TORONTO and MONTREAL, June 2 /CNW/ – Communications MECA, Montreal and Toronto and Palette Public Relations, Toronto yesterday announced to staff and clients that they will join forces to create energi PR, starting July 1, 2010. Ownership in the new national firm will remain privately held and Canadian with the new entity specializing in public relations, social media/digital and corporate communications.

Energi PR’s three founding partners, Esther Buchsbaum APR, FCPRS, Carol Levine APR, FCPRS and Martin Waxman APR, are each industry leaders and strategic counsellors with a proven track record and wide-ranging sector expertise.

Carol Levine is currently Chair of the Canadian Council of Public Relations Firms; Esther Buchsbaum is Chair of the Canadian Public Relations Society’s national advocacy committee; and Martin Waxman, a blogger and host of the Inside PR Podcast, is CPRS Toronto President and the Canadian board representative for PRSA’s Counselors Academy. While each partner will work on the firm’s national business, Buchsbaum and Levine will be based at energi’s head office in Montreal and Waxman will be based in Toronto, where he will lead the firm’s digital practice.

The partners expect the transition to begin immediately with formal business operations set to begin on July 1st with the launch of the firm’s website at www.energipr.com. No jobs will be lost as a result of the merger.

“We believe today’s announcement will have a significant impact on the Canadian PR scene by adding a larger, fully bilingual firm poised for growth,” says Carol Levine. “While the practical synergies are clear, the fit in terms of corporate culture, values and vision was bang on. The mood at both firms is ‘electric’.”

“We came up with a new name to highlight our smart, fresh and energetic approach,” says Esther Buchsbaum. “What better way to celebrate MECA’s 20th anniversary this year than to shake things up. What clients will get from energi PR is a jolt of fresh talent, ideas and innovative approaches to building and strengthening brands.”

“We’re building traditional and new PR/social media into our agency right from the start and will be able to seamlessly integrate the two,” says Martin Waxman. “We’re all entrepreneurs, committed to ethics and transparency, strategic excellence and the high quality service you’ve come to expect from MECA and Palette.”

Clients of the new firm include P&G Beauty brands – Olay, Herbal Essences, Secret, Venus; Astellas Pharma Canada Inc.; Ford Canada; Orlando/Orange County CVB; St. Maarten; Travelguard; Larabar, Atkins; Batter Blaster; Botanical PaperWorks; ShaToBu.

About Communications MECA

Communications MECA was established in 1990 and is a fully bilingual national public relations consultancy with offices in Montreal and Toronto. MECA was ranked sixth in the 2010 public relations agency listing by INFOPRESSE and has an A+ Accreditation from the Alliance des cabinets de relations publiques de Quebec. An award-winning firm, Communications MECA specializes in the consumer, healthcare, travel and technology sectors using both traditional and social/digital media. Please visit http://www.meca.ca.

About Palette Public Relations

Founded in 2004, Palette Public Relations is a Toronto-based PR agency that provides communications strategy and execution for a range of global and local clients. An early adopter of social media, Palette has a thriving beauty and consumer goods practice, and expertise in sustainability, corporate communications and large-scale special events. Palette has been named one of the country’s top beauty agencies by Cosmetics magazine. Please visit http://www.palettepr.com.

For further information: Esther Buchsbaum, Managing Partner: (514) 703-0257; Carol Levine, Managing Partner, (514) 703-0256; Martin Waxman, Managing Partner, (416) 569-0501

TORONTO, August 20, 2009 – Toronto-based public relations firm Palette Public Relations Inc., has recently added business and technology etiquette training to its suite of services. According to Louise Armstrong, executive vice president and practice leader, the need for etiquette training has grown with globalization and a society that is more focused on technology than interpersonal skills.

“The personal and professional demands on today’s business people are greater than any in the past. Mastering etiquette in behaviour and communications is a soft skill that can give both entry level employees and seasoned executives an advantage over the competition,” she says.

Armstrong was recently certified by the Protocol School of Washington, North America’s foremost provider of protocol and etiquette training. Since its inception, the school has accredited 2,500 graduates from 45 countries.
As part of its etiquette training practice, Palette is providing full-day, half-day and one hour seminars teaching the etiquette of business communications and networking, dining and technology. Courses cover everything from proper introduction protocol to the differences between continental and American dining styles to the dos and don’ts for pulling out your BlackBerry during a meeting.

