(Toronto, ON - June 24, 2009) - Today marks the ten-year anniversary of MAVERICK, one of Canada's leading independent PR firms. The agency is celebrating this milestone with a number of initiatives, including an outdoor neighborhood party in the Annex and the launch of an innovative new website. MAVERICK's tenth year started off on a high note, with a notable Grand & Toy win awarded following a competitive pitch.

"It's hard to imagine we're celebrating a decade in the business, it feels like only yesterday we opened our doors," says Julie Rusciolelli, President, MAVERICK Public Relations. "Our 10 wonderful years at MAVERICK could not have been possible without great client support and an entrepreneurial spirit that drives this company forward each day," adds Rusciolelli.

MAVERICK was founded in 1999 by Julie Rusciolelli, one of Canada's leading strategists and creative publicists. Rusciolelli started the firm out of her home basement with a single client. Today MAVERICK is a full-service agency with 20 employees boasting an extensive roster of blue-chip clients such as Symantec, SAP, Fraser Milner Casgrain, Miele Appliances and Evian, along with a long list of up-and-coming brands.

In 2009 MAVERICK has also won Juniper Networks, Malivoire Wines, and recently launched Italian luxury-tile company Savoia, with a party attended by 500 of the GTA's top designers, architects, and commercial builders.
In keeping with its unique style, and to mark its tenth anniversary, MAVERICK is throwing its own large party, complete with Latin inspired fare and a Salsa band. Guests will include clients, partners, media, and current and former employees at its historic home in Toronto's Annex district.

The agency also re-launched its website (www.maverickpr.com) using an innovative new social media platform that will enable MAVERICK to use various information channels to post real-time client news, media clips, blogs and testimonial videos.
"We're proud of the work we do and the brand we've built, and obviously others agree," says Rusciolelli. "We just welcomed our newest client, Grand & Toy - which itself has a 125 year legacy - into the MAVERICK fold, and our phones are continuing to ring despite the economic downturn. What a difference a decade makes - here's to the next 10!"

MAVERICK will work with Grand & Toy's in-house marketing team to increase awareness of Grand & Toy's new Business Centre concept that recently launched in Vancouver, as well as corporate leadership initiatives such as its campaign to encourage customers to move to a 48-hour delivery from next day, as part of reducing the amount of deliveries made in Canada.

"MAVERICK really impressed us with their strategic and creative thinking," said Kevin Edwards, Vice President Marketing, Grand & Toy. "We connected with the team members during the pitch process, and felt their energy, combined with their small-business expertise, made them the natural choice to be our PR partner. We wish MAVERICK all the best on their tenth anniversary, and look forward to seeing them in action."

About MAVERICK
MAVERICK Public Relations is an award-winning full-service agency based in Toronto. The agency, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, boasts a pedigree of blue-chip clients and some of Canada's up and coming brands. The agency has four distinct practice areas including consumer marketing, advanced technology, corporate and professional services and health and wellness. For more information about the company, please visit: www.maverickpr.com.

About Grand & Toy
Founded in 1882, Grand & Toy is the leading single-source office solutions provider offering office procurement to Canadian businesses. With is comprehensive product selection, Grand & Toy provides access to interiors, technology, and imaging solutions and everyday office suppliers. Grand & Toy powers the potential of organizations by offering an extensive technology portal, supported by a highly trained team of Tech Solutions Advisors, who our customers can access for all their technology requirements. It also offers essential professional services, such as human resources management, web design and hosting, and Grand & Toy Empower - a networking site connecting small business with peers, helping them stay abreast of trends and techniques while growing their business.
Grand & Toy also has a firm commitment to environmental integrity and charitable outreach manifested through numerous internal and external programs. For more information, visit www.grandandtoy.com.