August 2009 Archive

The following posts were made in August 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

SUBWAY® Restaurants Celebrates 70th Little League Season with ‘Baseball Design Across America’ Charity

Proceeds from Celebrity Signed Baseballs to Benefit Little League 

MILFORD, CT (August 20, 2009) - On Friday, August 21, in celebration of the Little League World Series (LLWS) SUBWAY^® Restaurants will officially launch an online charity auction that directly correlates to its first annual "Baseball Design Across America" Tour, a one of a kind program designed to bring awareness to the sport of baseball through high profile players, celebrities, and fans.

The national tour, which launched earlier this year in Los Angeles, CA, made stops in several U.S. cities throughout the baseball season, featuring 40 baseballs designed by Little Leaguers and autographed by celebrities. These uniquely designed baseballs will be made available to the public via online auction throughout the last 10 days of the LLWS in Williamsport, PA (August 21 - 31, 2009).  The baseballs will also be on display on-site in Williamsport at Howard J. Lamade Stadium.

Fans can log onto www.eBay.com, input key words "Baseball Design Across America" in the search window and find a host of signed baseballs from various sports and entertainment personalities including: World Series Champion Ryan Howard, Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps, four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon, former MLB players Dave Winfield and Bucky Dent, current MLB players Albert Pujols, Juan Pierre, and Evan Longoria, cast of HBO's "Entourage," "Heroes'" Milo Ventimiglia, actors Zac Efron, Drew Barrymore, Billy Crystal, NASCAR's Carl Edwards, top NBA Draft pick/LA Clippers' Blake Griffin, TV personalities Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe Kardashian, Larry King, and many more.

"We know that SUBWAY is where winners eat, and all the kids and families participating in Little League Baseball are winners," said Tony Pace, chief marketing officer, SUBWAY Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust. "The 'Baseball Design Across America' program and online auction have given us new ways to reach our consumers while helping to raise money for Little League Baseball."

"SUBWAY is an important partner in helping us to bring the benefits of Little League to families in the U.S. and around the world," said Stephen D. Keener, president and chief executive officer of Little League International. "In addition to the exposure 'Baseball Design Across America' has provided for Little League throughout the season, the online auction will help drive even more attention to the jewel in our crown - the Little League World Series." 

SUBWAY Restaurants have proudly sponsored Little League Baseball since 2005 as a way to reach and encourage Little Leaguers and their families to live active lifestyles and eat healthily. 

About SUBWAY^® Restaurants

The SUBWAY® restaurant chain is the world's largest submarine sandwich franchise, with more than 30,000 locations in 88 countries. Headquartered in Milford, Connecticut, and with regional offices in Amsterdam, Beirut, Brisbane, Miami, and Singapore, the SUBWAY® chain was co-founded by Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck in 1965. The SUBWAY® brand was ranked the number one global franchise opportunity in Entrepreneur magazine's 2008 "Annual Franchise 500" listing.  For more information about the SUBWAY® chain, visit www.subway.com and www.subwayfreshbuzz.com.  SUBWAY® is a registered trademark of Doctor's Associates Inc.

About Little League Baseball & Softball

Little League Baseball and Softball is the world's largest and most respected youth sports organization. With players in every U.S. state and more than 70 other countries, the program is led by more than 1 million adult volunteers. It serves children ages 5 through 18, including physically and mentally disabled children (Challenger Division) and children in urban areas (Little League Urban Initiative). 

Tags: subway , subway restaurants , little league , baseball , baseball design across america\" , catalyst public relations , ebay

Catalyst News

SUBWAY® Restaurants Makes it E-A-S-Y to Win

One in Three Wins Instantly with more than $64 Million Available in Cash, Cars, Trips and Other Prizes

Milford, CT (August 17, 2009) - SUBWAY® restaurants today announced the return of its popular Scrabble at SUBWAY promotion, beginning August 17, 2009.  The easy to play game offers prizes totaling more than $64 million.  Customers will be able to participate three ways - In-Store Instant Win, Online Instant Win and Collect To Win.

In-Store Instant Win gives customers the chance to instantly win cars, trips, free food and beverages, by obtaining game pieces and codes off menu items. Online Instant Win provides customers with a second chance to score prizes, including a $100,000 jackpot, by simply playing their game code at www.subwayfreshbuzz.com.  In the spirit of the Scrabble family game, customers will also be able to play Collect To Win on a virtual Scrabble board, where they can place the letters they have acquired to spell out  "winning words" that yield a wide variety of prizes of cash, vacations, cars, concert tickets, health club memberships, gift cards and more.

SUBWAY restaurants has awarded millions of customers through the Scrabble at SUBWAY promotion since its inception.  Various cash, car and trip prizes winners from 2008 will be featured on packaging, print, broadcast and online creative.  Five new broadcast creative spots will air nationally on network, syndicated and cable programming and print inserts will run in entertainment and sports magazines.

