Press Release Examples That Actually Work

Templates tell you the structure. Examples show you the magic. Below are five short sample releases for common announcements, each followed by a quick note on why it works.

The companies are fictional, but the formulas are real.

Example 1: Grand opening

New Zero-Waste Grocery Opens in Inglewood With Refill Stations for 300 Products

CALGARY, AB — Fill & Co. will open a zero-waste grocery store on 9th Avenue SE on Saturday, March 7, letting shoppers refill containers with more than 300 pantry, cleaning and personal care products.

"My kids asked why our recycling bin was always full," said founder Lena Moreau. "I didn't have a good answer, so I built one."

The store will donate 5% of opening-weekend sales to a local food bank.

Why it works: Specific location, a number that impresses, a quote with a real human moment, and a community tie-in.

Example 2: Product launch

Alberta Ag-Tech Startup Launches $49 Soil Sensor That Texts Farmers When Fields Need Water

CALGARY, AB — FieldPulse today launched a solar-powered soil sensor that sends text alerts when moisture drops, designed for small and mid-sized farms across the Prairies.

Why it works: Price, benefit and audience all in the headline. No jargon. For the full launch checklist, see What Should I Include in a Press Release About a Product Launch?

Example 3: New hire

Former Olympic Speed Skater Joins Calgary Physio Clinic to Lead New Sports Recovery Program

Why it works: The hire isn't just a name — it's a story. The background makes it newsworthy for sports and health reporters alike. More in How to Write a Press Release About a New Hire or Promotion.

Example 4: Community partnership

Calgary Moving Company Offers Free Moves to Families Leaving Domestic Violence Shelters

CALGARY, AB — Bow River Movers will provide free moving services to families transitioning out of local shelters, partnering with two Calgary support agencies to coordinate safely and confidentially.

Why it works: Real social impact, clear partnership, and a sensitive topic handled with care. It's not about the company — it's about the families.

Example 5: Rebrand

After 25 Years, Calgary's Smith & Sons Plumbing Becomes Crescent Heights Plumbing as Founder's Daughter Takes Over

Why it works: Rebrands are usually boring. This one has generational change and local pride. More rebrand tips in Press Release for a Company Rebrand: How to Do It Right.

What all five have in common

Specific headlines. Names, numbers, places.
Local angles. Each one gives a Calgary reporter a reason to care.
A human element. A person, a family, a story.
No hype. Facts do the persuading.
Short. None needs more than a page.

How to use these examples

Don't copy the words — copy the moves. Ask yourself:

What's the number that would make someone say "huh"?
Who is the human at the centre of my news?
What's the Calgary or Alberta connection?
Is there a bigger issue my news connects to?

Then compare your draft against What's the Difference Between a Good and Bad Press Release? to see if it holds up.

The bottom line

Great releases aren't longer or fancier. They're more specific and more human. Steal the formula, use your facts, and your release will stand out in any inbox.

Quick FAQ

Can I copy a press release example word for word? No — and you wouldn't want to. Examples show you structure and moves, not words. Your release has to describe your real news in your own voice, with facts that are true and specific to your business.

Want an example written about your news? Blastily finds the angle, writes the release and gets it placed. Start your Blast at blastily.com.