April 2009 Archive

The following posts were made in April 2009. You may subscribe to the RSS feed for this archive if you would like to take your time reading through our posts.

Catalyst News

Catalyst Public Relations Named Agency of Record for Under Armour

NEW YORK, April 15, 2009 - Catalyst Public Relations announced today that it has been named the PR agency of record for Under Armour, Inc., the Baltimore, MD-based leader in sports apparel and footwear.  Known for best-in-class client service in sports, entertainment and lifestyle categories, Catalyst will leverage this expertise to further elevate one of the most dynamic and successful consumer brands of the past decade.

Under the terms of this exclusive partnership, Catalyst will provide Under Armour with comprehensive public relations platforms and strategic counsel to leverage its sports assets, build equity in its executives and expand into new product categories.  Key areas of focus are the launch of Under Armour's first-ever running shoe, performance training initiatives and its burgeoning women's apparel line.    

"We have long admired Under Armour for the high-quality of their products and for the aggressiveness with which they have built an iconic brand," said Catalyst Managing Partner Bret Werner.  "Moreover, we have tremendous admiration for the people of Under Armour, and, as their agency of record, we will work diligently to harness the incredible potential for growth within and beyond the sports world."

Under Armour's broad portfolio of sports assets includes the Under Armour All-America High School Games for a variety of sports, the Under Armour High School Combine series, and the 2009 NFL Combine.  Additionally, Under Armour outfits numerous high-profile collegiate athletic programs such as the University of Maryland, Auburn University, Texas Tech University and the University of South Florida - and boasts athlete partnerships with New York Giant Brandon Jacobs, world champion athletes Chris McCormack, and Lindsey Vonn and basketball phenom Brandon Jennings.

"In the few years since its inception, Catalyst has demonstrated a track record of creative, progressive thought and unmatched relationships across multiple media sectors," said Diane Pelkey, Under Armour's Director of Communications.  "This is an exciting time for both of our companies, as we remain eager to explore new opportunities and implement creative ideas to help elevate the brand."

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 the foremost brands such as ATP, Ironman, Nestle Purina, SUBWAY Restaurants, Timex, and [yellow tail] to reach the hearts and minds of consumers who are passionate about sports, entertainment and leading an active lifestyle. Catalyst, formerly known as Pyramid Public Relations, has offices in New York, Charlotte and Los Angeles.

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Tags: catalyst public relations , under armour , public relations , bret werner , diane pelkey

Catalyst News

Former Football Star Michael Strahan named Grand Marshal for PIR's SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500TM

(PHOENIX, Ariz.) - Former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan - who holds the NFL's record for most sacks in a single season - has been named Grand Marshal for the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500^TM at Phoenix International Raceway on April 18, PIR President Bryan R. Sperber announced.

Strahan, a SUBWAY national spokesperson and a NFL analyst for FOX, will work in conjunction with Sperber in welcoming fans, drivers and teams to Phoenix for the first official night race of the NASCAR Sprint Cup season. In addition, Strahan will utter the most famous words in racing, giving the command of: "Gentlemen, start your engines!"

"I really appreciate the opportunity to be part of such an exciting event with my friends at SUBWAY," said Michael Strahan. "My old team won the big game in Phoenix back in 2008, so I am happy to be headed back to the desert for another great experience. I look forward to cheering on my new SUBWAY teammate, Carl Edwards at the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500."

Strahan, who was named NFC Defensive Player of the Year in both 2001 and 2003, retired after helping the Giants to an improbable 17-14 Super Bowl XLII triumph over the undefeated New England Patriots in Glendale, Ariz. on February 3, 2008. He was named to the Pro Bowl roster seven times in his career.

"We're extremely pleased to announce someone of Michael Strahan's enormous accomplishment level as Grand Marshal for the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500^TM," Sperber said. "We look forward to welcoming Michael to Phoenix on race weekend and having him join our team in creating a festive and exciting atmosphere for all of the race fans in attendance."

Tickets for the April NASCAR event weekend at Phoenix International Raceway are available now by calling 1-866-408-RACE (7223) or visiting www.phoenixraceway.com. Be a part of it all at PIR!

-PIR-

Tags: michael strahan , subway , fresh fit , new york giants , phoenix international raceway , catalyst public relations

Catalyst News

Catalyst Retained to Support Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition

New York, N.Y. - April 1, 2009 - AAA, North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, has retained Catalyst Public Relations on behalf of the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition. Catalyst will provide strategic media relations support for the competition, which will offer more than $10 million in scholarships to young automotive technicians in 2009.

Catalyst was selected to build awareness of the competition among future participants, school teachers and administrators, and industry professionals, as well as the general public. In addition to providing millions of dollars in scholarships, the automotive competition will bring 50 pairs of the best young automotive technicians from across the U.S. to AAA Michigan headquarters in Dearborn, Mich., in mid-June to represent their respective high schools and states and compete for the national title. 

"We are excited to work with Catalyst Public Relations on this program and feel the agency's fresh and energetic approach to media relations is exactly what we need to generate awareness and excitement for the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition," said John Morse, manager of Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills. "The competition exemplifies AAA and Ford's commitment to automotive excellence that we hope the students will carry into successful careers."

The selection of Catalyst by AAA underscores the continued growth of the fast-growing consumer public relations agency.

"AAA is a brand is steeped in American tradition and excellence, and we are honored that they selected us as their public relations partner for the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills," said Bret Werner, Managing Partner of Catalyst. "We look forward to helping promote this competition and, ultimately, fostering the development of tomorrow's automotive technicians."

About Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills  
Dearborn, Mich. The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition tests students' automotive knowledge, workmanship and problem-solving abilities with a written test as well as a race against the clock to diagnose and properly repair intentionally "bugged" Ford vehicles. Ford and AAA are dedicated to the competition as part of their commitment to the future of automotive service in America.

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 the foremost brands such as NASCAR, Under Armour, vitaminwater, SUBWAY Restaurants, Timex, and [yellow tail] to reach the hearts and minds of consumers who are passionate about sports, entertainment and leading an active lifestyle. Catalyst has offices in New York, Charlotte and Los Angeles. Join the Catalyst experience at www.catalystpublicrelations.com.

Tags: aaa , student auto skills , catalyst public relations , ford ,