"SUBWAY is where winners eat, from our famous fans to our loyal everyday customers," said Tony Pace, Chief Marketing Officer of the SUBWAY Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust (SFAFT).  "Scrabble at SUBWAY once again gives our customers chances to win thousands of great prizes instantly and through the Collect To Win game."

Prizes include 10 jackpots of $100,000 each, 13 Toyota Prius cars, 100 all-inclusive trips at Beaches Turks & Caicos resort, 16 VIP Live Nation music concert experiences and concert cash, and other prizes from Champs Sports, 24 Hour Fitness, My Coke Rewards, Hasbro Scrabble games and Pogo.com among others, in addition to SUBWAY menu items.

Collect To Win letters are available on 21, 32 and 44 oz cups, sub wraps, apples and specially marked bags of Frito Lay Sun Chips.  Instant Win game pieces can be found on all cups, with extra chances to win on 32 and 44 oz cups. Free letters, with no purchase necessary, are also available through game codes distributed on inserts in top selling entertainment and sports magazines, in USA Today and on sites such as Yahoo! during the week of August 17, and in the Sunday newspaper coupon insert on August 23.

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ABOUT SUBWAY^® RESTAURANTS:

The SUBWAY® restaurant chain is the world's largest submarine sandwich franchise, with more than 30,000 locations in 88 countries. Headquartered in Milford, Connecticut, and with regional offices in Amsterdam, Beirut, Brisbane, Miami, and Singapore, the SUBWAY® chain was co-founded by Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck in 1965. The SUBWAY® brand was ranked the number one global franchise opportunity in Entrepreneur magazine's 2008 "Annual Franchise 500" listing.  For more information about the SUBWAY® chain, visit www.subway.com and www.subwayfreshbuzz.com.  SUBWAY® is a registered trademark of Doctor's Associates Inc.

Tags: subway restaurants , scrabble at subway , scrabble , subway fresh buzz , tony pace , catalyst public relations

Catalyst News

NFL Superstar Devin Hester Reveals the Secret Cleats Behind his Blazing Speed

Under Armour to Unveil "The Speed Generation" Cleats with Debut of National Commercial During July 19^th ESPYs Telecast

Baltimore, MD - Under Armour (NYSE: UA), the leader in performance apparel and footwear, today announced the launch of "Mission," a nationwide television campaign starring Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester and former NFL great Deion Sanders. 

The spot, which was shot on-location at Chicago's Wrigley Field and Soldier Field, will debut during ESPN's telecast of the 17^th annual ESPY awards on Sunday, July 19^th and showcases Under Armour's new "UA Fierce" cleats.  Set to the soundtrack of "On a Mission" by Def Jam artist Q da Kid, who joins San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis for a cameo appearance in "Mission," the commercial provides a dynamic, fast-paced portrayal of Hester's life both on and off the field.

Linking the superstar to the city and the brand, "Mission" also offers an authentic view of Chicago and its iconic landscape.  The sixty-second spot, which incorporates retail partner The Sports Authority and includes entries from Devin's Twitter account, targets today's young athletes and channels their ultimate football aspirations through Hester.  This connection between NFL luminary and aspiring player is brought to life when Hester and Sanders tutor high school football players in one "Mission" moment.  That particular scene gives the viewer a rare look at Under Armour's proprietary High School Combine Series, a unique national program that exposes elite athletes to pro-style training and coaching techniques. 

"It was such a thrill for me to provide fans with a taste of the amazing city of Chicago and what it takes to play professional football.  It was also an honor to work with one of my football idols, Deion, who knows a thing or two about speed," said Hester.  "In order to blow away the competition, I need the right cleat, and the 'UA Fierce' is the lightest I have ever used."

Built for speed and power, the "UA Fierce" cleat weighs just 13.8 oz and is the first cleat to feature Under Armour's Cartilage® technology.  Additionally, the shoe has a 22% reduction in cleat pressure, making it one of the most comfortable detachable cleats in the industry.  Under Armour's collegiate football partners - including the Sugar Bowl Champion University of Utah, SEC rivals Auburn and South Carolina, speed-driven Texas Tech and the University of Maryland - will debut the "UA Fierce" cleat this fall.  

"Under Armour was built on the platform of providing advantages for athletes, and, through this commercial, we wanted to show how our new generation of speed cleats can make one of the fastest guys in the NFL one step faster," said Steve Battista, Under Armour, Senior Vice President, Brand.

The "UA Fierce" is one of three designs in Under Armour's new "Speed Generation" collection, which also includes the "UA Soflo" and the "UA Nitro" cleats.

Additional features of the "UA Fierce" include:

•  ArmourGuide® to keep the foot stable, ArmourBound® to cushion impact and return energy and ArmourLastic® to absorb shock.

•  Individual Cartilage® Smooth Transition^TM discs above each cleat to provide independent suspension while reducing cleat pressure.

•  Engineered Synthetic upper to provide comfort and lightweight performance.

•  Power Strap to provide maximum support, lockdown and control.

•  Strategic vent zones built into key points where the body dumps heat to keep you cool, dry and comfortable.

