The delivery phase of "Mana-cha-toon Wash-ti-ni-gun," or "Conserve the Light," Energy Conservation Kits began on Sept. 7, 2007 at Thunder Bay Airport. 23,000 on-reserve homes in over 100 communities across Ontario received the kits as part of the Provincial Energy Efficiency & Conservation Measures for Aboriginal Communities (EEMAC) program funded by the Ontario Power Authority.
Each kit included easy-to-install compact florescent light (CFL) bulbs, faucet aerators, pipe wraps, fridge and freezer thermometers, a low flow shower head, an outdoor timer for Christmas lights or your car in the winter, and other devices that would result in immediate reductions in energy use.
The launch was covered by local and Northern Ontario media, First Nations media and the Canadian Press.
In May 2007, e|c|o organized a media conference tied to the release of a special report by the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario.
We provided strategic counsel and on-site media relations during the event.
The Commissioner's announcement achieved extensive media coverage across targeted media markets in Northern Ontario.
And, to engage media outside of Northern Ontario, the announcement was hosted online and through teleconferencing.
Newswire duplication in media across Ontario exponentially increased the media coverage.
In the spring of 2005, e|c|o was asked to increase the awareness and public involvement in the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP). We designed, planned and organized a twenty-four city workshop tour throughout much of the province to educate people about the program. Substantial media coverage was generated before and after each event.
We continue to conduct these sessions. From 2005 through 2007, more than 40 tours have attracted over 2,000 people. New enrollment in MFTIP has been doubling each year since the start of the program, and membership in the Ontario Forestry Association has increased by over 20% since 2005.
This is one example of the ongoing outreach projects that we have organized for Peter Love, Ontario's Chief Energy Conservation Officer
In March 2007, we planned, coordinated and publicized a tour in support of industrial energy conservation in northeastern Ontario.
Our knowledge of and experience with northern community issues, organizations and media allowed us to easily identify key targets (decision makers, stakeholders and public audiences) in Sudbury, Timmins and Kapuskasing, and develop a plan to gain their attention and support.
The tour was successful, receiving extensive media coverage.
Since 2005, e|c|o has been working with FOE to raise national and international media awareness and to engage political dialogue on the transfer of polluted water and invasive biota from Devils Lake in North Dakota to Lake Winnipeg.
e|c|o organized media conferences and technical briefing sessions in Winnipeg, including one involving the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce held in the Rotunda of the Manitoba Legislature. We have also distributed letters, media releases and op-eds and coordinated interviews for Friends of the Earth with the media on both sides of the border, resulting in a high level of awareness of the issue.
e|c|o worked with the Citizens Bank of Canada and the Conservation Council of Ontario to launch Canada's first Green Mortgage, holding a media conference and producing and distributing a media advisory and a media release.
Canada's major media, relevant real-estate publications and internet news sites all carried the story.
In 2001, George Hislop launched a class action lawsuit against the Government of Canada on behalf of Canadian same-sex partners who had been denied spousal benefits.
The firm of Roy, Elliot, Kim, O'Connor (REKO) required an effective, long-term strategic media campaign to support their effort lawsuit. The campaign included media advisories and releases, as well as interview opportunities to attract national media attention and commentary.
Media coverage included front page news and top story in Canada.
EnerQuality oversess ENERGY STAR for New Homes, EnerGuide for New Houses and R-2000 in Ontario.
Since 1999, we have been raising and maintaining awareness among homebuilders and prospective homebuyers by consistently generating media coverage for homebuilder announcements, energy efficient home launches, and the annual EnerQuality Awards of Excellence.
Stories regularly appear in daily and community newspapers, TV, radio, home magazines and trade publications.
Sample Article From Campaign - Empire Communities
In November 2006, we coordinated the official Energy GreenBox launch with key partners, including the Ontario Minister of Energy, Enbridge Gas Distribution and Union Gas. We generated substantial media coverage in targeted markets across Ontario.
The successful media coverage and the popularity of the Energy GreenBoxes saw the program reneweded for 2007.
Minister Duncan also met with campaign partners to discuss opportunities for expansion into other regions of the province.
In June 2007, Churchill Cellars Ltd., a Niagara based winery and distributor, approached e|c|o to build media and consumer recognition and brand association related to a unique habitat and species rehabilitation program in the Greater Toronto Area.
We supported a media tour of various sites along the Credit River with media advisories and releases. Local print media, community television and major regional daily print media coveraged the tour.
We also arranged interviews in support of the client's participation in the Great Lakes Fisheries Council's Annual General Meeting in Sault Ste. Marie.
For 5 years, we have organized and delivered the "earned media" promotion of the Annual Wood WORKS! Awards and the post event media relations showcasing the winners, which advances the mandate of Wood WORKS!
We have conducted similar programs for Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, Ontario Nature, EnerQuality Corporation and the Toronto Green Building Festival.