The award, sponsored by Bridgestone Canada Inc. (BSCA), was presented at the Automotive Journalist Association of Canada (AJAC) journalist awards gala Wednesday evening.

“A well-written story can be just as interesting as a well-driven race,” said BSCA General Manager Andy Robinson, who presented the award. “It’s Bridgestone Canada’s privilege to continue to honor the top motorsports piece of the year and we’re furthermore flattered to have been part of the content.”

The judges were unanimous in their praise of Wimbush’s descriptive piece about a 2-day experience at the Bridgestone Racing Academy driving Van Diemen Formula open-wheel cars. Wimbush took the reader through the stages of what a driver goes through from getting into their fireproof suit on a hot day to using feedback provided by instructors to improve lap times.

This is the first time in the 12 years of the award that the Bridgestone brand was part of the winning entry.

One judge said, “I was able to live each emotion described. I was able to be their co-pilot.”

Another commented: “The journalist brought a different vision. This article explained the reality in which the drivers work: sweat, dehydration, and the severe workout schedule.”

Wimbush is a regular contributor to both Auto123.com and The Toronto Star newspaper in addition to driving in club rallies, auto cross, rally cross and frequent lapping days.

Antoine Joubert received honorable mention for his entry on the legendary racing name, Shelby, titled: “Shelby American: La passion de la performance depuis 60 ans.” Joubert is editor-in-chief of Sympatico.ca Autos and a regular contributor to RPM TV and Le Devoir newspaper.

The 2011 competition included submissions from across Canada evaluated according to four criteria: writing style, educational value, passion imparted and entertainment value.

The Julie Wilkinson Motorsports Award, which Bridgestone Canada Inc. has sponsored since its inception in 1999, is presented every year in memory of Julie Wilkinson, an avid racer and automotive writer who passed away in May of 1998. The Vancouver Croft House School graduate enjoyed a distinguished career as a race driver in several series and, later, as a journalist who travelled internationally writing about motorsports.

About Bridgestone Canada Inc.:

Bridgestone Canada Inc. (BSCA) is a member of Bridgestone Americas Tire operation (BATO) and a direct subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM), whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. BSCA and BATO develop, manufacture and market Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires. They are focused on retail, wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off road, agricultural and other tires to their customers in Canada and the United States, respectively.

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“This is the biggest investment most people will ever make,” said Brad Loder, Director of Marketing, Europ Assistance (EA) Canada, “It is amazing how often the conditions of essential components of the home are overlooked. Our goal is to help mitigate this unnecessary stress and worry for all new homeowners.”

Canadian homebuyers are becoming more aware of potential unexpected repair costs associated with heating and cooling equipment, plumbing and electrical systems, and all household appliances that are included in the purchase price of the home.

“Even with a qualified home inspection, there is no way of predicting the timing of an appliance or system breakdown which will bring about unexpected costs,” advises Loder.

The reality of these unexpected costs can be devastating and draining on the family budget, and knowing who they can trust to complete these repairs is often intimidating.

1. Furnace and Air-Conditioning

Practically speaking, new homeowners only have a period of about five to seven months a year to purchase a house that requires the furnace to be operating, and less than five months for air conditioning. Repair costs associated with these home comfort systems can average $400-$750, and replacement costs can add up to thousands.

2. Appliances

More often than not, new homeowners inherit existing appliances when purchasing a home.  In most cases these appliances vary significantly when comparing age, brand, and reliability. Appliance repairs can be very costly, and create an inconvenience while waiting for parts and repairs. These breakdowns are not predictable, and proactive maintenance will not eliminate unexpected repair costs.

3. Electrical and Plumbing

Similarly, home electrical and plumbing systems can cause unwanted interruptions of conveniences home owners just come to expect. These unexpected repairs can shake the confidence of the most experienced home buyers. Often, these repairs end up being much more complicated than first expected, primarily caused by prolonged issues.

4. Water Heater

The status of your new water heater is something that needs to be confirmed right away. Did you inherit a rental plan the former owners entered into? Do you own the water heater outright or are you renting it? And of course, check what condition it is in.

