MEDIA RELEASES

Ruth-Ann Dafoe Wins the David Milliken Media Communications Award 

Toronto, December 1, 2014…. Ruth-Ann Dafoe, a fourth year Bachelor of Public Relations (BPR) student at Humber College, Toronto, is the winner of the first $1,000 David Milliken Media Communications Award. Established by CNW to celebrate senior vice-president Milliken’s thirty years’ service to the company, the Award recognizes his commitment to the important relationship between journalism and public relations. Milliken served as chair of the BPR development committee at Humber.

“It is an honour to present this award to Ruth-Ann Dafoe, an exceptional student who has demonstrated a thorough understanding of best practices in media relations,” said Nicole Guillot, CNW president and CEO.

Dafoe’s 750-word submission to the award competition addressed A Two-Way Symmetric Communications Model and its relevance to media relations. She demonstrated how her education taught and instilled in her the importance of establishing media relationships and how she incorporated this knowledge at her internship placement with DDB Public Relations, Toronto.

The jury, comprising two journalists and two senior public relations practitioners, was impressed with Dafoe’s work and the calibre of instruction being offered in the BPR program at Humber.

According to PM Rendon, account supervisor at DDB Public Relations, Dafoe understood the importance of niche media list development, how to identify strategic story angles, the best way to pitch a story, and how to conduct smart follow-ups. “She also helped organize a launch event for media where she was able to get to know even more about their specific needs,” he said. “Her education and intern placement are a solid base on which to build a strong career as a media relations practitioner and beyond that as a public relations professional.”

In addition to her intern placement at DDB, Dafoe has worked with Humber College’s Humber Launch Incubator as Research Assistant-Public Relations and Communications, and has worked with Daisy Mae Public Relations in New York, where she was assistant to the director of public relations. She continues at DDB doing media relations for a variety of clients.

As a volunteer, she works with Start2Finish, Toronto, where she helped motivate 52 children at North Kipling Public School to improve fitness and reading abilities, and also handles media relations activity.

The David Milliken Media Communications Award funds are managed by the Communications + Public Relations Foundation. The Foundation promotes the advancement of communications and public relations as vital functions in society, is dedicated to the public interest, and is committed to increasing public knowledge and awareness of the role of communications and public relations in daily life. The Foundation accepts individual and corporate contributions towards research and educational initiatives nationwide.

For more information about the Foundation and its public relations educational initiatives, contact Barbara Sheffield, Executive Director, Communications + Public Relations Foundation, Suite 1515, 73 Widdicombe Hill Blvd., Toronto, Ontario, M9R 4B3, or phone 416 242-6146, or e-mail foundation@prmediaconnection.com.

-30-

 December 1, 2014

Contact:

Barbara Sheffield, APR, FCPRS

(416) 242-6146 or (416) 557-3858

foundation@prmediaconnection.com

Note to Media: A photo of Dafoe is available by contacting the Foundation.

CPRS Toronto selects Phil Soper, President and CEO, Royal Lepage to receive 2014 CEO Award of Excellence in Public Relations

Toronto, Ontario (Marketwired – November 12, 2014) – The Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Toronto is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 22nd CEO Award of Excellence in Public Relations is Phil Soper, President and Chief Executive Officer, Royal Lepage Real Estate Services.

Mr. Soper’s work in defining the company’s vision and communicating it with impact across Canada has been a demonstration of how communications can be a game changer in business strategy and business results. Since assuming his current role at the helm of Royal Lepage in 2002, the business has more than tripled revenue and doubled agent count. In 2003, Mr. Soper directed the restructuring of the company into a publicly traded enterprise and expanded into multi-brand operations. He is a frequent commentator on economic issues and the North American real estate industry. He was an early adopter in leveraging social media channels to enhance his firm’s effectiveness and communications reach. U.S.-based Swanepoel Trends Report recently named Phil the most influential leader in Canadian residential real estate and Canada’s leading industry publication, Real Estate Marketing magazine, declared him one of the 25 most important leaders of the past 25 years.

Prior to joining the real estate industry, Mr. Soper was a senior executive with technology giant IBM where he held various national and global leadership roles in professional services, business development, finance, marketing and sales. When he left IBM, Soper was General Manager, Information Technology Consulting & Services – the largest such business in the country.

Mr. Soper’s Board responsibilities include the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, Brookfield RES Foundation, and Ryerson University’s Ted Rogers School of Management. He is a former governor for the University of Alberta. Mr. Soper graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce, and from the University of Western Ontario’s Ivey Executive Program.

