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Metspace Expands Revolutionary Coworking Services to Ontario with an Initial Focus on the GTA and Ottawa

Innovative solution aims to address highest vacancy rates in over 25 years by converting unused commercial real estate into collaborative workspaces

 

MONTREALAug. 15, 2023 – Metspace, a revolutionary coworking environment creator that transforms unused commercial real estate into thriving revenue generators, is pleased to announce that it is now offering its services to Ontario, focusing initially on the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Ottawa. Through a comprehensive end-to-end approach, Metspace collaborates closely with property owners to design coworking spaces tailored to the needs of modern businesses and entrepreneurs.

“With a proven track record in Montreal, we are poised to revolutionize Ontario’s commercial property landscape by offering coworking solutions that maximizing occupancy rates and revenues for property owners,” said Caterina Mazzone, President, Metspace. “We believe that the future of commercial real estate lies in flexibility, community, and collaboration. By expanding into the GTA and into Ottawa, we are fueling our mission which is to redefine the workspace experience and empower our tenant members to thrive in a new era.”

Metspace is a trailblazer in the collaborative workspace community, curating vibrant and dynamic business hubs within commercial properties. By establishing competitive pricing for tenants and managing all aspects of the process, from the conceptual design phase to day-to-day operations, Metspace empowers property owners to unlock the full potential of their real estate assets.

“Since the pandemic we’re seeing valuable commercial properties remaining underutilized, leaving property owners searching for viable solutions to maximize the potential of their spaces,” explained Paolo Catania, Founder, Metspace. “We are thrilled to bring our innovative services to Ontario, providing owners with a turnkey solution that transforms their properties into profitable revenue streams.”

2023 saw the highest reported office vacancy rate in Toronto in more than 25 years (15.8% in Q2 of this year), and as more leases come to an end, experts warn this number could jump as high as 46% in the coming years according to a Toronto Star July 2023 report. Metspace’s expansion into Ontario will work to address these growing vacancy rates, offering real estate professionals, commercial property owners, and developers new and lucrative opportunities to optimize their assets.

About Metspace

For nearly a decade, Metspace has been at the forefront of the collaborative workspace movement, designing unique spaces tailored to the needs of modern businesses and entrepreneurs. Bridging the gap between coworking and property management, Metspace offers exceptional, end-to-end solutions that cater to the diverse needs of its clients and help property owners maximize the potential of their real estate assets. By creating collaborative environments that empower businesses, Metspace is helping to revolutionize the collaborative workspace industry and become a driving force for economic growth. Learn more at https://metspace.com

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FG276: Ideas in Innovation

#ProInsights: The Power of UGC Campaigns

User-Generated Content (UGC) marketing campaigns encourage your customers to create content related to your brand, products, or services. UGC can be a powerful tool to build authenticity and trust, as well as to create a sense of community around your brand.
LEGO’s #RebuildTheWorld campaign aimed to inspire creativity and imagination through UGC by encouraging brand enthusiasts of all ages to share their innovative creations on social media. By showcasing the endless possibilities of LEGO bricks, the UGC campaign fostered a sense of community and playfulness, while reinforcing the company’s brand values. This campaign not only generated a wealth of UGC, but also strengthened the emotional connection between the brand and its customers.
As businesses continue to explore new ways to connect with their customers, leveraging UGC can be a key strategy for driving growth, enhancing brand visibility, and fostering meaningful relationships with consumers.

#Poll: What type of content are you most likely to engage with?

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Innovative Marketing Methods

Innovation in marketing is important for identifying current and future target markets, introducing unique products and services, as well as increasing customer satisfaction and confidence when selecting a product/solution. It keeps a customer’s market, experience, and needs top of mind from ideation to execution.
Here are five popular methods:
  • Rebrand: The act of changing a brand’s logo, packaging, target market, or mission based on market research.
  • Retain: Marketers may choose to launch customer loyalty programs, coupons, offers, exclusive content or products, or customer memberships to encourage brand loyalty and word-of-mouth advertising in order to create and retain customer relationships.
  • Educate: Create a content strategy plan that focuses on educating consumers about your industry, its leading products, and your services.
  • Expand: New and expanded partnerships can increase a company’s number of potential customers, stretch a product or service’s reach, and influence marketers to envision new ideas for further expansion and innovation.
  • Personalize: Using marketing data to create more personalized experiences increase feelings of belonging and loyalty, which help build consistent and satisfied customer relationships.

