffer has also secured the title sponsorship rights to Team Glenn Howard (Coldwater, Ont.).

“Both Swiffer and curling are tremendously popular in Canada,” notes Victoria Maybee, External Relations for Procter & Gamble. “We’ve also heard anecdotal reports over the years that Canadians love using Swiffers to turn their home cleaning routines into bonspiels, so the curling partnership is a natural fit.”

As an official partner of the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling, Swiffer will receive a variety of in-arena promotional opportunities during each Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event including prominent logo placement on the ice surface, rink boards and scoreboards.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Swiffer as an official partner of the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling,” said Kevin Albrecht, Chief Executive Officer of iSport Media and Management. “Swiffer is certainly a natural partner for the sport of curling and we’re looking forward to partnering with the brand as we celebrate our 10th anniversary season.”

Swiffer’s title sponsorship of Team Howard will include featured logo placement and branding on the squad’s uniforms, equipment and website. Through this partnership, Team Howard will also make promotional appearances at a variety of Swiffer events.

As one of the top curling foursomes in the world today, Team Howard’s career highlights include earning a gold medal for Canada at the 2007 World Championships, winning the 2007 Brier and capturing eight Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event titles.
Capital One Grand Slam of Curling – www.grandslamofcurling.com

PR In Canada – The number 1 source for the inside scoop on Canada’s public relations industry.

With a new office move out of the way, Edelman has announced a few new additions to their Digital team in Toronto.

Dave Fleet makes the move over to Edelman as Vice President, Digital, Toronto. Most recently, Dave was Vice President of the Digital Communications Practice at Thornley Fallis Communications. He has also worked in marketing and communications for major corporations and public sector organizations including Hitachi Europe, Lloyds TSB and the Ontario government. Dave takes over for Salima Valji, who left Edelman earlier in 2010.

Rob Clark joins the Digital team as Director of Insights and Measurement. Previously, he worked as Senior Analyst – Measurement and Monitoring at Social Media Group, where he most recently invented a patent-pending process (‘The Conversation Index’) for identifying influential bloggers in a vertical and measuring sentiment and prevailing opinions towards a given set of brands, products or issues. Rob has provided reporting, analysis and strategic insights on social media efforts for clients such as Ford Motor Company, ING Direct, Canadian Tire and the Government of Canada.
The last addition is Dan Buganto as an Account Director. Dan was most recently at Publicis where he focused on digital initiatives and project management for clients such as Rogers and Labatt. He has more than 10 years of experience and has a strong background in mobile marketing. At Edelman, he will be working on B2B social media programs.

The digital team for Edelman in Canada reports to Sylvain Perron.

(head shots below – Dave Fleet, Rob Clark, Dan Buganto)

Profectio – Latin for the source, everyday we bring you the news and trends on Canada’s advertising and marketing industry.

Environics Communications Inc. three new additions to its Toronto office.

Anne Locke joins Environics as a Senior Consultant in the Consumer Practice. Prior to this Anne worked at two mid-sized public relations agencies, and worked on a broad range of packaged goods and consumer services clients including Cadbury, M&M Meats and Build-a-Bear Workshops. She has a post-graduate certificate in public relations from Humber College, Anne attended Neuchâtel Junior College in Switzerland, and received her degree in international relations from the London School of Economics.

Kaitlin Hazen has been hired as an account coordinator also within their Consumer Practice, she recently finished an internship with OEB Enterprise where she supported a broad portfolio of client work in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

Joining Environics Health Sciences Practice is Ana Veiga as an Account Coodinator. Ana was most recently with the National Advertising Benevolent Society where she supported the design and development of the organization’s newsletters, coordinated the launch of its websites, and implemented online marketing strategies.

About the Profectio Network

Founded in 2006, Profectio is connecting Canada’s communities, which for us includes advertising, marketing, public relations and technology as it relates to the online world. Each day we provide our readers with announcements, interviews, news and stories about companies from across Canada. Profectio also plays host to a number of events through out the course the year such our “Social Media – Sex & Sizzle” “As the World Searches” and “Digital Advertising – What is Next” and “Word Up – Canada’s Word of Mouth Marketing Conference.” Profectio Network also includes PR In Canada, dedicated to covering Canada’s communications and public relations industry. Our newest publication, Clean Tech Corner covers Canada’s Clean Tech industry.

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) debuted a new national television commercial this week called “Faces”, and it highlights the value realtors bring to one of life’s biggest financial decisions – home buying and selling.

“REALTORS® help meet the unique needs of people who are buying or selling their home,” says CREA President Georges Pahud. “Just as peoples’ requirements are diverse, so too is the knowledge, expertise and services of the REALTOR working to meet them. Whatever your needs, a REALTOR® can help.”

In the 30 second ad, viewers see and hear testimonials from several individuals about their experience with their REALTOR®. Women and men representing people from all walks of life talk about their unique needs when buying and selling a home. While they talk, their faces continually change, eventually becoming another person with another positive story. The commercial was created for CREA by Toronto ad agency CP+B Canada and uses special effects to bring traditional portraiture to life. The end result is a memorable and visually arresting spot for the digital age.
The television commercial is part of CREA’s 2010 fall advertising campaign, which runs from August 23rd through the week of October 18th.

