White Rabbit Communications

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Carl’s Jr. Grand Opening In Calgary

News of the first Carl’s Jr. opening in Calgary spread quickly after their successful media preview event.  

Carl’s Jr.’s big, juicy premium burgers, CrissCut fries and hand-scooped shakes were a hit with media guests, who shared photos of their mouth-watering meals on social media with the hashtag #carlsjrcalgary. The hashtag trended in both Calgary and Canada, building even more anticipation for the official public opening.

“When we opened to the public, we had lines around the block. We owe a lot of that success to the PR and social media efforts, which were critical to building that initial buzz. Angela and her team did a fantastic job,” says Fraser Landeen, Carl’s Jr. Franchisee.  

Read coverage from the Carl’s Jr. Calgary opening here:

- Calgary Herald Online – Fortney: Carl’s Jr. brings sex and burgers recipe to Calgary

- Calgary Herald Online – Carl’s Jr. coming to Calgary

- Canada.com – Fortney: Carl’s Jr. brings sex and burgers recipe to Calgary

- Calgary Buzz – First Carl’s Jr. Calgary Location officially opens

- 95.9 Kiss Radio – Can’t Wait!

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Rallying Support for KidSport During the Most Critical Time in Their 21 Year History

KidSport provides support to children and families to remove financial barriers that prevent them from playing organized sports. They came to us to help raise awareness at a critical time. For the first time in their 21 year history, they were facing the possibility of having to turn eligible kids away. That meant that without more funding, many Calgary children would be sitting on the sidelines.

We helped them develop a winning media relations campaign to communicate their need for donations. Calgary media helped showcase the amazing impact KidSport has on area youth, highlighting the importance and generosity of local donors, partners and volunteers.

Thank you to all Calgary media who rallied to support KidSport during this critical time.

- Global News: KidSport warns it may not be able to help Calgary families pay for organized sport

- CBC News: KidSport Calgary struggles as demand spikes 80%

- CTV News: Tough times for kids wanting to play sports in Calgary

- Calgary Herald: ‘A huge impact’: Demand for kids’ sports subsidies skyrocketing amid faltering economy

- Calgary Sun: KidSport Calgary seeing massive spike in demand due to sagging economy

- Newstalk 770: KidSport dealing with “record demand” for funding help

- 660 News: KidSport may have to turn kids away as demand spikes

- Yahoo News: Kidsport Calgary struggles as demand spikes 80%

- Yahoo News: Economic downturn squeezes non-profits at both ends, says United Way CEO

- Times Colonist: KidSport Calgary says demand for help up 80 per cent, but donations down  

- Ici Radio Canada: Beaucoup de demandes, mais moins d’argent pour KidSport Calgary

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Beatnik Bus & London Drugs Turn up the Volume on Vinyl Record Day

Alberta’s only mobile vinyl record shop makes a stop at the largest Canadian retailer of vinyl to celebrate Vinyl Record Day in Calgary on August 12

For true audiophiles, it’s the most wonderful day of the year. Vinyl Record Day is a time for vinyl enthusiasts to band together to celebrate and experience music the way the artist intended.

Vinyl Record Day took place August 12, and Western Canadian retailer London Drugs and Beatnik Bus, Alberta’s only mobile vinyl shop, teamed up to celebrate in Calgary.

London Drugs is the first large retailer to offer a vast collection of vinyl, and has expanded its collection to several hundred titles over the last few years. The chain has become a go-to location for vinyl enthusiasts and has seen the audience for vinyl double over the last four years. The company has also recently expanded its vinyl offering to customers who want the convenience of hunting down titles online. Online enthusiasts often take to sites like Kijiji to source fab finds, but also have the ability to now shop at London Drugs online and pick up their vinyl albums in store, or have them delivered.

Here's some media coverage from the day:

Calgary Herald, Vinyl Record Day with Beatnik Bus at London Drugs: http://calgaryherald.com/entertainment/music/dropping-beats-for-the-food-bank

CTV News Calgary, Celebrating Vinyl Record Day at London Drugs: http://calgary.ctvnews.ca/time-to-celebrate-vinyl-record-day-1.2513468

Breakfast Television Calgary, Vinyl Makes a Comeback at London Drugs: http://www.btcalgary.ca/videos/4416548200001/

So why all the love for vinyl again? The simple answer – it’s a memorable experience. Not only that, but it brings back memories. The nostalgia associated with a vinyl record cannot be matched by a digital track.

