“AWWWESOME!” – Toys”R”Us® Introduces 2015 Holiday Marketing Campaign

Dual Approach Features Clever TV Spots That Capture What Really Goes on When the Toy Store is Closed, While Ads that Tug at the Heartstrings Showcase the True Spirit of the Season of Giving

This week, Toys”R”Us® will begin to roll out its 2015 holiday marketing campaign with a fully-integrated program that encompasses television, digital and print advertising. At the center of the campaign is the notion of “AWWWESOME,” which is used to punctuate the company’s value offerings, competitive advantages and emotional connection with its customers. Key holiday messages are conveyed through a series of clever advertisements that reveal what goes on in toyland after store closing, while a number of poignant spots capture the spirit of the season and intimacy of special moments with loved ones.

Toys”R”Us® Introduces 2015 Holiday Marketing Campaign

“AWWWESOME is central to this year’s campaign because it speaks not only to our breadth of selection and expertise, but it is exactly what kids see when they walk wide-eyed into a Toys”R”Us store,” said Rich Lennox, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Toys”R”Us, U.S. “As consumers begin to make decisions on where to shop this holiday season, we wanted to clearly convey the unique value proposition we are offering through strong promotional messages – but ones that are delivered in a fun and engaging way. And, as a brand that is truly synonymous with the holidays, we wanted to take pause and reflect on those special moments that are at the heart of what Christmas is all about.“

Witty “Shelf-Talker” Spots Put Toys On Center Stage

Barbie & Ken Chair

To illustrate the company’s breadth of products and unique services, Toys”R”Us is imagining what happens in toyland when no one is looking through a series of more than a dozen “Shelf Talker” spots. The 15- and 30-second ads, which will begin to air this week, reveal a whole new world where hijinks and drama ensue among the varied personalities of toys found in the store. One demonstrates the company’s vast selection of toys as everyone’s favorite power couple, Ken® and Barbie®, lost, drive through the store aisles in their pink convertible. Ken is in the driver’s seat – and, in that all-too-true scenario – he is convinced they are headed in the right direction and refuses to ask for help in finding their destination. In a second spot, which reinforces the company’s Price Match Guarantee, Optimus Prime learns a tough lesson as a baby doll inadvertently lets it slip that he is but one of many tough Transformers® on the shelf, sending him into hysterics. New “Shelf Talker” spots will be introduced throughout the holiday season featuring popular toys while delivering customer benefits, such as current deals and services available at Toys”R”Us.

Capturing the True Spirit and Heart of the Season

In a series of beautifully filmed 30- and 60-second spots, Toys”R”Us seeks to place a spotlight on those moments of giving, surprise and wonder that make Christmas so special.

In a series of beautifully filmed 30- and 60-second spots, Toys”R”Us seeks to place a spotlight on those moments of giving, surprise and wonder that make Christmas so special. The first ad, which will begin airing on November 1, unfolds as a young child notices her elderly neighbor has the only house on the block left undecorated for the holiday season. The girl decides to make this gentleman’s holiday merrier by enlisting the help of a friend to trim a large tree in his front yard. Her efforts appear to go unappreciated, and she is crestfallen. On Christmas morning, however, the little girl awakens to find a note at her front door and is amazed to discover that her neighbor has left mountains of gifts under the tree. As she and her friends run to unwrap the presents, the little girl notices the gentleman peering out his window, and they smile at each other knowing each has been given the best possible gift of the season.

Additional ads, which demonstrate the spirit of Christmas, will be unveiled throughout the holiday season. They will air on TV and be featured in cinemas across the country.

Created in partnership with BBDO Worldwide, an international, award-winning creative agency, the spots will air on all major networks and cable stations, including ABC, CBS, CW, FOX and NBC, as well as ABC Family, Animal Planet, A&E, BET, Bravo, Discovery Family, E!, Food Network, Hallmark, HGTV, Lifetime, OWN, Oxygen, TBS, TLC and TNT, among others. Top national morning and syndicated talk shows, including TODAY, Live with Kelly & Michael, ELLEN, Rachael Ray, The Dr. Oz Show, The Fab Life and Steve Harvey, will air the commercials throughout the holidays.

Extending the Campaign with Unique Digital Content

To extend the reach of the “AWWWESOME” campaign, Toys”R”Us will feature brand new, exclusive content on the company’s social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube. Continuing all season long, Toys”R”Us will have an exciting playlist on YouTube, combining the wit of “Shelf Talkers” with the concept of the immensely popular unboxing videos. Fans can watch as their favorite playthings release each other from their packaging, while showcasing the unique features and personalities of these toys. Kids and kids at heart can also check out www.YouTube.com/ToysRUs for fun, time-lapse videos and behind-the-scenes content of the campaign, as well as to replay the magical moments of the commercials.