Most of the service examples listed above require different trade businesses to serve each of the appliances or systems. Contractors must be certified, licensed and trained to handle the appropriate service. One shoe does not fit all in this case.

“As an added benefit, the EA Canada Home Assurance Program makes our entire authorized contractor network available to our customers regardless of their current assurance plan coverage. We want our customers to rely on us for all their home assurance needs,” explains Loder. “We want to alleviate the stress associated with locating a reputable service contractor and the financial impact of the repairs.”

How homeowners can protect themselves

A home protection plan is the easiest way for homeowners to protect themselves and achieve peace of mind before a non-insured emergency happens in the place that matters most – their home. EA Canada’s Home Assurance Program is one of the most comprehensive and flexible home protection programs available in Canada. Features of the program include:

–  100% coverage for all parts and labour repair costs*

–  24/7, 365-days-a-year emergency assistance and unlimited calling

–  Reputable and guaranteed service quality from EA Canada’s credentialed contractor network

–  Single and bundled plan options available

–  Ability to upgrade a plan at any time

–  Plan portability or transferability options

–  No annual contract or unexpected hidden fees

*Certain terms and limitations/restrictions apply.

This launch precedes the deployment of the Group’s new 2011-2015 strategic plan as it seeks to become the most innovative company in its sector.

“you live we care”, a signature which reflects the new positioning of Europ Assistance which supports its customers in all of life’s circumstances, from the most routine to the most exceptional.

The Europ Assistance Group will don its new signature “you live we care”, now an integral part of its logo block, on December 8^th.

This new signature reflects the new positioning of the Europ Assistance Group, which now supports its customers in all of life’s circumstances, from the most routine to the most exceptional, by offering them prevention, protection and assistance services in the areas of mobility – travel and automobile – health and home and family.

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This positioning aims to meet consumers’ rapidly and considerably changing needs, which reflects a real Care Revolution in services for individuals: the combined effect of globalisation, increased life expectancy, growing urbanisation, mobility, health needs and increased free time generates an explosion in demand for increasingly personalised information, prevention, protection and support services, in everyday life as well as exceptional circumstances.

It is for this reason that Europ Assistance, in referring to the concept of Care, which reflects the ideas of individual attention, cover, continuous protection and trust with regard to its customers and consumers, is asserting its goal to be the leading company in Care Services.

The new signature also asserts the Group and the Europ Assistance brand’s global dimension by being entirely in English, which is used in all the Group’s subsidiaries on the five continents where it operates. The Group has made that choice in order to capitalise on its brand in a unique way for its 300 million customers and network of 410,000 listed service providers.

The use of blue and red in the signature increases the logo block’s power by strengthening the uniformity of the colours of both the logo and signature. It also underlines the continuity in the development of Europ Assistance between the past and its ambitions over the next few years. The handwriting script font expresses closeness and above all the human relationship Europ Assistance has with its customers.

This signature also demonstrates the role that the Europ Assistance Group intends to play as a responsible company, by contributing to a new type of solidarity and progress for its economic and social environment as it does, for example, through the partnership with ASHOKA, the international association for social entrepreneurship.

From December 8^th, the new signature will be rolled out simultaneously in the Group’s 36 companies throughout the world.

A new signature within the framework of the 2011-2015 road map to make Europ Assistance the most innovative company in its sector

With revenue which has more than doubled and an operating profit which has tripled between 2004 and 2009, the Europ Assistance Group has entered into a new cycle of profitable, sustainable growth.

Following this very buoyant growth phase, the Group has set itself a new road map for the next five years, 2011 to 2015.

Four major strategic areas

The Group’s new strategic plan, the Galileo Plan, is aimed at strengthening the current strategy, primarily around four areas:

• To speed up the rebalancing of the business portfolio by expanding the new growth relays which are health and home and family services which will represent more than one-third of the Group’s business by 2015. At the same time, Europ Assistance will strengthen the competitiveness of its traditional businesses, in the travel and automobile sectors, with new supplementary travel insurance and car repair guarantees.

