MINNEAPOLIS (April 6, 2004) - FLW Outdoors announced Tuesday that longtime partner U.S. Bank has renewed its successful sponsorship with the competitive fishing organization. U.S. Bank is a mainstay on the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, where its logo is most often seen as pros and co-anglers happily hoist their winning checks above their heads. Known for its Five Star Service Guarantee, U.S. Bank has been a sponsor of FLW Outdoors tournaments since 1999.
There are an estimated 52 million people who fish in the United States today, a huge market for U.S. Bank to tap into through its sponsorship of FLW Outdoors. The sport-fishing industry has a great deal to offer corporations in terms of brand awareness, along with an audience that is known for its loyalty to sponsor products. Through its multiyear partnership, U.S. Bank continues its sponsorship of all six FLW Outdoors tournament trails.
"We have been a partner with FLW Outdoors for five years and have watched professional fishing explode in popularity, and we are proud to be a part of its growth," said Dan Bernert, regional sponsorship manager for U.S. Bank. "Through our sponsorship of FLW Outdoors, we are able to support a sport that millions of people love, including our customers. The broad market also allows us to reach a lot of people known for their loyalty. It really is a win-win situation for us and FLW Outdoors."
As an FLW Outdoors sponsor, U.S. Bank is featured in a variety of media formats. The brand appears on the "FLW Outdoors" television program broadcast to 65 million subscribers across the country by the Outdoor Life Network. U.S. Bank is also publicized through FLW Outdoors Magazine advertisements, prominence on FLWOutdoors.com, signage at tournaments, and inclusion in tour promotional and public relations materials. The company also sponsors a head-turning, NASCAR-style Ranger boat bearing the U.S. Bank name and logo that is seen on the water at FLW Tour events.
Last year U.S. Bank enhanced its FLW Outdoors sponsorship by offering FLW Outdoors Checking. The account offers fishing enthusiasts specialized checkbooks with an exclusively designed FLW Outdoors cover. FLW Outdoors Checking is available with any U.S. Bank checking account.
Irwin L. Jacobs, chairman of FLW Outdoors, said he is looking forward to the opportunity to continue a successful relationship with U.S. Bank.
"FLW Outdoors is committed to bringing a large audience to its sponsors, and U.S. Bank has tapped into that audience at tournaments and beyond," Jacobs said. "Through its FLW Outdoors Checking offer, U.S. Bank has shown its commitment to fishing fans and to growing the sport by attracting new fans. We look forward to continuing this long-term and highly successful partnership."