Additionally, now through mid-December, Toys”R”Us promotional activity will be seen across the Web. The strategy includes premier placements on high-impact homepages, including YouTube and Hulu.com, among others. And, as a digital extension of the retailer’s broadcast promotions, www.ABC.com, www.CBS.com, www.FOX.com and www.NBC.com will feature Toys”R”Us ads online as part of a larger partnership with the networks.

Citizen Watch Company of America: Time, Space and Innovation

Company Celebrates Launch of Two New Timepieces

On Tuesday evening, October 20th, Citizen Watch Company of America celebrated the launch of a new technologically advanced satellite timepiece: the Satellite Wave-World Time GPS. Alongside its companion, the Satellite Wave F900, the Satellite Wave-World Time GPS features the fastest GPS sync time to date, with worldwide reception.

In 2011, Citizen was the first watch brand to create a light powered satellite timekeeping watch, the Eco-Drive Satellite Wave, with capabilities of syncing to satellites in space to display accurate time anywhere in the world. Since then, the brand has focused on developing a better Eco-Drive Satellite Wave model. In 2013, Citizen introduced the Satellite Wave Air, with a three-layered dial inspired by jet engines and the first light powered satellite timekeeping watch in a full metal case. In 2014, Citizen launched the thinnest and fastest satellite watch, the Satellite Wave F100. The launch of the Satellite Wave F900 and World Time GPS in 2015 takes this technology and innovation to a new level, for not only CITIZEN, but the entire watch industry Once again, the brand continues to build on the “Better Starts Now” brand statement with inspiring new offerings.

Satellite Wave World Time GPS Timepiece

A truly technologically advanced satellite timepiece, the Satellite Wave-World Time GPS model includes worldwide reception, with a 3-second reception time, in 27 cities (40 time zones). One of the most significant advantages of the Satellite Wave-World Time GPS is once fully charged it will stay powered for up to 2 years. “The driving goal at Citizen is always to do things better and to make technology more accessible to everyone,” said Jeffrey Cohen, President of Citizen Watch Company of America. “This new timepiece will bring satellite technology to a broader market of watch enthusiasts.”

Citizen Eco-Drive Satellite Wave F900

To celebrate the launch of these remarkable timepieces, Citizen this evening hosted a historic “Time, Space and Innovation” event in their Flagship store located in the heart of Times Square, NYC.

Event highlights included:

Brian Greene is a professor at Columbia University, and the Cofounder and Chairman of the World Science Festival joined us to speak about “Time and Einstein”. (PRNewsFoto/Citizen Watch Company of America)

Brian Greene kept the audience rapt with his perspective on “Time and Einstein.” He is a professor of physics and mathematics at Columbia University, and is recognized for a number of groundbreaking discoveries in his field of superstring theory. His books, The Elegant Universe, The Fabric of the Cosmos and The Hidden Reality, have collectively spent 65 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list; and were the basis of two award-winning NOVA mini-series, which he hosted. Professor Greene co-founded the World Science Festival in 2008 and serves as Chairman of the Board.

Oded Aharonson joins us from the Weizmann Institute of Science along with New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning to honor “Science Star of the Future” Michelle Baird. Michelle is a senior at Bergen County Technical School. Oded also gave us an up-to-the minute perspective on telling time in space. (PRNewsFoto/Citizen Watch Company of America)

Oded Aharonson, Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, provided an illuminating up-to-the-minute perspective on telling time in space. Professor Aharonson has served as an investigator in many NASA flight missions including the Mars Exploration Rovers and the Cassini Mission to Saturn.

Images by award winning photographer, writer, curator and filmmaker Michael Benson. We are honored to be able to premiere his latest photo before it is shipped off to appear in the Great Hall of the London Museum of Natural History in December. (PRNewsFoto/Citizen Watch Company of America)

Michelin Stars Light Up Bay Area in 10th Edition of Famed Restaurant Guide

Manresa Earns Three Stars, Commis And Campton Place Move Up To Two Stars

Michelin today announced its highly regarded star selections for the 10th edition of the MICHELIN Guide San Francisco Bay Area & Wine Country.

In the latest and 10th anniversary edition of the storied restaurant Guide, another restaurant joins the elite group of three-star designations; two restaurants move up to two stars; and 15 new restaurants earn one star.