“Because personal technology is relatively new in the workplace, there is a lot of uncertainty about what constitutes appropriate behaviour,” she says. “But while the tools may have changed, the rules are the same and clear codes of conduct remove the confusion from business and social situations and make everyone feel more comfortable.”

Armstrong’s blog www.acallforclass.blogspot.com explores the role of etiquette in modern society and its applications to the public relations field.

Palette Public Relations is a Toronto-based PR agency that provides communications strategy and execution for a range of global and local clients. In addition to a thriving beauty and consumer goods practice, Palette has expertise in sustainability, corporate communications, social media and large-scale special events. Please visit www.palettepr.com.

-30-

For more information:

Louise Armstrong
Palette PR
416.703.9859 x12
larmstrong@palettepr.com

No longer the bacon-and-eggs diet of old, the Atkins Diet has returned with a healthier and more sustainable approach to weight management. While still advocating a low-carb diet, the Atkins Nutritional Approach promotes a wide range of lean protein, good carbohydrates and good fats within its four phases.
Palette will help Atkins to re-educate Canadians through nutrition outreach and education about the Atkins diet and branded products.

“Atkins was a pioneer and continues to be a leader in its category,” says Louise Armstrong, executive vice-president, Palette Public Relations. “We’re looking forward to sharing their story with Canadians.”

About Atkins

Atkins Nutritionals Inc. manufactures and sells a variety of nutrition bars and shakes designed around the nutrition principles of the Atkins Diet. The Atkins line of products appeal to a broad audience of both men and women who want to achieve their weight management goals and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Atkins products are available in more than 30,000 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and internationally. For more information, please visit atkins.com.

About Palette PR

Palette Public Relations is a Toronto-based PR agency that provides communications strategy and execution for a range of global and local clients. In addition to a thriving beauty and consumer goods practice, Palette has expertise in sustainability, corporate communications, social media and large-scale special events. Please visit www.palettepr.com.

-30-

For more information:

Louise Armstrong
Palette PR
416.703.9859 x 12
larmstrong@palettepr.com

Although the LÄRABAR product has been available in Canada for a while, the relationship with Palette marks the first time the company has worked with a Canadian PR agency. Palette was granted the business through a relationship with Higgins Cohn Brand Management, which handles the LÄRABAR brand in Canada.

“This is a fabulous brand with a delicious and nutritious offering,” says Louise Armstrong, executive VP, Palette PR. “The LÄRABAR snacks are already a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts, families and celebrities in the U.S. and we’re excited about helping to increase their profile north of the border.”

About LÄRABAR
Founded in 2003 by Lara Merriken, LÄRABAR now produces sixteen LÄRABAR brand flavours. The company is committed to producing simple, whole food products. LÄRABAR products are available worldwide at a variety of natural, specialty, and conventional grocers and outdoor lifestyle retailers. Please visit www.larabar.com.

About Palette PR
Palette Public Relations is a Toronto-based PR agency that provides communications strategy and execution for a range of global and local clients. In addition to a thriving beauty and consumer goods practice, Palette has expertise in sustainability, corporate communications, social media and large-scale special events. Please visit www.palettepr.com.

About Higgins Cohn
Higgins Cohn Brand Management is a Woodbridge-based consumer products management organization, providing strategic operations and sales execution services to consumer brand companies competing in Canada. Please visit www.higginscohn.com.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Louise Armstrong
Palette PR
416.703.9859 ex 12

larmstrong@palettepr.com

“This is a fabulous home-grown sustainability story and we’re very excited about promoting these products,” says Louise Armstrong, executive VP, Palette PR.

Botanical PaperWorks makes greeting cards and stationery using plantable paper embedded with North American wildflower seeds. When planted in a pot of soil, the seeds grow into colourful wildflowers such as Bird’s Eye, Clarkia, Poppy and Snap Dragon. The line includes greeting cards, baby and wedding announcements, shower favours, thank you cards, notepads, calendars and business promos. And they’re eco-friendly – most of the products are tree-free, made from 100 per cent post-consumer waste.

“Our product is very unique and we felt it could really benefit from public relations,” says Petra McGowan, marketing manager, Botanical PaperWorks. “We chose Palette as our agency partner due to their strong lifestyle media relationships.”