Isn't vinyl sweet? We think so!

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#VIFFbeauty: Celebrating Canadian Beauty & Talent with London Drugs & NeoStrata

In July, White Rabbit was getting red carpet ready with Vancouver's most prominent beauty bloggers, YouTubers, and media publications during #VIFFbeauty! The glamorous event hosted on the Shangri-La's private terrace was meant to give media a taste of what we can expect at the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) this year: glitz, glam and of course, a red carpet complete with paparazzi.

NeoStrata, who is sponsoring the Style in Film Series at VIFF 2015 for the first time, will be joined by retail partner London Drugs. The Canadian brands are teaming up to celebrate Canadian beauty and talent! A presentation was made by London Drugs to the group of content creators about London Drugs Cosmetics' involvement in the VIFF partnership, and about how exiting it is for a BC-based company to be celebrating Canadian content creators right here in Vancouver. That was followed by a presentation from VIFF's Director of Development Shelley Sainsbury about the Style in Film Series, and a run-down of NeoStrata's cosmeceutical roots & must-try products from the National Education & Training Manager for NeoStrata, Patricia Clare.

There is lots more excitement to come from NeoStrata and London Drugs on this glamorous journey to VIFF 2015 in September, so make sure you follow along on social with the hashtag #VIFFbeauty, and you can even enter to win a VIP VIFF Experience! Check out the contest details here (contest runs August 1st-Sept 13th).

See you on the red carpet!

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London Drugs Stampede Essentials Media Relations Campaign

Rodeo riding, roller coasters, pancakes, chuck wagons, two stepping and live music are just a few of the reasons why we all look forward to the 10 fun-filled days of Stampede. But there are a few things that even seasoned cowgirls and cowboys could do without – like long periods of time in the heat, upset stomach after Midway food, and not getting much sleep.

London Drugs and Johnson & Johnson partnered up to help Stampede-goers deal with these slight discomforts by creating a Stampede Essentials pop-up shop at Stampede Park in Weadickville.  For the first time ever, pharmacists from London Drugs were available on the grounds during park hours to provide advice and products to help keep attendees healthy and hydrated during the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

A regional media relations campaign focusing on Stampede health resulted in coverage with the top print, online and broadcast news outlets to remind customers that pharmacists are an excellent resource regarding allergies, upset stomach, over-the-counter pain medications, hydration and sun care.

Example Media Coverage:

Calgary Herald covers London Drugs Stampede Essentials.

Watch BT Calgary's online segment on Stampede, featuring the Stampede Essentials store.

Global Calgary broadcast from the London Drugs' Stampede Essentials store.

Calgaryisawesome.com: A Week of Calgary Stampede 2015 Food So Far (with mention of Stampede Essentials store).

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It’s a Match! Krystal Walter Matchmaking Joins White Rabbit’s Expanding Client Roster

We are pleased to announce a new client relationship with Krystal Walter Matchmaking, the leading matchmaking service in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Toronto. Lead by Master Matchmaker Krystal Walter herself, the company offers an exclusive boutique approach to dating.

White Rabbit has already set them on a winning path to capitalize on the resurgence of traditional matchmaking services.  

Here are some of Krystal’s recent appearances and interviews:

-          Shaw TV Calgary

-          CTV News Edmonton

-          Breakfast Television Calgary

-          Breakfast Television Edmonton

-          CBC Radio One Edmonton AM

-          630 CHED AM with Bruce Bowie

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small-store trend across retail categories

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When we sit down each day and do our work, power concentrates around us. The Muse takes note of our dedication. She approves. We have earned favor in her sight. When we sit down and work, we become like a magnetized rod that attracts iron filings. Ideas come. Insights accrete.

http://m.fastcompany.com/3017850/leadership-now/creativity-is-really-just-persistence-and-science-can-prove-it

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Twitter as a valuable "social soundtrack" for televised events

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For starters, while online video may be getting more respect in a marketer’s budget the category is not, contrary to many reports, likely to kill off television.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikamorphy/2013/07/26/get-ready-for-online-video-ads-to-eat-everything/

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News stories are some of the most widely shared pieces of content on any given day, especially as consumers are becoming more opinionated on various topics, and eager to share their opinions. These news pieces are a content strategy that has the ability to go viral, and can inevitably help similar pieces find virality as well.

