REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN–(Marketwired – Feb. 3, 2016) – Today, Bullfrog Power®, Canada’s leading green energy provider, and DoubleTree by Hilton™ Hotel and Conference Centre Regina, are announcing that DoubleTree by Hilton Regina is the first hotel in Saskatchewan to choose green electricity with Bullfrog Power. Through the partnership, Bullfrog Power ensures the energy going onto the grid for DoubleTree by Hilton Regina’s SilverBirch Conference Centre® meeting and conferences rooms and three Hilton HHonors floors is coming from clean, green sources.

“Choosing Bullfrog Power’s green electricity is important to us because we believe in doing our part to reduce our impact on the environment,” said Mike Wurster, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Conference Centre Regina. “Thanks to our partnership with Bullfrog, we are now able to offer our guests a more environmentally sustainable stay as part of our commitment to create a truly rewarding hotel experience.”

Bullfrog Power’s generators put 100 per cent clean, pollution-free electricity onto the grid to match the amount of conventional power that DoubleTree by Hilton Regina’s SilverBirch Conference Centre meeting rooms, conference rooms and three Hilton HHonors floors use. Across Canada, Bullfrog Power’s green electricity comes from a blend of wind and low-impact hydro power sourced from new Canadian renewable energy facilities.

“As the first hotel in Saskatchewan to choose Bullfrog Power’s green electricity, DoubleTree by Hilton Regina is taking a leadership role in the province’s hospitality sector,” said Anthony Santilli, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Bullfrog Power. “DoubleTree by Hilton Regina is reducing its environmental impact, supporting the development of new renewable energy projects and helping to create a cleaner, healthier world.”

Bullfrog Power, through its work as a social enterprise, supports community renewable projects in Saskatchewan and across Canada. In Saskatchewan, Bullfrog Power’s community partners include First Nations Power Authority and Saskatoon’s Broadway Theatre.

About Bullfrog Power
Bullfrog Power, Canada’s leading green energy provider, offers renewable energy solutions that enable individuals and businesses to reduce their environmental impact, support the development of green energy projects in Canada and help create a cleaner, healthier world. As a Certified B Corporation, Bullfrog Power meets higher standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Thousands of individuals and businesses in Canada are doing their part to address climate change and air pollution by choosing green energy with Bullfrog Power. Sign up easily, quickly and affordably at bullfrogpower.com.

Join the bullfrogpowered community online on Facebook (facebook.com/BullfrogPower), Instagram (@bullfrogpower) and Twitter (@bullfrogpower).

About DoubleTree by Hilton
With a fast-growing, global collection of more than 440 upscale hotels in gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations across six continents and nearly 40,000 rooms in the pipeline, every little thing we do at DoubleTree by Hilton inspires us to create a rewarding experience for our hotel guests, our Team Members and the communities we proudly serve. Our hospitality begins with a warm chocolate chip cookie welcome upon arrival and continues with the award-winning Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, an array of fine services and amenities and our longstanding CARE Culture tradition that empowers Team Members to provide the special comforts and acts of kindness that make the traveler feel human again. Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where HHonors members can check-in and choose their room. To make reservations at any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, travelers may visit our brand website at http://www.doubletree.com. Social media users may connect with us at http://www.facebook.com/doubletree, http://www.twitter.com/doubletree andhttp://www.youtube.com/doubletreehotels. For the latest news, story starters and fact sheets about our brand, reporters and bloggers may visit our DoubleTree by Hilton Global Media Center at news.doubletree.com.

SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts Boilerplates
SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts is one of Canada’s leading hotel operations and asset management companies and manages a large portfolio of full-service, focused service and extended stay hotels across Canada. The company manages hotels operating under major franchise brands, such as Marriott, Hilton and Radisson.www.silverbirchhotels.com

Bullfrog Power
Jon McKay
Public Relations Manager
416.360.3464 ext 239
jon.mckay@bullfrogpower.com

SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts
Stacey Morton
Marketing Consultant
604.646.8787
smorton@silverbirchhotels.com

Date:  January 18, 2016
From: Regina Hotel Association
MEDIA RELEASE

TURN YOUR DREAM EVENT IDEA INTO A REALITY

The Regina Hotel Association (RHA) is welcoming individuals or organizations to enter a new competition for a chance to win $20,000 to help turn their dream event idea into a reality.

