MINNEAPOLIS (Sept. 22, 2003) - FLW Outdoors announced Monday that Garmin International - a leader in Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation, sonar and communication technology - will expand its sponsorship to become the official electronics sponsor of the Wal-Mart FLW Tour in 2004. Garmin also has renewed its existing sponsorship of the competitive fishing organization's other five tournament trails. Garmin has been an FLW Outdoors sponsor for the last five years.
"Our partnership with FLW gives us a great venue to showcase our high-quality, easy-to-use marine electronics," said Gary Kelley, director of marketing for Garmin. "It also exposes our hand-held and automotive products directly to thousands of people through events like the FLW Tour's Family Fun Zone."
Garmin equipment will be used on all official FLW Tour boats, and Garmin will remain a visible sponsor of the EverStart Series, Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League, Wal-Mart RCL Walleye Tour, Wal-Mart RCL Walleye League and Wal-Mart Texas Tournament Trail.
"GPS technology is a must-have for competitive anglers who make a living fishing professionally," said Charlie Hoover, president and CEO of FLW Outdoors. "As the official electronics sponsor for the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, tournament boats will be equipped with Garmin's high-quality products, giving pro anglers exposure to both the performance and value that Garmin has to offer. The partnership really creates a win-win situation for everyone involved, and we are excited to welcome Garmin to the FLW Tour."
There are approximately 55 million anglers who participate in sport fishing each year. This group of loyal anglers comprises a broad consumer base, creating a key element in sponsors deciding to pair with FLW Outdoors and the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, which continues to experience growth. The 2004 FLW Tour cash purse is a record-high $6.8 million, up more than $1 million from 2003.