JOHNSTON, Iowa – July 10, 2009 – The Iowa Corn Growers and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board today announced a unique partnership with Learfield Sports on behalf of the University of Iowa and Iowa State University Athletic Departments for a statewide, multi-year, multi-sports promotional joint venture.
“On behalf of Iowa’s corn growers, I am proud to be a part of this unique partnership,” said Craig Floss, CEO for Iowa Corn. “If you come from Iowa, it’s not just about the big game or your affiliation with Iowa or Iowa State. It’s about being an Iowan and being proud of where you grew up. The biggest sporting event in Iowa is the perfect opportunity to educate Iowa consumers about corn and products made from corn.”
In addition to game day activities and special prize giveaways, Iowa Corn will promote corn ethanol and other products made from corn through the “Drive of the Game” report on statewide radio, and Iowa Corn will also be the title sponsor of both coaches’s shows on television.
“We are extremely excited about the opportunity to work with the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and the Iowa Corn Growers Association on their efforts to reach out and educate fans of the Iowa Hawkeyes and friends of the University of Iowa about the important role corn growers play in our state and the economic impact they have on our country, More importantly, we’re delighted they have the confidence in us that we can help them effectively deliver their important messages,” said Gary Barta, the UI’s director of athletics.
As part of the four-year multi-media agreement, Iowa Corn will reach out to consumers through a total Iowa and Iowa State sports package including football, men’s and women’s basketball, and wrestling.
Jamie Pollard, director of athletics at Iowa State University, said, “We are very excited to expand our relationship with the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board. We think it is a perfect partnership for both our institution and for all the corn growers throughout the State of Iowa.”
Stay tuned for more information on the Iowa Corn fed partnership, including giveaways and special events at www.iacornfed.com.
Iowa Corn Growers Association
Established in 1967, the ICGA is the oldest state corn growers association. The ICGA is a membership organization, lobbying on agricultural issues on behalf of its 6,000 members.
Iowa Corn Promotion Board
Established by grower referendum in 1977, the ICPB directs the investment of Iowa corn checkoff funds to develop and defend markets, fund research, and provide education about corn and corn products.
Each organization is governed by a board of corn growers, elected by their peers. Both share a common mission: creating opportunities for long-term Iowa corn grower profitability.
Learfield Sports, which will oversee the Iowa Corn partnership, manages the multimedia rights for both Iowa and Iowa State Athletics through its respective locally based properties, Hawkeye Sports Properties and Cyclone Sports Properties. The company manages the multimedia rights for more than 50 collegiate institutions and associations overall, and it titles the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup. It also oversees marketing partnerships for the Black Coaches & Administrators (BCA) and provides exclusive sports programming to more than 1,000 radio stations nationwide. Learfield Sports is an operating unit of Jefferson City, Mo.-based Learfield Communications, Inc., which made its initial foray into the world of sports marketing in 1975. For additional information on the company and its collegiate portfolio, visit learfieldsports.com.
Posted on Friday, July 10, 2009