Here and there

 

The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that disgruntled cell phone customers can pursue class-action lawsuits against Telus and other providers, even if they signed away that right  in a contract.

 

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Canadian Tire recently launched a fully integrated, new consumer campaign designed to position the Company as Canada's authority for fulfilling the jobs and joys of everyday life in Canada. Featuring consumers facing daunting tasks and saying, "Bring it On", the campaign replaces the current "For Days Like Today" creative that has been in place since 2008.

 

"The tone of the 'Bring it On' campaign is authentic, enthusiastic and comes straight from the sentiments of everyday Canadians," says Rob Shields, Senior Vice President of Marketing. "The campaign is far edgier than some of our more sentimental campaigns and gets straight to the heart of why Canadians love shopping at Canadian Tire. You have to live in Canada to understand our lifestyle in Canada - and nowhere is more credible than Canadian Tire to find the solutions for all your everyday jobs and joys."

The new campaign features Canadians saying, "bring it on" to the everyday realities of everything from repairing a yard ravaged by winter, barbecuing in the rain, camping with the family, painting a drab den or spring cleaning the house or car.

The 'Bring it On' campaign launched last Saturday, March 19th with a 60-second television commercial that will set the tone for the campaign, followed by a series of shorter, product or seasonal-specific commercials. The television campaign is supported by a 360-degree marketing effort, including the Company's weekly flyer that is sent to more than 11 million Canadian households, print, radio, online, outdoor, in-store events and in-store signage. A leading-edge social media component will encourage, engage and continue the conversation with Canadians through mobile devices, CanadianTire.ca and Facebook.

Canadian Tire spent six months with consumers evaluating its unique selling proposition for Canadians and what Canadian Tire's ultimate competitive differentiator is. With an 89-year history, 485 retail outlets and as one of Canada's most shopped general merchandise retailers, serving 180 million customers a year, the company is uniquely viewed as a core provider of the tools, products and services necessary to living everyday life in Canada.

Further, consumers noted that life in Canada is different from anywhere else in the world. Our weather, our culture, our values and our habits are unique. Canadian Tire used this insight to create a campaign that celebrates life in Canada and demonstrates that Canadian Tire is uniquely positioned to help Canadians with the jobs and joys of everyday life.

 

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Kettle Valley Winery is pleased to announce that this year they will be producing their 20th vintage and will be celebrating throughout 2011 with activities and events to mark the occasion.

Winemaking started as a hobby 25 years ago for Co-founders and Co-Winemakers, Bob Ferguson and Tim Watts, who are brothers-in-law. When they planted their first vineyards on the Naramata Bench, there were no wineries opened. By the time they opened their tasting room doors they were the 4th winery on The Bench, and only the 23rd in the province.

Bob comments, "This year we are proud to be celebrating 20 years of making wine at our family farm winery. Over the years we have been most appreciative of the long-standing relationships we have had with wine consumers, restaurants, and wine shops, all of which have been our customers and have become our friends. This year we would like to thank our friends for their support of our winery and offer some special dinners, events and anniversary release pricings."

Tim continues, "For us, it has always been about the wine. It has been a passionate and memorable ride so far and we look forward to rolling into our next 20 years of farming grapes and sharing the wine."

Kettle Valley Winery is on The Naramata Bench, and now produces 10,000 cases a year from 28 acres on The Naramata Bench and 14 in the Cawston / Keremeos area.

Watch for upcoming announcements of dinners, tastings and special anniversary pricings to celebrate our 20th vintage at Kettle Valley Winery.

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The Osoyoos Museum could have a new place to call home if Town Council, Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen and Osoyoos Museum Society are successful in gaining community support for the project through a referendum process. The Museum plays an important role in the community through its contribution to the preservation and promotion of local history and tourism development.

Town Council has been working with Area A Director Mark Pendergraft and the Museum Society directors to secure a new location for the Museum, as the former curling rink where it is currently housed offers inadequate conditions for the community icon. The current location is also situated on prime waterfront property that is identified for redevelopment as parkland in the approved Waterfront Master Plan.

The Osoyoos Museum Society currently receives operational support from both the Town and the RDOS.

Council and Area A Director Pendergraft have taken advantage of an opportunity to provide this important community icon with a new facility by successfully negotiating an offer to purchase the Home Building Centre building on Main Street and adjacent property from Gaertner Holdings for a purchase price of $1,525,000.

Council has identified two lots purchased by the Town, within the scope of the deal, as sites for future affordable housing development. If the referendum is successful, purchase of the 2 adjoining lots will proceed with the use of Town reserve funds.

New business and facility plans have recently been developed by the Museum Society to facilitate the replacement of the current building. The new location will allow the Society to effectively preserve and present community history while playing an active role in the future economic development of the community.

“The new building and land will allow us to showcase our remarkable collection, revitalize our exhibits, attract thousands more visitors each year”, said Museum Director Mat Hassen. “It will also give us access to support funding which has previously been denied due to the condition of the current facilities. ”