The Event of Events Competition opens today, in search of ideas for the next big event, festival or conference for Regina, Saskatchewan. Anyone with the passion and drive to create a new event or who wants to transform their existing event into a bigger, annual marquee event in Regina are encouraged to enter.

“We truly believe that Regina’s next big event idea already exists in our community, and we want to help make it happen,” said Ryan Urzada, RHA Board Director and Host of the Competition.

Entries that meet initial criteria will become contestants in the competition. Set to be a filmed as a series of webisodes, contestants will pitch their event idea to a panel of judges and receive expert advise by some of our city’s leading event champions.

“For people just getting started, the mentorship, wisdom and exposure offered in this competition is invaluable,” says Marty Seymour, CEO of Canadian Western Agribition. “Pulling off a large event is a substantial undertaking and the engaging format offered through this contest provides contestants with the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and receive advice from experts.”

Seymour will be sitting on the panel of judges, who are all local event champions that will help decide the competition winner. The panel also includes event founders; Chelsea Petterson, co-founder of Saskatchewan Fashion Week, Todd Ripplinger, co-founder of the Regina Subaru AAA Hockey Classic and Awelana Akeriwe, founder of Regina AfroFest.

To enter, visit eventofevents.ca for competition details and guidelines. The entry deadline is February 26, 2016.

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For More Information, please contact:
Tracy Fahlman, CEO
Regina Hotel Association
info@stayinregina.com
(306) 546-4272

About the Regina Hotel Association (RHA)

The RHA is a not-for-profit organization representing almost 3,000 guest rooms in 21 hotels that employ over 1,375 people in our city. Every year, we proudly sponsor the start-up, growth and acquisition of over 50 events and conventions through our members’ Destination Marketing Program. This program is a funding conduit to generate more hotel room night stays in our member hotels that will ultimately lead to a positive impact on tourism visitation and spending within Regina, Saskatchewan.

Jan. 7, 2016

For Immediate Release

A “Smashing” start to 2016 for Evraz Place

The demolition of 14 old buildings marks the start of the International Trade Centre build and a fresh new look for the west side of Evraz Place.

Regina, Saskatchewan – A large backhoe made the first strike in a four-phase demolition and construction project this morning at Evraz Place that will change the appearance and activity on the west side of the property. The work is part of the new International Trade Centre (ITC), planned for opening in 2017.

Mark Allan, The Regina Exhibition Association Limited President and CEO (operating Evraz Place), was on scene with Minister of Agriculture Lyle Stewart, Mayor Michael Fougere, Canadian Western Agribition President Stewart Stone and Regina Hotel Association CEO Tracy Fahlman, to celebrate the official kick off to the new facility.

“This facility will greatly enhance our event flexibility and capacity, which will benefit our city and province,” said Allan. “It will add 150,000 sq. ft. of connected indoor building space and 90,000 sq. ft. of exhibit and tradeshow space to the existing one million sq. ft. of indoor space on the property today.”

In fall 2015, The Regina Exhibition Association Limited (who operates Evraz Place), together with the Government of Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan, the City of Regina, Canadian Western Agribition and the Regina Hotel Association, announced that $37M in funding was secured for the construction of the ITC. This new building will replace 14 old and decrepit buildings on the west side of Evraz Place with one new 150,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose facility. The building will connect the Canada Centre on the western edge of the property with the AgEx Building, and will result in all remaining buildings on the 100-acre property (with the exception of the new stadium) being interconnected.

While no formal plans or decisions have been made, consideration is also being given to expanding the Lewvan Drive entrance to enable improved access to and exit from the west side of the property.

