Jim Button appointed to national public relations & event marketing lead

Calgary AB - Arlene Dickinson, president and owner of Venture Communications Ltd., announces the appointment of Jim Button to the position of public relations and event marketing community lead.

Button, a founding partner of The Event Group, has extensive experience in special events, promotions, media relations and strategic planning. He has played an important role in elevating its profile as part of a high-impact, integrated communications strategy for business and non-profit organizations.

"Jim is a true pioneer in event marketing," says Dickinson. "We are very pleased to have him join the Venture team. His insights and experience are a great asset and will definitely contribute to our clients' business results."

Button is very active in the Calgary community, having worked with more than 10 charities including AIDS Calgary, Calgary Board of Education, Operation Eyesight, Calgary Children's Hospital Foundation and Calgary Zoo's Zoogala. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of One Yellow Rabbit Theater and Word on the Street Magazine and Book Fair. Button has been recognized with a philanthropy award from the Canadian Association of Fundraising Professionals and the annual Calgary Cares fundraiser received the Best Theatrical Entertainment Production in the World award from Special Events magazine. For two years, Calgary Magazine has included him in their "40 people to watch under 40" list.

In his new position, Button will be responsible for leading Venture's public relations and event marketing team across the country. His vast event marketing experience will complement the media relations, promotions, public affairs, employee communications, corporate communications and community investment services currently offered by the PR team that includes senior accredited practitioners and a seasoned journalist.

Button will start at Venture in August 2004.

About Venture Communications
Venture is an independent marketing communications firm providing marketing strategy, creative execution and accountability to its clients. It has redefined the traditional marketing communications model by developing an ROI methodology, software tool and creative process that quantifies the client's return on marketing investment. Venture is headquartered in Calgary and operates wholly owned branch offices in Edmonton and Ottawa. Venture's client list includes: Unilever (Sunlight & Lipton), ENMAX Corporation, French Dressing (Keystone Industries Ltd.), Subway Sandwiches, Toyota Dealers Association (Prairie Zone), Alvarez & Marsal (U.S.), American Management Systems (U.S.), Cisco Systems (U.S) and Unisys Corp. (U.S.).

For additional information please contact:
Arlene Dickinson
Venture Communications
Phone: 403.237.2388
e-mail: arlene@openminds.ca
web: http://www.openminds.ca