Empire Communities names new marketing head

Toronto-based residential builder and developer Empire Communities has brought on Sean Taggart as its new CMO. He will report directly to co-CEOs, Dan and Andrew Guizzetti.

Most recently, Taggart served as the EVP and CMO for Amica Senior Lifestyles, where he was appointed to spearhead the organization’s transformation post-acquisition and lead its rebranding. Prior, Taggart spent 16 years with Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, starting as director of direct database marketing and eventually progressing to SVP of marketing and interim CMO.

Talk Shop lands Foodtastic communications assignment

National PR agency Talk Shop has been chosen as PR agency of record for Montreal franchiser Foodtastic. The company operates brands such as Second Cup, Milestones, Quesada, Pita Pit and Freshii, which it acquired last year.

Talk Shop will lead PR efforts across the Foodtastic portfolio, elevating the brands by developing and executing comprehensive media relations strategies across Canada. The agency’s work on Milestones and Freshii will also cover the brands’ digital efforts, including strategic planning, social media management and content creation.

Bob picks up work with Quebec strawberry producer

Bob has announced that it will be supporting Fraise d’hiver in the positioning and development of its brand for the next three years. Starting this fall, Fraise d’hiver will enter Quebec IGA stores, offering the brand’s home-grown, pesticide-free strawberries.

As part of this collaboration, Bob’s mission will be to contribute expertise in strategy and shopper marketing, with the aim of positioning Fraise d’hiver as the best alternative to imported strawberries.