B.C.’s biggest model search – the seventh annual River Rock Resort ITM-NSR Model Look North America 2011 – is underway
The top-model prize is an all-expense paid trip to compete in China’s largest and most prestigious model search: the New Silk Road Model Look contest.  Over the past six years, ITM has sent 19 models from B.C. to the China competition, including ITM 2010 winner Alexia Fast, who finished second in Sanya, China this past December.
 Fast, who began a career in film at the age of seven, was new to the fashion world until she decided to apply to ITM in 2010.  She has appeared with Ashley Judd in the indie film Helen, which premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, and will be seen next in Carl Bessai’s upcoming movie Repeaters with Dustin Milligan and Amanda Crew. 
“I’ve always been passionate about fashion, but it was actually my mother who encouraged me to enter,” said Fast.  “I want to thank ITM for this wonderful experience.  I had an amazing time in China and I am definitely interested in pursuing a career in fashion.” 
 Each year, 20 finalists participate in six weeks of intensive training, culminating into a Finale Show at the River Rock Show Theatre in Richmond. 
“China’s fashion industry is growing at a rapid rate and is continuously in demand for new faces,” said James Ho, President of ITM International Top Model Corp and CHMB AM1320.  “ITM provides local models the opportunity to explore this huge market, as well as to gain exposure here in Canada.” 
 Douglas Nelson, President & CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation said: “The BC Cancer Foundation is honoured and grateful that our partners at CHMB AM1320 and ITM continue to help us raise awareness and funds for the world-class research and care provided by the BC Cancer Agency that benefit all B.C. cancer patients.”  The 2011 Gala Dinner will be organized by the Vancouver Diamond Lions Club. 
“ITM provides an amazing opportunity for young, local talents, not only to pursue their modeling dreams, but to also visit and experience China,” said Liang Shugen, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Vancouver.  “They will become ambassadors for Canada, China and the BC Cancer Foundation.” 
ITM is accepting entries for this year’s contest until March 31st from women between the ages of 15 and 26 who are passionate about the fashion industry and who aspire to become top international models.  Over $10,000 in prizes will be awarded, including an all-expense paid trip to China to compete in China’s largest and most prestigious modeling competition.  Interested individuals can apply or download an application form online, from ITM’s official website at www.itmmodel.com.