• To pursue geographic rebalancing by speeding up development in North America, South America and Asia, by putting to good use investments made in those continents over the last few years.  At the same time, European business activities will see their commercial and financial competitiveness strengthened, with strong development in the new businesses of health and home and family services. Between now and 2015, the contribution of subsidiaries outside Western Europe should account for more than 27% of the Group’s revenue.

• To develop distribution models by increasing sales of optional services – as opposed to inclusive sales – with the Group’s major partners and direct sales to consumers, particularly on the Web. With this in mind, Europ Assistance should forge new local and international partnerships.

• To strengthen the Group’s profitability by more selective growth of its insurance-related business activities, improve its operational efficiency, particularly by speeding up the use of new technologies in its production processes.

An ambition, to become the most innovative company in its sector

To place innovation at the core of its strategy by routinely enhancing its offer of services using the very latest technological innovations in the field of mobility, health and everyday life – such is the across-the-board objective of all the levers which will be implemented within the Galileo Plan.

Thus, Europ Assistance will routinely enhance its offer of new, high added-value assistance services: these combine, on the one hand, 24-hour availability and the direct or remote human intervention of its 7,000 employees and 410,000 service providers for its customers and, on the other, the inclusion of new technologies, for example using position determination technology in combination with mobile and Internet terminals to better serve and protect its customers when travelling or driving, or the deployment of telemedicine, tele-monitoring and robotics to make everyday life easier and safer for fragile people or those who are chronically ill or dependent.

With this new road map, Europ Assistance aims to become the most innovative company in the Care Services sector.

“We have a range of offerings for each area,” said Alex Kroon, President, Europ Assistance Canada. “Health, home & family, and travel assistance are important to everyone and to every company. We provide assistance and reassurance to the end user and cost containment to Canadian corporations.”

Healthcare

Being able to provide Canadians with healthcare options is one of EA Canada’s cornerstones and the philosophy of borderless healthcare, in which EA assists the client to take control of their healthcare schedule and treatment as part of their medical concierge offering.  EA Canada’s Medical Concierge Program also provides clients with access to Executive Medicals and 2^nd Opinion Services at leading Canadian and global medical facilities.

“Borderless healthcare is the way of the future,” stated Kroon. “When it comes to your health, you need to be in control. The Canadian system is the best in the world and our first objective is to work within that system, however it is complicated and Canadians need professionals who understand how to navigate it. Further, we believe healthcare should not have borders, if you need an MRI or other specialized service across the border, we can assist you at every stage.”

“Our medical case management, North American and international proprietary provider networks, customized services, and technology are all seamlessly interwoven,” said Kroon. “This ensures patients receive the best-possible medical care and service, while reducing and managing our clients’ risks and costs.

Home Repairs Protection Plan

As part of its wide range of offerings, EA Canada will provide peace of mind for homeowners with 24/7/365 assistance when a non-insured emergency affects their home.  EA Canada Home Assurance Program provides access to a credentialed network of licensed home repair contractors and technician’s homeowners can trust.

“Our emergency home repair service protects you when you come home and find your furnace or water heater is broken in February, or your air conditioner breaks down in the middle of summer. You don’t have time to do a quality check on repair services. We’ve already done that for you. Finding someone to make repairs any time of day or night is also tricky, again we have it covered.”

Four different plan options are available with flexibility to upgrade coverage at anytime and this program covers labour and home repair costs homeowners face in an emergency situation.

Home and healthcare within Canadian borders is one thing, but what about abroad? EA Canada provides an expatriate insurance and assistance program for Canadians working outside our borders.

Expat Insurance and Assistance

Managing International health insurance is one of EA’s specialties, and they have been successfully doing so for over 10 years. EA’s International Health Solutions Expat Insurance and Assistance Program is a comprehensive, best-in-class and flexible solution designed to assist Canadian employees working abroad for extended periods of time. Expat insurance and assistance is a premium benefit for companies to offer their best and brightest working around the world.

