Russell Wilson Inks Endorsement Deal with Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines has announced Seattle Seahawks star quarterback Russell Wilson will be their new brand ambassador. 

As part of the exclusive multi-year partnership, Wilson will appear at events, take part in marketing activities for Alaska Airlines, and work with the carrier to support youth and education programs. Among them is the Russell Wilson Passing Academy, which provides inner-city and underprivileged youths an opportunity to attend football camp for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Another activity is Seattle Children’s Hospital, where Wilson regularly visits young fans receiving care. In honor of Wilson’s commitment to connecting with these children in such a meaningful way, Alaska Airlines will donate 100,000 miles to Children’s Hospital for each touchdown pass Wilson throws or touchdown he scores through the rest of this season.

“All of us at Alaska are thrilled to announce this partnership,” said Brad Tilden, CEO. “Russell is known for his determination, professionalism, integrity and his humble heart — qualities we all aspire to. His meticulous planning and legendary hustle help make Russell a proven winner. We’re pleased to make him our honorary CFO — ‘chief football officer.’ “

“Since coming to Seattle, I’ve enjoyed getting involved in the community,” Wilson said. “As I have, I’ve come to recognize Alaska Airlines as a leader in Seattle and an airline that I feel I have much in common with. I’m delighted to be partnering with Seattle’shometown airline.”

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Coral Renews Title Sponsorship of Welsh Grand National

Coral, order a UK bookmaker and division of online and land-based betting operator Gala Coral, has renewed its title sponsorship of the Welsh Grand National annual horseracing event.

The race takes place every December at Chepstow Racecourse as part of its Christmas programme. Coral will continue to work with both Chepstow Racecourse and its operator, Arena Racing Company, on various activities.

The latest agreement will extend Coral’s association with the Chepstow Christmas period marathon to 45 years, which it claims will make it the third longest sponsorship deal in jumps racing and the longest partnership between a racecourse and a bookmaker in jumps racing.

“We are extremely grateful for Coral’s support of the Welsh Grand National and look forward to continuing the longest jump racing sponsorship relationship between a racecourse and a bookmaker,” Arena Racing’s executive director south west, Phil Bell, said.

The 2013 edition of the Welsh Grand National will take place on December 28.

Fuchs Petrolub Continue Erebus Motorsport Partnership for 2014

Fuchs Petrolub AG, an independent manufacturer of lubricants will continue its role as a major commercial and technical partner of Erebus Motorsport V8 in 2014.

Fuchs, through its extensive range of lubricants, is a key partner of the Erebus team, with its major role being an increased involvement in the ongoing development of the V8 Supercar engine at the heart of the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG V8 Supercar.

Fuchs also supplies a wide range of products to the team’s workshop at Yatala in Queensland and also to the pit/garage area at race tracks across Australia and New Zealand.

The new deal with Erebus marks the continuation of a partnership first started in 2008 and once again will see the Fuchs logo displayed on the front corners and inside bonnet of the #4 and #9 entries in the V8 Supercars Championship in 2014.

“Fuchs Lubricants are excited to continue our involvement with Erebus Motorsport,” said Fuchs Managing Director, Wayne Hoiles.

“Fuchs has watched and supported the team as it continues to evolve, and look forward to what Erebus Motorsport can deliver in the forthcoming season. With a new in-house engine development program we are excited about providing an increased level of technical support to the team.

“It’s an ongoing journey to ensure we are delivering the best product, which ensures best results on the track for Erebus Motorsport,” concluded Mr. Hoiles.

Erebus CEO Ryan Maddison said the continuation of the Fuchs partnership was a key to the team moving forward.

“Having a company like Fuchs that shares our determination for success made it very easy to renegotiate for 2014 and beyond, they are a fantastic partner to Erebus Motorsport,” said Maddison.

“Race conditions are said to be at least 10 times harsher on components than any road car application. When you consider the thousands of race kilometres we cover each year, you get a true appreciation for what Fuchs provides Erebus within our power train and servicing requirements at tracks across the country.

“We have been developing everything in the spotlight of competition and Fuchs has had to meet some true challenges with their products. Not only have they met and confidently exceeded all these challenges, they continue to work with our technical department on ensuring we can reach our goals of success in V8 Supercars.”

The Fuchs logos have been seen on the Erebus Motorsport V8 Supercars throughout the 2013 season and appeared on Erebus’ Bathurst 12 Hour winning SLS AMG GT3 Gullwing. 

In 2014, Erebus Motorsport will take part in 15 separate V8 race events across the country including the Bathurst 1000 in October.

