May 10, 2010 – Ottawa, Ontario – Starting Gate Communications, one of North America’s leading equestrian public relations companies, has welcomed two new members to its media relations and communications team.

Sarah Hogg of Ottawa, ON, has extensive graphic design experience, having worked on various corporate, non-profit and government projects. A graduate of Algonquin College’s graphic design program, Hogg has a clean and modern design aesthetic that catches the eye in today’s competitive media environment. Her expertise in the areas of advertisement conception and design, publication and newsletter lay-out, website design, and branding and logo development will serve the ever-growing graphic design needs of Starting Gate’s varied clientele.

Sally Guy of Ottawa, ON, holds her Bachelor of Arts in English from Queen’s University. Her strong writing skills will be an asset to the written communications prepared by Starting Gate, including press releases, athlete biographies, and media summaries. Guy will also be responsible for the vast press clipping libraries prepared on behalf of the clients, as well as website updating and maintenance.

"I am extremely excited to welcome Sarah and Sally to Starting Gate Communications, and believe that the opportunities to expand Starting Gate’s role in the public relations industry are unlimited,” said Jennifer Ward, President of Starting Gate Communications. “Both young women bring fresh ideas and a new perspective, and I am certain that our clients will be impressed with the results. In particular, the world-class quality of Sarah’s creative print and web-based materials will allow us to further expand our graphic design services, an area in which we are experiencing a greater demand from our clients.”

As Hogg and Guy join the Starting Gate team, long-time staff member Rachel Roppovalente leaves after seven years of providing lay-out, design and multimedia services, among many others. Roppovalente and her husband are relocating to China to pursue personal interests.

“Rachel has been an integral part of our success at Starting Gate, and her efficiency and organizational skills were second to none,” said Ward. “It is a time of transition, but with this change comes a sense of energy and optimism, as our clients will greatly benefit from our increased ability to meet their public relations objectives.”

Starting Gate Communications is a leader in public relations for the equestrian marketplace and currently counts more than 80 athletes, competitions, publications and organizations among its client list. As a full-service agency, Starting Gate offers services ranging from press release creation and distribution to on-site media relations services to graphic design and website development. For more information, please call (613) 569-2423 or visit www.startinggate.ca.

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