For additional information, please contact:
Bill Petrowiak, vice president of communications, (612) 337-1945
Gary Clouse, president of Champion and Stratos boats, (615) 895-5190
ext. 387
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Champion, Stratos boats glide into FLW Outdoors sponsorship
MINNEAPOLIS (July 10, 2002) — Two of the biggest names in bass-fishing boats
have joined the fold of FLW Outdoors sponsors: Champion and Stratos.
FLW Outdoors announced Wednesday that Champion and Stratos boats are among
the latest corporations to attain associate-sponsor status for the
bass-fishing organization’s 2003 season. With Champion and Stratos coming on
board, FLW’s ironclad boat sponsorship – led by primary sponsor and industry
leader Ranger Boats – will be further fortified.
Just as professional anglers have admired the craftsmanship and design of
Champion and Stratos fishing boats through the years, these companies
recognized the quality of the bass-fishing tournaments organized by FLW
Outdoors. Having Champion and Stratos – renowned for their bass-fishing
boats – come on board as tour sponsors was a natural fit.
“The Wal-Mart FLW Tour is without a doubt the most prestigious and lucrative
tournament circuit ever,” Gary Clouse, president of Champion and Stratos,
said. “Champion and Stratos boats are proud to be a part of it.”
FLW Outdoors President and CEO Charlie Hoover said the associate sponsorship
deal with Champion Boats and Stratos Boats will benefit every corporate
entity involved.
“The association with Champion and Stratos – companies that have come to
symbolize the best in bass-fishing boats – can only boost FLW’s reputation,”
Hoover said.
With an estimated 55 million anglers casting lures into rivers and lakes
across the country, corporations have noted professional fishing tournaments
as a strong marketing force. Some of America’s leading corporations have
come to recognize the potential of partnerships among a fishing organization
like FLW Outdoors, anglers and a strong sponsorship team.
Since the introduction of the high-stakes Wal-Mart FLW Tour in 1996, bass
fishing has become big business and a powerful marketing tool for sponsors
aiming to reach the angling masses. As the FLW Outdoors sponsorship caravan
continues to grow, so do the cash and merchandise purses offered by the
organization at each tour event; the FLW Tour increased its total prize
purse from $5.1 million in 2002 to $5.5 million in 2003 without increasing
registration fees. As much as $22 million will be awarded among the 170
tournaments that comprise FLW’s many fishing circuits in 2002.
Clouse, a former tournament angler, said he felt “a little bit jealous”
after seeing his first FLW Tour event because there hadn’t been a
professional fishing event like it when he was pitching jigs 20 years ago.
“The ability of Irwin Jacobs to bring in sponsors such as Chevy Trucks and
Wal-Mart, bringing our sport to a new level, is something no other promoter
has had the ability to do,” Clouse said.
Hoover elaborated on his belief that Champion and Stratos boats, like Ranger
Boats, are seemingly tailor-made for association with FLW Outdoors. He said
quality boats are a pivotal part of a positive bass-fishing experience.
“Navigating on the water in a well-made, reliable boat is as much a part of
a quality fishing experience as placing in the top 10 in one of our
tournaments,” Hoover said. “Whether you’re fishing for $500,000 or just
having some family fun, a good boat is an essential part of the experience.”
Champion Boats and Stratos Boats are headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tenn.,
and are members of the Genmar family. Genmar, owned by FLW Outdoors Chairman
Irwin Jacobs, is the world’s largest builder of recreational boats.
Primary sponsors of FLW Outdoors angling circuits in 2002 are Wal-Mart, ALPO
Pet Foods, BFGoodrich Tires, Castrol, Chevy Trucks, Conseco, Eagle
Electronics, Energizer, EverStart Batteries, Evinrude, Faded Glory,
Frito-Lay, Fujifilm, GARMIN, Kellogg’s, Land O’Lakes, Minn Kota, Newell
Rubbermaid, Pepsi, Poulan/Weedeater, Ranger Boats, Shop-Vac, Snickers,
Stanley Works, Stren, US Bank and Yamaha Outboards.
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