What We’re Reading

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Branding to Engage with Changing Customers

For the first time in 10 years, Jell-O has rebranded to a new visual identity, but why? Jell-O is the 18th Kraft Heinz brand to get a refresh over the last three years amid an industry-wide trend that has seen marketers update their visual looks to engage with changing consumers. The rebrand, which will be rolled out across the Jell-O’s entire portfolio starting this month, features a new visual identity that positions it for a new generation of parents with a modern aesthetic that nods to its playful, colorful roots. Kraft Heinz debuted its first master brand identity in June 2020, and the company has since rebranded Oscar MayerKraft Mac & Cheese and Kraft Singles, among other products. Heinz also unified its global creative strategy under one brand platform for the first time in its over 150-year history.
#Poll: Are you considering a rebrand or simply a brand refresh within the next year? Answer here

#ClientFeature: Curious Scarlet

Curious Scarlet is an ecommerce company dedicated to creating holistic wellness products for women. Their mission is rooted in exploring one’s femininity as well as encouraging self-care without guilt. Their line of products ranges from Gua Sha face tools to stimulation accessories and everything in between.
Check them out on Instagram!

#FGStory: Supermoons, Saturn and 100 Shooting Stars: August is for Stargazing

August might just be the best month of all for stargazing in the northern hemisphere. With the most famous reason to stay out all night during August is the annual Perseid meteor shower to see up to 100 shooting stars per hour under ideal sky conditions.
Here’s what to see in the night sky for the remaining of August:
  • Perseid Meteor Shower: Pre-dawn hours of Sunday, August 13, all-sky
  • Summer Triangle: Any night this month, straight above
  • Summer Milky Way: Any night this month, in the south
  • Super Blue Moon: Wednesday, August 30, rising in the east
  • Saturn at Opposition: Sunday, August 27 (rising in the east, setting in the west)
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Script writing 101

The purpose of scriptwriting is to create the main concept of your video production in written form. It provides a predetermined look at what will be said and what scenes will be shot to match the overall message(s) being conveyed. Once written, the script will help determine and prepare the many different aspects that will come together to make the final product.

 

Writing a script will also give you a better idea of the direction you would like to go with your strategy. An effective script will outline the entire project, including the core message in a way that ensures a top-quality production. Additionally, it can provide a better idea of who you want to be in the video and what their role will be.

 

Scriptwriting is the time to define the purpose, the messages that the video is promoting, and how the content will connect with your audience. The strategy behind the script is vital to the success of the video as it must deliver its message(s) in a way that the audience will resonate with.

 

Consumers do not want to simply have a whole bunch of information spewed in their general direction. People want to learn about products and services through the special art of storytelling.

 

Your brand storytelling must take into consideration:

  • Mood and feel of the video.
  • Tonality of the speakers and voiceover.
  • Set design including lighting, furniture, and decor.
  • Integration of third-party content; this is especially important for some companies as video content may be produced by another office or supplier.

 

SCRIPTING FOR VOICEOVER VS. ON-CAMERA VS. ON PAPER

 

Writing scripts for voiceover artists is slightly different than cast scripting as on-the-fly adjustments are harder to make, and at times, not possible. Here are some tips to consider:

