New sponsorship agency opens in Toronto
By Adnews Staff
A new sponsorship marketing company called Step 3 Marketing has opened in Toronto. The agency was founded by Michael Merrall, Frank Abels and Ted Jarvis. Merrall was previously senior vice-president and managing director of sports marketing agency IMG. Abels spent 10 years at TSN as director of marketing. Most recently he was the head of marketing for Sportsnet, Outdoor Life Network and Comedy Network at CTV. Jarvis has worked in brand and technology marketing for Wrigley, Kellogg, Frito-Lay and Rogers Cable. The company's first assignment is a charity all-star basketball game called the Steve Nash Foundation Charity Classic. The event will take place on July 29 in Toronto. It's organizer, Transl8tor Marketing, has retained Step 3 to negotiate sponsorships and act as its television agency. The firm has so far arranged deals with Rogers Wireless, Toshiba, Air Canada and Universal Music to sponsor the game. The company has also negotiated a broadcast agreement with Rogers Sportsnet to air a 30-minute program on the event. The Steve Nash Foundation works to assist underprivileged children. The proceeds from the game will go towards a children's basketball centre in the Greater Toronto Area.