June 2009 Archive

The following posts were made in June 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

Timex Study Examines American Life and the Outdoors

National survey reveals most Americans feel trapped indoors, struggle to find time for outdoor recreation

(June 18, 2009 - MIDDLEBURY, CT) Timex, a leader in outdoor and sports performance timepieces, today unveiled the results of a national survey examining America's relationship with the outdoors.

As many Americans adjust to weather the current economic climate, the survey reveals that more than half of American adults (56%) fantasize about breaking free from their homes and offices to be outdoors, and that more than one-third expect the economy will negatively impact the time they spend outside this summer.

The study, which comes as President Obama proclaims June as National Get Outdoors Month, illuminates a variety of topics including contemporary attitudes towards the outdoors, the most popular outdoor activities across demographic segments, and daily obstacles to spending time outdoors.

"Timex Expedition is dedicated to helping Americans get outside and reconnect with nature," said Heberto Calves, vice president of marketing at Timex. "This study reinforces the need for outdoor leaders like Timex Expedition to help Americans find ways to make the outdoors a larger part of their everyday lives."

According to the study, the vast majority of Americans (93%) agree spending time outdoors relieves stress and makes them feel refreshed, yet TV, computers and indoor social activities have a stranglehold on the American weekend. Millennials (ages 18-24) spend almost 10 hours per day on the computer and socializing with friends, yet less than two hours outdoors. Similarly, young parents spend nine hours per day caring for their children and four hours daily watching TV, yet less than two hours outdoors.

"You don't have to go to extremes to enjoy the benefits of spending time outdoors," said world-renowned mountaineer and Timex Expedition brand ambassador Conrad Anker. "The answer can be as simple as walking or biking to errands that are closer to home, parking away from the office and walking a small part of your daily commute, or moving family meals outside for a picnic."

The survey also sheds light on outdoor recreation and seasonal trends. While Americans of all ages are in agreement that May and June are the best months to get outdoors, the activities of choice vary sharply according to age:

• Millennials gravitate towards fitness and exploration activities such as walking (90%), swimming (76%), running (66%), and hiking/camping (37%).
• Young parents (25-34) are more prone to family and neighborhood-centric activities including picnicking (57%), playing in their backyards (66%) and visiting and neighborhood parks (56%)
• Baby Boomers predominantly enjoy gardening (64%).

The study was conducted among 1,122 Americans ages 18 and older using Greenfield Online from April 28 to May 1, 2009. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level is +/- 3%. For the complete results, please send inquiries to timex@catalystpublicrelations.com.

About the Timex Expedition Brand:

Timex® Expedition® watches were derived from the virtually indestructible 1960s infantry watches and adapted to meet the explosive growth in popularity of outdoor activities. Taking both styling and material cues from outdoor gear and apparel, the Timex Expedition brand delivers reliable, accurate and comfortable outdoor instruments that expertly capture the essence of the outdoor lifestyle. The brand recently launched "Return the Outdoors," a joint endeavour with the Conservation Alliance and American alpinist Conrad Anker to inspire Americans to get outdoors and reconnect with nature. The brand's Web site, TimexExpedition.com, hosts content, forums and tools designed to make the outdoors more accessible to our everyday lives.

About Timex

Timex Group designs, manufactures and markets innovative timepieces and jewelry globally. Founded in 1854, Timex is part of Timex Group, a privately-held company with numerous brands and over 5,000 employees worldwide. It is one of the largest watch makers in the world with companies and exclusive licenses worldwide.

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Tags: timex , timex expedition , expedition , outdoors , survey , catalyst public relations

Catalyst News

SUBWAY® Restaurants' Jared Fogle Named Grand Marshal for SUBWAY® Jalapeno 250 Powered by Coca-Cola

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - SUBWAY® Restaurants national spokesman, Jared Fogle, has been named Grand Marshal for the SUBWAY® Jalapeño 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) on Friday night, July 3 DIS President Robin Braig announced.

Fogle 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 at NASCAR's greatest venue with my friends from SUBWAY restaurants and Coca-Cola," said Fogle. "I am sure it will be a night of action-packed NASCAR racing and a great way to kick off the Fourth of July weekend."

