March 2010 Archive

The following posts were made in March 2010. You may subscribe to the RSS feed for this archive if you would like to take your time reading through our posts.

Catalyst News

America Has Voted: SUBWAY® Restaurants' ‘Italian B.M.T.®' is the Nation's Favorite Footlong

Houston, Texas Named "Capital of Footlong Nation" and Awarded Sandwich Donation to Local Food Bank

MILFORD, CT, March 29, 2010 - SUBWAY^® restaurants, the world's largest submarine sandwich chain, today announced the results of an online poll which asked fans across the country to vote for their Favorite Footlong sub at www.subwayfreshbuzz.com and determine: What is America's Favorite Footlong?

Thousands voted, and atop the leader board, with 26 percent of total online votes, the Italian B.M.T. captured America's hearts - and appetites - as the nation's favorite Footlong. Known as "the sandwich to conquer all hunger," the Italian B.M.T. is served on freshly baked bread bursting with sliced Genoa salami, pepperoni, Black Forest ham, cheese and a choice of vegetables and condiments.  Following are the top three "Favorite Footlongs" as voted by fans:

• Italian B.M.T. (26%)
• Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki (17%)
• Oven Roasted Chicken (12%)    

Results mark the culmination of the seven-week long "Footlong Nation Appreciation" campaign, developed to give thanks to the fans that made SUBWAY^® Footlongs famous.  To provide an additional "Thank You," Houston, Texas, the location which cast the most online votes, has been deemed "Capital of Footlong Nation" and will receive a donation of 500 Footlongs to a local food bank.  

Consumers also had the opportunity to win a variety of prizes, including free Footlong subs for a year. New winners have been selected every day via various online games and fans will continue to have the chance to win prizes by entering at www.subwayfreshbuzz.com through April 15, 2010.

"The Italian BMT certainly has some loyal fans and we are glad we could offer it as a $5 Footlong for a limited time," said Tony Pace, chief marketing officer of the Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust (SFAFT). "Congratulations to Houston, Texas for earning the title 'Capital of Footlong Nation.' And thanks to all our fans that voted for their favorite footlongs."

About SUBWAY^® Restaurants

With more than 32,000 locations in 91 countries, the SUBWAY® restaurant chain is the world's largest submarine sandwich franchise and famous for its made-to-order footlong and 6-inch submarine sandwiches and salads. The SUBWAY® restaurant chain was founded in 1965 by Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck as a means for then 17-year-old DeLuca to earn enough money to pay for college tuition. That partnership, which continues today, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey - one that made it possible for thousands of individuals to build and succeed in their own business. The SUBWAY® brand has been named as the number one franchise opportunity in Entrepreneur magazine's "Annual Franchise 500®" listing 17 times in the past 23 years, and was also ranked by the magazine as "America's Top Global Franchise" for 2009. For more information about the SUBWAY® chain, visit www.subway.com or www.subwayfreshbuzz.com. SUBWAY® is a registered trademark of Doctor's Associates Inc.

Tags: subway restaurants , italian b.m.t , footlong nation , fresh buzz , appetites , sweet onion chicken teriyaki , oven roasted chicken , footlong nationa appreciation , tony pace , $5 footlong

Catalyst News

CATALYST NAMED "2010 BOUTIQUE AGENCY OF THE YEAR"

New York, NY, March 15, 2010 - Catalyst Public Relations has been named "Boutique PR Agency of the Year" by PRWeek, the industry's largest trade publication.

The prestigious award, which recognizes financial and client growth, client retention and overall creativity and innovation was presented to Catalyst at the annual PRWeek Awards Dinner in New York City, which honors the best-in-class public relations agencies and programs of the year. Additionally, Catalyst earned honorable mention in the overall Agency of the Year category.

This marks the second consecutive year that Catalyst has been recognized by a leading industry media organization, after being named New Consultancy of the Year by The Holmes Report in 2009.

