MINNEAPOLIS (April 9, 2007) — FLW Outdoors announced today a sponsorship agreement with The Coleman Company, Inc., a well-respected name in camping and outdoor recreation gear.
Coleman has a long history with Wal-Mart, the title sponsor of the prestigious Wal-Mart FLW Tour, having been one of its suppliers nearly since the retailer’s founding. In 2005 Wal-Mart named Coleman its supplier of the year for sporting goods. Coleman’s offering at Wal-Mart includes a broad array of products for camping, hiking, outdoor sports and outdoor living.
As an FLW Outdoors sponsor, Coleman’s products will receive placement in the Emmy-nominated “FLW Outdoors” TV program on FSN as well as prominent advertisements in FLW Outdoors Magazine and at FLWOutdoors.com. Other marketing opportunities will include displays and participation in the Family Fun Zone, signage at tournaments, and public-relations materials. At the Family Fun Zone, Coleman will have a Ranger boat simulator, a virtual test drive that mimics the exact action and feel of being out on the water. Coleman will also receive weigh-in representation at 60-plus Wal-Mart stores throughout the year.
Irwin L. Jacobs, chairman of FLW Outdoors, said: “With our multiple media properties, FLW Outdoors offers some of the greatest visibility to a massive audience for Coleman’s high-quality outdoor gear. Coleman shares similar family values with FLW Outdoors as well. In fact, one of Coleman’s goals is to connect America’s youth with the great outdoors.”
According to Gary A. Kiedaisch, Coleman’s president and CEO, this sponsorship supports Coleman’s campaign to get people outdoors and enjoy the benefits of being close to nature. “Our ‘Let’s Go Outside’ campaign, launching this spring, encourages people to address what has been called ‘nature deficit disorder,’ by spending more time in the great outdoors. Being a sponsor of FLW Outdoors underscores our commitment to this important national priority. We’re pleased to add our name and support to these worthwhile, high-visibility events.”
Coleman is a leader in the innovation and marketing of outdoor products, including its legendary lanterns, as well as stoves, tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, coolers, furniture and grills. Coleman embraces its leadership role as an advocate for the outdoors, contributing to outdoor causes and inspiring people to get outside. For more information, visit Coleman.com or call (800) 835-3278.
Named after the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, Forrest L. Wood, FLW Outdoors administers the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Series, Stren Series, Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League, Wal-Mart Texas Tournament Trail presented by Abu Garcia, Ranger Owners Tournament Championship Series, Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Walleye League, Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Series, Wal-Mart FLW Redfish Series and Wal-Mart FLW Striper Series. These circuits offer combined purses of nearly $43 million through 241 events in 2007.
Wal-Mart and many of America’s largest and most respected companies support FLW Outdoors and its tournament trails. Wal-Mart signed on as an FLW Outdoors sponsor in 1997 and today is the world’s leading supporter of tournament fishing.
For more information about Wal-Mart, visit Walmart.com .
For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournament programs, visit FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000.
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