  • Determine the level of formality and maintain a consistent tone through the entire clip.
  • Pay attention to your word choices. If at the beginning of the clip you say, “Please try our service!”, then you should continue to use the same formal tone in the middle (“Note how it works”), and in the end (“Sign up today”).
  • Specify how important brand words or names should be pronounced. Some words may need to be written out in English to avoid discrepanices. Indicate whether certain words should be pronounced in their English or French vairants. 
  • Specify which vowel should be stressed in first and last names as well as specialized terms.  For example, the last name “Ivanov” could be pronounced either as “IvAnov” or “IvanOv”.
  • Count the number of words in the voice-over script. The length of the video clip depends on the length of the voice-over script. Use the following simple formula to calculate the approximate duration of the video: a French speaker speaks approximately 195 words per minute (3.25 words per second) and an English speaker speaks an average of 150 words per minute (2.5 words per second). Correlate the length of the voice-over text with what exactly is going on in a particular scene. For example, if there is only one image in a scene, then the viewer is probably going to lose interest in viewing it for more than 5-8 seconds. But if the scene consists of five different items, then the viewer would need a minimum of 10 seconds to read and take in what is on the screen. 
  • Write properly and try to avoid:   Stilted, awkward phrases: instead of “carry out an order”, say “order”; instead of “render assistance”, say “help”; instead of “carries out his work”, say “works”. Pleonasms: instead of “service to provide services”, simply write “service”; instead of “quickly and on time”, write either “on time” or “without delay”. Descriptive generalizations: instead of saying “qualified installers wanted”, write “every employee must have completed study of XXXX as well as a minimum 3-month-long internship.” Exaggerations: Do not make promises that you cannot keep. Be honest with your audience.
  • Read the text aloud. You will pick out phrases that might sound ambiguous or comical when read aloud. 
  • Read the entire text out loud from beginning to end while trying not to skip numbers, names, and website addresses. Rephrase sentences that sound out of place.
  • Point out to the voice-over artist how proper nouns and titles should be pronounced.
  • Ensure that your text is logically coherent. Imagine that the viewer knows nothing about your service: neither its name, purpose, nor the specific context in which it is used. Spell out the information sequentially, moving from the general to the particular and finally returning to the general. Specify exactly what you expect the viewer to do – provide a direct call to action.

Here is a typical sequence of steps to follow when presenting your product/service:

  1. Present your product/service and describe its purpose in a few words.
  2. Briefly describe the problems that your product/service solves.
  3. Specify exactly how your product/service can be used to solve these problems while being sure to include specific actions: type, press, click, go, send.
  4. If necessary, briefly describe any additional functionality that your product/service provides, for example: In addition, the product/service can…, besides that…, moreover…, etc.
  5. In conclusion, emphasize the advantages of using your product/service: Thus, you can… .
  6. End the video clip with a call to action: Visit, Sign up.

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FG276: Impact, influence and coopetition.

#ProInsights: Impact Marketing

Impact marketing, also known as cause-related marketing or purpose-driven marketing, is a strategy whereby businesses align themselves with a social or environmental cause to create positive change while promoting their products or services. This is an important component of a marketing plan as it can help:
  • Build brand reputation
  • Connect with socially-conscious consumers
  • Differentiate businesses and create a competitive advantage
  • Engage with employees and increase retention
  • Create positive societal impact
  • Strengthen relationships with stakeholders
McCain’s ‘Little Moments‘ is a great example of impact marketing. This ongoing awareness campaign plays on meaningful everyday moments.
Working with families who have neurodivergent, disabled or chronically-ill children, the ads discuss how the little moments often mean the most to families whose children struggle more than their peers. In partnership with the Family Fund, which offers grants and financial support to families raising disabled or seriously ill children, the campaign involves a series of nationwide, televised ads that captured the essence of family time.

#Poll: What is your most important content marketing KPI?

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Coopetition

Coopetition, defined as cooperating with a competitor to achieve a common goal or get ahead, has been gaining quite a bit of traction in recent years. A successful example includes Apple and Samsung whereby working together was advantageous to both companies. The coopetition provided the industry’s best screen (Samsung) to a competitor’s phone that has a loyal customer base (Apple). Apple even offered iTunes movies and TV shows on Samsung’s television sets.
There are many reasons for competitors to cooperate, from a way to save costs and avoid duplication of effort to embarking on a project that is too big or too risky for one company to manage. Coopetition may simply be an option when one party is better at doing A while the other is better at B, and the companies can trade skills.