The demolition and ITC construction project will occur in four phases:

• Phase 1 (January 2016 – March 2016): Demolition of 10.5 of 14 targeted buildings.

The Harlton and Pasqua buildings, the north half of the Winter Fair Building and Exhibition Stadium will remain standing until late December 2016, to accommodate 2016 Canadian Western Agribition space requirements until the ITC construction is complete. “The construction is bound to cause some inconveniences during the 2016 show,” said Stewart Stone, CWA President. “But, we are confident in our ability to deliver the world-class event our guests have come to expect.”

• Phase 2 (March 2016 – October 2017): ITC construction.

• Phase 3 (January 2017 – April 2017): Demolition of the remaining 3.5 targeted buildings (Harlton and Pasqua Buildings, the north half of the Winter Fair Building and Exhibition Stadium).

• Phase 4 (May 2017 – October 2017): Parking and exterior site work.

• ITC Opening: November 2017

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About Evraz Place

Situated in the heart of Regina, Evraz Place is one of the largest and most influential event complexes in the country. It is a centre of excellence for entertainment, agri-business, sporting, recreational and cultural activities. Evraz Place boasts over 1 million square feet of indoor space and close to 42 acres of usable outdoor tradeshow space – hosting an estimated 2.75 million guests annually. The organization produces and hosts a majority of Regina’s major events every year, including Canada’s Farm Progress Show presented by Viterra, the Queen City Ex presented by Mosaic and the Prairie Mobile Taste of Spring. It is home to Canadian Western Agribition, the WHL’s Regina Pats, Regina Soccer Association, Spring Home & Garden Show & Sale, First Nations University of Canada Pow Wow and numerous concerts, tradeshows and conventions.

For more information, please contact:

The Hotel Saskatchewan joins the Autograph Collection with a new brand platform “Stay True”

The Hotel Saskatchewan is joining the ranks of some of the most remarkable hotels in the world as a member of the Autograph Collection— Marriott International’s exclusive portfolio of properties. It is an honour reserved for hotels that are original, rich in character and offer a one-of-a-kind experience.

The Hotel Saskatchewan is a historic and beloved landmark of Regina. Built in 1927 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, it elegantly stands as a testament to the province’s strength of character. From royal visits to weddings to business affairs, the Hotel Saskatchewan connects people to each other and the world.

To embark on this new and exciting stage, they have teamed up with advertising agency Cleansheet Communications to tell the brand story in a manner that is authentic to the hotel, the Saskatchewan people, and is befitting of an Autograph Collection Hotel. It is now proud to unveil a stately new logo that interlaces the hotel’s initials into a symbol of connection and continuity together with the theme line “Stay True”.

Brian Munson, General Manager says, “The Hotel Saskatchewan represents the values of Prairie Perseverance. We believe in community, value integrity, never shy away from challenges, and celebrate the kind of success worth having – the well earned kind. It’s what differentiates the Hotel. And although there have been many ups and downs throughout the years, our values have never changed.”

There will be many more delightfully unexpected surprises to come from this iconic hotel in the following months, including the unveiling of Circa 27, a new restaurant and lounge championing farm-to-table dishes and memorable libations in a uniquely Saskatchewan way. The Circa 27 Lounge has been renovated many times from its original Spanish villa style, but the fireplace and hand-painted beams from almost 90 years ago have endured in this new incarnation. With a new re-opening on Saturday, December 19, the tradition of the lounge being a place where Regina is discussed, celebrated and debated in a warm atmosphere will carry on.

About Autograph Collection Hotels

Autograph Collection Hotels celebrates individuality by curating one-of-a-kind travel experiences at more than 90 luxury lifestyle hotels found in the world’s most desirable destinations. Exactly like nothing else, each hotel has been hand selected for its distinction as an iconic landmark, for its remarkable design or for its best-in-class resort amenities. For more information please visit www.autographhotels.com, and explore our social media channels to learn more about championing the independent spirit that is #ExactlyLikeNothingElse.

