John Karkavanidis | Creative Portfolio

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Product Release

I executed key elements of a public relations plan for this project by developing a media release for a new product launch.

The release followed a journalistic style and best practices, including an attention-grabbing headline, an engaging lead, a spokesperson quote, and a company boilerplate.

Proper media release formatting was applied to ensure credibility and professionalism.

Additionally, I crafted two strategic social media teaser posts designed to generate buzz and drive traffic to the full release.

These posts leveraged concise, engaging language to pique audience interest while maintaining alignment with the brand voice and campaign objectives.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Johnny Sparrow
Days: (416) 947-0405
Evenings: (905) 333-0333
Jsparrow@beastlures.ca

NEW MUSKY LURE DESIGNED FOR PERFORMANCE

TORONTO – October 18, 2024 – The new patented lure is designed specifically for musky anglers. Beast Lures new line – ‘Beast Musk’ -- has patented 32 colour and pattern designs meant to resemble a variety of bait fish and 16 patent technologies to mimic bait fish movement.

“There hasn’t been a large bait fish on the market specifically targeted for musky,” said Johnny Sparrow, CEO of the Beast Lure company. There has never been a product like this for the musky fishing community. This lure is a game changer for the sport.”

Jimmy Johns, Beast Lures product design manager, confirmed that the newly designed lure has tested well with sport fishers. “We’ve sent some test lures out for professionals to test and give feedback, and they have been reporting great results. They call musky ‘the fish of one thousand casts’; with this lure, they were averaging one musky every 20-40 casts.”

Johnny Sparrow led the strategic design for the Beast Musk. The lure has won concept and product awards at leading North American trade shows in Ontario and New York state.

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* Beast Lures is the largest manufacturer of Lures in North America, with its flagship office in Ontario. Recognized as a sustainable business leader in Canada, investing in conservation and green energy to produce their products. To learn more, visit www.beastlures.com and follow us on Facebook.

Business Writting

In this assignment, I crafted a response to a local charity's request for a $5,000 donation on behalf of Thompson Event Management and Supplies.

As the Communications Director, I had to politely decline their request for a cash donation, explaining the company's budget constraints.

However, I offered an alternative in-kind contribution, which included products and services that aligned with the charity's needs, ensuring that Thompson's commitment to supporting the community remained intact.

The response was strategically framed to maintain a positive relationship with the charity, emphasizing Thompson's ongoing support and willingness to explore other ways of contributing to the cause.

Thompson Event Management and Supplies
P.O. Box 2034
Hamilton, ON. L8N 3T2

November 1, 2024

Janet Smith
132 Charity Pro Lane
Charity City, Ontario L2B 7B3

Dear Janet Smith:

We appreciate you reaching out and for considering us as a partner in support of Happy Charity and the incredible work your organization does within our community. We would be honoured to partner with your organization, within our means.

However, at this time we can only help through in-kind contributions, such as lending staff for volunteering and supplying tables, chairs or other event supplies. While we would love to contribute financially to support your mission, our cash donations budget of $25,000 has been fully allocated as we’ve had an increased volume of requests this fall.

Thank you again for considering us for this opportunity, and please let us know if the alternative support we are offing aligns with your fundraising goals. We would love the opportunity to further discuss how we can meaningfully contribute to the amazing work your organization does.

Otherwise, we hope that you will stay connected and reach out to us next fall so that we can offer you financial donation.

Sincerely,

John Karkavanidis,
Student

cc: students of PR class, 2024

Media Advisory-Announcment Release

I interviewed a classmate to write an announcement release about their dream job.

The release followed proper formatting, including a headline, dateline, and contact information, while adhering to journalist-style writing and the inverted pyramid format.

I highlighted the key aspects of the classmate's background, qualifications, and enthusiasm for the new role, making sure the announcement was engaging and professional.

The goal was to make the announcement stand out while showcasing the individual's skills and fit for the position.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jon Jones
Chair of the UN Board of Directors
United Nations
1800-333-7777 ext 777

U.N appoints new President for Global Communications

HAMILTON, October 8, 2024 – The board of directors of the UN today announced Ms. Hareem Sattar's appointment as the new president of global communications.

"We are beyond thrilled to have Sattar join us in elevating our global communications; she will help us to combat the growing issues of mis- and disinformation and to promote a free and independent media," said Jon Jones, chair of the UN board of directors.

Previously, Sattar served the last seven years at UNICEF as their executive director, working closely with the United Nations Security Council to address current and potential humanitarian crises.

"I am honoured to lead the global communications team at the UN. I've worked closely with the global communications team in my previous role at UNICEF. I look forward to continuing the UN's mission of combating mis- and disinformation, while keeping an open dialogue and creating powerful narratives that resonate with a global audience," said Sattar.

Sattar holds a graduate degree in public relations & corporate communications from the esteemed college of Mohawk, in Hamilton, Ont.

she is widely recognized for her ability to maneuver crisis with innovative approaches to communications.

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Under her leadership, Sattar will lead the UN's communication team, overseeing global campaigns and ensuring that the UN's mission and vision resonate with global audiences.

The United Nations was established on Oct. 24, 1945. Headquartered in New York City, the UN also has regional offices in Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi. Their involvements include the areas of human rights, economic development, international relations, equality and trust territory.

Media Advisory-Mock CN Release

For our media relations class we to "adobt a company" and research them and use them for different media relations projects. For For this project we used Meltwater's PR Assistant to help write a media advisory for a mock news conference.

Media Advisory

Attention: Editors/Producers/Reporters

March 11, 2025

Canadian National Railway to Announce Innovative Technology

Canadian National Railway (CN) is holding a media conference to unveil a major innovation in freight transportation that will enhance efficiency and security for stakeholders. This announcement marks a leap in modernizing Canada's freight infrastructure and supply chain logistics.

WHO:

CN executives and industry partners, including John Karkavanidis, public relations director, CN.

WHAT:

CN will announce a significant new initiative in freight transportation that will improve service reliability, security, and sustainability.

WHERE:

CN Tower, Meeting Rooms (Ceder/Birch/Aspen), 290 Bremner Blvd. Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3L9

WHEN:

Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 10 a.m.

WHY:

This initiative demonstrates CN’s continued leadership in transportation innovation, security, and environmental sustainability commitment.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

A spokesperson will be made available for interviews following the announcement.

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John Karkavanidis
Public Relations Director, Canadian National Rail
905-342-4543
karkj@CN.com