Mark your calendars and join us to commemorate this occasion:

WHEN:                                  Wednesday, January 28, 2015, 12:00 Noon

WHERE:                                Eaton Chelsea Toronto

ADDRESS:                             33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto, Ontario. M5G 1Z4

TICKETS:                               Tickets available online

or contact Lois Marsh at 416-360-1988, marshl@marsh-executive.com.

Created in 1991, the CEO Award recognizes communications excellence and advocates that a successful CEO must be an excellent communicator who can express a clear mission and shared values with a broad range of stakeholders. Past Award recipients include John Betts, McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada, Jim Leech, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Robert Deluce, Porter Airlines, Galen G. Weston, Loblaw Companies, Frances Lankin, United Way of Greater Toronto, Michael Budman and Don Green of Roots Canada, and Piers Handling of the Toronto International Film Festival. The CPRS Toronto award, presented annually, is determined by a selection committee comprised of the Society’s past presidents. Members are encouraged to submit nominations throughout the year.

About CPRS Toronto

CPRS is a national association representing the public relations profession through the establishment and maintenance of high professional, educational and ethical standards. CPRS Toronto is one of the largest member societies comprising over 600 members. For more information please visit: http://www.cprstoronto.com

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Silver

• Faye Clack Communications – Ontario Apple Growers’ Winter Apple Ball
• PRAXIS – The Courvoisier Collective: Artist Collective To Foster Community, Access to Space and Exposure for Bright Talent
• Strategic Objectives – The Creation of Koodonation: Canada’s First-Ever Microvolunteering Community
• Strategic Objectives – The Body Shop “Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People” Petition

Bronze

• Environics Communications/Ontario Tire Stewardship – OARA Community Used Tire Events
• Paradigm Public Relations – TD Brings E-Recycling to Local Communities
• PRAXIS – The Pepsi Refresh Project: Creating Positive Change in Canadian Communities

Public Affairs / Government Campaign of the Year

Bronze

• Environics Communications/Kidney Cancer Canada – Kidney Cancer Canada Atlantic Campaign

Best Digital Communications Campaign of the Year

Gold

• NATIONAL Public Relations – The Vaughn Mills New Media Challenge: The Thrill of the Find

Silver

• Argyle Communications – New Transit for Toronto: The Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown
• RBC – Royal Bank of Canada (Canadian Banking) – The Sales Experience Social Media Initiative

Bronze

• Edelman Canada – Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons Launch: #CuteasaButton Moments
• High Road Communications – Brighter Life
• Strategic Objectives – Transat Holidays Vacationer for a Year

Best Use of Communication Tools

Gold

• Argyle Communications – WSPA Canada: Collars Not Cruelty

Silver

• Thornley Fallis Communications – Ontario Real Estate Association Image Campaign 2011

Brand Development Campaign of the Year

Gold

• DDB Public Relations – 2010/2011 APCOR ‘Real Cork Floors’ Campaign
• Temple Scott Associates – Clif Bar & Company Brand Building

Silver

• GCI Group – Barbie and Ken’s Reunion in Celebration of Ken’s 50^th
•  Narrative – Let the Saving Begin

Bronze

• Citizen Optimum L.P. – Back-to-School Program
• Narrative – Best Conversation Ever

Crisis or Issues Management Campaign of the Year

Gold

• Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan – Responsible Investing

Silver

• De Beers Canada – Defending De Beers Canada

Student PR Campaign of the Year

Gold

• Cora Timofte – TelLaurentide Communications Plan

Silver

• Centennial College – Talk is Cheap 4.0
• Humber College BA Public Relations Class of 2015

Bronze

• Centennial College – Ugly Holiday Sweater Party

About the Canadian Public Relations Society Toronto

The Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) is a national organization that represents the profession of public relations through the establishment and maintenance of high professional, educational and ethical standards. CPRS Toronto was formed in 1948 and is one of the largest of 16 local member societies within the national Canadian Public Relations Society. The Toronto society represents more than 335 public relations professionals from agencies, corporations, government, non-profit groups and other Toronto-based organizations, and nearly 250 students from colleges and universities. Visit www.cprstoronto.com for more information.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

cprs.ace.awards@gmail.com

GolinHarris wins CPRS Toronto ACE Awards Best PR Campaign of the Year

National Public Relations celebrates Best Creative PR Campaign win at the 2012 CPRS Toronto ACE Awards

Toronto, Ontario – The Canadian Public Relations Society Toronto will present its 19th annual CEO Award of Excellence in Public Relations to celebrate the growing importance communications plays in Canadian organizations. This year’s recipient is Dr. Robert S. Bell, CEO of University Health Network, which includes Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital and Toronto Rehabilitation Institute.

