(Burnaby, British Columbia) - The Burnaby North Road Business Improvement Association has chosen Synergist Communications to strategically position and build a brand foundation for the area that can be leveraged to increase awareness, profile investment opportunities and attract new business. The program will involve market research and meeting with various stakeholder groups to create a unified vision for Burnaby North Road.

 “To effectively brand and market the area it is essential to determine and agree on what makes Burnaby North Road stand out from all other surrounding areas,” said Jeff Nixon, Senior Consultant with Synergist Communications. “Once you have a clear and consistent message to communicate, developing the brand identity and implementing BIA initiatives becomes all about reinforcement not guess work.”

About the Burnaby North Road Business Improvement Association

The Burnaby North Road Business Improvement Association (BNRBIA) is a not-for-profit organization that represents businesses and property owners along North Road in Burnaby. The BIA was formed to improve the attractiveness of the area and help promote it as a good place to shop, visit and do business. The Burnaby North Road BIA is committed to business development, promotion of the district, and the overall vitality of the area.

To find out more about the Burnaby North Road Business Improvement Association visit www.burnabynorthroadbia.ca.

For more information, contact:

Jeff Nixon
Senior Consultant
Synergist Communications Inc.
604.524.1412

(New Westminster, British Columbia) The Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association’s mandate is to position and promote Downtown by seeking out opportunities and developing programs and initiatives that act as catalysts that create community awareness, attract new business, and continue to develop the area for the betterment of all its stakeholders. If you haven’t visited Downtown New Westminster lately you will likely be unaware of all the residential and commercial development that is in progress. Starting all around the New Westminster Skytrain Station and across to the River Market at Westminster Quay great things are happening. The most exciting part, this is only the beginning of the City’s transformation.

Simply put, Downtown New Westminster is an area of unparalleled architectural beauty and a cultural experience like none other. If you live in the area, work in the area, or simply visit occasionally you know exactly what it is that makes Downtown New Westminster truly one-of-a-kind. When questioned, it is very simple for us to explain the reasons why we choose to make this community an integral part of our daily lives; however when not asked, it is just as easy for us to keep the reasons for not choosing the other alternatives available to us to ourselves.

Over the past six months, the Downtown New Westminster BIA has been working with Synergist Communications to internally align and position the Downtown New Westminster brand in the minds of its members, stakeholders and the general public. The program has involved meeting with members from multiple organizations, businesses and the community to identify the current perceptions and associations related to the Downtown New Westminster brand. Clearly outlining what makes Downtown New Westminster truly unique, its brand attributes and identifying its strengths and shortcomings has given the BIA and Synergist the necessary information to begin developing programs and initiatives that will lead to building a strong brand platform and visual identity that resonates with all audiences.

A major component of the program is the development of the new visual identity for the Downtown area. This new visual representation of the Downtown New Westminster brand is currently being applied to marketing materials and other communications pieces within the area and the BIA is requesting the public to once again get involved. How? The BIA is initiating a Photo Contest that is open to amateur and professional photographers across the Lower Mainland as well as an Iillustration contest open to New Westminster students currently in grades 6 to 8. Please visit 2010 Photo Contest or 2010 Illustration Contest for Official Rules and Regulations. Contest ends February 26th, 2010.

2010 Downtown New Westminster Photo Contest

The objective of the 2010 Downtown New Westminster BIA Photo Contest is to capture and showcase images of the Downtown area in ways that reinforce the Downtown New Westminster brand and can be used throughout the BIA’s communications materials. Each winning photograph will be featured on the BIA website and used in street banners that will be installed throughout Downtown New Westminster.

Following the contest, all individuals whose entries are chosen for publication will be publically announced through the BIA website as well as the local paper. Each winner may elect to publish a short bio (100 words or less) on the BIA website including company name or biographical information for self-promotional purposes along with their contact information and website address.

Please note: The Downtown New Westminster BIA may revise or refuse content or descriptions to fit space allowed or delete offensive or illegal content.