“Canadians working abroad are often your top employees,” said Kroon “You need to protect them and provide them with the best coverage possible. You need to be able to get them emergency medical care of the same quality they would receive in Canada but in sometimes far flung corners of the world. We have spent years developing a network thousands strong to provide that type of coverage.”

Some of the Expat-focused services include emergency repatriation, medical transfer and evacuation, chronic treatment benefits along with a host of programs that would normally be available to workers in Canada.

Travel Assistance

Having worked with travelers for over 40 years, EA has long been the trendsetter in the field of travel assistance and Canadian insurance companies that offer travel insurance can now have access to their extensive network and years of expertise.

EA’s strength is in Third Party Administration (TPA) of travel plans. By adding EA’s TPA experience and extensive range of services to a travel insurance offering, insurance companies can add significant value to their plan and ensure their members are protected. EA’s Travel Assistance Program provides Canadian insurance companies with a comprehensive program, competitive prices and EA’s world-renowned level of service.

Travel assistance services include, 24/7/365 emergency assistance, medical case management, claims management, Provincial Government Health Insurance Plan (GHIP) recovery, co-ordination of benefits, and emergency repatriation.

For more information on Europ Assistance Canada, please visit our website at      www.ea-canada.ca.

About Europ Assistance Canada

EA Canada is dedicated to making Canadians’ lives easier through our comprehensive Health, Home & Family and Travel Assistance Solutions, 24/7, 365-days-a-year.Our world-class network helps Canadians and Canadian businesses get the assistance they need when they need it. EA Canada employs over 200 people and its headquarters are located in Thornhill, ON.

EA Canada is a division of Europ Assistance, the leading provider and global pioneer of the assistance industry. Founded in 1963, as the inventor of the assistance concept, the Europ Assistance Group operates on a global basis in order to bring its 300 million worldwide private and corporate clients appropriate solutions to deal with day-to-day or emergency situations. Owned by the GENERALI group, the Europ Assistance group is made up of 80 consolidated companies in 35 countries, , employs over 6,800 people worldwide, has ground agents located in 208 countries, works with 410,000 approved partners available at all times and supported by 38 call centres.

The VELUX deck mounted product family is now designated The No Leak Skylight. It carries 20 years on glass, 10 years on skylights, and five years on blinds and controls. Features include a third layer of water protection – advanced LoE3 glass for better energy efficiency, higher visible light transmittance, and improved solar heat gain performance – money saving pre-finished white frames and sashes to eliminate the need for secondary high-cost trips by a painter – pre-mounted brackets for quick installation of sunscreen blinds – lower roof profile with an updated curved architectural design – and a neutral grey colour, preferred by consumers and builders, to blend with most roof materials and colors.

Nels Moxness, president of VELUX Canada, that after three years of research, development and testing, the No Leak Skylight addresses the number one concern – the perception of leaks – consumers and trade audiences expressed about the category.  “The No Leak Skylight, with our new design, manufacturing and time and money saving installation procedures should put that concern to rest, “ Moxness says.

“It is important to point out here,” Moxness continued, “that existing VELUX skylights, when properly installed, don’t leak.  But others, especially older plastic bubble skylights have, and research by The Farnsworth Group shows that the whole skylight category has been stigmatized because of that problem.”

Moxness says that VELUX has always warranted its skylights against leaking.  “But the newly designed deck mounted skylights feature three layers of water protection, including a new gasket that seals to the roof deck.  This, combined with new time and money saving installation materials and methods should give specifiers, installers and homeowners complete confidence,” he says.

“While deck mounted skylights are the flagship products of the new skylight line,” Moxness says, “but we are confident that the new curb mounted which share many of the improvements with the deck mounted products, are even more dependable than in the past. They will round out a much improved next generation family of skylights with a solution for all installation requirements.”

“While many companies were consolidating and holding the line during the most difficult economic climate of our lifetime,” Moxness says, “VELUX has made the largest product development investment in company history. We believe there is no better time to invest in our market, strengthen our leadership position, demonstrate our commitment to bolstering the skylight category, better serve our homeowners, and support our dealers.”