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White Rabbit Communications attending the 2013 Banff World Media Festival

Over the last three decades, the Banff World Media Festival has attracted a cross-section of television and digital media professionals. The festival delivers a comprehensive examination of the most critical issues facing the television and digital media industries and highlights the latest in digital media innovation.

Over 150 Development Executives and television and digital media professionals from all over the world attend to engage in revolutionary insight, and to celebrate the best in international television and digital media production.

“I was lucky enough to attend last year, and it was just a great learning experience and opportunity to forge new relationships, examine issues facing the TV and digital media industries, and focus on how media is currently being shaped, distributed and consumed by audiences today. As a content producer and consumer, this year’s festival is a chance for me to learn even more about the evolving media landscape,” says Joyce.

The festival allows attendees to participate in in-depth spotlights, face-to-face meetings with key decision makers, and networking opportunities with top advertising agencies, producers, media buyers and other technology companies.

This year, Joyce is heading to Banff to pitch three new television and digital media content ideas to development executives at CBC, Shaw, Corus Entertainment and Fox Television.

“We have some fantastic out-of-the-box ideas and we are presenting them in a really captivating way. I’m looking forward to sharing them with decision makers and receiving their feedback.”

For first time attendees, Joyce offers the following advice:

Don’t think of it as a “festival”. It is far more like a conference. The dress is business casual and the tone is professional.

Pack for all types of weather. Last year there was snow on the ground at the Banff gates!

Plan your schedule beforehand. There are so many great sessions and you can only pack them all in if you plan ahead!

If you would like to know more, or arrange a time to meet with Angela while in Banff, feel free to email [email protected]

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Meet the Media Calgary

White Rabbit Communications and event sponsors, Molson Coors, London Drugs and The Trop Bar & Grille are excited for Calgary’s first-ever Meet the Media Tweetup & Happy Hour Reception.

Angela Joyce, Managing Director of White Rabbit Communications, was motivated to organize the event in Calgary after attending two Meet the Media Tweetups in Edmonton.

“It’s a fun social event. And a great opportunity to meet people who you may have only ever communicated with on Twitter, or seen on TV, or worked with via email.”

If you would like more information about the event, please contact Angela at [email protected].

Or visit this link: http://meetthemediayyc.eventbrite.ca/#

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The Ecosystem of Linkedin is a great infographic to help explain what Linkedin is and how it can help promote your professional and personal brand. Take a moment to review, and determine whether you are getting the most out of your Linkedin profile.

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Anaid Productions' coverage in The Mountaineer, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta

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New Client: Anaid Productions

Anaid Productions, an award-winning independent production company, is looking to White Rabbit Communications for help casting a new reality show that focuses on the tribulations and experiences of planning a mixed-union marriage.

“We are exploring the unique stories and perspectives of couples as they face unexpected and sometimes hilarious challenges throughout their wedding preparations and their big day,” says Executive Producer, Margaret Mardirossian.

The series will chronicle couples with undeniable differences as they make their way to the alter: the romance, compromise and challenges of planning the perfect wedding while considering each other’s culture, ethnicity or socio-economic backgrounds.

Anaid is known for producing award-winning, dynamic, and internationally recognized real-life and dramatic television series such as The Liquidator, Hail Mary, X-Weighted and The Quon Dynasty.

Angela Joyce, Managing Director of White Rabbit Communications, who was once selected by Anaid to participate in their internationally syndicated series, X-Weighted, says, “I had such a fantastic experience working with Anaid as a show participant. I’m happy to help others get involved in the great television they produce.”

White Rabbit Communications is spearheading the Alberta portion of their media outreach and marketing effort to promote the casting.

Interested couples are invited to send a photo and short bio to [email protected] by Friday, May 31st.

Angela Joyce, Managing Director of White Rabbit Communications was a participant on season one of Anaid Productions’ X-Weighted.