In selecting Catalyst, the PRWeek judges noted "Catalyst focuses on three distinct practice areas: sports, active lifestyle, and entertainment. With three offices across the US, the agency works with a select roster of 15 brands. This model allows the agency's most senior people to work very closely on accounts, something which helped to contribute to the agency's 94 percent client-retention rate."

"This tremendous honor is a credit to our entire team, who dedicate themselves everyday to building our clients' business," said Bret Werner, Catalyst Managing Partner. "To be recognized among some of the most well respected agencies in our industry further validates that our unique approach to client service and staff retention is successful."

About Catalyst

Catalyst, founded in October of 2005, is at the forefront of strategic media relations through its extensive knowledge of traditional and emerging media. The agency partners with 15 of the foremost brands to reach the hearts and minds of consumers who are passionate about sports, entertainment and leading an active lifestyle. Catalyst is headquartered in New York with offices in Charlotte and Los Angeles.

Tags: prweek , boutique agency of the year , new york city , public relations , bret werner , catalyst , pr , best in class , agency of the year , honorable mention , winner , holmes report , sports , active lifestyle , entertainment

Catalyst News

POWERADE® Invites Young Athletes to ‘PLAY' with Youth-Focused Sports Drink

 Sports drink for youngsters features less sugar and more vitamins

March 4, 2010 (Whitestone, NY) - POWERADE hydrates and energizes many of the country's best athletes.  Now, with the introduction of POWERADE PLAY^TM, the brand will do the same for the next generation of superstars.  POWERADE PLAY is formulated for the young athlete, blending great taste with less sugar and more vitamins than the leading sports drink, so parents will be just as excited about it as their kids!

"Everyone knows how important it is for our young people to have an active lifestyle.  We felt there was a clear need for a sports drink to support the mission," said Frank Bracken, POWERADE brand director.  "POWERADE PLAY fits the bill-it keeps young athletes hydrated with an innovative sports drink option both youngsters and parents will love."

Coaches and parents will appreciate the benefits that POWERADE PLAY has to offer.  With just 60 calories per 12 fluid ounce bottle, it has 25% less sugar than traditional sports drinks.  PLAY is enhanced with 100% of the Daily Value (DV) of Vitamin C and 20% DV Zinc to help support a healthy immune system.  PLAY also boasts 20% of the DV of Vitamins B3, B5, B6 and B12 to boot.  And like the brand's flagship, PLAY will feature POWERADE's ION4^TM electrolyte system, which helps replenish four electrolytes lost in sweat (sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium).  Throw in 100% natural flavors, on-pack illustrations of partner athletes Ryan Howard, Chris Paul and Venus Williams, and great taste and it is a great combination for the active youngster. 

POWERADE PLAY will roll out on shelves in March and will come in familiar great-tasting POWERADE flavors-Mixed Berry, Fruit Punch, Grape and Orange.  The product will be available in 6 and 12 packs of 12 fl oz bottles.

POWERADE PLAY is the latest release from POWERADE, the category leader in innovation.  In May of 2008, POWERADE introduced POWERADE ZERO^TM, a zero calorie sports drink that features the electrolyte and hydration benefits of a sports drink without the calories.  Last March, the brand unveiled its new formulation, POWERADE ION4^®, which helps replenish four electrolytes in the same proportion as they are lost in sweat.

"Young athletes have an increased risk of dehydration and overheating," said Registered Dietitian and POWERADE advisor, Marie Spano.  "Therefore, I recommend POWERADE PLAY for all active youth.  It's electrolyte-enhanced, lower in sugar, full of important vitamins and tastes great-that's a recipe parents will appreciate."

About POWERADE

POWERADE, the complete sports drink, is part of the Active Lifestyle Brands (ALB) unit of Coca-Cola North America.  ALB consists of brands that offer tasty hydration for every occasion, including vitaminwater®, smartwater®, POWERADE®, FUZE®, NOS® and Full Throttle®.  The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands.  For more information about POWERADE, visit www.us.powerade.com.

Tags: powerade , powerade play , sports drink , youth , less sugar , more vitamins , electrolytes