Moxness points out that VELUX is an ENERGY STAR partner (and has been recognized as a Partner of the Year in 2002).  “This recognition of the energy efficient qualities of earlier company products, and of the VELUX commitment to quality manufacturing and sustainability, will be strengthened with the new line of products, which are designed to meet existing and future ENERGY STAR guidelines,” he says.

For more information, visit velux.ca or thenoleakskylight.com, or call 1-800-888-3589.

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VELUX is the world leader in skylights and roof windows and is one of the strongest brands in the global building materials sector.  VELUX America products are available nationwide through home centres, building material suppliers, lumberyards, and independent door, window, or roofing retailers.  Consumers can access complete product information and can locate local suppliers and installation information, at www.velux.ca.  VELUX will mail consumers literature on the benefits of bringing more natural light and ventilation into the home and workplace and on skylight selection, as well as on solar water heating systems.  Call 1-800-283-2831 or request via e-mail at www.velux.ca.

January 7, 2010 – Gold prices are showing no sign of slowing as we enter 2010, according to Nick Barisheff, president and CEO, Bullion Management Group (BMG). Several significant events, such as the return of Western central banks as net buyers and the waning of support for the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency, will continue to push gold higher.

Barisheff made clear an important fact for investors: “The current pull-back from the recent highs of $1,200 seems to be over, providing an attractive entry point for investors.” All signs point to gold continuing its steady rise throughout 2010.

With the financial industry focused on gold, the question is “How high could the price go?” “Many have noticed that fund managers are starting to buy gold as long-term insurance. By one estimate, if the world’s pension funds and hedge funds moved just 5% of their assets into gold, it would trade at $5,000,” observed Barisheff.

Barisheff went into detail about the factors driving the gold price, and why it will stay elevated for the foreseeable future.

“For the first time in two decades, central banks are net buyers rather than net sellers of gold,” stated Barisheff during his speech to the Empire Club in Toronto. “In addition, 2009 marked the first time that financial gold purchases outpaced gold buying by the jewellery industry.”

India’s central bank purchase of over 200 tonnes of IMF gold, as well as significant buying activity in China and Russia, helped fuel prices in 2009 and will continue to do so in 2010. Barisheff also noted that the US dollar is losing popularity with some financial players. He noted rumours that have appeared in the media lately, speculating that the Arab Gulf states are planning, along with China, Russia, Japan and France, to stop paying for oil with US dollars, moving instead to a basket of currencies and gold.

“Although the central banks immediately rejected these rumours, the market treated their denials as a clear admission of guilt and gold broke through year-long resistance at $1,020 an ounce into an entirely new trading range that day,” he said. “The Iranian oil bourse, which allows oil sales in several currencies but not the US dollar, is another indication that this trend will continue.”

Barisheff also discussed the growing imbalance between paper proxies, gold derivatives and physical bullion. In the future, the price of paper gold and the price of physical gold could divide.

“This isn’t a typical bull market. Until governments around the world stop creating massive amounts of new money, the price of gold will continue to rise,” says Barisheff.

Toronto-based Bullion Management Group Inc. is one of the world’s fastest-growing precious metals bullion investment companies. Since 2002 BMG, through its subsidiary, Bullion Management Services Inc., has managed the CDN$290 million-plus BMG BullionFund, the world’s first open-end mutual fund trust with a fixed investment policy of purchasing equal dollar amounts of uncompromised gold, silver and platinum precious metals bullion. In December 2009 a gold-only fund, BMG Gold BullionFund, was launched.

BMG BullionBars provide the utmost in privacy and protection in order to meet the most rigorous standards of wealthy clients who demand an unbroken continuance of discreet generational wealth. BMG’s high level of commitment to our clients’ privacy and security forms the core of our approach to business. For more information on both products www.bmgbullion.com.

