Branding expert Bruce Philp wins National Business Book Award

Consumer Republic recognized as this year's most outstanding Canadian business-related book

TORONTO, May 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Bruce Philp has been named this year's winner of the National Business Book Award for his book, Consumer Republic: Using Brands to Get What You Want, Make Corporations Behave, and Maybe Even Save the World, published by McClelland & Stewart Ltd. The announcement was made this afternoon at a luncheon in Toronto, hosted by co-sponsors PwC and BMO Financial Group.

In Consumer Republic, Mr. Philp argues that a properly-informed and self-aware consumer will buy thoughtfully, buy and spend less, and ultimately precipitate change for the better in the way that manufacturers and marketers make, sell and distribute their goods.

"Consumer Republic is a balanced, intelligent, sophisticated and timely message for a world addicted to constant consumption," says Roger Martin, National Business Book Award jury chairman, and Dean, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. "At the same time a serious warning and an optimistic prod, the book is a worthy winner of this year's award."

Now in its 27^th year, the National Business Book Award has come to be recognized as one of Canada's most prestigious literary awards. Co-sponsored by PwC and BMO Financial Group, the National Business Book Award honours the winning author with a $20,000 prize.

"The National Business Book Award consistently reflects the diverse range of topics relevant to the Canadian business community," says Gino Scapillati, National Managing Partner, Markets, PwC. "I'm pleased to see that the enthusiasm for and the interest in the award is stronger than ever. It's a tribute to the quality of Canadian business writing and great business authors."

"With the range of topics and the volume of reading, being a jury member requires great commitment," says Barbara Dirks, Chief Learning Officer and Senior Vice-President at BMO Financial Group's Institute for Learning. "We thank each of the jury members for their dedication and diligence in selecting a single outstanding business book, year after year."

This year's jury is chaired by Roger Martin, Dean, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. The panel includes Jane Cooney, Founder, Books for Business; William Dimma, Chairman Emeritus, Home Capital Group, Inc.; Peter Mansbridge, Chief Correspondent, CBC Television Network; Deirdre McMurdy, Adjudicator; and The Honourable Pamela Wallin, Senator.

Mr. Philp is an expert in branded marketing and advertising having spent nearly 30 years in the business. He strives to provide the perspective, context and information required to initiate change among manufacturers and consumers. He is also the co-author of The Orange Code: How ING Direct Succeeded By Being A Rebel With a Cause and frequently speaks and writes on brand-related topics.

The finalists for this year's National Business Book Award include:

• Conrad Black, A Matter of Principle, published by McClelland & Stewart Ltd.
• Chris Turner, The Leap: How to Survive and Thrive in the Sustainable Economy, published by Random House Canada.

The National Business Book Award winner for 2011 was Ezra Levant for his book Ethical Oil: The Case for Canada's Oil Sands.

or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Mary Ann Freedman
Freedman & Associates Inc. for the National Business Book Award
Tel: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.nbbaward.com