Most of the Botanical PaperWorks products are tree-free, made from 100 per cent post-consumer waste and pure North American wildflower seeds by skilled papermakers making a living wage. When you choose Botanical PaperWorks plantable seed paper for a special invitation, favour or card, you’re giving the lucky recipient a lasting memento of the event. Please visit www.botanicalpaperworks.com.

Palette Public Relations is a Toronto-based PR agency that provides communications strategy and execution for a range of global and local clients. In addition to a thriving beauty and consumer goods practice, Palette has expertise in sustainability, corporate communications, social media and large-scale special events. Please visit www.palettepr.com.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Louise Armstrong
Palette PR
416.703.9859 ex 12

larmstrong@palettepr.com

“We are absolutely elated that we placed first in this survey,” says Louise Armstrong, executive vice president and co-owner Palette Public Relations. “We work very hard to develop and maintain strong relationships with Canadian beauty editors and it’s wonderful to be recognized by a group of people we hold in such high esteem.”

“Public Relations helps generate millions of dollars in important editorial coverage every year in Canadian magazines and newspapers making it a huge contributor to the success of a beauty brand in Canada,” says Jim Hicks, publisher Cosmetics magazine. “So when editors call out an agency as being among the best in its field, that’s a real achievement.”

While beauty PR is not Palette’s exclusive focus, the agency counts some of the world’s biggest beauty brands among its roster of clients including Olay, Herbal Essences, Head & Shoulders, Secret and Aussie. “We’re fortunate to have the opportunity to work on several outstanding beauty brands,” says agency president and co-owner Martin Waxman. “The strength and diversity of this portfolio has enabled us to do some very creative PR work over the years both for our beauty clients and for those in all the sectors we serve.”

About Palette PR

Palette Public Relations is a Toronto-based PR agency that provides communications strategy and execution for a range of global and local clients. In addition to a thriving beauty and consumer goods practice, Palette has expertise in sustainability, corporate communications and large-scale special events. Clients include Olay, Herbal Essences, Head & Shoulders and Tide as well as several multinational and Canadian organizations including Caliper Canada, Canada Blooms, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Canadian Management Centre, Kids & Company, JacKryn France and Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Clubs.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Martin Waxman
Palette PR
416.703.9859 ex 11

mwaxman@palettepr.com

Louise Armstrong
Palette PR
416.703.9859 ex 12

larmstrong@palettepr.com

TORONTO, January 17, 2008 – Palette Public Relations, a growing PR agency with local and global consumer product, B2B and not-for-profit clients, is kicking off 2008 with an updated website at www.palettepr.com.

“We created our old website when we started the agency four years ago as a reflection of the business we intended to grow,” says partner and executive vice president Louise Armstrong. “As we enter our fifth year of business, it’s time for a fresh look that showcases the agency we’ve become.”

Palette’s new website will include a regularly updated news section as well as a link to agency president Martin Waxman’s blog, my(PR)palette, www.martinspalette.blogspot.com. Active in social media for several years before he launched his own blog in 2007, Waxman has become a part of the growing Canadian online ‘dialogue’ of PR and communications professionals. The website will also provides information on Palette PR, its philosophy and approach, examples of recent work, success stories, a client roster and list of agency staff.

Palette adds in-house designer, web specialist to firm
The website was revamped by Palette’s newest staff member, Andrew Glenn. As account executive, creative services, Andrew will provide in-house design services, online strategy and will help to expand the company’s growing social media practice. Prior to joining Palette, Andrew was a senior designer with a Toronto-based retail design firm after studying photography and graphic design at Dawson College, in Montreal.

“Traditionally PR has been focused on verbal communications,” says Martin Waxman, Palette PR partner and president. “By incorporating visual or online elements that resonate with target influencers, we can bring our clients’ stories to life in a new way. Adding a graphic design and web strategy to our capabilities enables us to integrate these elements into blogger relations, social media outreach as well as in more conventional communications programs.”

About Palette PR
Palette Public Relations is a Toronto-based PR agency that provides communications strategy and execution for a range of global and local clients. It’s the Canadian agency of record for several global brands including Olay, Herbal Essences, Head & Shoulders and Tide and works with several multinational and Canadian organizations including Caliper Canada, Canada Blooms, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Canadian Management Centre, Kids & Company, JacKryn France, Phillips, and Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Clubs.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Martin Waxman
Palette PR
416.703.9859 ex 11

mwaxman@palettepr.com

Louise Armstrong
Palette PR
416.703.9859 ex 12

larmstrong@palettepr.com

Palette has begun work with Canada Blooms, Canada’s largest flower and garden festival, to drive pre-event awareness in the months leading up to the annual March 2008 Festival. Palette will also manage media accreditation and media relations throughout the five-day Canada Blooms event.