What: Mark has valuable winter driving tips being prepared for anything the tough Canadian roads can throw at you. Accident avoidance, handling icy roads and wet weather are all topics he covers. Being ready for the winter storm when it happens and even before it hits and why it is a good idea to put winter tires on your car.

When: Tuesday, December 8, 2009.

How: To schedule an interview with Mark Cox, director of the Bridgestone Winter Driving School, please contact John Lindo by email at jlindo@razorvoice.com or at 647-893-1741.

What: BTVhealth.com has released its latest H1N1 podcast: Is a third wave coming?

Who: Dr. Michael Libman, Director, Infectious Diseases, McGill University Health Centre.

What’s on: Dr. Libman provides his perspective and insight on the developing H1N1 story.

What does first, second and third wave really mean?

Where are we now? Is H1N1 at a peak?

Will there be a third wave and when will it hit?

Advice on vaccinations: Is it too late to be useful? Why should I get vaccinated? Will it work in future years?

Why prevention is important.

Where: www.h1n1.btvhealth.com/podcast/is-a-3rd-wave-coming/Podcasts: ‘Is a third wave coming?’ is the part of a series of podcasts produced by Physicians from the McGill University Health Centre and Blue Rush Digital Media Corp. Podcasts presently available include:

H1N1 Vaccine Myths and Facts?
How is H1N1 Different?
Is a third wave coming?

Next on the schedule: H1N1 and Seniors: What you need to know.

For more information, go to www.BTVhealth.com

To schedule an interview with BTVHealth’s creator, BlueRush CEO, Larry Lubin, or Dr. Michael Libman please contact:

John Lindo, Public Relations
Phone: 647-893-1741
Email: jlindo@razorvoice.com

 
Nels Moxness, President of VELUX Canada, says that every solar water heating system installed in North America will help to reduce the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  “Solar water heating is another opportunity for individual homeowners to support the green movement in our country while realizing benefits now and for years to come,” Moxness says.

 
VELUX, long a global leader in skylights and other solar control technology, designed its solar energy roof collectors to be aesthetically pleasing and to integrate well with rooflines while delivering exceptional energy collection capabilities.  The units also integrate seamlessly with VELUX skylights. The collectors are certified by independent testing agencies and installers have completed advanced training to assure reliable installations.

 
The cost of installed systems will vary depending upon the volume of heated water required in a home.   Two or three rooftop solar collector panels will usually be installed and solar hot water holding tanks are available in 80 and 120 gallon sizes.

 
Moxness says Federal, Municipal, and Provincial tax credits can offset thousands of dollars toward a system, varying by location across Canada. This, combined with savings on home energy bills, should result in an anticipated payback period of 3-7 years in most areas depending on geographic location, utility rates and other factors.

 
Richard Brunet, National Sales Manager, says that the systems can provide up to 75 percent of the demand for heating hot water in a home while replacing or adding on to an existing water heating system. Also, because the sun is free, you’re protected from future fuel shortages and price hikes.

 
Solar energy systems can take advantage of this free energy source throughout the year as solar energy can be produced even at low temperatures.  According to Brunet, the capacity for widespread use is a particularly attractive feature of the VELUX system.  “We use a potable glycol in our system,” Brunet says, “so it’s suitable for use anywhere in Canada which is not the case with all solar water heating systems.”

Brunet says that the VELUX system has a much lower system and installation cost than solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. “Basically, our system utilizes low-profile roof-top solar energy collectors to gather heat.  An electronic controller activates a pump to feed the heated solution through insulated tubing to a solar hot water tank.  The heat is transferred from the solution, through a heat exchanger, to the water in the insulated tank, where it is held until needed, and the potable glycol solution, which never enters the water supply, is returned to the collectors to be reused,” said Brunet.  He also points out that the solar collectors utilize the same proven flashing materials and techniques employed to install VELUX skylights.

VELUX is the world leader in skylights and roof windows and is one of the strongest brands in the global building materials sector. Consumers can access complete product information and can locate local suppliers and installation information, at www.velux.ca or by calling 1-800-888-3589. VELUX will mail consumers literature on the benefits of bringing more natural light and ventilation into the home and workplace and on skylight selection, as well as on solar water heating systems.