Official Contest Rules and Regulations

By entering this Contest, all entrants agree to be bound by the Official Contest Rules and Regulations and agree to comply with all federal, provincial and municipal laws and regulations.
Entry Deadline: February 26, 12:00 PM (PT)

Eligibility: The Contest is open to both amateur and professional photographers.

Photo Composition Considerations

Photographers are requested to submit photos of the Downtown New Westminster catchment only. This area includes the Fraser River up to Royal Avenue, and from the Patullo Bridge to 10th Street. All photos will be accepted however special consideration will be given for those photos:

• Focusing on life and experiences in Downtown New Westminster
• Containing Downtown New Westminster landmarks
• Containing residents, business owners and other citizens (model release forms required)
• Shot vertically with small depth of field (shallow focus)

The photos will be evaluated based on the level of creativity and the ability of the images to reflect Downtown New Westminster’s unique heritage, pioneering spirit and vibrant community. There are no restrictions on the use of individuals, local businesses or landmarks. Every effort should be made to encapsulate the architecture and beauty of the Downtown area. Each photo submitted must be accompanied by a short explanatory caption (approximately 50-60 words), detailing where and when the photo was taken and what it depicts.

Judging

8 winners will be selected from among all eligible entries received. The judging will be conducted by the Downtown New Westminster BIA, The City of New Westminster and Synergist Communications Inc.  By entering this Contest, participants agree to abide by the Contest rules and recognize that the decision of the judging committee is final. The quality of the photograph, relevance to the theme of the contest, and creativity/originality will all be examined in conjunction with artistic merit.

File Specifications:

• Up to 3 photos along with the submission form may be submitted by each entrant
• Eligible photo submissions must be a minimum of 8 mega pixels due to reproduction limitations
• All photo submissions must be shot vertically
• The name of photographer or any other identification must not be visible
• Photos must be the work of the named entrant. Previously published photos will not be accepted
• Model release forms must be provided
• Photos and submission form may be emailed to or submitted on CD, to:

Downtown New Westminster BIA
100-713 Columbia Street
New Westminster, BC
V3M 1B2

Please note: Higher resolution versions of the winning images may be requested to enable re-production in additional print or on-line materials. Digital editing is limited to cropping, resizing, contrast adjustment and sharpening.

Competition Restrictions

The Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association has the right to judge and remove any submitted work without previous notice and permission of the entrants on the following conditions:

• The subject of the work is against public policies and public morals
• The submitted work contains or may contain copyright infringements
• The submitted work may offend or insult a 3rd party or violate privacy
• The submitted work is not suitable for the competition theme or contains expression of discrimination against public and social ethics

Assignment of Rights and Declaration of Originality

By submitting photos you hereby represent and declare that the photos are original and that you have committed no fraud, deception in connection with such submission and assign all rights to your photo to the Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association.  You agree, without compensation beyond the potential to have your photo displayed publically or published, to permit the Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association to use, alter, publish, display for any purpose required or desired by the Downtown New Westminster BIA.

You further hereby waive all rights of inspection and release the Downtown New Westminster BIA from any and all liability arising out of such use of your name or photograph.  You also release all rights in and to any claim of copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property or other rights, royalties, commission or any payment whatsoever. You certify that no other individual or parties hold copyright interest in the works submitted above and that you hold all rights to the photographs listed.

Download 2010 Photo Contest Submission Form 

2010 Downtown New Westminster Illustration Contest

The objective of the 2010 Illustration Contest is to provide New Westminster students in grades 6 to 8 the opportunity to artistically communicate their relationship and experiences with Downtown New Westminster. The winning illustrations along with the names of the artists will be featured on street banners in the Downtown New Westminster area for everyone to see. In addition, the winners will also be announced on the BIA website and in the local paper.

