Tiffany Opens a Store in Calgary

By Sarah Geddes | Published: May 4, 2011

Jeweller Opens in Chinook Centre, City’s Premier Shopping Destination

NEW YORK, NY (May 4, 2011)—Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF) today celebrated the opening of a store in Calgary’s Chinook Centre with an official Founding Ceremony. The approximately 4,100-square-foot store occupies a prominent location within the centre’s newly expanded wing, comprising 180,000 square feet of retail space.

“The elegant new wing is the ideal location for a Tiffany store,” said store director Lynn M. Hinz. “Its gracious atmosphere is consistent with our own store environment and the Tiffany experience of quality and service that awaits everyone who visits us.”

The store’s façade features architectural details of Tiffany’s famed Fifth Avenue flagship store, including a wheat leaf pattern in carved stone and stainless steel trim. Inside, customers will find an inviting atmosphere of intimate jewellery salons with light grey wood paneling, custom furnishings in a palette of warm neutrals, pearlescent wall coverings and stainless steel framed showcases.

The spacious environment welcomes visitors to discover a heritage of glamour and style established over eight generations. This renowned tradition is brilliantly revealed in diamond engagement rings that reflect Tiffany’s reputation as the preeminent diamond authority, and in lustrous sterling silver collections that highlight Tiffany as master of American silver design. In addition, customers may choose from Tiffany Locks, a new collection of vintage-inspired yet contemporary jewellery; iconic designs such as Atlas®, based on the Atlas clock that graces the entrance of the jeweller’s famous Fifth Avenue flagship store; Tiffany 1837™, 18 karat gold and sterling silver designs engraved with the company’s founding year; exquisite charms that are lifelong keepers of memories and emotions; as well as watches, accessories and gifts.

Also available is the jewellery of Tiffany’s exclusive designers, including the nature-inspired creations of Jean Schlumberger, sculptural designs of Elsa Peretti, colourful statements of Paloma Picasso and the free-form jewellery of world renowned architect Frank Gehry. Each has influenced American fashion in important ways, and all are written into history as major contributors to the art of design.

Wrapped in the famous Tiffany Blue Box®, an international symbol of excellence, these coveted creations honour a great legacy that has made Tiffany the premier resource for gifts, as well as jewels of legendary beauty and objects of desire that epitomize a life lived well.

Tiffany’s new Chinook Centre store is the jeweller’s fourth company-operated store in Canada.

TIFFANY & CO. operates jewelry and specialty retail stores and manufactures products through its subsidiary corporations. Its principal subsidiary is Tiffany and Company. The Company operates TIFFANY & CO. retail stores and boutiques in the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Japan and Europe and engages in direct selling through Internet, catalogue and business gift operations. For additional information, please visit tiffany.com.

# # #

Tiffany & Co., Tiffany, T&CO., Atlas, 1837 and the Tiffany Blue Box are trademarks of Tiffany and Company and its affiliates.

share:  [del.icio.us] [Digg] [Newsvine] [StumbleUpon] [Twitter]
Posted in Retail | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

July 1st introduction of HST in BC quietly sneaking up on recreational property buyers

By Sarah Geddes | Published: May 26, 2010

Frank Kernick, developer of Copperside at Creekside Meadows in Invermere, BC

May 25, 2010, Invermere, British Columbia… If you ask anyone in BC what they think about their Province’s introduction of the Harmonized Sales Tax on July 1st, you’re likely to hear a whole range of opinions.  But if you ask an Albertan the same question, in particular those who are exploring a recreational property purchase, you’re likely to receive a puzzled look and general confusion on how the tax introduction will affect their purchases in BC.

Frank Kernick, developer of Copperside at Lakeview Meadows in Invermere, B.C., has said his organization is focusing considerable resources on educating potential buyers on the financial impact of the HST on real estate investments in the Province and the benefits of buying now versus waiting. Using Kernick’s Copperside project as an example, purchasing one of the ten luxury condominium homes after July 1st will cost buyers between $35,000 to $50,000 more as a result of the HST.

“There’s a general lack of awareness around the introduction of HST and the financial impact it will have on recreational property purchases.  We’re doing absolutely everything we can to reach out to those who have shown interest in purchasing property in the area by letting them know postponing could cost them tens of thousands of dollars.  Regardless of the development, second-home property in British Columbia will cost 7% more as of July 1st,” he said.

When asked whether he thinks the introduction of HST will have long-term effects on the industry that has already weathered a tough storm the last few years, Kernick indicated, “There’s nothing we can do at this point to change it, so it’s up to the development community to get creative and remain competitive with buyers.  There’s a certain threshold buyers aren’t willing to go beyond and I suspect most developments are already working on plans on how to deal with the repurcussions resulting from HST,”.