Palette will be working with the Canadian Management Centre, a leading provider of professional development and management education to individuals and companies, to build the profile for the organization and its experts within the business community.

“We are very pleased to add both Canada Blooms and Canadian Management Centre to our existing client base,” says Palette PR president, Martin Waxman. “Canada Blooms represents an excellent complement to Palette’s robust consumer practice, while Canadian Management Centre is an ideal fit for our business to business practice.”

About Palette PR
A rising star on the Toronto PR scene, Palette Public Relations was founded by Waxman and Louise Armstrong almost four years ago and has seen consistent growth. The agency handles public relations for some of the world’s biggest brands including Olay skin care and Herbal Essences as well as Canadian organizations such as Kids & Company, Caliper Canada and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Please visit www.palettepr.com.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Martin Waxman
Palette PR
416.703.9859 ex 11

mwaxman@palettepr.com

Louise Armstrong
Palette PR
416.703.9859 ex 12

larmstrong@palettepr.com

Both Maximilian Nchama and Moona Syed have been promoted to account executive. Lauren Wolff joins the agency as senior account executive and Rebecca Froud and Michelle Yeh are the firm’s new account coordinators. Wolff comes most recently from Cancer Care Ontario and Froud and Yeh are recent university graduates.

“It’s a really exciting time for Palette,” says president Martin Waxman. “We’ll keep adding staff and building our agency as current and new clients continue to look to us for communications expertise.”

A rising star on the Toronto PR scene, Palette Public Relations was founded by Waxman and Louise Armstrong almost four years ago and has seen consistent growth. The agency handles public relations for some of the world’s biggest brands including Olay skin care and Herbal Essences as well as Canadian organizations such as Kids & Company, Caliper Canada and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Please visit www.palettepr.com.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Martin Waxman
Palette PR
416.703.9859 ex 11

mwaxman@palettepr.com

Louise Armstrong
Palette PR
416.703.9859 ex 12

larmstrong@palettepr.com

Toronto, August 20, 2007 – For the second year running, Toronto-based Palette PR will handle national media relations for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, September 30, 2007. Working with the Foundation’s National Office, Palette’s mandate includes media training, national media relations and local PR support for the Run’s 53 sites nationwide.

“The Run is our most significant fundraising event, but it also presents a unique opportunity to raise awareness on a national level for the Foundation and the work we do in the prevention, research and treatment of breast cancer,” says Sharon Wood, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Executive Director. “We believe that Palette is well-positioned to drive public awareness for the Run, the Foundation and issues of breast cancer.”

This year the Run will be held in communities from Victoria to St. John’s on Sunday, September 30. Last year more than 170,000 participants walked or ran to raise over $26 million for breast cancer research, education and awareness programs. 2007 is the 16th annual Run.

“The Run is the largest single-day, volunteer-led, national event to support breast cancer,” says Louise Armstrong,executive vice-president, Palette PR. “It is both personally and professionally rewarding to build awareness and encourage participation for an event of this caliber. We look forward to doing it again this year.”

The Run is just the latest in Palette’s growing roster of consumer, business to business, entrepreneurial and not-for-profit clients.

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

Established in 1986, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is the leading national volunteer-based organization in Canada dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. The Foundation works collaboratively to fund, support and advocate for relevant and innovative research, meaningful education and awareness programs, early diagnosis and effective treatment, and a positive quality of life for those living with breast cancer.

About Palette PR

Based in Toronto, Palette Public Relations is a boutique agency, specializing in strategy development, communications planning, reputation management, product launches, media relations and event management. Clients include P&G Beauty’s Olay, Herbal Essences, Head & Shoulders and Aussie brands, Kids & Company, Caliper Canada, Yuk Yuk’s and Verity. For more information visit www.palettepr.com.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Martin Waxman
Palette PR
416.703.9859 ex 11

mwaxman@palettepr.com

Louise Armstrong
Palette PR
416.703.9859 ex 12

larmstrong@palettepr.com