Environics Communications and Paradigm Public Relations win IABC/Toronto's 2014 People's Choice Awards

For the first time in the award's history, it's a tie!

TORONTO, May 23, 2014 /CNW/ - The Toronto Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) announced two winners of the 2014 People's Choice Award at its OVATION Awards Gala last night at Arcadian Court in Toronto. Environics Communications' campaign Spreading the Word about Nutiquette and Testicular Cancer, and Paradigm Public Relations' Sex in a canoe? Absolutely, we're Canadian: the launch of Fresh+Sexy by Playtex tied to win the People's Choice Award, as voted on by IABC/Toronto members.

The Canadian Cancer Society tasked Environics to produce a video release to raise awareness of testicular cancer among males, aged 15-29.  The humorous but informative viral video entitled Nutiquette: a dude's guide for checking his balls surpassed all viewership, social and traditional outreach goals.

For the launch of Fresh + Sexy by Playtex, Paradigm Public Relations developed a creative, irreverent media relations campaign showing Canadians are busy in the bedroom - and out. The cost-effective program generated a reach of more than 13 million and had a positive impact on sales of the new Playtex product.

The OVATION Awards recognize excellence in communications throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Last night, IABC/Toronto presented a record-breaking 99 prestigious awards at the Gala. In total, 52 Awards of Excellence, 38 Awards of Merit and five Awards of Distinction were presented along with the two People's Choice Awards, Student of the Year and the Bobbie Resnick Philanthropy Award. 

"We had a record number of awards submissions this year and our team of volunteer judges spent countless hours reviewing them," said Louise Armstrong, President, IABC/Toronto. "Recipients of this year's OVATION Awards have clearly demonstrated their expertise and creativity in strategic communications and this program showcases the immense talent of GTA communicators."

Judging for the OVATION Awards is performed by a panel of senior communications professionals, accredited practitioners and technical specialists. Two separate judges carefully review each entry independently and then jointly review the submissions and results.

IABC/Toronto also announced the following Awards of Distinction winners:

• Rogers Communications
  2014 Corporate Communications Department of the Year
• Cowan & Company
  2014 Boutique Agency of the Year
• DDB Public Relations
  2014 Small Agency of the Year
• Strategic Objectives 
  2014 Mid-Size Agency of the Year
• Environics Communications
  2014 Large Agency of the Year

IABC/Toronto awarded Megan Henry, a Centennial College student, as the 2014 IABC/Toronto Student of the Year. This award recognizes a student from an accredited institution who demonstrates excellence in communications and the greatest potential to be the best all-round future professional. Megan's informative but heart-warming submission conveyed her passion for communications.

The Bobbie Resnick Philanthropy Award recognizing outstanding leadership, contribution to the communications profession and service to the community went to Environics Communications for the Corporate Social Responsibility Report. This program demonstrated an amazing commitment by Environics to make a difference in the community. Each year, the agency focuses on three philanthropic campaigns, allowing Environics employees to be better citizens and understand the power of giving as part of an engaged group.

A full list of winners can be found at: http://goo.gl/BOvgIy

The 2014 OVATION Awards hosted by: Tracy Moore

The 2014 OVATION Awards sponsored by: Speakers' Spotlight, Fifth Story and Fusion Design Group Inc.

About IABC/Toronto

With more than 1,650 members, IABC/Toronto is the largest IABC chapter in the world. The organization provides these members with multidisciplinary resources and a global network of close to 14,000 communicators in 80 countries, working in diverse industries and disciplines to identify, share and apply the world's most effective communications practices. For more information, please visit http://toronto.iabc.com/.

SOURCE: IABC/Toronto

Media Contact: Brent Artemchuk, VP, Marketing and Sponsorship, IABC/Toronto, [email protected]; Awards Contact: Beverly Fairclough, VP, Awards, IABC/Toronto, [email protected]