Social media links:
Tweets by Autograph
https://www.instagram.com/autographhotels/
https://www.facebook.com/AutographCollection

Canadian Interuniversity Sport announced Monday afternoon that the University of Regina will host the 2018 CIS Women’s Basketball Championship at the Centre for Kinesiology, Health & Sport.

It will mark the third time in the last decade that the Cougars have hosted the national tournament. They also played host to the eight-team event in 2009 and 2013, advancing to the championship game in both of those years.

“We are thrilled and honoured to be selected as the host for the 2018 CIS women’s basketball championship. It is a privilege to welcome the best women’s basketball players in the country to our campus and we take the responsibility of hosting this event seriously,” said Curtis Atkinson, acting athletic director at the U of R. “We look forward to delivering an athlete-centered championship that will be memorable for all athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators. As demonstrated in 2009 and 2013, I know the University and community will show great support for this high-profile event and that it will have a tremendous impact on our community.”

Eight players from this year’s roster are expected to still be in a Cougar uniform during the 2017-18, including guards Sara Hubenig and Caitlin Zacharias who will both be in their final seasons of CIS eligibility. Britton Belyk, Christina McCusker, and current rookies Michaela Kleisinger, Avery Pearce, Alexi Rowden, and Jayda Watson are also projected to be on the roster.

“I’m incredibly excited and honoured to have us as the host school in 2018,” Cougars head coach Dave Taylor said. “Having this bid accepted is a testament to the community – the players produced locally, the support we get at our home games, and the backing from the University. We hosted incredible events in 2009 and 2013, and we’ll make the 2018 CIS Championship just as memorable.”

This will be the fourth national women’s basketball championship hosted by the University of Regina. Besides the recent ones in 2009 and 2013 and the upcoming 2018 event, the school also hosted the 1979 CIAU Championship.

CIS also announced Monday that the University of Victoria will host the tournament in 2017, making it two consecutive years that the event will be played at Canada West institutions.

REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN – Today, the Regina Hotel Association (RHA) and Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) announced $4 million in funding towards the construction of the International Trade Centre at Evraz Place in Regina, Saskatchewan. The total cost of the 150,000 square foot facility is estimated at $37 million.

The RHA will invest $3 million from its Destination Marketing Program into the new multi-use facility.

“Our organization’s mandate is to strengthen Regina to be the best city in Canada to host national and international events and conventions. We believe the International Trade Centre will attract new event business to the city, ultimately benefiting all our business partners”, says Cari Lemieux, Board President of the RHA. “We are also delighted to support the sustainability and growth of Agribition and Canada’s Farm Progress Show in Regina.”

CWA will contribute $1M.

“New facilities will provide stability for our livestock exhibitors and for our show.” says Stewart Stone, CWA President. “As a not-for-profit organization, it is quite an accomplishment to make a contribution like this. We are proud to be able to give back to the agricultural community and the City of Regina with this sizeable investment.”

In July, the federal and provincial governments, along with the City of Regina announced $33 million towards the project.

“I am pleased to see the remaining funding secured for the International Trade Centre,” Minister of Agriculture Lyle Stewart said. “The ITC will assist with increasing the profile of our premier agriculture shows like Canadian Western Agribition.”

Evraz Place will be the lead on the construction and design of the new facilities. “We are looking forward to the positive impact that this new building will have for Regina and our patrons, and are so appreciative of the support of all of our funding partners,” stated Mark Allan, President and CEO of Regina Exhibition Association Limited who operates Evraz Place. Construction is expected to begin immediately following Agribition in 2015. Official opening of the new building is scheduled for 2017.

