MINNEAPOLIS (March 29, 2004) - EverStart Batteries announced this week the renewal of its long-term sponsorship of FLW Outdoors. EverStart Batteries is the title sponsor of the EverStart Series, considered the pathway to the Wal-Mart FLW Tour. Competitive fishing is on the rise as it continues to garner attention through association with top name-brand sponsors such as EverStart Batteries.
The EverStart Series began in 1998 with two divisions, Central and Eastern. The popularity of the series grew, and two divisions - Northern and Western - were subsequently added to complement the circuit. The 2004 season boasts a $3.88 million purse with growth expected to continue in the years to come. It is estimated that there are more than 52 million people who fish in America today, and they remain loyal to sponsors who support their favorite pastime.
Steve Crutcher, sales manager for Johnson Controls Inc., said: "We have experienced great success through our partnership with FLW Outdoors. As the sport has continued to grow, the visibility of FLW Outdoors has expanded, allowing us to reach a broader group of people known for loyalty to sponsors of the sport."
As an FLW Outdoors sponsor, EverStart Batteries will be featured in a variety of media formats - most notably the "FLW Outdoors" television program on the Outdoor Life Network, which is broadcast to 65 million subscribers. Sponsors also benefit from prominent advertisements and news features in FLW Outdoors Magazine and at FLWOutdoors.com. Further publicity opportunities at FLW Outdoors include sponsor-specific product displays in the Family Fun Zone, signage at tournaments and angler-award programs as well as other promotional and public-relations materials.
In 2003, EverStart Batteries partnered with Evinrude to introduce the largest-ever co-angler contingency award. The award, known as the "Ultimate Fishing Package," includes an Evinrude 225-horsepower, high-output outboard engine with direct injection rigged on a Ranger bass boat. The package was complemented by Garmin electronics and a Minn Kota trolling motor, and all the systems were powered by EverStart Marine Batteries. The award is given to the co-angler who amasses the most points over a season by wearing an EverStart/Evinrude shirt and cap on stage during the final round of EverStart Series events.
Bill Petrowiak, vice president of marketing and communications for FLW Outdoors, said: "EverStart Batteries has been a great partner of FLW Outdoors and has allowed tournament fishing to grow with its support of the EverStart Series. FLW Outdoors fans continue to enjoy and participate in our tournaments thanks to sponsors like EverStart who make continued growth possible."