Ontario Shores Communications Team Wins International Communications Award
for New Brand

WHITBY, ON, July 8 /CNW/ - The Communications and Public Affairs team at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) won a Gold Quill Award of Merit in the category of Brand Communication from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) for the organization's rebranding project, A New Brand for a New Era.

This international award celebrates excellence in brand communications. It recognizes the development of a new brand that uses a full range of planning and communication management skills, including research, analysis, strategy, tactical implementation and evaluation.

"This award is a remarkable achievement and I am so proud of our Communications team for receiving this international recognition," says Glenna Raymond, President and CEO. "This award is a testament of the success of our new brand and speaks to the importance of having a strong brand that reflects our organization's mission, vision and values."

Ontario Shores embarked on a rebranding initiative to better reflect the hospital's expanded mandate, role and future directions. It involved an organizational name change, brand strategy and new visual identity that was launched by the Board of Directors at a public event in June 2009.

After conducting a survey of over 2,000 Ontarians, the research shows:

    
    -   Almost 80% of those surveyed had a positive response to the new
        Ontario Shores brand
    -   The brand is viewed as more modern and innovative
    -   The organization is viewed as a prominent teaching hospital, moving
        mental health to the 21st century and providing excellent patient
        care.
    

"Our team is honoured to receive the Gold Quill Award of Merit and be recognized at the international level for our strategic planning, creativity and communication management expertise," says Susan Nakhle, Director of Communications and Public Affairs. "I would like to extend my appreciation to the Ontario Shores Communications team, Ove Design and Communications, Lee Jacobson Consultants and our many stakeholders who contributed to this project."

For more than 35 years, IABC's annual Gold Quill Awards program has honoured the best of the best in business communication, offering professional communicators an opportunity to have their work evaluated by expert judges. The winners represent excellence in organizational communication and their work plans serve as best practices for professional communicators across communication disciplines.

"This year we had entries from nearly every continent, in four different languages, and the winning entries once again showcase what a dynamic, vibrant and innovative profession we share," says Melissa Dark, Vice-Chair of the 2010 Gold Quill Awards. "Winning a Gold Quill Award is a fantastic achievement and one that all our 2010 winners can be justly proud of."

This year's competition received nearly 900 entries from 28 countries. Of these, 106 were selected to receive awards. The Gold Quill Award entries went through two rigorous rounds of judging by top senior communicators from around the world. The final selection was made by the Gold Quill Awards Blue Ribbon Panel of judges.

In April, Ontario Shores Communications also received a Hygeia award from the Health Care Public Relations Association Canada, winning first place in the Special Purpose Communication - General category.

About Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences:

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) is a leader in mental health care, providing a spectrum of specialized assessment and treatment services for people living with complex mental illness. Patients benefit from a recovery-oriented environment of care, built on compassion, inspiration and hope. Ontario Shores engages in research, education and advocacy initiatives to advance the mental health care system.

About International Association of Business Communicators:

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is a global network of communication professionals committed to improving organizational effectiveness through strategic communication. Established in 1970, IABC serves more than 15,000 members in 80 countries. For more information, visit www.iabc.com.

For further information: Andrea Worrall, Communications Officer, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, 905-430-4055 ext. 6581, Cell: 905-439-0224, [email protected]