What We’re Reading

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#BeOurGuest: Transforming Retail: Empowering Small Businesses through Omni-Channel Strategies

In the rapidly evolving world of retail, small businesses face unique challenges. With the advent of technology and the rise of e-commerce, local retailers must adapt to changing consumer behaviors and embrace innovative approaches to remain competitive. One powerful solution that has gained traction is the implementation of omni-channel strategies. The Retail Through the Lens of Omni-Channel program has allowed me the privilege of working closely with small business owners, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of this approach on local retailers and their communities.
Read the full blog written by our guest author Craig Patterson, Founder of Retail-Insider.com and President, CEO and Publisher of Retail Insider Media Ltd.
Have an Interesting Perspective that You’d Like to Share?
Showcase your ideas and discuss what’s on your mind by being a guest columnist in our #FG276 newsletter! With a reach of over 20,000 readers and an average open rate of 20%, you’ll get the attention of industry leaders directly. DM us!

 

Increasing Productivity with To-Do Lists

Many people don’t realize that there are different types of lists that can be used to enhance your productivity. By breaking down actionable tasks, you will enhance your productivity, keep your to-do list cleaner, be a long-term thinker, and take control of your day rather than let your day control you.
Consider this structure of lists to arrange your productivity, rather than the typical ‘daily list’ approach that most people use a:
  • Master Goal List as a long-term list of 90-180 days to plan out what you want to accomplish in this time frame.
  • Weekly Project List as a breakdown of the items on your Master Goal list.
  • Daily To-Do List to break down your Weekly Project List into small tasks that you can accomplish in just a couple of hours each.
The result is your to-do list goes from being just a daily dumping ground of everything you must do, to being a key driver of productivity and success.

#FGStory: Nature Prescriptions Improve Both Physical and Mental Health

A suite of studies have shown that time spent in nature improves mental and physical health. Recently a meta-analysis conducted in Australia and published in The Lancet, found that nature prescriptions benefitted daily step counts, depression and anxiety scores, and blood pressure.
Nature prescriptions are emerging as a supplement to standard medical care across the globe. For example, the UK government recently invested nearly US$6.5M in a pilot program for green social prescribing, Canada has a national nature prescription program, and in Australia, there is growing public interest in nature prescriptions.
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” Jackie Robinson
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Transforming Retail: Empowering Small Businesses through Omni-Channel Strategies

In the rapidly evolving world of retail, small businesses face unique challenges. With the advent of technology and the rise of e-commerce, local retailers must adapt to changing consumer behaviours and embrace innovative approaches to remain competitive. One powerful solution that has gained traction is the implementation of omni-channel strategies. The Retail Through the Lens of Omni-Channel program, has allowed me the privilege of working closely with small business owners, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of this approach on local retailers and their communities.

 

The Power of Omni-Channel Retailing

 

Omni-channel retailing is a strategic approach that integrates various sales channels to create a seamless and personalized shopping experience for consumers. It allows small businesses to connect their physical stores with online platforms, including websites, mobile apps, and social media, enabling customers to engage with their brand across multiple touch-points. By embracing this holistic approach, small retailers can tap into the advantages of both online and offline shopping, thereby amplifying their reach and enhancing customer satisfaction.

 

Empowering Small Businesses

 

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Omni-Channel program has been witnessing how it empowers small businesses. Traditionally, local retailers have struggled to compete against larger e-commerce giants. However, by adopting an omni-channel strategy, small businesses can level the playing field and even gain a competitive edge. Through careful integration and synchronization of their online and physical stores, these entrepreneurs can provide a consistent and personalized shopping experience that larger retailers often struggle to deliver.

 

Engaging with the Local Community

 

Beyond the business benefits, omni-channel strategies have a profound impact on the communities in which these small retailers operate. By embracing digital platforms, local businesses can extend their reach beyond the confines of their physical locations, attracting new customers and building brand loyalty. In turn, this increased footfall benefits the local community by driving economic growth, fostering job creation, and promoting a vibrant and diverse retail ecosystem.

 

Utilizing Experience and Expertise

 

I have had the privilege of working with small business owners to implement omni-channel strategies. I have witnessed the transformative power of this approach and its ability to revitalize struggling businesses. By leveraging the experience and expertise of industry leaders in the Retail Through the Lens of Omni-channel module, retailers have been guided through the complex process of digital integration, sharing best practices, and helping them navigate the ever-changing retail landscape.

