Give us your challenge
and we'll build your solution.
One block at a time.
Building Blocks is a full-service PR agency.
We do it all. We're in the business of building brands, maintaining relationships and managing reputations. Our clients range from consumer to healthcare to non-profit.
We're in this business to achieve great results. Our high level of energy is reflected in each and every campaign we take on.
We pride ourselves on our ability to go the extra mile.
Building Blocks is an approachable agency and hands on at all levels.
Our agency team consists of experts with varied communications backgrounds that include journalists, TV producers, government consultants and copywriters.
Every member of the Building Blocks team becomes an agent for your business.
Charmain Emerson is the founder and president of Building Blocks. With over 20 years of industry experience, her expertise includes strategic marketing, product launches, special events management, and government relations.
Charmain began her career as a broadcast journalist working for CBC, Canwest and TV Ontario. In 1992 Charmain made the career transition into public relations consulting.
Her positions within the industry have ranged from communications advisor to provincial ministers in government to a Vice President position at the Canadian office for one of the world's largest communications agencies.
We are savvy PR practitioners and we know what works and what doesn't.
We develop and execute programs from start to finish.
Our services include media relations, media tours, product launches, event management, product placement, event sponsorship and issues management.
"Charmain and her team are extremely passionate, dedicated, flexible, creative and always ready to go beyond the extra mile for their clients. They have a true understanding of the attention to detail that is critical to the success of premium and luxury brands."
Celine Delorme, Global Marketing Manager
Maxxium Worldwide
"Over the past eight years, Building Blocks Communication has helped develop, lead and execute national media strategy during the pre-intro, launch and growth stages of the following businesses: Hard Rock Cafe/Club 279, Toronto, ON; Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark Resort, Niagara Falls, ON; Ripley's Urban Rail Park, Toronto, ON. The BBC team was strategic, creative and produced consistent local, regional and national results throughout Canada, netting my brands tremendous awareness and trial. "
Steve Glum, VP Marketing & Branding
Ripley Entertainment Inc
"Headed by Charmain Emerson, Building Blocks provided French Connection with key media exposure that enabled our brand to establish itself in the Canadian market. Building Blocks� team of professional and personable staff guided us through high profile cross branding events, promotions that added value to our brand and bottom line and increased our visibility as a brand across all media including television, internet, newspapers and magazines."
Elizabeth Hardy, Managing Director
French Connection Canada
"They [Building Blocks] excelled at understanding a complex topic and completely over delivered on our already high expectations.The value Building Blocks provided not only surpassed our expectations but the value for dollar was far beyond any other execution or media outlet we have used in the past."
Lori Covert, VP Marketing & Communications
Ocean Nutrition Canada Ltd.
Situation
Catalyst Inc is the leading non-profit membership organization working globally to build inclusive workplaces and expand opportunities for women and business.
Leading up to International Women's Day, Catalyst launched a report to raise media and public awareness on the lack of women holding corporate officer positions in Canada.
Results
Secured 31 pieces of media coverage across Canada, including Canada AM, CBC's Metro Morning, Montreal Gazette, Calgary Herald and Toronto Star.
Coverage (click to view)
Situation
Great Wolf Lodge is North America's largest family of indoor waterpark resorts.
Great Wolf Lodge launched its brand for the first time in Canada. The goal was to increase awareness and stimulate bookings.
Results
Generated a total of 44 clips of media coverage, with a total of 203 brand mentions across Canada, including coverage in the Globe and Mail, National Post, Toronto Star and Canadian Living.
Coverage (click to view)
Situation
ESCADA is a leading international luxury brand synonymous with elegant, feminine fashions that celebrate colour.
ESCADA launched a signature purse - the Margaretha bag. The goal was to generate interest and buzz within the fashion community.
Results
Coverage appeared in Canda's premier daily newspapers - the National Post, the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star. The Margaretha Bag was also featured in top Canadian fashion magazines including Flare, Fashion and Glow.
Coverage (click to view)
Situation
ViniPortugal is a trade association whose aim is to promote Portuguese wines, brandies and vinegars in international markets.
ViniPortugal wanted to position itself in Canada amongst the influential lifestyle crowd and build awareness by driving trial for its wines.
Results
Secured exclusive placement opportunities for the association's wines at key events during the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival and L'Oreal Fashion Week.
Coverage (click to view)
Women�s Post
"Woman of the Week, March 1, 2009: Charmain Emerson"
Once a journalist, Charmain Emerson is now on the pitching side of the media industry as president and founder of Building Blocks Communications Inc. Women�s Post caught up with the Woman of the Week over email.
The Globe and Mail
"Educating the Emerson Boys"
The Globe and Mail followed Charmain Emerson and her clan all the way to Washington DC to witness the historical inauguration of Barack Obama.
MSNBC
National American broadcaster MSNBC interviewed Charmain Emerson prior to her inauguration trip.
Building Blocks Communications
642 King St W., Suite 100R
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5V 1M7