Entry Deadline: February 26, 12:00PM (PT)

Eligibility:  The competition is open to all students from Grades 6 to 8 within the New Westminster School District (#40). Only one illustration per student will be accepted. A specific template is required and will be provided by your teacher and is available for download on the Downtown New Westminster BIA website as well.

Contest Overview

Submit an illustration of the Downtown New Westminster area which includes the Fraser River up to Royal Avenue, and from the Patullo Bridge to 10th Street. All illustrations will be accepted however special consideration will be given for those which focus on the following themes:

• Community
• Family
• Fun
• The unique history of New Westminster
• Past events or experiences you have attended or had in Downtown New Westminster
• All of the above

Your entry will be evaluated based on your ability to develop a compelling illustration that reinforces the spirit of the Downtown area. There are no restrictions on the use of people, local businesses or landmarks. However any use of conversational text is not allowed. This means no words or thought bubbles!  Each illustration submitted must be accompanied by a short explanatory caption (approximately 50-60 words), detailing what your illustration depicts, and how it relates to your experience(s) with Downtown New Westminster.

Judging

A number of winners will be selected from among all eligible entries received. The judging will be conducted by the Downtown New Westminster BIA, the New Westminster School District # 40 along with Synergist Communications Inc.  By entering this Contest, you must agree to abide by the Contest rules and recognize that the decision of the judging committee is final.

Entry Specifications

• Only 1 illustration may be submitted by each contestant (crayon, pencil crayon, pastel)
• llustrations must be submitted on template provided
• Name of illustrator or any other identification must not be visible in the illustration
• All entries must be the student’s original individual work. Group entries will not be accepted
• Illustrations must be mailed or couriered, to:
   

Downtown New Westminster BIA
100-713 Columbia Street
New Westminster, BC V3M 1B2

We look forward to reviewing your entries. Have fun!

Download Illustration Template

(Burnaby, British Columbia) – The holidays are truly a time for giving and those looking to donate to Burnaby Hospital Foundation’s 2.6 Million “Prescription for Giving” Campaign will be able to do so safely and with ease through their new website. Launched in late November, the redeveloped site is up and already accepting online donations.

“From the start of the project, it was our goal to work with the Foundation to develop a site that was as functionally sound as it was visually appealing,” said Jeff Nixon, Senior Consultant with Synergist Communications. “Meeting both the needs of the Foundation and its supporters was our top priority,”

Working collaboratively with Foundation staff, Synergist Communications completed a thorough site audit including; a content evaluation, stakeholder analysis, competitive review, technical analysis, and an operational analysis.  The site structure and design developed has proven to be one that is truly end-user focused and allows for visitors to find the information they are looking for quickly and without complication.

Burnaby Hospital Foundation’s mission is to raise funds through community partnerships to make Burnaby Hospital the best it can be. The redevelopment of the website clearly supports the objectives of the Foundation and the site is now not only an integral component of their external communications, but it has become a tool that streamlines internal communication as well.

About Burnaby Hospital Foundation

Burnaby Hospital Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Burnaby Hospital. The Foundation raises financial resources needed for innovative health care equipment, state-of-the-art technology, capital projects and educational outreach. Since 1982, the Foundation has raised over $24 million from over 68,000 donors. To find out how you can help, visit www.bhfoundation.ca.

About Burnaby Hospital Foundation’s $2.6 Million “Prescription for Giving” Campaign

Just as you would see your doctor for a prescription to get better, Burnaby Hospital looks to the community to fill their prescription for critically needed medical equipment. Over the past few years, great advances in technology have resulted in the availability and options of diagnostic, surgical and medical equipment. Having the newest state of the art equipment ensures Burnaby Hospital is a leader in community patient care.

For more information, contact:

Jeff Nixon
Senior Consultant
Synergist Communications Inc.
604.524.1412

About Burnaby Hospital Foundation

Burnaby Hospital Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Burnaby Hospital. The Foundation raises financial resources needed for innovative health care equipment, state-of-the-art technology, capital projects and educational outreach. To find out how you can help, visit www.bhfoundation.ca.

