Synergist Communications is proud to be nominated for a 2010 New Westminster Chamber of Commerce COBE (Celebration of Business Excellence) Award. COBE Awards are given to businesses recognized for their outstanding contributions to the business community and the community as a whole.

Zest of New West 2010 presented by Donald's Market is officially off and running! This fine culinary experience runs in New Westminster from Friday October 15^th to October 24^th. Synergist is happy to launch the Zest of New West website at www.zestofnewwest.com where you can find all event information and cast your vote.

With 12 exciting locations offering unique specials, amazing prizes like 1 of 4 wine tastings for 10 people courtesy of Pacific Breeze Winery and knowing that you are supporting New West's youth through a contribution to the Moody Park Youth Centre's culinary program; this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Synergist Communications Inc. launches Burnaby North Road Brand Identity

Synergist Communications is pleased to present at the 2010 Heritage Canada Foundation Annual Conference in St. John’s Newfoundland. 

More details at www.heritagecanada.org/eng/conference.html.

Synergist works with Yam Jam Youth Arts Festival logo contest winner Nadia Nachtigahl to put the finishing touches on her submission. The logo contest was put on by the Arts Council of New Westminster, SD 40 Community Schools Program and The City of New Westminster Youth Services.

(New Westminster, British Columbia) - New Westminster’s Annual Yam Jam Youth Arts Festival returns this June 5^th to Hyack Square. Not only will the event showcase the artistic talents of our youth but also will be introducing a new logo designed by New Westminster’s own Nadia Nachtigahl. Nadia was the winner of the Yam Jam logo design contest put on by the Arts Council of New Westminster, SD 40 Community Schools Program and The City of New Westminster Youth Services. As the winner of the contest Nadia had the opportunity to work with local branding agency Synergist Communications to put the finishing touches on her submission. Anna Zawada, Senior Designer at Synergist and Nadia enjoyed spending an afternoon discussing graphic design and working through design variations for the new Yam Jam logo.

“It is so great to see youth getting involved and excited about learning more about design. We are very fortunate to be able to help Nadia showcase her great talent to the City.” – Jeff Nixon, Synergist Communications

The new logo will be used on promotional items and as a component of the “set” design at Hyack Square created by members of Massey Theatre’s Youth Tech Club.

Synergist Communications completes 2010 Historic New Westminster Neighbourhood Tours Guide. Pick up your copy of the publication today. Contact Tourism New Westminster for more details.

Jeff Nixon, Senior Consultant of Synergist Communications presents a “hands on workshop” on BIA Branding and Marketing at the BIABC conference hosted by Downtown Maple Ridge. The conference was attended by approximately 75 guests representing BIA’s from Kelowna / Kamloops area to Victoria and everything in between. 

Synergist Communications is excited to partner with Tourism New Westminster to design and produce New West’s 2010 Historic Walking Tour Guide. As the title suggests, the guide will feature numerous tours throughout the city and profile the historic sites in each area.

Synergist Communications is pleased to be asked to present at the 2010 Regional BIA Conference for Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.

(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
jeff.nixon@synergistcommunications.com

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

 (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.

(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
jeff.nixon@synergistcommunications.com

The revised website, to be launched in November 2009, will play an integral part in achieving the Foundations 2009/10 goal of raising $1.6 million for surgical and medical equipment as well as other community healthcare needs. Since inception in 1982, the Foundation has raised over $24 million from over 68,000 donors.

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.

The Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association has engaged Synergist Communications to manage and implement their upcoming 2009-2010 brand alignment initiative.

(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
jeff.nixon@synergistcommunications.com

The New Westminster Downtown Business Association has selected Synergist Communications to develop and launch their new brand identity in Spring 2010.

(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 thatis 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
jeff.nixon@synergistcommunications.com