Michelin Stars Light up San Francisco and Bay Area in 10th Edition of Famed Restaurant Guide (PRNewsFoto/Michelin)

At the top, Manresa becomes the first three-starred restaurant in East Bay where Chef David Kinch is a master of farm-driven seasonal cooking. Manresa joins fellow three stars The French Laundry and The Restaurant at Meadowood, which have held the honor perennially. Additionally, Benu and Saison retain their distinction of three stars, having earned them in the previous year’s guide. Worldwide, only about 100 restaurants hold three stars.

In the two-star category, seven restaurants across the region offer “excellent cuisine, worth a detour.” Moving up in the ranks are Campton Place and Commis. At Campton Place, Chef Srijith Gopinathan is serving a menu that highlights the Indian and South Asian flavors of his heritage. Chef James Syhabout’s contemporary establishment, Commis, is the first two-star restaurant in the East Bay and continues to impress Michelin inspectors with his flavors and technique.

With more one stars than ever, 38 Bay area restaurants offer diverse yet quality cuisine. Standouts include new hotspots from distinguished Michelin chefs: Chef Mourad Lahlou’s eponymous Mourad joins Aziza in offering delicious Moroccan cuisine worthy of a star and Chef Melissa Perello (Frances) is impressing diners with bold and fun flavors at her new spot, Octavia. Also new and noteworthy is The Lazy Bear, a popular former pop-up, and Kin Khao, a Thai Bib Gourmand that is being promoted to one star. The list also welcomes newly located All-Spice, as well as Al’s Place, Aster, Californios, Commonwealth, Lord Stanley, Nico, Omakase, Rasa, Sushi Yoshizumi and Wako.

“The number of new restaurants in all categories, including Bib Gourmands, demonstrates the growth and fortitude of the level of cuisine found on the West Coast,” says Michael Ellis, international director of the MICHELIN Guide. “Over the last 10 years, our inspectors continue to be more impressed with the level of cooking that can be found across the entire region.”

The MICHELIN Guide San Francisco Bay Area & Wine Country 2016 goes on sale Wednesday, Oct. 27, for $18.99. A total of 505 restaurants representing 53 different cuisines are listed.

San Francisco MICHELIN Guide 2016 Starred Establishments

Three Stars

Exceptional Cuisine, Worth A Special Journey

Restaurant	Area	District	City	Chef
Benu	San Francisco	SoMa		Corey Lee
French Laundry (The)	Wine Country	Napa Valley	Yountville	Thomas Keller
Manresa	South Bay		Los Gatos	David Kinch
Restaurant at Meadowood (The)	Wine Country	Napa Valley	St. Helena	Christopher Kostow
Saison	San Francisco	SoMa		Joshua Skenes

Two Stars

Excellent Cuisine, Worth A Detour

Restaurant	Area	District	City
Acquerello	San Francisco	Nob Hill
Atelier Crenn	San Francisco	Marina
Baumé	South Bay		Palo Alto
Campton Place	San Francisco	Financial District
Coi	San Francisco	North Beach
Commis	East Bay		Oakland
Quince	San Francisco	North Beach

One Star

Best Western Hotels & Resorts Adds First North American Hotel to Its Growing Roster of BW Premier Collection Hotels

Best Western Hotels & Resorts has announced the first North American hotel to join the BW Premier Collection®—The Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa in Puerto Rico. The BW Premier Collection, Best Western’s soft brand, consists of carefully selected high-quality hotels in primary and destination markets.

Hotels within the BW Premier Collection are not part of the official Best Western membership but they are listed, and can be booked through bestwestern.com. Guests will be able to earn and redeem Best Western Rewards points at all BW Premier Collection hotels.

As a BW Premier Collection Hotel, independent hoteliers in primary and destination markets will lock in the advantages of The World’s Largest Hotel Chain® with over 4,000 hotels located in more than 100 countries and territories around the world. BW Premier Collection hotels benefit from:

1) Access to Best Western’s $4.1 billion global reservation system

2) Participation in Best Western Rewards, our award-winning and fast growing loyalty program

3) Powerful mobile, eCommerce and technology resources

4) Pay-for-performance business model

5) Short term contracts

6) Low fee structure that will improve your profitability

7) Reduced reliance on third party distribution channels

8) Optional á la carte services such as design services; access to over 500 endorsed suppliers with special pricing; state-of-the-art revenue management services; industry-leading education programs; customized eCommerce and digital marketing programs, and more

“We are delighted with the addition of the AAA 3 Diamond Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa to the growing number of properties under the BW Premier Collection brand. The BW Premier Collection is beneficial for our guests and independent hoteliers. Best Western guests have more choices for city center and resort hotels at which to earn and redeem Best Western Rewards points and independent hoteliers will benefit from the powerful $4.1 billion global distribution channels of Best Western International,” said David Kong, Best Western president and CEO.

The Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa is located on the southwestern side of Puerto Rico in Caña Gorda, Guánica, 90 miles away from the City of San Juan. This unique beachfront property is surrounded by the Dry Forest in the north and Caribbean Sea in the south, stretching over 20-acres of tropical lush gardens.

Each of the 106 resort rooms and suites features a furnished balcony or patio for enjoying beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea or our lush tropical gardens. Copamarina Beach Resort accommodations are all nonsmoking.

Deluxe Hotel Rooms – Deluxe Garden and Ocean View rooms feature top value without sacrificing style or comfort. Deluxe Garden rooms are available with one king-size bed or two queen beds. Deluxe Ocean View rooms are furnished with one king bed and a sleeper sofa or two queen beds.

Alexandra, the award-winning fine dining experience, is open from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m on weekends. Alexandra offers Puerto Rican Nouvelle Cuisine prepared by our internationally-acclaimed chefs, as well as a complete wine list. Menu highlights include Caribbean Seafood Paella, Crabmeat and Pumpkin Risotto, Lobster Tail in Mustard and Mango Sauce, Filet Mignon with Burgundy Sauce over Spinach. Inventive vegetarian and kids’ menus are available nightly as well.

The 106 room resort has undergone a $1.6 million renovation of its public spaces, facilities and guest rooms. The ocean-front hotel’s amenities include two resort-style pools and two children’s pools, an al fresco restaurant and an indoor fine dining restaurant both featuring the best of Puerto Rican Cuisine.

The resort also has a full-service spa, tennis courts, exclusive access to Gilligan’s Island on a private boat from the hotel’s dock, non-motorized aquatic sports including, kayaks, hobby cats, paddleboards and diving. In addition it has over 4,000 SQ. FT of indoor space for events and weddings.

Discover exciting things to do in Puerto Rico when you vacation at Copamarina Beach Resort in Guánica. With convenient access to Puerto Rico activities and famous attractions in Puerto Rico, there is always something fun to do near Copamarina Beach Resort.

Arid and dry, Guánica State Forest is a stark contrast from the lush rainforests of Puerto Rico. The forest is the largest of its kind in the world and is designated by the United Nations as a Biosphere Reserve. Guánica State Forest is home to rare and endangered plants and animals, including bird species that are native to Puerto Rico and found only in this forest. Guánica State Forest offers 36 miles of hiking trails, stunning views, and beach access. Visit http://gopuertorico.about.com.

Ponce Museum of Art Collection – Museo de Arte de Ponce features an impressive permanent collection of more than 4,500 objects from around the world. While the works of world cultures are represented in the museum’s collection, Museo de Arte de Ponce is best known for 19th century English paintings and Baroque paintings from the 17th century. Also represented are important works by Puerto Rican and Latin American artists. In addition to the museum’s permanent collection, Museo de Arte de Ponce hosts traveling exhibitions throughout the year.

Bioluminescent Bay – A Bioluminescent Bay tour tops the list of must-do activities for guests staying at Copamarina Beach Resort. This popular attraction is a favorite for children and adults, offering a rare glimpse into a natural phenomenon found few places in the world. Copamarina is twenty minutes away from the Bioluminescent Bay and directions can be provided at the front desk. Reservations for the Bay are not necessary.

The Wall at Playa Santa – Experience the most famous scuba diving spot in Guánica at The Wall. A continental shelf dropping more than 1,500 feet, The Wall supports a diverse ecosystem of stunning marine life. Large deep sea fish, black coral, neon reef fish and other sea life are abundant along The Wall. Dolphins, eels and turtles are also commonly seen. Consult the Copamarina Beach Resort diving experts for more information.

Centro Ceremonial Indígena – On the outskirts of Ponce, Centro Ceremonial Indigena is one of the largest and most important archeological landmarks in Puerto Rico. Discovered in the 1970s, Centro Ceremonial Indigena is a compound of plazas believed to date back as far as 400AD. Archeological data indicate that the site was occupied primarily through 1,000AD, with the most recent inhabitants being the Taino people. A museum is located on the grounds. Visit http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com.