 

Omni-channel retailing represents a beacon of hope for small businesses navigating the challenges of the modern retail landscape. Through the strategic integration of online and offline channels, local retailers can create a personalized and seamless shopping experience that resonates with customers. As we continue to support small businesses and their communities, the adoption of omni-channel strategies will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in their success. By harnessing technology and expertise, we can empower these entrepreneurs and help them thrive in the ever-evolving retail landscape.

 

 

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FG276: It’s all about inclusion.

#ProInsights: Inclusive Marketing

So, what is inclusive marketing anyway? It takes into consideration that diverse communities exist and deserve to be authentically represented. Inclusive marketing goes beyond simply avoiding stereotypes or tokenistic depictions and strives to genuinely connect with and understand diverse consumer segments. By incorporating inclusive practices, brands can foster a sense of belonging, build trust, and establish stronger connections with their target audience.
Here are some key principles and strategies of inclusive marketing:
  • Representation: Ensure diverse representation of individuals and narratives to reflect the reality of the audience and promote inclusivity.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Consider cultural nuances and avoid appropriating or misrepresenting cultures. Respect and understand the values, traditions, and customs of different communities when creating content.
  • Language and Accessibility: Use inclusive language that avoids assumptions or exclusions based on gender, race, or ability. Make sure marketing materials are accessible to individuals with disabilities, such as providing alt-text for images, captions for videos, and using accessible website designs.
  • Targeted Messaging: Tailor campaigns to specific segments of your audience, considering their unique needs, interests, and experiences. Personalization and targeted marketing can help ensure your message resonates and is relevant with various groups.
  • Collaboration and Co-creation: Involve diverse voices and perspectives in the marketing process. Seek input from individuals from different backgrounds, conduct focus groups, and collaborate with diverse content creators and influencers to ensure authenticity and representation.
  • Continuous Learning: Embrace a culture of learning and adaptation. Stay informed about cultural trends and social issues as well as evolving language and terminology to ensure marketing efforts remain inclusive and respectful.
By recognizing and valuing the diversity of their audience, companies can build stronger connections and create a more inclusive and equitable society.

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#ProInsights: Brand Loyalty

Brand loyalty, advocacy, and differentiation play a crucial role in marketing and communications. They serve as a driving force in fostering a sense of belonging and community. Here are some strategic ways in which to effectively incorporate this into MARCOM initiatives:
  • Authentic storytelling: Craft narratives that highlight your brand’s heritage, achievements, and impact.
  • Showcase success and recognition: Highlight awards, certifications, or industry recognitions that your brand has received.
  • Engage with the community: Participate actively in community initiatives, sponsor local events, or support causes that align with your brand’s values.
  • User-generated content and testimonials: Encourage customers to share their experiences and success stories with your brand.
  • Exclusive experiences and rewards: Offer special perks, privileges, or rewards to loyal customers, creating a sense of community and pride in being associated with your brand.
  • Employee advocacy: Engage and empower employees to be brand ambassadors.
Overall, leveraging emotional connections and celebrating achievements can align your brand or company with positive experiences and values, and cultivate a strong sense of pride among consumers.
Need help boosting brand loyalty? Contact us.

 

#FGStory: A Legacy Continues

Linda Farha, President and Founder of Zenergy Communications fondly remembers her brother, Ron, and the impact he had on so many lives.
Linda and her two sisters Nancy and Carolyn were in Montreal’s gay village last year for the inauguration of a mural created by MU with artist XRAY in memory of Ron, which symbolizes the fight against HIV/AIDS and pays homage to all those who fell to the disease, including Ron himself. His powerful message on the mural, entitled Ron’s Dream, reads: “one day AIDS will disappear but until then we must learn and grow”.
“He was such a bright light in all of our lives” explains Farha. “We miss him every day but are proud of the life he built and legacy he has left behind.”
For 25 years, the Farha family has worked closely with the Quebec AIDS Foundation, raising money and awareness for people living with HIV AIDS in an effort to end the stigma as well as the epidemic itself.
#DidYouKnow: Rainbows
Did you know that rainbows are actually full circles, but we typically only see a semicircle or arc? When sunlight passes through raindrops in the air, it undergoes a process called refraction, causing the different colors of light to bend at different angles. As the light exits the raindrop, it forms a circular pattern. However, when we observe rainbows from the ground, we typically only see the upper half of the circle due to the horizon blocking the lower portion. In certain circumstances, such as from an elevated viewpoint like an airplane or a mountain, a full circular rainbow can be seen. These rare occurrences provide a fascinating glimpse into the complete beauty of rainbows.

