Stephanie and Lauren at the 2013 ACE Awards

energi PR picked up Silver at the CPRS ACE Awards for its media relations campaign ‘Canvassing the Country” to help promote the Mouth & Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) holiday card sales.

Prior to joining energi PR, Jacqueline was a Senior Consultant at NATIONAL Public Relations where she was responsible for the strategic and tactical design and implementation of effective programs on behalf of various pharmaceutical and other healthcare-related clients.

Jacqueline has extensive knowledge in several therapeutic areas including diabetes, smoking cessation, mental health and inflammatory disease. She brings a wealth of expertise in media relations, stakeholder relations and project management to energi PR. Further, she is highly knowledgeable about Canadian regulatory guidelines for the pharmaceutical industry.

“In a highly regulated healthcare environment, staying up-to-date and compliant with changing regulations as well as industry trends is crucial to delivering value to our clients,” says Carol Levine, APR, Fellow, CPRS, Managing Partner, at energi PR. “Jacqueline’s commitment and understanding of the healthcare space will greatly add to our ability to provide innovative thinking to support our clients’ overall goals and objectives.”

In addition to contributing to the agency’s existing and growing client base, Jacqueline will focus on strategic planning and program management, business development, relationship building and mentorship.

“I am delighted to be recognized within this accomplished group of professional healthcare communicators, many of them clients and industry colleagues, said Carol. “But I am especially thrilled that the selection committee will be recognizing the marketing discipline of public relations. I hope that this encourages my PR industry colleagues to become more engaged in the healthcare marketing industry overall.”

Carol Levine is considered to be a thought leader in public relations and particularly in healthcare communications. She has been instrumental in building an exceptional team of senior healthcare public relations professionals, along with Marlo Taylor, Vice-President and now energi’s Healthcare Practice Lead.

After taking on increasingly senior management positions in communications, Carol established her own corporate communications firm in 1981 prior to beginning her business partnership with Esther Buchsbaum – now in its 23rd year. Operating first as Communications MECA and now as energi PR, the firm is the Canadian affiliate of the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN), the fourth largest organization of independently owned PR firms, with 44 firms representing 80 markets around the world.

Carol’s interest in healthcare public relations spans more than four decades and is rooted in her work with publicly-funded acute care, rehabilitation and long-term care health facilities, and through collaboration with patient groups, healthcare professionals, hospital boards, and foundations. She has created a number of award-winning public education programs on disease awareness and health promotion, such as the Powder Room that promotes awareness of overactive bladder and has been recognized in Canada and internationally.

Over the years, Carol’s broad range of health-related clients have included: Astellas Pharma Canada, Abbott, Biovail, Boiron Laboratories, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Galderma Canada, Graceway Pharmaceuticals, Paladin Laboratories, Phamacia, Merck Frosst, Serono Canada (now Merck), Wyeth (now Pfizer), ICN, Roche and BMS Medical Imaging. She has also consulted with numerous publicly funded and not-for-profit groups, including the Canadian Red Cross Society, Canadian Haemophilia Society, The Care-Ring Voice Network, The Jewish General Hospital, The Montreal General Hospital, the Lindsay Rehabilitation Hospital Centre, and Mount Sinai Hospital.

As Pivotal Payments’ AOR, energi PR is charged with building on the company’s existing corporate, marketing and philanthropic programs by integrating public relations and cause marketing partnerships.

“We are so pleased to be working with this industry leading Canadian company,” said Esther Buchsbaum, managing partner at energi PR. “Pivotal Payments has grown to the forefront of their industry, becoming an established payment provider thanks to their commitment to exceptional service and strong leadership, and we’re excited to begin the mandate.”

“We’re looking forward to beginning our next pivotal chapter with energi PR and continuing to promote our innovative payment services,” said Philip Fayer, President and CEO of Pivotal Payments. “Our company is thrilled to begin this new relationship with a bilingual and established agency with a proven track record of success.”

About Pivotal Payments

Innovative, reliable and affordable, Pivotal Payments is a leading provider and processor of merchant services throughout North America. Pivotal Payments provides to both online and point of sale merchants a variety of services such as debit and credit card processing, electronic check conversion, merchant cash advance programs, loyalty/gift card programs and terminal management solutions. The company provides these services to small and mid-sized retail businesses, mail order/telephone order merchants, e-commerce, chain stores, franchises, restaurants and dealerships. Processing over US $10 billion in annual transactions, Pivotal Payments serves more than 60,000 customers. To learn more, visit http://www.pivotalpayments.com

“We are excited to be working with energi PR for what we expect will be a long term relationship. They’re a talented group of professional communicators who share our passion for the holiday season, candy canes, snow and toys as well as our corporate mission of spreading joy throughout the world.  I couldn’t think of a better fit for us. Ho Ho Ho!,” said Santa.

energi PR’s first campaign is a Facebook initiative aimed at encouraging Canadians to pay it forward this holiday season. In collaboration with Santa’s top advisor, Albie the Elf, Canadians are being encouraged to visit www.facebook.com/energiPR to share how they will be ‘giving back’ this season. For those who need a gentle reminder of how to spread kindness, charity and good cheer to those in need, Albie will be sharing easy ways to “give back” during the holiday and into the new year as well as give helpful tips on how to reduce stress during this busy time of year.  Albie is available 24/hrs a day until December 21, 2012.