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About The Regina Hotel Association

The Regina Hotel Association (RHA) is a non-profit organization that protects and advances the business interests of Regina’s destination hotels. We are the voice of Regina’s hotel industry, representing almost 3,000 hotel rooms in 20 hotels that employ over 1,360 people in the city of Regina. The Association further administers its hotel members’ Destination Marketing Program (DMP), a funding conduit to generate more hotel room night stays that will ultimately lead to a positive impact on tourism visitation and spending within Regina. Some of the RHA’s past infrastructure investments include the construction of the Finishing Line Facility on Wascana Lake, and the construction of the new clubhouse, scoreboard and diamond improvements for the North Regina Little League. www.stayinregina.com

For more information, please contact:

Tracy Fahlman, Chief Executive Officer

Regina Hotel Association

P: 306.546.4272

www.stayinregina.com

About Canadian Western Agribition

Canadian Western Agribition (CWA), located in Regina, Saskatchewan, is the best beef show on the continent and the largest livestock show in Canada. The show is anchored by beef cattle and features horses, bison, sheep, goats and an extensive agribusiness trade show. CWA continues to promote the expansion, development and interest in agriculture. The 45th edition of CWA will be held November 23-28, 2015.

For more information, please contact: Sarah Novak, Marketing Manager

P: 306.924.9781 E: snovak@agribition.com

www.agribition.com

August 20, 2015

Curl Regina will play host to the 2016 Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship, it was announced today by Curling Canada.

The 13th edition of the wheelchair nationals will take place from April 4-10 at the Callie Curling Club, which is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2015. It will be the first time the championship has been played in Saskatchewan.

“The Callie Club is a Saskatchewan institution and we know it will be a wonderful showcase for Canada’s best wheelchair curling teams,” said host committee Chair Bernadette McIntyre. “We’re going to put on a memorable show for the players, their families and our amazing fans. We know the curling community in Regina will be extremely supportive, and we can’t wait to get this event going, and to be the first Saskatchewan community to host the Canadian wheelchair championship. We’re thrilled with the support we’re getting from organizations such as Events Regina, Tourism Regina, the City of Regina, CURLSASK and the Regina Hotel Association.”

The Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship began in 2004 and has been won a leading five times by teams from British Columbia: in 2007 (skip Darryl Neighbour), 2008 and 2009 (skip Jim Armstrong), 2010 (skip Gary Cormack) and 2015 (skip Gerry Austgarden).

Team Canada (skip Chris Daw) won the first three editions of the Canadian wheelies (2004, 2005, 2006), while teams from Manitoba (Chris Sobkowicz in 2011, Dennis Thiessen in 2014) have prevailed twice. Saskatchewan’s lone victory came in 2012 with Darwin Bender calling the shots, while Quebec’s Benoit Lessard won in 2013.

Representatives from the 14 Member Associations are eligible to compete in Regina. The teams will play a round-robin draw leading to the Page playoffs, in which the first- and second-place teams from the round robin play, with the winner going to the gold-medal game and the loser dropping to the semifinal. Meanwhile, the third- and fourth-place teams play each other, with the winner moving to the semifinal and the loser being eliminated.

Release from: Curling Canada

61 Couples Participate in the Ultimate RIDER COUPLE Experience 

Gainer will officiate an on-field ceremony of 61 couples from across Rider Nation at the 2015 “Wedding Celebration in Rider Nation” during the weekend of August 21 and 22… presented by StayInRegina.com.

In 2015, our participating couples include newly engaged, married for 48 years, and visiting from as far as Colorado, USA!

This once in a lifetime Celebration includes:

• A private Rider Reception at Pilsner Place – Mosaic Stadium
• An exclusive Rider Wedding Celebration prize package
• 2-night stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel
• Tickets for the couple to the August 22^nd Rider game vs. Calgary
• Pre- and post-game on-field experiences
• Opportunity to interact with Rider Alumni
• And much more!

In partnership with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Regina Hotel Association is pleased to present the 3^rd annual Wedding Celebration in Rider Nation in 2015.  The event started in 2013 with 20 couples.

The Regina Hotel Association is pleased to sponsor the History Alive! Vignettes project. It will feature live theatrical performances depicting life at Government House from 1898 – 1910 and at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building during 1911 and 1919.

For more information: please attach the media release (attached).