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Garnica Expands North American Team, Bolstering Market Presence

Strategic Appointments and Infrastructural Expansion Emphasize Commitment to Service in the Market

 

Logroño, Spain and Wilmington, DE, United States  – May 31, 2023 Garnica, a leading global supplier of sustainable plywood solutions is pleased to announce the strategic appointments and additions of five new senior leaders to its North American team: Alfonso Muñoz, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, Niels Boelema, Chief Commercial Officer, Jorge Farulla, Logistics Manager, Freya Hannah, Sales Representative for the Can-Am Territory and Patrick Nosler,  Sales Representative for the Mid-West United States region. Garnica’s burgeoning investment in its North American presence will play a pivotal role in realizing its ambitious growth plan over the next five years.

 

“These new additions to Garnica’s team demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the North American market,” said Christian Michel, CEO of Garnica. “Their expertise and leadership will strengthen our capabilities in driving innovation, delivering exceptional products, and fostering sustainable practices. We look forward to continuing to be a trusted partner to our growing client base and offering an elevated level of customer support and service in the region.”

 

In addition to Garnica’s rapid expansion of its North American team, the company also recently committed to opening a new factory strategically positioned in Uruguay, allowing closer shipping proximity to its clients in North America. The company continually places an emphasis on providing employment opportunities to rural areas and driving socioeconomic development in the regions surrounding its plants. The new plant is expected to create jobs for over 150 qualified factory and office personnel as well as the indirect employment of construction workers and machine operators. Garnica has also worked to design a line of Reinforced Globulus plywood that acts as a viable alternative to Russian birch in terms of aesthetic and durability, meaning North American designers and architects are no longer burdened with the high tariffs and diminished availability typically associated with Russian Baltic birch.

 

Garnica now has a fully operational team in North America comprised of a VP, five sales representatives, customer service agents and logistics and marketing personnel. Together, they are able to independently serve the US market while closely collaborating with their European counterparts. These new senior position appointments and infrastructural expansions including underscore the company’s dedication to providing unparalleled support and service to the North American market.

 

 

About Garnica

 

Garnica is a leading global manufacturer of premium, sustainable plywood. Its unwavering commitment to responsible forestry and the promotion of a circular economy has been integral to its identity since 1941. The company offers lightweight, durable plywood for a range of applications including furniture, housing, transportation, and interior design. With 1,200 employees across its seven European production centers, Garnica’s dedication to responsible forest management, quality products, and unwavering reliability makes it a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.

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Media Contact:

Zenergy Communications

1-866-440-4034

media@zenergycom.com   

 
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Normandin Beaudry’s Total Rewards Communication Practice Becomes the Largest in the Canadian Industry with the Addition of Three Key Members

Toronto, Ontario and Montréal, Québec – May 15, 2023 – Normandin Beaudry, leader in actuarial and total rewards consulting services, is pleased to announce the addition of three key team members to its Total Rewards Communication practice, making it the largest and most diverse in the Canadian industry. The newly appointed experts include Tom Milne – Principal, Alex Freitas – Multimedia Designer, and Dianne Gavieres – Consultant who join the nearly 20 specialists in the practice.

 

“Our new colleagues in Toronto will support our national team in designing and implementing communication strategies to help our clients win the talent war using total rewards initiatives that are well understood and appreciated. We’re confident their contribution will further distinguish Normandin Beaudry in the industry,” said Anne Boucher, Partner and Communication Practice leader.

 

Normandin Beaudry’s Total Rewards Communication practice will continue to work closely with its clients to ensure their internal communication strategies are relevant, innovative, and aligned with their employer brand and HR practices.

 

The entire Normandin Beaudry team welcomes their new colleagues and wishes them much success in their new responsibilities.

 

About Normandin Beaudry

Founded in 1992, Normandin Beaudry is a leader in actuarial and total rewards consulting services. From its offices in Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City, nearly 350 employees serve clients across Canada in eight areas of expertise: Pension and Savings, Pension Plan Administration, Investment Consulting, Group Benefits, Compensation, Health, Performance, and Communication.

 

Total Rewards Communication Practice

Normandin Beaudry’s team of nearly 20 specialists is the largest in Canada. Our multidisciplinary experts work closely with clients to ensure that internal communication strategies are properly planned, coordinated, consistent, and aligned with their human resources and organizational objectives. For more information, visit: https://www.normandin-beaudry.ca/en/areas-of-expertise/communication/

 

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Garnica Announces Plans to Open New Plant in Uruguay

Garnica’s eighth facility in Treinta y Tres, expected to begin operations in 2024, will support all markets including rapidly expanding presence in North America


Logroño, Spain and Wilmington, DE, United States – May 10, 2023 – Garnica, a global leader in premium sustainable plywood manufacturing, is expected to open its newest plant in 2024 in the city of Treinta y Tres, located in the northeast region of Uruguay. With over 1.1 million hectares of sustainable tree farms, Uruguay provides a consistent supply of primary materials from the country’s flourishing forestry industry. Garnica’s decision to establish operations in Uruguay was based largely on the country’s stability, high level of professionalism in the industry, access to quality raw materials with the highest sustainability standards, and strategic location to numerous markets, including North America.

“This is an incredible opportunity for us to continue to grow and boost our international presence,” Garnica’s CEO, Christian Michel, stated. “The strategic location of this new plant in Uruguay will allow us to increase our production capacity, diversify our raw materials, and expand our product portfolio.”

Garnica has always been committed to providing employment opportunities in rural areas and to driving socioeconomic development in the regions surrounding its plants. The new plant is expected to create jobs for over 150 qualified factory and office personnel as well as the indirect employment of construction workers and machine operators. Garnica will also collaborate with local institutions to promote economic development in the area to ensure the success of the project.

Objectives of the Treinta y Tres plant

The facility will improve and expand Garnica’s product portfolio as the region provides access to the Eucalyptus grandis wood, a local and sustainable species of FSC® certified tree farm wood that is new to Garnica and will complement the company’s signature poplar wood products.

Construction of the plant is anticipated to begin in the next few months, with plywood production expected to commence in 2024. Following the land transfer on April 18, 2023, the Uruguayan Minister of Work and Social Security, Pablo Mieres, welcomed Garnica to the country and publicly endorsed the project citing it as a significant source of quality employment and economic development for the area.

About Garnica
 
Garnica is a leading global manufacturer of premium, sustainable plywood. Its unwavering commitment to responsible forestry and the promotion of a circular economy has been integral to its identity since 1941. The company offers lightweight, durable plywood for a range of applications including furniture, housing, transportation, and interior design. With 1,200 employees across its seven European production centers, Garnica’s dedication to responsible forest management, quality products, and unwavering reliability makes it a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.

 

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Media Contact:

Zenergy Communications

1-866-440-4034

media@zenergycom.com   

 
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FG276: Zenvolution

#ZenergyNews: Brand Evolution

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary this year, the idea of brand evolution came to mind. While for Zenergy it’s in response to celebrating a milestone, the need to evolve can be as a result of changing market conditions, consumer preferences, industry trends, and much more. Rebranding involves a strategic blend of innovation, consistency, and authenticity, in order to maintain relevance and capture new audiences while staying true to core values. From subtle logo modifications to complete brand overhauls, the evolution of a brand encompasses visual identity, messaging, product/service offerings, and customer experience. It is a continuous journey of growth and adaptation, enabling brands to forge deeper connections with their target market and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Congratulations to our client Uniboard on their 40th anniversary. They highlighted this milestone with a logo modification created by our design team!
Need help with branding or will you be celebrating a milestone soon? Contact us to learn how we can help.

#ProInsights: Website Design Best Practices

Here are seven website design best practices from Zenergy’s Senior Art Director, Shehla Shahid, that can lead to increased engagement, longer site visits, and higher conversion rates.
  1. Ensure that your website matches your brand’s visual identity.
  2. Make sure that your site is responsive.
  3. Design an easy-to-use navigation menu.
  4. Develop content that elaborates concise messaging.
  5. Be consistent with the design throughout the site.
  6. Encourage engagement with strategic call to actions.
  7. Optimize the site for search engines.

#ClientNews: Larochelle Groupe Conseil Achieves B Corp Certification

Larochelle Groupe Conseil, a Quebec-based consulting firm specializing in data enhancement and digital transformation, turned to Zenergy’s team of content developers and PR specialists when they were ready to announce that they had received B CorporationTM (B CorpTM) certification. The B Corp certification, administered by B LabTM, is a designation indicating that a business has met high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency in governance, human resource management, community involvement, respect for the environment and its relationship with its customers.
Zenergy’s PR outreach initiatives resulted in Larochelle Groupe Conseil being featured in La Presse, Ad Week, trade associations, and IT digital media.

What We’re Reading + Listening To

Please share what you’re reading by tweeting #FGFreads or DM us.

#ProInsights: Marketing Transformations

Beyond the brand, nearly all aspects of marketing-communications go through some form of transformation. Here are some of the most popular themes that will drive change:
  • Digital Transformation: Analyzing marketing strategies and operations to embrace digital platforms, technologies, and channels to reach and engage with customers in a digital-first world.
  • Customer Journey Mapping: Examining the evolution of customer journey mapping techniques to better understand customer behaviors, preferences, and touchpoints across various channels and devices.
  • Personalization and Customization: Investigating marketing efforts to deliver more personalized and customized experiences to consumers, leveraging data, AI, and automation technologies to tailor messaging, offers, and recommendations.
  • Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Incorporating sustainability and CSR initiatives into marketing strategies, responding to growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices.
  • Influencer Marketing: Tracking influencer marketing and leveraging influencers to connect with target audience, build brand awareness, and drive engagement.
  • Content Marketing: Analyzing content marketing strategies, including the shift from traditional advertising to storytelling and creating valuable, informative, and engaging content that resonate.
  • Data-Driven Marketing: Embracing data analytics and insights to make more informed marketing decisions, optimize campaigns, personalize experiences, and measure performance more effectively.
  • Brand Loyalty and Advocacy: Investigating approaches to fostering brand loyalty and advocacy, including loyalty programs, referral programs, and user-generated content strategies.
  • Experiential Marketing: Incorporating immersive and interactive experiences, events, and activations to create memorable brand moments and forge deeper connections.
  • Brand Reinvention: Exploring the strategies and tactics employed by brands to reinvent themselves in response to changing consumer demands, market dynamics, or shifts in industry trends.

#Poll: Are you in the midst one of the above marketing transformations?

Take the poll 

 

#FGStory: South Africa’s Hemp Hotel is the Tallest Building Made of ‘HempCrete’

The Hemp Hotel is world’s tallest building made of industrial hemp and is set to open in June in South Africa with breathtaking views over Cape Town’s Table Mountain. At twelve stories tall, it is made of carbon-negative materials and will capture more carbon in the walls of the building than what was emitted to manufacture them. The HempCrete blocks from Afrimat are made from water, lime, a cement binder, and South African hemp. Along with selling to corporate clients, the blocks have also been used to build a number of social housing projects in South Africa and neighboring Mozambique.
#DidYouKnow: World’s First Banner Ad
Did you know that the world’s first ever banner ad was launched in 1994? It was part of a digital advertising campaign by AT&T promoting its ‘You Will’ campaign. It appeared on the website HotWired.com (now known as Wired.com) and had a simple message: “Have you ever clicked your mouse right here? You will”. By clicking on the banner, users were taken to an AT&T landing page, marking the beginning of a new era in digital advertising. This small banner ad paved the way for the today’s online advertising industry.

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