Dr. Bell is internationally recognized as an orthopaedic cancer surgeon, clinician-scientist, educator and healthcare executive who has worked in Canadian healthcare for more than 30 years. He is a creative leader who is committed to University Health Network’s vision of achieving global impact, while working collaboratively to improve the performance in the Ontario healthcare system.

During his distinguished career, Dr. Bell has achieved an impact on the treatment of bone and muscle cancer patients in Canada and abroad through basic and clinical science as well as educating Canadian and international surgeons. He has contributed to improvement in the Ontario health system in the areas of Critical Care, Emergency Departments, Neurosurgery, and hospital physician care.

This past year, he has led University Health Network (UHN) through integration with the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. The result of this process has been very positive and earned him the CPRS Toronto CEO Award of Excellence.

Mark your calendars and join us to commemorate this special occasion:

WHEN:  Tuesday, January 24th, 2012, 12 p.m.

WHERE:  Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Imperial Room

ADDRESS:  100 Front Street West, Toronto

TICKETS:  Contact Lois Marsh at 416-360-1988 or marshl@marsh-executive.com

The spirit of the CEO Award, first created in 1991, is to recognize communications excellence and to advocate that a successful CEO must be an excellent communicator who can express a clear mission and shared values with a broad range of stakeholders.

Past recipients of the Award include Mr. Jim Leech, CEO of Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, Robert Deluce of Porter Airlines, Galen G. Weston of Loblaw Companies, Frances Lankin of the United Way of Greater Toronto, Michael Budman and Don Green of Roots Canada, and Piers Handling of the Toronto International Film Festival.

The CPRS (Toronto) award is determined by a selection committee comprised of the society’s past presidents, all Accredited Public Relations practitioners, as well as some national past presidents. Members are encouraged to submit nominations throughout the year.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Martin Waxman, APR, Chair CPRS Toronto
CEO Award Committee 416-569-0501 martinwaxman@gmail.com

Gillian Howard, VP Public Affairs and Communications, University Health Network
416-340-4838 gillian.howard@uhn.on.ca

ABOUT THE CANADIAN PULIC RELATIONS SOCIETY TORONTO

CPRS is a national association representing the public relations profession through the establishment and maintenance of high professional, educational and ethical standards. CPRS Toronto is one of the largest member societies comprising more than 600 members. The CPRS Toronto CEO Award of Excellence in Public Relations is generously sponsored by Marketwire, one of Canada’s foremost news distribution and communications services companies. The advisory is also available on Marketwire.

CPRS Toronto CEO Award of Excellence Criteria

The successful candidate will have demonstrated significant achievement in all or most of the measures of excellence during the previous year:

• Creating and delivering a vision that’s consistent with the goals and beliefs of the organization;
• Active member of the public relations team, and involved in media relations employee communications, shareholder and stakeholder relations;
• Fosters a climate which is sensitive to the needs and concerns of external publics;
• Involved in organizations and charities in the community;
• Has encouraged the development of a crisis communications plan and is familiar with it and/or has demonstrated excellence in handling an actual crisis;
• Operates with the highest professional standards of integrity and ethics.

Past recipients of the CPRS CEO Award of Excellence include:

• Mr. Jim Leech, CEO of Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (2010-2011)
• Robert Deluce, President and CEO, Porter Airlines (2009-2010)
• Galen G. Weston, Executive Chairman, Loblaw Companies Limited (2008-2009)
• Frances Lankin, President and CEO, United Way of Greater Toronto (2007-2008)
• The late Richard Bradshaw, General Director of the Canadian Opera Company (2006-2007)
• Michael Budman and Don Green, co-founders of Roots Canada (2005-2006)
• Wayne Sales, President and CEO of Canadian Tire (2004-2005)
• Piers Handling, CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival (2003-2004)
• Julian Fantino, Chief of the Toronto Police Force (2002-2003)
• Charles Baillie, Chair, TD Bank Financial Group (2001-2002)
• Dominic D’Alessandro, President and CEO, Manulife Financial (2000-2001)
• Bobbie Gaunt, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada (1999-2000)
• Diane McGarry, President and CEO, Xerox Canada Inc. (1998-1999)
• Allan Stark, President and CEO, American Express Company Canada (1997-1998)
• George Cohon, President and CEO, McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada (1996-1997)
• John Cassaday, President and CEO, CTV (1995-1996)
• David Bloom, President and CEO, Shoppers Drug Mart (1992-1993)
• Peter H. Ellis, President and CEO, Sunnybrook Medical Centre (1991-1992)