Ipswich Town Names Official Cruise & Travel Partner

English Championship club Ipswich Town have announced local cruise and travel businesses, medstore Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Travel have become the Club’s Official Cruise & Travel Partner.
The two-year deal will see Fred. Olsen Business Travel look after the Club’s travel requirements including hotels, symptoms domestic and international flights and even the players’ medical trips.
The agreement will also give Town supporters substantial discounts on holidays and cruises, while every trip booked by Blues fans will see Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Fred. Olsen Travel invest funds back into the Football Club.
Fred. Olsen will continue to support the development of the Academy by sponsoring the U10s team until the end of the 2014/15 season.
ITFC Partnerships Manager, Shelly Burt said: “Fred. Olsen has been involved with the Club on a smaller scale for some time, but we are delighted to have agreed a long-term partnership with such an established, and more importantly, local company.
“As well as the support they will provide the Club in terms of their expertise and cost – and time-saving, our supporters too will reap the benefits of offers on their own leisure travel, not to mention the vast array of cruises available.”
Nathan Philpot, Sales & Marketing Director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines commented: “We may offer cruises to all four corners of the globe from 10 ports around the UK – including Harwich – but we are an Ipswich based company and have been supporting Town for many years.
“We’re delighted to be re-investing our earnings on every cruise booking made by Town fans back into the Club so hopefully supporters can go on their cruise holiday knowing they helped to develop the next young player or Mick’s next star signing.”
Steve Williams, Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Travel, added: “We are delighted to be involved in the partnership. As a local independent travel company celebrating over 25 years on our high street it is important to us that we work as closely as possible within our community.
“As the Club’s official travel partner, we will be able to showcase our exceptional knowledge, experience and customer service with all of the Club’s players, staff and supporters.
“Local businesses will also be able to benefit from our corporate travel department which deliver myriad services, cost savings and time efficiency.”

Pukka Pies Becomes Official Pie Supplier of Leicester Riders

British Basketball League (BBL) champions and Cup holders Leicester Riders have announced a sponsorship deal with Leicestershire based Pukka Pies.

Under the terms of the agreement, erectile Pukka Pies will become the Leicester Riders Official Pie Supplier and will have branding at The John Sandford Centre and feature on The Leicester Riders Web-Site. They will also be able to sell Pies at the John Sandford Centre on Match Nights.

Russell Levenston, Managing Director of Leicester Riders, commented: “Leicester Riders are delighted to be working with a successful local business such as Pukka Pies and we thank them for their support . We welcome them to the Leicester Riders family.”

Wayne Greensmith, Marketing Manager of Pukka Pies, added: “We are happy to support the Leicester Riders and wish them all the best. We are celebrating our 50th Anniversary this year and it is an opportune time to develop links with a very successful local Sports Club.”

Ageas Extends Naming Rights Deal for Hampshire’s Cricket Ground

Hampshire Cricket have announced today a renewal to their sponsorship ground naming sponsorship deal with Ageas UK.for a further five years.

The agreement, ailment which originally began in 2012, abortion means that the deal will now run to 2022, allergy guaranteeing a partnership of at least 11 years. 

In addition to the ground naming rights, Ageas has extended their brand exposure to a number of new areas including: the main logo position on Hampshire’s two one-day shirts and naming rights to and branding on the new media centre and large conference space in the Hilton Hotel.

Hampshire Cricket Chairman, Rod Bransgrove said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Ageas for their amazing support over the past 18 months. With their help, we are now in the final stages of transforming the Ageas Bowl into one of the World’s leading Test Match venues.

“This extension of the Naming Rights Agreement indicates our absolute satisfaction with the partnership and is a fantastic endorsement for the Club and this wonderful venue. We are thoroughly looking forward to continuing our successful relationship with Ageas and to the fulfilment of our mutual objectives.”

Andy Watson, CEO of Ageas UK said: “Our business is based on strong, long-term partnerships and we value the bond we have formed with The Ageas Bowl team and everybody at Hampshire Cricket.  It is a first class sporting, conference and entertainment venue which reflects our strong commitment to our local community whilst bringing us the national and international profile to support our growing  UK insurance brand. 

“We are also proud to be supporting the Hampshire team as primary shirt sponsor in the one day format as they build on their well earned reputation as one of the country’s best performers in limited overs cricket.”

Quintana Roo & Litespeed Become Exclusive Bike Partners of USA Triathlon

USA Triathlon today announced a new Gold-Level partnership with Quintana Roo and Litespeed, buy who will serve as the Exclusive Bike Partners for the National Governing Body through 2016.

American Bicycle Group (ABG), the parent company of Quintana Roo and Litespeed, will provide USA Triathlon annual members with an exclusive discount that includes a cash rebate and free hat or shirt with the purchase of Quintana Roo or Litespeed bicycles sold at TriSports.com – USA Triathlon’s official merchandiser – and other designated distribution outlets, retailers and bike shops. 

