We are very excited to welcome our new intern, Kelsi Carleton, to the Elettra Communications team. Kelsi is a second year Marketing Communications student at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and the Vice President of Operations at Enactus BCIT, a student run organization on campus. She has dedicated the past two years to her education and building her communication skills through participating in networking events, presenting at Enactus regional and national expositions, and attending local events to support the Vancouver business community.

In her spare time Kelsi enjoys attending events including concerts, food truck festivals, and music festivals. She has a passion for travel and followed her passion by backpacking through Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America.

Kelsi gained experience in communications during her time at BCIT. These communication skills, paired with her love of events were her drivers for joining the world of PR in Vancouver. She was drawn to the opportunity of working on a variety of clients in multiple industries. Kelsi has enjoyed refining her business writing and presentation skills in school and is excited to start applying them to the real world of public relations.

Welcome to the team Kelsi!

Top British fashion retailer to open first store in BC

PR, public relations, company, agency, firm, vancouver, bc, retail, shopping, fashion, real estate, cadillac fairview, pacific centre

Pacific Centre shopping mall is pleased to announce a list of first-class retailers that will be moving into its 44,000 square foot retail expansion, and are scheduled to open in early summer 2015.

The stores will be accessible via a new entrance at Robson and Granville, and Pacific Centre will then extend from Pender Street to Robson Street, giving it profile and access from the city’s premium shopping strip.

The retail outlets are:

• B2
• BOSS Store
• Kate Spade
• Microsoft
• PANDORA
• Rockport
• Ted Baker London
• TUMI
• Weekend Max Mara

“We are thrilled to announce the arrival of 9 world-class brands at Pacific Centre,” says Tom Knoepfel, Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Cadillac Fairview. “These stores will enhance the shopping experience for our customers and give them another reason to shop downtown. Having the best selection of international fashion and tech retailers in one convenient location is a key factor in Pacific Centre’s continued success.”

Among the new brands is popular British fashion label Ted Baker London, which will be opening its first Canadian store outside of Toronto. Four additional first-class retailers, which will be announced in the coming weeks, are scheduled to open their doors in the retail expansion by fall 2015.

Designed by renowned, local architect James K.M. Cheng, the new building will also include Vancouver’s first Nordstrom, spanning three floors.  The top four levels have been converted to 290,000 square feet of AAA class office space and will be home to the head office of Sony Pictures Imageworks, the Vancouver offices of Microsoft, and law firm Miller Thomson.

The expanded Pacific Centre retail space is part of the redevelopment of the city block that was home to the former Sears building.  The project, which is one of the most significant to be undertaken downtown in recent decades, is reshaping the city’s busiest shopping, working, and entertainment precinct.

One of the most compelling parts about living in Vancouver is the amount of creative ways to get fit, and have fun doing it. Now, every Tuesday in March Harbour Centre is providing another great opportunity to shake up workout routines – the Urban Grind. Climb the stairs to the iconic Harbour Centre Lookout to kick-start a workout routine, get ready for the upcoming hiking season, or simply have fun with friends and colleagues.

Day one was a success, with 139 participants huffing and puffing their way to the top.  As a payoff for their efforts, participants were greeted at the top by a stunning 360 degree aerial view of Vancouver, a refreshing beer, and DJ entertainment. Climbers can customize their workout by completing the route as many times as they like during the workout time.

WHEN: Every Tuesday in March – March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 4 pm – 6:30 pm

WHERE: Harbour Centre lobby 555 West Hastings Street

COST: $5 (includes unlimited circuits between 4 pm - 6:30 pm)

Includes one beer and DJ entertainment

Climbers will also receive a $5 Harbour Centre Food Court voucher

Daylight Saving Time is this weekend, wand the switch often comes with negative side affects for the population including headaches, lost productivity, and a spike in traffic accidents. What many don’t realize is the profound effect that the time change has on Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers, for whom a regular schedule is critical to quality of life. Coreena Robertson, Communications and Wellness Director at Fraserview Care Lodge and creator of Boomerang LIFE  products, gave an interview with Richmond Review (see here) on how the time change affects seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. The time change causes confusion and can increase behaviours known as “sundowning,” which includes acting out, general aggression, a tendency to wander away, and increased feelings of depression and anxiety.

You can also listen to Coreena this Sunday (March 8th) on CKNW. Below are Coreena's tips for helping a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia adjust to Daylight Saving Time:

• Make the transition gradual. The sudden loss of a full hour is difficult to cope with. To address this, on the first day of Daylight Saving Time, allow your loved one to sleep for 45 minutes past their usual wake up time. On subsequent days, gradually move wake up time ahead by 15-minute intervals until the desired wake-up time is reached.
• Engage with your loved one. Take extra time to engage your loved one in the days following the time change. This is especially important around meal times, when what their body is telling them may not match what the clock says. Turn on their favourite TV show or play a game to help focus their attention.
• Relax into sleep. As the name suggests, “sundowning” happens in the early evening. To keep sundowning behaviour at bay, choose an activity to engage them with, but make it something calming such as listening to soft music and or sipping a warm beverage together. This will also help your loved one prepare for going to bed an hour earlier than usual.
• Be present. Meet your loved one in the moment they are experiencing, everyday. Join them in their journey by validating what they are saying. Don’t try to correct their ‘stories’.

