Latest News
May 17, 2013
The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group of Kamloops, BC has signed agreements to purchase three FM radio stations. The company will buy Kool FM 101.5 in Calgary and FAB 94.3 in Winnipeg from Bell Media, and QX 104 in Winnipeg from Astral Media. The agreements, which remain subject to regulatory approvals, are a result of the need for Astral and Bell Media to divest themselves of several properties to meet CRTC conditions for their merger. "This is a very important acquisition for our group and, with the approval of this transaction from the CRTC, we will expand our presence in the major markets of Calgary and Winnipeg, which we have been focusing on for some time," said Rick Arnish, chairman of Jim Pattison Broadcast Group. "With the pending launch of our newest station 95.3 The Peak in Calgary, combining forces with Kool FM will allow our group to have a very strong competitive FM radio combo in Alberta's fastest-growing city. We're also very excited about the opportunity to expand in western Canada and specifically into the Winnipeg radio market with two separate stations. We are really looking forward to working with the teams at these separate Winnipeg operations as we expand into a new marketplace for our group."
May 17, 2013
The Société de transport de Montréal has signed an agreement with Cogeco Métromédia to install additional digital display screens in the city's subway stations. The roll-out will take place in two phases between June 2013 and the summer of 2014, each covering 26 stations. The new screens will increase the inventory of displays from 116 to 223, with four screens in each station. "We have been one of the first industry players to commercialize a digital display network," said Claude Lamoureux, vice-president and General Manager of Cogeco Métromedia. "This deployment is part of the move toward digital media already in progress and will reach all of the users of Montreal's subway system every day. Métrovision also provides a new and diversified programming that we will happily share with all of the clientele."
May 17, 2013
Montreal-based loyalty management company Aimia has formed a partnership with Axis Bank of India to launch a new customer loyalty program called Edge Loyalty Rewards. The program will be managed by Aimia's India office. "We are delighted to be working with Axis Bank on their loyalty program, which will allow the bank to use customer insights and targeted communications to build ongoing relationships with its customers," said Akash Sahai, managing director for India at Aimia. "Aimia has been strengthening its presence in India and Axis Bank's confidence in Aimia is testament to that."
May 17, 2013
Y&R Toronto has added five new staff members. Mark Francolini and Jonathan Smith have joined the agency as creative directors. They will lead the creative development of the firm's Ford account. Francolini was most recently as Zulu Alpha Kilo, while Smith was previously at TBWA Chiat Day Toronto. Cheryl Geonanga has been hired as an art director. She has previously worked at Taxi, DDB and John St. Appanna Chetrandra and Cole Rosenberg have been hired as writers. Chetrandra was previously at Clean Sheet, Bos and Leo Burnett, while Rosenberg was previously at Taxi and Leo Burnett.
Recent Headlines
Toronto-based Vision7 Media has appointed David Jowett to the position of president. Vision7 Media includes media agencies Cossette Media and Jungle Media, as well as research firm Impact Research.
McNeil Consumer Healthcare and The Arthritis Society conducted a street promotion in Toronto yesterday intended to raise awareness of the "Walk to Fight Arthritis" fundraising event that will take place on June 9.
Nova Scotia Tourism began a promotion in Toronto yesterday involving a 28-foot-tall replica of the Peggy's Cove Lighthouse at the intersection of Bay and Wellington Streets. The launch event also offered food and music from the province to passers-by.
Brick Brewing of Kitchener, ON has begun an Ontario contest promotion called "Muscle Up and Win a Dodge Challenger" in support of its Laker Beer brand. Consumer can enter the contest by submitting the code number from 15-can packages of Laker Lager, Laker Light or Laker Ice online.
Dare Vancouver has promoted Addie Gillespie and Mia Thomsett to the position of creative director. Both were previously associate creative directors. Gillespie and Thomsett joined the firm in 2011 as copywriters.
Toronto-based branding and marketing agency Ten81 Lifestyle has appointed Jana Masiewich to the position of director of lifestyle marketing. She will begin work on May 27.
Hill&Knowlton Strategies of Toronto has hired Joshua Hollenberg as an assistant consultant in its public affairs department. Sarah Bain has joined the public engagement department in the agency's Ottawa office as a senior account director.
Toronto-based Postmedia Network has extended its paid-subscription model to all of its daily newspaper websites following a two-year pilot project. Consumers will be able to select from several subscription offers.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada and Groupement des assureurs automobiles have launched a campaign in Quebec called "En voiture, j'assure," intended to raise awareness of car insurance issues among young drivers. The campaign addresses the topics of insurance premiums, deductibles, losses and false declarations.
The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada has retained Toronto-based TrojanOne Consulting Group to conduct a study of the "environmental landscape" of its annual Wishmaker Walk for Wishes fundraising event, which takes place in approximately 100 communities nationally.
Montreal-based insurance company Belairdirect has redesigned its website at Belairdirect.com. The new site, developed by Publicis Modem, is intended to be more user-friendly and responsive to users of mobile devices.
Venture Communications of Toronto has hired Ketan Manohar as a senior writer and Jamie Brand as an art director. Manohar was previously at Agency59, where he most recently worked on the The Heart & Stroke Foundation account.
Joseph Clark, founding president and CEO of Canada Newswire, died late last week at the age of 91. Prior to his time at that company, he was the founder of public relations agency Tisdall Clark and an executive at Massey Harris.
Vancouver-based pet food company Petcurean has begun a new advertising campaign called "Savour Every Moment." The campaign, which is running in Canada and the United States, began on April 27 with the release of a short film at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York.
Chatelaine is conducting a promotion in association with Citytv television program Cityline in support of its 85th anniversary. The episode of the show that will air nationally tonight will feature audience members receiving various prizes.
Tourism Yukon conducted a new marketing campaign in Toronto recently. The initiative, developed by Outside the Cube of Whitehorse, took place during mid-April.
PQ Media of Stamford, CT has released a report on global digital out-of-home media. The study covers digital place-based displays, digital billboards and digital signage in 28 international markets.
Toronto-based Rivet has appointed Greg Hamilton to the position of senior art director. He has previously held the position of senior art director at Capital C, Young & Rubicam and MacLaren McCann.
Home appliance company Whirlpool Canada has retained Hill&Knowlton Strategies Canada (H+K) as its public relations agency of record. The assignment includes the Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air and Gladiator GarageWorks product lines.
Fast food chain KFC Canada has begun a national marketing campaign called "Bucket List." From May 13 to June 16, consumers who purchase eligible food items will receive a peel-off card that will reward a prize to one out of five recipients.
Solutions with Impact is seeking for our tier 1/CPG clients for an account manager who will provide structure, support and overall leadership on our projects. The ideal candidate will bring their solid agency track record to build creative and innovative ideas, develop, plan, direct and oversee several accounts. 
We're looking for an experienced Connections planner / buyer to join our team for a 10 to 12 month period starting in June. The ideal candidate would be able to work both independently and with team members to plan and execute multi-media plans. 