– BlueRush Digital Media Corp. (“BlueRush”), and physicians from McGill University Health Centre (“MUHC”) today unveiled www.h1n1.btvhealth.com, a new website that uses the latest in online communication technology to help Canadians understand and better fight the spread of H1N1. The highlight of the new site is a series of streaming videos and audio podcasts featuring physicians from MUHC discussing the latest information on H1N1, from how it is spread to tips on prevention.

“The most important aspect about battling a virus such as H1N1 is prevention,” said Dr. Michael Churchill-Smith, Director of International Affairs, MUHC. “Nationally only about 1% to 2% of our healthcare dollars goes to prevention. The rest is spent on treatment. Using web communication technologies is one of the most effective ways we can get the most out of that allocated budget”.

The challenge for the doctors and BlueRush was to cut through all of the noise about H1N1 and present the information in an easy to understand form.

Our goal was to create a site that gives people practical information they can use in every part of their day. We have separate H1N1 prevention videos for home, work and school environments,” says Len Smofsky, Executive Vice President, BlueRush.

In addition to the videos, the site offers a series of podcasts that explore the latest developments in the H1N1 battle. The first one discusses the H1N1 vaccination.

“With concerns rising, it’s essential that Canadians have access to easy to understand, accurate information on all aspects of H1N1,” added Dr. Churchill-Smith. “BlueRush’s donation of time, talent and technology to build this site has made it possible for us to take a greater role in providing information on H1N1 and spread the prevention message.”

While the physicians from MUHC provided the healthcare expertise, the job of packaging and delivering that message fell to, BlueRush one of Canada’s leading web communication and marketing companies. Best known for their innovative work in web based interactive media, BlueRush also works with MUHC and other organizations to provide medical content to client sites.

“We applied the same principals to this project as we do with all of our client sites. Use the latest and best tools available, including our own proprietary technologies, to build effective web based communication vehicles,” said Larry Lubin, President and CEO of BlueRush. “While there are other H1N1 focused sites on the web, our approach of using our tested formula of high quality streaming video and podcasts, combined with more traditional text, is the right one to tackle the H1N1 issue.”

Research from the advertising industry shows that rich media, such as streaming video, is much more effective in generating awareness and message association. BlueRush’s own client research revels that streaming videos significantly increases the time visitors spend on a web site. However, according to Lubin, content is key.

“The videos, featuring real doctors in a simple, straight forward manner, help bring credibility to the information that visitors just can’t get from reading a web page alone,” noted Lubin. “With 84% of internet users connecting via broadband and using the internet nearly 13 hours a week this is perfect medium for providing the public with essential health information.”

Some of the highlights of the videos:

How is H1N1 spread?
When to see a doctor?
Reducing your risk at work
Reducing your risk at home

Reducing your risk at school

The web site and videos can be viewed in its entirety at this www.h1n1.btvhealth.com. BlueRush is making this content available to other distribution networks including company websites and media outlets.

The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is a comprehensive academic health institution with an international reputation for excellence in clinical programs, research and teaching. Its partner hospitals are the Montreal Children’s Hospital, the Montreal General Hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital, the Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute, the Montreal Chest Institute and the Lachine Hospital. The goal of the MUHC is to provide patient care based on the most advanced knowledge in the health care field, and to contribute to the development of new knowledge. www.muhc.ca

BlueRush Media Group Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiary, BlueRush Digital Media Corp., is a Canadian digital marketing company which combines leading edge technology with award winning creative television production. BlueRush creates innovative rich media solutions for distribution across all new emerging media: Internet, Web TV, iPods, Mobile Phones, Digital Signs and In-store Kiosks. With expertise in programming, production, and marketing, BlueRush provides its clients with digital video solutions which extend some of the most recognizable brands into this emerging digital and Internet age. BlueRush Media Group Corp. is a publicly listed company on the TSX Venture Exchange (“BTV”).