Fogle, who lost 245 pounds by eating SUBWAY® sandwiches and exercising, celebrated his 10^-year anniversary of keeping the weight off in 2008 and continues to be the leading face for the brand. SUBWAY® Restaurants are also a primary sponsor of Carl Edwards and the No. 99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford Fusion. The SUBWAY® colors will adorn the No. 99 car Saturday night, July 4 under the lights at DIS for the 51^st annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

 "We look forward to welcoming Jared and SUBWAY to the hallowed grounds of Daytona International Speedway," said Braig. "We're proud to have SUBWAY and Coca-Cola team up to sponsor one of the most exciting NASCAR Nationwide Series races of the year."

Tickets for the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola on July 2-4 are available on your web-enabled phone at mobile.daytonainternationalspeedway.com, online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Tags: subway , jared fogle , nascar , daytona , catalyst public relations

Catalyst News

New York Giants and TIMEX Announce Partnership to Collaborate on Training Solutions

 Partnership Includes Naming Rights of the New Training Facility and Corporate Headquarters

Middlebury, CT & East Rutherford, NJ - (June 17, 2009) Timex Group USA, Inc. announced today a unique partnership with the New York Giants that enables both brands the opportunity to collaborate on training solutions for athletes of all levels that participate in various sports across the world.  This partnership grants TIMEX, one of the world's largest watch companies, the naming rights for the Giants' new training facility and corporate headquarters.  The facility will be named the TIMEX Performance Center.  

The 15-year partnership with the New York Giants is part of the company's ongoing initiative to increase the awareness of its state-of-the-art sports and fashion products.

"I am excited that we have secured a partnership between two great American icons-Timex Group and the New York Giants-both with great families behind them" said Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, Timex Group President and Chief Executive Officer.  "Like Timex Group, the Giants organization operates at the highest level.  I have the greatest respect for what they have built and look forward to many years of collaboration."

In addition to the naming rights, TIMEX, as the Official Performance Equipment of the New York Giants, will have its brand integrated into the Giants game day experience at Giants Stadium during the 2009 season and the Giants' new stadium set to open in 2010.  At the new stadium, Giants fans will see a TIMEX "Countdown to Kick-off Clock" on the video towers that encircle the perimeter of the facility.  Additional branding programs include a major sponsorship with New York Giants Radio Network, Giants.com, the "Giants GameDay" television show on WNBC, and placement within the Giants' health and fitness magazine, "Giants Health Monitor," which is distributed in more than 10,000 doctors' offices around the New York metro area.

"This is more than a marketing relationship," said New York Giants President and Chief Executive Officer John Mara. "This is about achieving the highest possible performance for our organization and our team.  We look forward to working with TIMEX and utilizing their digital technology in training our athletes.  The positive results we achieve will be in part due to our use of TIMEX devices in our team's training programs."

"This exciting partnership brings together two iconic brands - TIMEX and the New York Giants-with a strong heritage, shared values, and a very loyal fan and customer base," said Adam Gurian, President, TIMEX. "Having the opportunity to display the TIMEX brand on-site at the new team facility and work closely with a first-class organization like the Giants makes this relationship a natural fit with tremendous potential to grow both our brands."

The TIMEX Performance Center will host the annual TIMEX Multisport Team Training Camp, which will create an opportunity to share insight amongst the most accomplished professional endurance athletes and professional football players / coaches and trainers.  The TIMEX Multisport Team is comprised of a complementary mix of amateur and professional athletes from around the world who serve as brand ambassadors for TIMEX.

An advisory board, comprised of Giants medical and strength & conditioning personnel and TIMEX athletes and coaches, will also be formed.  This new advisory board will meet quarterly to share insights, discuss the latest trends in athlete training, and provide input on new product development and review product usage and testing.  The board will collectively publish articles and reports on training and conditioning techniques as well as various research studies to enhance consumer training programs.

"TIMEX is a trusted brand for all athletes in terms of training.  They are nationally recognized for an outstanding assortment of products - from training instruments to men's and women's style watches," added Steve Tisch, New York Giants Chairman and Executive Vice President. "It was important for us to find the right partner who shares our core principles and values.  This partnership will enable our coaches and players the opportunity to utilize the best high-end training equipment throughout our offseason preparation and the NFL season."

TIMEX'S presence in the fitness world has been evident for years via its partnership with the New York Road Runners in conjunction with the New York City Marathon, Ironman Triathlon event series and several worldwide marathon sponsorships.  With a wide array of wellness and training timepieces priced at various levels, TIMEX has established a broad appeal to the millions of consumers who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

About TIMEX:

Timex Group designs, manufactures and markets innovative timepieces and jewelry globally. Founded in 1854, TIMEX is part of Timex Group, a privately-held company with numerous brands and over 5,000 employees worldwide.  It is one of the largest watch makers in the world with companies and exclusive licenses worldwide.

About New York Giants:

A cornerstone franchise of the National Football League, the New York Football Giants began play in 1925.  With seven (7) championships, including a victory over the 18-0 New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII at the conclusion of the 2007 season, and with more than 600 victories, the Giants are considered one of sports all-time great franchises.  Headquartered at the TIMEX Performance Center in East Rutherford, NJ, the Giants enter their 85^th season of play this fall. 

Tags: giants , new york giants , timex , training facility , football , nfl , catalyst

Catalyst News

Hit Reality-Based Cat TV Series, Housecat Housecall(R), Leads The Way For Cat Programming

Ground-Breaking Show Presented by Purina® Cat Chow® Returns For A Second Season of Helping Cat Lovers Resolve Their Feline Dilemmas 

ST. LOUIS, MO, MAY 7, 2009 - Cats have once again solidified their position as America's favorite pets by proving that a show dedicated entirely to their well-being can successfully break through the canine-dominated television world.  Housecat Housecall®, one of the first feline reality-based programs, is returning to Animal Planet for a second season after capturing the hearts and minds of cat-loving audiences around the country.

Beginning June 6^th, the weekly show, presented by Purina® Cat Chow®, profiles cat-owning families as they work with host Dr. Katrina Warren, BVSc, and her expert team, which includes Purina Cat Chow Mentor and Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Karen Sueda, DVM , and Dr. Rich Goldstein, DVM, to resolve their most pressing feline matters. From unruly behavior to lifestyle adjustments, Housecat Housecall features real cats, real people and real veterinarians working through a wide range of common cat behaviors.

"Housecat Housecall provides cat owners with valuable cat care information that they can apply to their own relationships with their feline friends ultimately helping them live a more connected life together," said Dr. Katrina Warren, BVSc.  "For the series, we profile twelve families dealing with a broad range of real-life kitty concerns in an effort to relate to as many cat owners as possible. We are excited to bring the show back for a second season and provide even more cat owners with actionable solutions for bringing harmony back to their households."

Episodes of Housecat Housecall will air over a 12-week period on Saturdays at 10:30a.m. E/P with weekly "encores" each Sunday at 8a.m. E/P beginning June 6th. In each episode, Dr. Katrina visits two cat-owning homes, observes the cats in their natural environment and recommends appropriate plans of action for improving the situation.

Covering everything from quirky cats with a lot of energy to more complex matters like helping a once outdoor cat adjust to its new indoor lifestyle, Housecat Housecall gives cat owners the knowledge and tools they need to create a well-balanced home life for the whole family, including the cat.  The show recognizes that cats can exhibit lots of behaviors that add to their unique charm, but when the antics move from endearing to challenging, then it's time to bring in the professionals.  Led by Dr. Katrina, the seasoned team of cat experts on the show relies on tried-and-true methods for enabling cat owners to work towards the solution that's best for them in the long-term, and not just the one that will offer the quickest resolution.

"The second season of Housecat Housecall really takes an in-depth look at very important questions that current and potential cat owners face on a daily basis," said Dr. Katrina. "Life-changing experiences like having a new baby or being diagnosed with cancer can have a huge impact on cat owners, but these events can also mean big changes for their cats. Our goal for Housecat Housecall is to help cat owners work through any perceived challenges, so they can realize the true joy of having feline companions and experience the power of unconditional love. We know that cats and their owners can help each other live a better life if given a chance."

