|
Roster Includes incumbents Edward Jones and
Drury Inn and newcomers Emerson and Missouri Farm Bureau
Edward Jones, Drury Hotels, Emerson and Missouri Farm Bureau were announced as four of the initial “Gold Level” sponsors for the 2008 Tour of Missouri professional cycling race, scheduled for September 8 – 14.
Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder announced the four sponsors at a press conference in St. Louis at the downtown Drury Inn Hotel as part of the marketing launch for the autumn event.
“This is a free, international sporting event for the people of Missouri and it takes top-level sponsorship from a number of companies to make this race world-class,” Kinder said. “These companies have stepped forward in a big way and we’re grateful for their support of what has become Missouri’s largest annual international sporting event.”
Edward Jones becomes a sponsor of the event for the second year, highlighted by its sponsorship of the prestigious Sprint Points jersey. The jersey will be emblazoned with the Edward Jones logo and include colors of the company. The company also will sponsor all general public information, dubbed “Making Sense of the Tour”.
Drury Hotels returns and has signed a two-year deal through 2009 as the official hotel for the Tour of Missouri. Drury will retain branding and tie ins to the daily-awarded Most Aggressive jersey, provided to the cyclist who most animates the race. Drury Hotels colors will be integrated into the design of the official jersey. They will also convert several outdoor billboards around the state in promotion of the event.
Emerson joins as a new sponsor and will be the presenting sponsor of Stage 4 from Lebanon to Rolla and enjoy a host of additional benefits, including prominent signage at each stage. Because the stage is on September 11, there will be a special ceremony honoring fallen soldiers.
Missouri Farm Bureau family of companies also joins as a new sponsor at the gold level. A highlight of their sponsorship includes the Tour of Missouri Farm Bureau Community Spirit Award, which will be awarded on the final day in St. Louis to the host community that best displays enthusiasm and support of the race.
“I think it’s a fantastic idea,” Kinder said. “This whole event is about the communities here in Missouri and their hospitality to the world. There is no better way to show appreciation than through special recognition.” Details and trophy design will be announced in July.
|