Agency: CP+B Canada

Postmedia Network continues to round their new management team as Paul Godfrey, President and CEO, Postmedia Network announced the appointment of Alvin Brouwer to the position of President, Business Ventures.

Alvin is a seasoned industry veteran with three decades of experience in publishing, distribution and digital media and has served as a director of save.ca and leasebusters.com. Mr. Brouwer was most recently the Vice President, Advertising and Product Development at Metroland Media.

Reporting directly to Mr. Godfrey, Mr. Brouwer assumes the role on September 7.

The Shops at Don Mills is showing a little love to smitten creative boutique, as they have selected the boutique agency focused on public relations, events, marketing solutions and customized gift services as the retail organizations public relation agency of record.

“We were impressed with smitten’s integrated approach and proven track record of creative excellence,” says Alan J. Gomez, Marketing Director at Shops at Don Mills. “They thoroughly understand our brand and the unique offerings of our Centre, and we look forward to a creative and productive partnership with them moving forward.”
smitten’s work with the Cadillac Fairview property will begin immediately and efforts will focus on the development of public relations and promotional programs for the unique outdoor centre.

EDITORIAL INTERN—next internship starts in September 2010
Want a rewarding internship with a Public Relations publication? PR In Canada is looking for enthusiastic, motivated interns. Don’t take an internship that revolves around making photocopies or fetching coffee, this is different! See the results of your important work, up close. Interns work directly with the Editor on providing support for stories, helping with gathering news items, finding resources in the community, and will have the opportunity to see the inside workings of an online publication from start to finish. Internships are unpaid and can either be at the publication’s headquarters in downtown Toronto or working remotely. Interns must be dependable, know how to use computers and general office programs, willing to be learn new things and have a genuine interest in publishing and/or journalism.

• Company: PR In Canada
• Location: Toronto
• Compensation: All internships are unpaid. Dates Available: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter (ongoing-There are no deadlines for application)
• Opportunity: Gain first hands knowledge of the marketing and public relations industry, build your network with access to industry professionals across Canada

The Editorial Intern will:

• Research and write (short) pieces for the online publication in PR In Canada
• Fact check and copyedit pieces received for publication
• Search out graphic and illustrative material
• Research story leads and facts on the Internet
• Carry out other projects, designed in consultation with the intern and staff

Skills required:

• Good research skills
• An understanding of sustainability issues
• Good editing and grammar skills
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Familiarity with the Internet

We are looking for someone who can work eight to 10 hours per week for 10 to 15 weeks. Applicants should be juniors or seniors studying journalism, communications or public relations and computer experience. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please mail your resume, two writing samples and three references to: Dave Forde – editor@princanada.com

Postmedia Network Inc (the new name of Canwest) announced the company’s new executive team, members include:

Kirk Allen, Executive Vice President Advertising Sales
Mr. Allen will lead national advertising sales for all brands and platforms. The strategic direction for integrated print, online and mobile offerings for Postmedia Network’s national advertisers will fall under Mr. Allen’s purview.
Kirk was appointed as Senior Vice President, Advertising Sales of Canwest Limited Partnership in 2006 with the mandate to develop innovative strategies, deliver superior results to advertisers and increase market share. He previously served as Vice President, Advertising for the National Post. Prior to his appointment to the National Post in 2005, Mr. Allen held a variety of senior management positions at The Gazette (Montreal). His career spans over 22 years in advertising sales with Canwest LP, Hollinger International Inc., Southam Inc. and Quebecor Inc.

Kevin Bent, President Pacific Newspaper Group and Executive Vice President Western Canada
In addition to his existing role overseeing British Columbia Newspapers including The Vancouver Sun, The Province (Vancouver) and the Times Colonist (Victoria), Mr. Bent will expand his portfolio to include Postmedia Network’s Alberta properties: the Calgary Herald and the Edmonton Journal and the community publishing group.
Mr. Bent was appointed as President and Publisher of Pacific Newspaper Group in September 2006 with oversight of The Vancouver Sun and The Province (Vancouver) and the Times Colonist (Victoria). Previously, he was Senior Vice President Sales, Canwest Media Sales from 2005 to 2007 where he was responsible for the division national sales strategy. Mr. Bent also held the position of Vice President, Advertising Sales for the Pacific Newspaper Group, and Vice President, Advertising Sales of the Ottawa Citizen. Prior to his employment in the newspaper industry, he spent 10 years with General Foods and Kraft General Foods in various sales and marketing management positions. Mr. Bent holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick.

Gordon Fisher, President National Post and Executive Vice President Eastern Canada
Gordon Fisher takes on the role of President of the National Post and will oversee Postmedia Network operations in: Ontario – the Ottawa Citizen and The Windsor Star, Saskatchewan – The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) and the Leader-Post (Regina), and Quebec – The Gazette (Montreal).
Since its startup in October 1997, Publisher is one of a number of senior roles Mr. Fisher has held with National Post. Mr. Fisher has an extensive media background. He has held a number of senior executive positions in many Canadian cities on both the editorial and business sides of the media industry. Prior to his appointment as publisher of the National Post, Mr. Fisher served as President, News and Information, Canwest Global Communications Corp., with responsibilities covering newspaper, television and digital information. Other responsibilities of note include roles as editor-in-chief, general manager and publisher of the Ottawa Citizen; publisher of the Kingston-Whig Standard and managing editor of the Vancouver Sun.