Company now operates 16,500 square feet of premium lounge space at YVR

Vancouver, BC; (March 3, 2015) Plaza Premium Lounge is pleased to announce the official Grand Opening of its recently upgraded lounge at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The lounge, one of four Plaza Premium Lounge spaces at YVR, is located in the airport’s new A-B Connector on Level 3 Departures of the Domestic Terminal.

The 6,390-square foot space continues Plaza Premium’s commitment to offering all travellers a first class experience regardless of airline or class of travel. The opening of the new lounge follows the 2014 facelift of Plaza Premium Lounge in YVR’s International Terminal. The company will also open a lounge in Winnipeg International Airport later in 2015.

 Plaza Premium Lounge Management Limited Founder & CEO Mr. Song Hoi-see says, “Vancouver is a very important market for us, and this new lounge is the next step in our plan to grow the Plaza Premium Lounge brand throughout North America. For 10 years, travellers through YVR have embraced the comfort and convenience of having a lounge option. We are dedicated to continually improving upon the premium experience we offer our guests. And we say to all travellers ‘you are a member at Plaza Premium Lounge’.”

 The stylishly appointed facility has seating for 135, including a comfortable lounge, dining and bar areas, and a business centre. There are also private spaces where travellers can freshen up with a shower or unwind in one of three semi-private resting areas outfitted with comfortable recliners. Guests enjoy a menu of freshly prepared hot and cold food and beverages, and stay connected with Wi-Fi, large screen TVs, and a selection of international newspapers and magazines.

 Designed by Kinney Chan of renowned Hong Kong design firm, Kinney Chan & Associates, the space demonstrates the company’s commitment to first class comfort. Travellers enter the reception area via a soaring glass entrance and head up a sweeping spiral staircase to the lounge level. Upstairs, the expansive, open-air floorplan offers views of the airfield and the Strait of Georgia in the distance. The furnishings and materials are luxurious, with a warm colour palette.

 Plaza Premium Lounge takes traditional airport lounge food to the next level by offering a wide variety of enticing meal options. The focus is on healthy and fresh options that will help prepare travelers for their onward journey. The menu includes everything from freshly baked artisanal breads, hot breakfasts, signature pastas, toasted Paninis, quesadillas, soups, and salads. The bar offers specialty espresso coffees, juices, beers, wines, and spirits.

 “We are committed to providing our customers with remarkable customer service,” said Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “This stunning new Plaza Premium Lounge, which is open to all travellers within Canada, is a most welcome addition to the award-winning 170-plus shops, services and restaurants available to YVR passengers.”

 A single visit to Plaza Premium Lounge starts at CAD 40 per person for two hours, and includes use of the lounge facilities, showers and all food and beverages. Semi-private resting areas are charged separately.

 Travellers will find the new Plaza Premium Lounge after security near Gate B15. Other YVR Plaza Premium Lounges are located after security in the International Terminal (Gate D53) and after security in the Transborder Departure Terminal (Gate E86). Plaza Premium Lounge also operates a Distinguished Visitors Lounge on Level 2 of the International Arrivals Hall. This space is available by reservation only.

 Plaza Premium Lounge Management Limited now operates in more than 120 locations in 31 international airports throughout the world.

Andrew Peller Import Agency is pleased to announce the Canadian national expansion of its fine wine and premium spirits import, warehousing, and brand building service.The company, formerly Grady Wine Marketing, will nowmarket and sell internationally recognized brands to provincial liquor monopolies, private retailers, restaurants, hotels, and clubs across English Canada. The expansion will enable the Agency to build on its track record of success in Western Canada, while leveraging the significant national resources of its parent company, Andrew Peller Limited, a leading producer and marketer of quality wines in Canada. 

“Andrew Peller Import Agency offers customers the personality and style of an entrepreneurial agency combined with the brand recognition and resources of a large company,” says Alex Bakker, National Director, Andrew Peller Import Agency. “With this national expansion, we are now the leading partner to help premium international wine and spirits brands access the English Canada market.”

To service the vast national market, the Agency has created dedicated regional sales teams with in-depth local knowledge. The company also plans to replicate the winning “go- to-market” strategy that made it so successful in Western Canada. The strategy is based on strong market coverage, concentrated channel marketing, powerful business intelligence, and an experienced and professional sales team.

“Over the past several years, our growth has been more than double that of the Canadian import wine market, and that has enabled us to drive additional market share for our partners,” continues Bakker. “It’s a winning solution for our customers. We look forward to giving them exceptional service right across English Canada.”

