MINNEAPOLIS (Nov 21, 2002) - Plano - the No. 1 tackle box brand in the world - announced Thursday the renewal of its FLW Outdoors sponsorship, which includes the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, EverStart Series, Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League, Wal-Mart Texas Tournament Trail and Wal-Mart RCL Walleye Circuit. Plano remains committed to FLW Outdoors, the world's leading marketer of competitive fishing, as it has for the past five years.
Competitive fishing has experienced a steady, upward climb in participation and prize money since the introduction of the Wal-Mart FLW Tour in 1996. There are currently 55 million American anglers who, along with sponsors such as Plano, have propelled FLW Outdoors tournaments to the forefront of the sport-fishing industry. With a 2003 purse set at $5.76 million, the Wal-Mart FLW Tour is the most lucrative bass-fishing circuit in the world, and with 128 events divided among 24 divisions, the 2003 Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League is the largest tournament series dedicated to weekend anglers. These numbers, along with the known loyalty of anglers, make FLW Outdoors a great marketing tool for sponsors aiming to reach a very broad, loyal consumer base.
"Anglers are one of our main target audiences, and FLW Outdoors is the perfect avenue for us to reach them," said Tom Hurt, director of marketing for Plano. "Through FLW Outdoors, avid anglers are exposed to our products and can see them being used by professionals."
As a sponsor, Plano will be featured alongside other quality brand names in a variety of media outlets maintained by FLW Outdoors.
"Plano is a name brand that anglers have come to depend on for durable, quality products," said Christine Creed, vice president of marketing and sales for FLW Outdoors. "We are pleased to have Plano's presence along the tournament trails and its continued commitment to competitive fishing."
Plano Molding Company, the maker of Plano tackle boxes, has been supplying consumers with storage systems and organizers for both outdoor and indoor applications since 1952. Plano specializes in storage products for sporting and hardware needs.
Wal-Mart and many of America's most respected companies support FLW Outdoors and its five tournament trails. Wal-Mart has been the title sponsor of FLW Outdoors since 1997. For a complete list of FLW Outdoors sponsors and for more information about the premier products and services they offer, please visit flwoutdoors.com.
For more information about Plano Molding Company, visit www.planomolding.com or call (800) 226-9868.