Additionally, ABG will support elite athletes in the Olympic pipeline as the Official Bike Partner of the USA Triathlon National Team Program leading up to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Select USA Triathlon high performance teams, including up-and-coming athletes in the Elite Triathlon Academy (ETA) and Collegiate Recruitment Program (CRP), will be supported through this official partnership.

“Our new relationship with USA Triathlon is the perfect next step for Quintana Roo and Litespeed.” said Peter Hurley, President & CEO of American Bicycle Group. “Formally establishing ties with USA Triathlon will give us the opportunity to support and grow non-draft and draft-legal triathlons here in the United States. We are also excited that the USA Triathlon National Team Program will be training and racing on Litespeed road bikes for their draft-legal requirements.”

“We are thrilled that American Bicycle Group is joining our family of sponsors to serve as USA Triathlon’s Official Bike Partner,” said Chuck Menke, USA Triathlon Marketing & Communications Director. “Quintana Roo and Litespeed are part of an established, forward-thinking U.S.-based company in the endurance community, and we look forward to sharing that knowledge and technology with our age-group and elite athletes in the years to come.”

Emirates Expands European Tour Sponsorship to Become Official Airline Partner

Emirates has announced it has expanded its partnership with the European Tour that will designate the Dubai based airline as the Official Airline of The European Tour.

The deal will also include increased investment across an additional ten tournaments from 2014 until the end of the 2017 season.

The announcement was made today by Nigel Hopkins, order Executive Vice President Service Departments, price Emirates Group and George O’Grady CBE, Chief Executive of The European Tour, during a press conference in London. 

“Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world, and as a global sponsorship platform it has been immensely successful for us.  Emirates’ increased investment in The European Tour is a natural move which will expand our global reach to golf enthusiasts across Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia,” said Nigel Hopkins, Executive Vice President Service Departments of Emirates Group.

“Engaging with our customers and fans through sports has been part of Emirates’ brand strategy since our early days. It makes sense for us – as an airline that connects the world – to align our brand with prestigious golf tournaments where the world’s most talented players come together. We will continue to work with our partners to celebrate the value of sport and deliver meaningful experiences for golf fans,” he added.

George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “Last month we were delighted to announce the extension of The Race to Dubai at Jumeirah Golf Estates through to the end of the 2017 and the commitment of Emirates was very much part of the reason we were able to make that announcement.

“This increased investment will give us the confidence to support our tournaments globally, enhancing not only our widespread geographical footprint but also the development of our business in new markets across the world – a strategy that we at The European Tour share with Emirates. We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Dubai for the past twenty five years and today’s announcement is the perfect way for us to launch the beginning of the next phase of our partnership.” 

Along with its existing nine European Tour events culminating in the prestigious DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, Emirates will add an additional ten tournaments to its international schedule including the BMW PGA Championship, the Nordea Masters, the D+D Real Czech Masters, the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, the Portugal Masters, the Italian Open, the Joburg Open, the South Africa Open Championship and the Nelson Mandela Championship.

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USA Luge Retains Norton/Saint-Gobain Sponsorship Until 2018

The United States Luge Association (USA Luge) has renewed its sponsorship deal with Norton/Saint-Gobain through the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics in 2018.

The abrasive products manufacturer has been the team’s primary sponsor since 2009.

Norton/Saint-Gobain will continue having primary logo placement on sleds, apparel and vehicles,

Norton/Saint-Gobain is now involved with USA Luge’s technical development side, working to create high performance steel for sleds. Luge athletes are now using U.S.-made steel and with each set of runners being identical. Sled development and technology is now a major point of emphasis for USA Luge.

USA Luge CEO Jim Leahy says Norton’s role within the organization “cannot be understated.”

Olympic Volleyball Medalist Lindsey Berg Endorses DitchTheCan Energy Drinks

DitchTheCan (DTC), anesthetist the company behind the new energy drink, ambulance KAOS Gold, has announced today that professional volleyball player and Olympic medalist Lindsey Berg has joined their team to promote the entire DTC line.

Berg has played in three Olympic Games and has won two silver medals for the United States national team. She also holds the record for most career assists at the University of Minnesota.

Scheduled to officially launch in January 2014, DTC is a Network Marketing opportunity that boasts a game-changing compensation plan that includes cash back on every order, instant notifications and real-time earnings. 

DTC is changing Network Marketing by tapping into the never-ending market of Social Media. Berg has a fiercely loyal following on many different Social Media platforms and has already begun promoting KAOS Gold and DTC, which she refers to as an “amazing company and energy drink” via Twitter. A complete lineup of commissionable swag and merchandise highlights the initial offering from DTC, a product line that is slated to grow aggressively in 2014.