2015 has been off to an exciting start at Elettra Communications with big projects and new business wins. We would like to extend a warm welcome to our new clients:

• Plaza Premium – the global leader in premium airport services, including independent luxury lounges open to airport users irrespective of airline or class of travel.

• Trail Appliances – BC’s leading retailer of home appliances. Trail helps you choose appliances to fit your space, lifestyle, and budget.

• Andrew Peller Import Agency - Canadian importer, warehouser, and marketing agent of fine wines and premium spirits from around the world.

• Boomerang LIFE– makers of intellectually stimulating products for seniors' with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

• Prema Chai – makers of authentic ready-to-drink Chai tea.

Welcome to Elettra. We are looking forward to working with you all!

Today, Harbour Centre celebrated the upcoming Chinese New Year with a dragon dancer. The dancer started at noon in SFU, pranced its way through the food court, and then moved through the shops, eating lettuce and collecting money along the way. Outside, a sampling team handed out cuisine from food court vendors and fortune cookies.

Happy Chinese New Year!

alumni UBC is calling on members of the University of British Columbia (UBC) community who are making a positive change in the world to tell their stories as part of its “your evolution” program.The program isan innovative, online story-sharing platform that uses the strength of the UBC network to enable alumni, faculty, staff and partners to connect and support fellow alumni working on projects they are passionate about. UBC graduates, students, faculty, staff, volunteers, and donors who are involved in a socially beneficial project are urged to upload their stories up until March 1 to www.yourevolution.ubc.ca. Ten projects will be shortlisted by March 9 and the public will be asked to vote for their favourite. While only one prize will be awarded, all entrants will receive valuable exposure for their projects via the website and social media.

The winner will receive a “social entrepreneur support kit” including:

• Professional photography session or the production of a video to help its cause
• Mentoring session with UBC President, Professor Arvind Gupta
• Access to a consultation with a UBC faculty member in an area most relevant to the project’s needs (e.g. business, law, engineering, computer science).

For further information and to enter your project, visit www.yourevolution.ubc.ca.

With Seahawks fever taking over Vancouver in advance of Sunday’s Super Bowl, Harbour Centre raised a 12th man flag on top of its iconic Lookout tower this morning.

The blue flag with the white number 12 will fly through Sunday when Seattle takes on the Patriots at the NFL championship game in Arizona.

Harbour Centre was inspired by the 12th man flag that was raised on Thursday on top of the Seattle Space Needle as that city rallies for its team in the Super Bowl.

The best places to view the flag are north east of Canada Place and Crab Park.

We are told from a young age to “dot the i’s and cross the t’s”. The practical application for this expression has never been so clear in my mind until working on my first major event as an Account Coordinator.

On Tuesday, January 13, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) held the grand opening for the new A-B Pier Connector. This event unveiled a new space in the Domestic Terminal, including “new gates, an expedited baggage system, seismic upgrades and a bunch of new places for travellers to eat and shop.” The event also the featured the unveiling of a stunning work of art by First Nations artist Marianne Nicolson.

Here is what I learned while working on this event:

1)    Once the event date is set, create an event plan, including detailed budget, timeline, and event details. The more bases you cover leading up to the event, the more prepared you are to ensure the event is a success on the day.

2)    If there are technical requirements, do a run through. You don’t want to be on the other side of the building only to realize your walkie-talkies don’t work during a big unveil. For the YVR event, I watched the project leads test each tech detail before the big day.

3)    It matters how the room is arranged. When planning your layout, think about where you want most of the crowd to be and place something important there, such as food. Also think of where people should be looking; if there is a speaker, don’t use round tables so people have to uncomfortably crane their necks.

4)    Treat a speech as a highlights reel. Ensure speakers know their allocated time frame and give the key points only.

5)    A smile goes a long way. At the end of the day, everyone would rather work with positive people. Treat every challenge as an opportunity to do your best for the client, treat every guest like they are important, and receive feedback and compliments graciously.

One of the most exciting parts of event planning is that you can see your hard work unfold in front of your eyes. You can watch the crowd react, and witness the client’s expressions. It is rewarding work and I look forward to being a part of more events. 

Whistler Brewing Company president Bruce Dean was featured in Business in Vancouver’s Life Lessons column over the Christmas holidays. Whistler Brewing Company celebrated its’ 25th anniversary at the end of last year and the article gives a valuable insight into the evolution of the brand and the importance of adapting to changing situations and taking calculated risks.

Well worth a read!

One of the exciting parts of starting Elettra seven years ago (yes, seven years already!) was naming it. Many people ask us where the name came from.

We had two criteria that guided our naming process: we wanted a name that had a story and that was tied to communications history.

Elettra was the name of the steam yacht that housed inventor Guglielmo Marconi’s private floating laboratory.  Marconi, the Italian inventor known for his pioneering work on long-distance radio transmission, did much of his research from the Elettra. It played an important part in the evolution of his work, especially in short wave wireless communication

In fact, the vessel had such a profound impact on his life that Marconi eventually named his daughter Elettra as well.

Well, when you find a good name it’s hard not to put it to good use.