Speedy Alka-Seltzer Invites Americans to Share Their Said/Heard Miscommunication Mishaps for a Chance to Win $5,000 in Cash and Star in an Online Video Featuring Their Entry

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Feb. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Everyone has one of those stories – the one where a simple miscommunication between what was said and what was heard turned into a hilarious mishap. While miscommunications can often be humorous, they can also lead to stress and stress can give you heartburn or an upset stomach with headache. That's why Alka-Seltzer®  Original – the stomach and pain remedy synonymous with fast relief – today announced the launch of its Said/Heard Mishaps Contest on Facebook. The contest gives entrants the opportunity to share their miscommunication experiences for a chance to win big.

Today, the iconic "Speedy" character will kick-off the contest and his Facebook debut with a call to action for consumers to enter the Said/Heard Mishaps Contest. Through February 25, 2011, consumers will have the opportunity to enter by visiting http://www.facebook.com/AlkaSeltzerOriginal and sharing their funny miscommunications mishap. The grand prize winner will receive a complimentary trip for two to New York City to star in an Alka-Seltzer online video featuring their entry. The online video will premiere on the Alka-Seltzer Facebook page and the winner will also receive a $5,000 cash prize.

As part of the brand's new marketing campaign featuring the return and revitalization of Speedy, the contest replicates the recent Alka-Seltzer advertising campaign that features miscommunication spots such as "College Acceptance" and "Promotion," while giving consumers direct engagement with Alka-Seltzer and reintroducing them to Speedy through the Facebook platform.

Barton Warner, Vice President of U.S. Marketing, Bayer Consumer Care said, "We've worked hard to keep what is most recognizable, fun and loveable about Speedy, while enhancing his key attributes to make him more modern and credible. This time we're bringing him to life through Facebook, cutting-edge animation and ensuring his personality is in line with the brand character."

Alka-Seltzer is synonymous with fast relief and Speedy Alka-Seltzer reinforces the brand's key attributes of complete relief from headache, indigestion, heartburn and upset stomach. After a brief hiatus, Speedy is back with three new spots for Alka-Seltzer Plus that began airing in November 2010, with Speedy playing a key role in getting people relief from cold and flu symptoms. This year, Alka-Seltzer is poised to launch a new commercial for Alka-Seltzer Original. Additionally, Speedy will be featured in couponing and retail promotional efforts.

About Speedy Alka-Seltzer

Speedy Alka-Seltzer was first introduced in 1951 as a character featuring an Alka-Seltzer tablet body with hat and "effervescent" wand. Originally known as Sparky, his name was changed by a sales manager to reflect that year's promotional theme, "Speedy Relief." The first television commercial featuring Speedy was taped on March 16, 1953. He appeared in more than 200 commercials during a 10-year period from 1954 to 1964. Speedy Alka-Seltzer was retired after the 1980 Olympics, and then reintroduced in 2006 in celebration of the brand's 75th anniversary. Since that time, Speedy has appeared in some, though not all, of Alka-Seltzer advertising. This is his first "makeover" in 60 years.

About Alka-Seltzer®

For fast relief of heartburn, acid indigestion and pain, turn to Alka-Seltzer Original, the fast acting relief that millions have relied on for more than 75 years. It is available in a wide variety of formulas and flavors including original and lemon-lime, as well as Alka-Seltzer Xtra Strength for the most powerful relief and Alka-Seltzer Gold for gentle relief without a pain reliever. When you experience acid indigestion, sour stomach, heartburn, headache and pain, trust Alka-Seltzer Original for relief of your symptoms. When you need fast relief, take Alka-Seltzer.

Abbreviated Contest Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES (D.C.), 18 YEARS AND OLDER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Contest ends 2/25/11. For Official Rules and prize descriptions, visit http://www.facebook.com/AlkaSeltzerOriginal?v=app_7146470109. Sponsor: Bayer HealthCare LLC, Consumer Care, 36 Columbia Road, Morristown, NJ 07962.

SOURCE Bayer Consumer Care