Copperside is located within Lakeview Meadows, Windermere’s premier master-planned community.  Featuring over 26 km of paved hiking and biking trails; tennis, volleyball and basketball courts; indoor pool and hot tub; fully appointed recreation and fitness centre and a private beach with docks, there are only ten luxury condominium homes remaining.  For more information visit www.coppersidecondos.com.

-       END –

For media information or to arrange an interview:

Sarah Geddes, Sass Communications, Ph: 403-802-0200, Email: sarah@sasscommunications.com

share:  [del.icio.us] [Digg] [Newsvine] [StumbleUpon] [Twitter]
Posted in Retail | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stampede Roundup Announces 2010 Line-Up

By Sarah Geddes | Published: May 4, 2010

Stampede Roundup 2010 to Rock Stage and Fundraising Goals

- Lynyrd Skynyrd to perform in Calgary for the first time -

Monday, May 3, 2010, Calgary, AB… Stampede Roundup sponsors are about to soar in popularity once again this year with today’s announcement Lynyrd Skynyrd, 3 Doors Down and April Wine will hit the stage at the 15th annual Stampede Roundup.    Tickets for the hottest ticket of Stampede are set to go on sale on May 10th and are available by invitation only to customers and prospective clients of event sponsors.

“We’re totally pumped to be able to bring Lynyrd Skynyrd to Calgary for the first time and offer an amazing line up we hope our guests are going to love,” said Jeff Popiel, Stampede Roundup Producer.  “Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide so they’ll fit right in on the stage of Stampede’s biggest corporate bash,” he said.

Stampede Roundup 2010

Wednesday, July 14

Doors Open at 3:00pm

Fort Calgary

Monies raised for The Rotary Club of Calgary from this year’s event will once again go to Alberta’s first pediatric hospice respite centre for terminally ill children, Rotary Flames House. “This year, Stampede Roundup will pass the million dollar mark for total dollars contributed to the Rotary Club of Calgary since the event’s inception” said Don Cameron, Rotary Club of Calgary BBQ Chairman.  “We couldn’t be more proud of this accomplishment and we wish to thank all the sponsors involved especially Blakes, Arcturus and Sleeman who have been with us from the start!”.

Stampede Roundup is a PRIVATE corporate party that annually draws a crowd of over 10,000 of Calgary’s “who’s who” for its entertainment and networking opportunities.  This year’s outdoor music festival is made possible through the generous contributions of Blakes, Arcturus Realty Corporation, Sleeman Breweries, Palm Bay Coolers, Grosvenor, Hopewell Development Corporation, Direct Energy, First Capital Realty, Crescent Point Energy Corporation, Concise Design and Blackberry.

For more information visit www.stampederoundup.com.

-       30 –

share:  [del.icio.us] [Digg] [Newsvine] [StumbleUpon] [Twitter]
Posted in Not For Profit | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

It’s Time to Wine & Dine in Banff

By Sarah Geddes | Published: May 3, 2010

Banff Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival Offers Mini-Getaway Packages to Sip & Savour in the Mountains May 7th – 9th, 2010

April 15, 2010…Culinary travel continues to be a top trend in 2010 with many Canadians sticking a little closer to home and taking mini-getaways packed full of memorable adventures and activities. On the weekend of May 7th to 9th, the Banff Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival fits the bill perfectly, offering an affordable opportunity to enjoy a mini culinary vacation, with a multitude of distinct activities to choose from.

“Banff is a quick drive from Calgary so people can escape the city without traveling far – throw the bags in the car on Friday, and make it up in time for the Festival’s evening session,” say Cathy Miller, Festival Director.

Festival hotel packages offer discounted accommodation rates in the popular mountain town, offering options for both couples and groups of friends. An appealing itinerary can be built by choosing from three Grand Tasting Hall sessions, six wine and food themed side events and three late night celebrations. This, coupled with the long list of regular activities in Banff (such as shopping on Banff Ave, taking a dip in the hot springs or skiing at Sunshine Village), is the perfect recipe for an incredible mini-getaway in the beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Grand Tasting Hall

The Banff Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival is a celebration of the finest local restaurants in Banff paired with an impressive selection of wine, premium spirits, and import beer from around the globe. Held at the Fairmont Banff Springs, consumers can choose from one of three tasting sessions – Friday 7- 10pm, Saturday 2-5pm, or Saturday 7-10pm. Tickets for each of the tasting session are sold online for $22 or $27 at the door (based on availability). Sampling coupons are available for purchase upon arrival, allowing consumers to customize what they try and how much they spend.

Hotel Packages

Banff hotels are offering special hotel packages, which include great accommodation rates, Grand Tasting Hall tickets and more!

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Conference Centre

Experience an unforgettable weekend at an iconic hotel in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Conference Center.  Enjoy one night accommodation and two entrance tickets to any one of the three Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival tasting sessions, starting at just $189.00 for two people.  Enjoy a short stroll through the hotel to reach the Grand Tasting Hall.