For cat owners seeking even more credible advice beyond the show, they can visit housecathousecall.com to find practical solutions for their individual feline situations. The website allows cat owners to share stories about their own quirky felines and gives them access to Purina Cat Chow Mentors, cat care specialists who are available to share helpful advice any day of the week, at any time.  The site also provides show information, bios on the families and episode air dates.

About Nestlé Purina Pet Care

Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets.  A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., the world's largest food company.

Tags: housecat housecall , animal planet , cat , cats , veterinarian , nestle purina , catalyst public relations

Catalyst News

NASCAR Diversity Internship Program Enters 10th Year

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 1, 2009) - Thirteen students from across the United States have been selected to participate in the 2009 NASCAR Diversity Internship Program that starts today and gives minority college students the opportunity to complete 10-week, paid summer internships within the NASCAR industry.

More than 200 students have participated in the program since its inception in 2000. These interns have gained experience working in marketing, engineering, public relations, licensing and various other areas. Participation in the program has led to full-time positions in the industry for a number of past interns.

"The NASCAR Diversity Internship Program has introduced dozens of students from diverse backgrounds to professional opportunities in NASCAR," said Marcus Jadotte, NASCAR's managing director of public affairs, who oversees the diversity department. "The program has played an important role in NASCAR's efforts to attract the best and brightest to our industry."

The program features internships offered by NASCAR offices, sponsors, licensees, teams, tracks and broadcast partners. In addition to NASCAR corporate offices in Daytona Beach, Charlotte, and Concord, the following companies are participating in 2009: Catalyst Public Relations, Daytona International Speedway, International Speedway Corporation (ISC), Joe Gibbs Racing, Just Marketing International, Octagon, The SPEED Channel, and The 909 Group.

The current intern class began their NASCAR experience with an orientation session during the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race weekend at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. The group visited the NASCAR Research and Development Center in Concord, the Sam Bass NASCAR Art Gallery, Roush Fenway Racing headquarters, attended the NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge presented by Craftsman, and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. In addition, the group met with a number of key people in the NASCAR industry including NASCAR Sprint Cup Series crew members, drivers, and NASCAR executives.

Each year, the internships are available to college sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students across the country. To be eligible, students must be in good standing with their school and community and have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average.

In addition to the internship program, NASCAR awards diversity scholarships in tribute to NASCAR legend Wendell Scott, has an at-track diversity mentorship program and a college tour that visits historically black colleges and universities and Hispanic-serving institutions.

Attached is a list of the students and their colleges. More information on the internship program is available at www.diversityinternships.com.

For more information, contact:
Brad Klein, NASCAR Public Relations, (212) 326-1874 or bklein@nascar.com
 
2009 NASCAR Diversity Internship Class

Student and Hometown / School / Internship
Gabriela Acuna (Peachtree City, Ga.) / Georgia College and State University / Joe Gibbs Racing

Kara Adams (Ashburn, Va.) / Howard University / NASCAR Diversity Affairs (Daytona Beach)

Arrionne Allen (Mauldin, S.C.) / Hampton University/Indiana University / NASCAR Series Operations (Daytona Beach)

Anim Amersingh (Trinidad and Tobago) / Morgan State / NASCAR Research & Development (Concord)

Erica Anderson (Claremont, Calif.) / Florida A&M University / The SPEED Channel

Jaime Bowman (Brooklyn, N.Y.) / Howard University / NASCAR Consumer      Marketing (Daytona Beach)

Reina Carson (Albuquerque, N.M.) /Bethune Cookman University /Daytona International 
                                                                                                                  Speedway

Brenda Kittles (Bowie, Md.) / Winston-Salem State University / ISC Multicultural Marketing

Courtney McKnight (Frederick, Md.) / Johnson C. Smith University / The 909 Group

De'Marcus Miller (Charlotte, N.C.) / Winston-Salem St. Univ./High Point Octagon University 

Kris Rincon (Agua Dulce, Calif.) / University of Arizona NASCAR Licensing     (Charlotte)

Rodrigo Sanchez (Mexico City, Mexico) / Austin (Texas) Community College / Just Marketing International

Sydney Snow (Jacksonville, Fla.) / North Carolina A&T University / Catalyst Public Relations

Tags: nascar , diversity , internship , catalyst public relations