MINNEAPOLIS – FLW Outdoors announced today that EverStart Batteries, title sponsor of the EverStart Series, will continue its commitment to professional fishing with the renewal of its long-term sponsorship of FLW Outdoors, the world’s leading marketer of competitive fishing. EverStart’s commitment to tournament fishing has helped the sport grow and become a key component for companies entering the sports-marketing industry.
The EverStart Series began in 1998 with two divisions, Central and Eastern. As the popularity of the series grew, two new divisions – Northern and Western – were subsequently added to complement the circuit. The continued growth has no end in sight. For the 2005 season, the Eastern Division will be split into two – Northeastern and Southeastern – which add four more tournaments to the schedule.
It is estimated that there are more than 52 million people who fish in America today, and they remain loyal to sponsors who support their favorite pastime.
Steve Crutcher, sales manager for Johnson Controls Incorporated, said: “The popularity of fishing cannot be denied. Through our partnership with FLW Outdoors, we definitely have experienced great success. The sport has experienced huge growth, and FLW Outdoors continues to generate excitement around its events that draw a very loyal consumer group. The growth and excitement give us continuous exposure to a group known for their loyalty to sponsor products.”
As an FLW Outdoors sponsor, EverStart Batteries will be featured in a variety of media formats – most notably the “FLW Outdoors” television program on the Outdoor Life Network, which is broadcast to 65 million subscribers. Sponsors also benefit from prominent advertisements and news features in FLW Outdoors Magazine and at FLWOutdoors.com. Further publicity opportunities at FLW Outdoors include sponsor-specific product displays in the Family Fun Zone, signage at tournaments, angler-award programs, and other promotional and public-relations materials.
In 2003, EverStart Batteries partnered with Evinrude to introduce the largest-ever co-angler contingency award. The award, known as the “Ultimate Fishing Package,” includes an Evinrude 225-horsepower, high-output outboard engine with direct injection rigged on a Ranger bass boat. The package was complemented by Garmin electronics and a Minn Kota trolling motor, and all the systems were powered by EverStart Marine Batteries. The award is given to the co-angler who amasses the most points over a season by wearing an EverStart/Evinrude shirt and cap on stage during the final round of EverStart Series events.
Bill Petrowiak, vice president of marketing and communications for FLW Outdoors, said: “FLW Outdoors is grateful to sponsors like EverStart Batteries that continue to support professional fishing and allow FLW Outdoors to grow with the demand. We look forward to a continuing partnership with EverStart, together finding more ways that we can grow the sport and keep it in the forefront of America’s consciousness.”
Named after the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, Forrest L. Wood, FLW Outdoors is the world’s leading marketer of competitive fishing. It administers the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, the world’s most lucrative bass-tournament series; the EverStart Series, the pathway to the Wal-Mart FLW Tour; and the Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League for weekend anglers. FLW Outdoors also operates the Wal-Mart Texas Tournament Trail; the Wal-Mart RCL Walleye Tour, the world’s most lucrative walleye-tournament series; and the Wal-Mart RCL Walleye League for weekend anglers.
Wal-Mart and many of America’s most respected companies support FLW Outdoors and its 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’s sponsor page.
For more information about FLW Outdoors, browse this Web site or call (270) 252-1000.