About Claus Corporation

Claus Corporation is a North Pole-based manufacturing and entertainment company. Claus is a market leader in toy manufacturing and spreading joy and is known for its personal appearances, television specials, annual naughty and nice survey and children’s entertainment and toy distribution. The Company’s multimedia entertainment brands include Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Papa Elf, Santa’s Workshop, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Cookies and Milk and Santa’s Sleigh. Claus Corporation creates engaging branded entertainment experiences for its audiences across multiple platforms. A private company, more information can be found on the corporate website at www.northpole.ho

About energi PR, Communications, Digital

energi PR is a bilingual, full service and independently-owned public relations and digital communications firm with offices in Toronto and Montréal. The agency services a diverse roster of clients in the consumer goods, technology and hospitality sectors and has a dedicated healthcare practice.  energi PR is a member of the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) and the Candy Cane Commission.

For more information please visit www.energipr.com.

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New PRGN member agencies are:

The We Agency

Paris, France

Located in Paris, the We Agency is a bilingual, full-service and independently-owned public relations, event management and digital communications firm. The agency services a growing roster of clients in the consumer, technology and professional services sectors.  The firm is an active member of the French Association of Communication Consultancy Agencies (AACC), the French Professional Network for Marketers (ADETEM) and the SYNTEC Conseil en Relations Publics (ICCO).

 “Through our membership in the PRGN network, coupled with the agility and daring spirit of our independent agency, the We Agency will be even better equipped to respond to French market needs, with not only our own innovative approaches to PR but also access to the truly global reach of a leading network of high-level PR professionals. In return, the We Agency commits to be a robust and reliable partner for PRGN members’ clients in the French market,” said Stephane Billiet, CEO of the We Agency.

Goodwill Communications,

Budapest, Hungary

Established in 2003 by experienced communications consultants, Goodwill Communications is a leading financial public relations agency providing full-service public relations services to more than two dozen clients, including insurance companies, banks, leasing firms, specialized financiers and fund managers.  The firm has also served professional associations representing leasing firms, investment fund managers, private equity and venture capital firms, insurance brokers and pension fund managers.  Goodwill Communications also represents companies active on the energy sector.  In 2009 the agency established a social media unit dedicated to developing PR solutions for the financial industry in today’s new media environment.  The firm has managed successful Web 2.0 campaigns for insurance, banking and consultancy clients. Of significance to the PRGN Network is the firm’s footprint in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania.

“For an independent local agency in Hungary, it is essential to develop partnerships that help us remain up-to-date on the latest in international communications trends.  Our membership in PRGN means that we can have a gate open to global communications know-how and the finest professionals in our industry,” said Anna Kondor, managing partner of Goodwill Communications.

About energi PR, Communications, Digital

energi PR is a bilingual, full service and independently-owned public relations and digital communications firm with offices in Toronto and Montréal. The agency services a diverse roster of clients in the consumer goods, technology and hospitality sectors and has a dedicated healthcare practice.  energi PR is a member of the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN).

For more information please visit www.energipr.com.

Public Relations Global Network:

Celebrating 20 Years of Connected Thinking. Globally.

More than 1,000 clients across six continents depend on the combined resources of the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) to deliver targeted public relations campaigns in more than 80 markets around the world. With revenues of more than $110 million (U.S.D.), PRGN is among the world’s top four international public relations networks. PRGN harnesses the resources of 44 independent public relations firms, 50 offices and more than 900 communications professionals to connect international companies and organizations with individual and culturally diverse markets globally. Visit PRGN online at www.prgn.com.

Jodi, who joined energi PR in 2010 as an account coordinator, began her career as a journalist but decided soon after to pursue her passion for PR.  She has become an integral member of the consumer team and is currently working on several consumer lifestyle brands. She is the agency’s resident vegetarian with a love for both animals and old Hollywood glamour.

Jonathan also joined energi PR in 2010.  As a member of the consumer team, he balances a busy schedule supporting multiple brands with his strong desire to give back to the community. Before joining energi PR, Jon worked at an international youth empowerment organization, and recently completed the Ride to Conquer Cancer, a 200km bike ride in support of cancer treatment, research and education at The Princess Margaret Hospital.

“Jodi and Jon have contributed significant to the continued growth of the agency and its consumer practice,” said Lindsay Peterson-Chisholm, General Manager and Consumer Practice Leader at energi PR. “Their promotions are well deserved and we look forward to their continued contribution.”

About energi PR, Communications, Digital

energi PR is a bilingual, full service and independently-owned public relations and digital communications firm with offices in Toronto and Montreal. The agency services a diverse roster of clients in the consumer goods, technology and hospitality sectors and has a dedicated healthcare practice.  energi PR is a member of the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN).

The Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA)  public education award is awarded to programs that demonstrate excellence in furthering the understanding of dermatologic issues and encouraging healthy behaviour in the medical, surgical and cosmetic care of skin, hair and nails.

“energi PR is incredibly proud of the evolution of the EASE program, and continues to work closely with Astellas to provide excellent patient information and support each year” said Carol Levine, Managing Partner, energi PR. “We are delighted that it has been recognized once again by the Canadian Dermatology Association.”

Recognized by the CDA for the Eczema Awareness Month campaign (November 2011), the EASE program, in partnership with the Eczema Society of Canada, developed a multi-faceted program designed to offer Canadians comprehensive information on eczema and patient support. The campaign involved the 3^rd annual EASE program art contest and three public information sessions in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. The sessions offered patients and caregivers general information on eczema, and an opportunity to hear from a dermatologist, an eczema patient, and a parent of a child who suffers from eczema.

The EASE program is a national, fully bilingual public education program that provides eczema sufferers, families, healthcare professionals and the general public with accurate and comprehensive information on eczema. The goal of the EASE program is to foster greater understanding and to provide quality educational resources to help better manage this chronic, recurring skin condition.

Developed in collaboration with leading Canadian dermatologists, the EASE program is a community service supported by funding from Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc. For more information visit www.eczemacanada.ca.