Malcolm Kirk, Executive Vice President Digital Media
Mr. Kirk assumes responsibility for the strategic direction of Postmedia Network’s digital and online properties with a digital first mandate to expand the reach and return of the company’s newspaper websites, information and classifieds websites. Oversight for Postmedia Network content, including its news wire and editorial service businesses will also fall under Mr. Kirk’s purview. In addition, Mr. Kirk will Chair a special committee undertaking Postmedia Network’s transformation plan.
Mr. Kirk was appointed as Senior Vice President and Group Publisher, Prairie Region of Canwest LP in 2007 with oversight of the Edmonton Journal, The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) and the Leader-Post (Regina) addition to his responsibilities as Publisher of the Calgary Herald, a position he held since August 2006. Mr. Kirk previously served as Editor-in-Chief of the Calgary Herald and has 21 years of experience in the newspaper industry. Mr. Kirk’s previous senior editorial management roles include Executive Editor at the San Francisco Examiner and Managing Editor of The Province in Vancouver. Mr. Kirk began his career with The Gazette in Montreal in 1989. Mr. Kirk was Chairman of the 2009 Grey Cup Festival in Calgary and is a member of the National Newspaper Awards’ Board of Governors. Mr. Kirk is a first-class honours graduate of the University of King’s College journalism program in Halifax.
Doug Lamb, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President
Mr. Lamb becomes CFO and Executive Vice President of Postmedia Network. In addition to finance and business services, Mr. Lamb takes on oversight of Information Technology, Human Resources and Legal.
Mr. Lamb was appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Canwest LP in 2007. Previously, he served as Chief Financial Officer of the Canadian operations of Canwest Mediaworks Inc., which he joined in September 2005. He is a veteran Canadian newspaper executive. Mr. Lamb also served as Vice President of Corporate Development of Metroland, the community publishing business of Torstar Corporation. Prior to his employment with Torstar Corporation, he held a variety of financial roles at Hollinger International Inc. and Southam Inc. Mr. Lamb holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Carleton University and a Masters of Business Administration from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario.

Each individuals will be reporting to Paul Godfrey, President and CEO of Postmedia Network Inc.

Help Me Source – Post Your RFI or RFP with us, and let us help you source the best product or service through our “Help Me Source” service.

John Crean, National Managing Partner of NATIONAL Public Relations and the rest of the team have welcomed the return of Peter Block who has been tapped to lead the financial communication service offering. As part of his role Peter will look after the first financial practice which includes M&As, proxy battles, restructurings and Plans of Arrangement. He has also done considerable work in stakeholder engagement, particularly in connection with infrastructure and energy developments.
It is no secret that regulatory issues have been on the rise in the last few years and this will be a key area of focus for Peter and his team as they help organizations to provide greater transparency and risk management communication. Some clients include UTS Energy of Calgary, Xstrata and Asset Backed Commercial Paper.

Peter spent five years with NATIONAL in Toronto before moving to the firm’s Calgary office for three years. He spent the last two years running an affiliated public relations firm in Toronto.

Advertise on the the Profectio Network: Let us help you reach your targeted audience, talk to us about our customized solution for your business.

• Developing, managing and executing public relations strategies and new product launches
• Creating and managing budgets
• Proactively seeking opportunities to increase media coverage for clients
• Determining the requirements of and overseeing the creation of press materials
• Interfacing with the media to establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationshipsResponding to media enquiries
• Coordinating and conducting media tours as required
• Devising and maintaining contact databases
• Planning, coordinating, evaluating and reporting on activities
• Participate in the new business development process, from ideation to pitching
• Mentor and guide fellow team members

Qualifications:

• 3- 5 years public relations experience – agency or other
• Proficiency with communication (written/oral) in both English and French languages – an asset
• Excellent interpretive/analytical and communications skills (written/oral)
• Strong creativity and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and with confidence in a high-paced environment
• Solid attention to detail and accuracy
• Effective interpersonal skills reflecting teamwork and client-service orientation
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, good judgment and set an example of excellence in your skills and personal conduct.
• Enjoy working as a team member in a fast-growing and exciting industry

Start Date: Immediate

Please forward your résumé and cover letter to Jim Birchall, President, Birchall & Associates Inc. Jim@birchallpr.com
Established in 1994, Birchall & Associates Inc. is a full-service integrated public relations, communications and marketing agency that is client-focused, flexible, quality/results-driven, have a high level of integrity and passion, are bottom-line oriented, and are committed to meeting budget objectives. Our company philosophy is to develop a strong partnership with our clients to identify and execute the necessary communications strategies to achieve their business objectives.

We are an award winning company that is results driven!

Profectio Network – Check out our business publications which include www.profectio.com, www.princanada.com and www.cleantechcorner.com.