Sunshine Mountain Lodge

Take in the Grand Tasting Hall, a day of skiing and an incredible wine and food pairing dinner at Sunshine Mountain Lodge.  Arrive at the mountain on Saturday afternoon and take the complimentary shuttle bus to the Saturday afternoon Grand Tasting Hall session.  After being picked up and brought back to the resort, freshen up and head to A Taste of Sunshine - an incredible five course dinner complete with wine pairings at the Eagle’s Nest fine dining restaurant.  Enjoy sitting family style and making new friends, or request the privacy of your own table.  Relax overnight and then ski or ride on Sunday, enjoying first tracks in the morning.  Package starts at $289 per person.

Banff Aspen Lodge

Indulge in one night’s accommodation on Saturday evening at the Banff Aspen Lodge.  This package includes a Canadian Rockies Continental Breakfast, passes to the Banff Upper Hot Springs and tickets to the Saturday afternoon or Saturday evening Festival tasting session.  Starting at $205.00 for two people.

Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge

Treat yourself to the Culinary & Wine Lovers Getaway package for just $162.00 per person at the luxury Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge.  This romantic package includes a two night stay, complimentary parking, Grand Tasting Hall tickets, and an exquisite three course meal featuring Canadian Cuisine complete with a flight of wine pairings in the Evergreen restaurant. Can also be enjoyed with a friend!

Weekend Events & Other Celebrations
Select Banff and Lake Louise restaurants and hotels are busy planning some sensational wine and food inspired events as well as other celebrations to take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the Festival weekend.  Please note a limited number of tickets are available for each event.  Some events are already sold out!

Friday, May 7th

Tour de France Dinner at Le Beaujolais - Sold Out

Winemaker’s Dinner at The Maple Leaf Grill & Lounge – Sold Out

Saltlik ‘r’ Mixer at Saltlik Steakhouse

Stoli Stir-Up at HooDoo Lounge & Nightclub

Saturday, May 8th

Banff Restaurant Baby Back Rib Cook Off at Elk & Oarsman Pub

Great Canadian Lobster Boil at St James’s Gate  - Sold Out

Swill & Shuck at Wild Bills Legendary Saloon & Cookhouse

Absolut After Party at Aurora Nightclub
Sunday, May 9th

Sunday Brunch at Saltlik Steakhouse

Enjoy the journey of wine and food nestled in the majestic Rocky Mountains of Banff, Alberta.  The Banff Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival is an annual event, sponsored by Banff Lake Louise Tourism.  For tickets and more information on the Grand Tasting Hall, weekend wine events and hotel packages, visit www.rockymountainwine.com.

- END -

share:  [del.icio.us] [Digg] [Newsvine] [StumbleUpon] [Twitter]
Posted in Food & Wine | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

2010 Alberta Comedy Spectacular Announces Line-Up

By Sarah Geddes | Published: April 15, 2010

April 15, 2010 (Edmonton, AB)… The 2010 Alberta Comedy Spectacular announced today its line-up for two back-to-back comedy shows to be held in St. Albert at the Arden Theatre on May 14th.  Best of the West will feature a line-up of some of the best known Western Canadian comics and Turtle Island Too will celebrate the best of Aboriginal comedy.

“Western Canada is turning out more and more A-list talent,” said Al Rae, artistic producer.  “Western comics have a particular rugged take on themselves and the rest of the nation, and are pretty fearless and original. The West is definitely not the land of the deadpan,” he said.

Best of the West – A Cowpoke’s Comdenium of Classic Comedy

Friday, May 14th, 2010 – 7:30pm

Tickets are $25 and available at www.ardentheatre.com or www.ticketmaster.ca

Hosted by the remarkable Jebb Fink, the show will feature the female musings of Erica Sigurdson and Carmen Stockton, dynamo Big Daddy Tazz, everyman Brad Muise and the keen observations of Brian Stollery.

Turtle Island Too – A Celebration of Aboriginal Comedy

Friday, May 14th, 2010 – 9:30pm

Tickets are $25 and available at www.ardentheatre.com or www.ticketmaster.ca

Fresh from his stint on Corner Gas, Lorne Cardinal will host an evening of diverse comedy.  Escaping the stereotypes, each comic has their own unique take on culture, home, family and work.   The show will feature hilarious and biting satire from Don Burnstick, Howie Miller, Don Kelly and Ryan McMahon.

Each show is a separate ticketed event.

For comedian bios and additional event info, find our group on Facebook by searching Alberta Comedy Spectacular.

The 2010 Alberta Comedy Spectacular is produced by the CBC, Story Ark Productions and Corkscrew Media.  The shows are being recorded for broadcast on CBC radio and television.

-        END –

For media information:

Sarah Geddes, Sass Communications Inc.

Ph: 403-802-0200

Email: sarah@sasscommunications.com

share:  [del.icio.us] [Digg] [Newsvine] [StumbleUpon] [Twitter]
Posted in Entertainment | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment