Well-known and highly respected publicist Gino Empry is among the eight recipients of this year's City of Toronto Award of Merit.

Empry who was the subject of an RPM cover story (Dec. 7/91), has been at the forefront in the promotion and publicity field for more than 30 years. He is known internationally through his list of show business clients, several of whom are legends in the world of entertainment. These include Peggy Lee, Tony Bennett, Tina Turner, Hal Linden, Roger Whittaker, William Hutt, and Playboy Magazine. His Canadian clients, in both the entertainment and sports worlds, are equally impressive. They include ballet star Karen Kain, comedian Andre-Philippe Gagnon, skater Brian Pockar, actor Ken James and actor/producer Robin Ward. These associations have, in turn, brought recognition to Toronto.

For years, Empry was the promotion and publicity genius behind the Ed Mirvish empire, which included Honest Ed's, the mid-town department store emporium that introduced a new wave of discount shopping to Toronto, and the many dramas and musicals that were staged at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. This included the record-breaking run of Les Miserables. Empry was also involved in the initial launch of the Mirvish's new Princess of Wales Theatre and the promotion of its first theatrical event, Miss Saigon, which will open on May 26.

Empry was also instrumental in the early press successes of the Juno Awards, where he worked very closely with the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (CARAS). He also has a long-standing personal and business relationship with Shopsy's.

Empry is being honoured for having attained "distinction and renown" in his field of endeavour. The awards ceremony will take place on Civic Honours Day on March 8 in the council chambers of Toronto's City Hall. Mayor June Rowlands will make the presentation.

Also being honoured are: former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Colonel The Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander; Keren Brathwaite; Clovis John Brooks; J. Douglas Creighton; John Fitzpatrick; Roger McTair; and H. Lloyd Werden.