About Burnaby Hospital Foundation’s $2.6 Million “Prescription for Giving” Campaign

Just as you would see your doctor for a prescription to get better, Burnaby Hospital looks to the community to fill their prescription for critically needed medical equipment. Over the past few years, great advances in technology have resulted in the availability and options of diagnostic, surgical and medical equipment. Having the newest state of the art equipment ensures Burnaby Hospital is a leader in community patient care.

(Maple Ridge, British Columbia) – The Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement has selected Synergist Communications to align and reposition the Downtown Maple Ridge brand in the minds of its members, stakeholders and surrounding communities. Downtown Maple Ridge is in need of a new identity that reflects the true essence of the Downtown core and marketing materials that reinforce the positive story that needs to be told. The alignment program includes meeting with representatives from the Business Improvement Association, the District, Tourism, local businesses, and the public to gain insight into the current perceptions and associations related to the Downtown Maple Ridge area.

“Maple Ridge is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada,” said Jeff Nixon, Senior Consultant with Synergist Communications. “It is time for the community to start sharing the reasons why with everyone around them.”

About the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association

The Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association is a non-profit organization that represents the all the businesses and property owners with the Downtown Maple Ridge area. The BIA operates on behalf of its members to develop and manage programs designed to improve the business environment in the Downtown Maple Ridge area.

It is the mandate of the BIA to encourage and promote business in the downtown area through various cooperative projects including festivals, events, safety, security, banners, street design and furniture, garbage receptacles, cleanup, graffiti prevention, street and walkway lighting, holiday decorations and other operations which aim to improve the Downtown community.

To find out more about the BIA visit www.downtownmapleridge.ca.

For more information, contact:

Jeff Nixon
Senior Consultant
Synergist Communications Inc.
604.524.1412

(New Westminster, British Columbia) – If you have not visited Downtown New Westminster lately you will likely be unaware of all the residential and commercial development that is in progress. Starting all around the New Westminster Skytrain Station and across to the River Market at Westminster Quay great things are happening and the area is hardly recognizable. Even the Old Terminal Pub has been completely renovated and refurbished. The most exciting part, this is only the beginning of the City’s transformation. Spreading this excitement across the Lower Mainland and beyond is the objective of the Downtown New Westminster BIA; but first they must internally align and position the Downtown New West brand in the minds of its members, stakeholders and the community itself. The Downtown New Westminster BIA has engaged Synergist to develop a brand platform and visual identity that reflects the brand essence of Downtown New Westminster and materials that reinforce the Downtown New Westminster brand promise. The program will include meeting with BIA staff, City officials, Tourism New Westminster, local businesses, and the public to identify current perceptions and associations related to the Downtown New Westminster brand.

About the Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association

The Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Area (BIA) represents the interests of over 150 property owners and the 500 businesses in the Downtown core and assists in the revitalization and promotion of Downtown New Westminster.

The Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association is a self-help organization funded by its members and its key objectives include:

• Continuing to promote Downtown New Westminster through special events, attractions, promotions, and marketing initiatives
• Continuing to utilize the Fraser River and City’s history as a focus for increasing the number of people, activity, and development in the downtown area
• Continuing to work with Downtown Property Owners and Businesses, the City, Police Department and social groups to make Downtown New Westminster a safe and vibrant place to work, visit, live and shop
• Assisting with the recruitment and attraction of new businesses and development to the downtown, and assisting with the retention of existing businesses
• Continuing to encourage and facilitate pro-active planning, adequate zoning and design guidelines–both new and existing, which would help with the development of the downtown area while promoting mobility, safety, and beauty
• Providing leadership and communicating matters of concern to our members, government officials, and to the public.

To find out more about the Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association visit www.newwestbia.com.

For more information, contact:

Jeff Nixon
Senior Consultant
Synergist Communications Inc.
604.524.1412