"Mission" will run through the 2009 NFL season, appearing on the ESPN family of networks and Versus.

About Under Armour, Inc.

Under Armour^® (NYSE: UA) is a leading developer, marketer, and distributor of branded performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. The brand's moisture-wicking synthetic fabrications are engineered in many different designs and styles for wear in nearly every climate to provide a performance alternative to traditional natural fiber products.  The Company's products are sold worldwide and worn by athletes at all levels, from youth to professional, on playing fields around the globe.  The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland, with European headquarters in Amsterdam's Olympic Stadium, and additional offices in Denver, Hong Kong, Toronto, and Guangzhou, China. For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.underarmour.com.

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Tags: under armour , ua , devin hester , cleats , football , nfl , chicago bears , catalyst public relations , sports public relations

Catalyst News

[yellow tail] Wine Uncorks Their First Sauvognon Blanc

New Varietal Answers Demand for Growing Wine Category

White Plains, NY, July 23, 2009 - [yellow tail], America's number one imported wine*, introduces their latest addition to its family of renowned wines in the U.S. - [yellow tail] Sauvignon Blanc. The Sauvignon Blanc joins three other white wine varietals in the [yellow tail] portfolio which include Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Riesling.

[yellow tail] continues to provide their consumers with the most comprehensive portfolio of wines to suit any occasion. Sauvignon Blanc is in high demand with the U.S. wine consumer; sales are up 6 percent since last year, according to Nielsen Scantrack. 

"As we continue to expand our portfolio, we will maintain our promise of delivering great quality wines that are not only affordable, but fun," said Mark Lyle, Vice President of Marketing for [yellow tail] wines. "Adding the Sauvignon Blanc to our portfolio grows our white varietals, which we see as a popular area for our consumers."

All the wine from [yellow tail] including the new Sauvignon Blanc is instantly recognizable, both for its appearance, personality, and a taste profile which is known for being fruit-forward, easy-to-drink, approachable and fun.  

[yellow tail] Sauvignon Blanc quick facts:

Availability:  August 1, 2009
Suggested Retail:  $7.99
Distribution: National
Nose: Vibrant citrus, passion fruit
Palate: Lime, tropical fruit and green apple notes
Finish: Flavor depth, crisp
*Source: Nielsen Scantrack, Total US Food, Drug, Liquor (52 weeks ending 2.7.09)

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Shaun Clair / Lisa Bruno
Catalyst Public Relations
212.714.7900
sclair@catalystpublicrelations.com / lbruno@catalystpublicrelations.com

For more information on [yellow tail] wine please visit us at Facebook, Twitter and www.discoveryellowtail.com.

Please drink responsibly.

About W. J. Deutsch & Sons, Ltd

W.J. Deutsch & Sons was founded in 1981 by Chairman Bill Deutsch to market quality wines produced by prestigious families from major wine regions of the world.  Deutsch's wines are sold to the trade with well-planned marketing support and offered to U.S. consumers at fair market prices. Today the company is renowned for its brand building prowess and ability to identify and fill consumer niches within the wine category. Bill's son Peter Deutsch is CEO; thus two generations of the Deutsch family work side by side in their continuous quest to build strong brands and relationships throughout the wine industry. 

The W.J. Deutsch & Sons portfolio includes award-winning wines from: Australia; [yellow tail], [yellow tail] The Reserve, [yellow tail] Sparkling, California; Atlas Peak, Buena Vista Carneros, Esser Vineyards, Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery, Geyser Peak, Kunde Estate, XYZin, France; Andre Lurton, Georges Duboeuf, Hob Nob Vineyards, J. Vidal Fleury, Pierre Sparr, Sauvion et Fils, Idaho; Ste Chapelle, Italy; Barone Fini, Castello di Monastero, Coldisole, Poggio alle Sughere, Villa Pozzi, New Zealand; The Crossings, Portugal; Quinta Do Vale Meao, Spain; Mar De Frades (Rias Baixas), Cruz de Alba (Ribera del Duero), Ramón Bilbao Vinos Y Vinedos (Rioja), and Volteo (Castilla), Washington; Columbia Winery, Covey Run.  www.wjdeutsch.com.

About [yellow tail]

[yellow tail] is the champion wine brand for Casella Wines. Owned and operated in Yenda, Australia, the Casella family has winemaking links going back six generations to Italy. [yellow tail] wines are created with a simple philosophy - make a great wine that everybody can enjoy. [yellow tail] is everything a great wine should be; approachable, fresh and full of flavor.

The [yellow tail] wine portfolio includes eight [yellow tail] varietals (including Shiraz and Chardonnay), three blends and a Sparkling White and Rosé wine. The [yellow tail] The Reserve portfolio includes six varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Grigio.  [yellow tail] and [yellow tail] The Reserve wines are produced by John Casella and Chief Winemaker, Alan Kennett of Casella Wines, Australia.

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Tags: yellow tail , wine , entertaining , refreshing , crisp , value , affordable , sauvignon blanc , chardonnay , pinot grigio , reisling , catalyst public relations