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HITS Announces Increased Sponsorship Commitment for 2010 Show Season
Written by: Jennifer Wood Client:HITS Desert Circuit and HITS Ocala Winter Circuit Release Date:2009-12-23
Saugerties, NY – December 23, 2009 – HITS, Inc. is pleased to announce that their sponsorship commitments for the 2010 show season have significantly increased thanks to both returning and new sponsor relationships.
Starting the year off right, three HITS winter show circuits will enjoy the increased support. The 2010 HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal will have six weeks of competition from January 26 to March 14, while the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will run two non-rated and six rated shows from January 20 to March 21. The HITS Arizona Winter Circuit will have six weeks of competition as well from February 3 to March 14.
HITS' Account Executive for Corporate Sponsorship, Lisa Engel, reports that sponsorship levels are up from last year. When compared to this time last year, HITS is up approximately 40% in cash sponsorships, and when in-kind sponsorships were included, the number jumps to an impressive 60% increase.
“Sponsorship has been an important part of our growth and success,” said Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO. “We’ve been fortunate to have some really generous and enthusiastic sponsors to support us over the years. I’m most proud of the long-term relationships we’ve held with so many of them. Their contribution and support enables us to produce great shows for our exhibitors, which then leads to greater value for our sponsors. This year, especially, with the $1 Million USGPL Grand Prix we expect to be able to provide even more value to our sponsors.”
“I attribute this growth to the fact that HITS offers companies the greatest number of imaging opportunities to the largest group of horsemen coast to coast,” Engel said. “All HITS sponsorships are customized, offering companies unique opportunities that meet both their marketing and budget objectives. Since the announcement that HITS will produce the richest Grand Prix in the country next year, the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix on September 12, 2010, the phone hasn’t stopped ringing. Long-standing sponsors are looking to increase their exposure and imaging opportunities, while new sponsors look to reach the HITS exhibitors and brand themselves with the largest show jumping production company in the United States.”
Returning Sponsors Increase Their Commitments
HITS is very pleased to welcome back their returning sponsors, some of whom have made the commitment for a larger presence or a larger sponsorship at HITS shows.
Pfizer Animal Health’s sponsorship represents the largest corporate sponsorship for HITS and is one of the largest in the United States for Show Jumping. Pfizer Animal Health is the title sponsor of the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, along with many other sponsorship pledges throughout the HITS circuits. Also included in this year's deal, the Grand Prix Ring at the HITS-on-the-Hudson facility in Saugerties has been renamed as the STRONGID® C 2X Grand Prix Arena.
Pfizer Animal Health, a business of Pfizer, Inc. is a world leader in discovering and developing innovative animal vaccines and prescription medicines. Since acquiring Fort Dodge Animal Health this year, Pfizer Animal Health now has the most innovative and broadest range of products in the equine industry. For additional information on Pfizer Animal Health’s U.S. portfolio of equine products, visit www.PfizerAH.com.
SmartPak is returning to the HITS circuits in Thermal, Ocala, and Saugerties with their delivery place stations on the show grounds. They will also have an online order link on the on-line version of the HITS prize lists, and coupons in the prize lists. SmartPak is sponsoring the SmartPak Internet Café and Riders Lounge at the HITS Saugerties horse shows as well. SmartPak offers market-leading, name-brand supplements custom-packed for your horse in a patented unit dose package, the SmartPak™. For more information on SmartPak, please visit www.smartpak.com.
Luitpold Pharmaceuticals’ division, Luitpold Animal Health, are the makers of Adequan and are sponsoring all of the back numbers for all circuits as well as the Adequan Hunter division at the HITS circuits this year, as well as all Marshall & Sterling League member events and the National Finals. Luitpold Animal Health is fully committed to advancing the cause of better animal health. From multimillion-dollar Thoroughbreds to long-time companion animals, the better health and well-being of horses is what they work toward every day. More information on Adequan can be found at www.luitpoldanimalhealth.com.
Great American Insurance Group has increased their sponsorship at the HITS horse shows to include sponsorship of the Marshall & Sterling League and the “Great American Time to Beat” at all HITS circuits. Great American Insurance Group, owned by American Financial Group (NYSE/NASDAQ:AFG), is engaged primarily in specialty property and casualty insurance businesses and in the sale of retirement annuities, life and supplemental health insurance products. For more information, please visit www.greatamericaninsurance.com.
Marshall & Sterling Insurance is the title sponsor of the Marshall & Sterling League at the HITS shows and across the country. They are celebrating their 20th year as the sponsor of the League. During the year, riders from coast to coast compete at more than 1,100 Marshall & Sterling League member horse shows to earn points for a place at the National Finals held at HITS Saugerties. Since its inception in 1991, the Marshall & Sterling League Finals have provided the goal that has fueled the competitive spirit of child and adult riders at all levels of competition. Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Inc., founded in 1864, is among the largest privately owned insurance agencies in the United States. For more than a quarter century, Marshall & Sterling has protected precious equine assets with unparalleled service and support, whether the family hunter, a champion racehorse or a commercial farm. Information on Marshall & Sterling can be found at www.marshallsterling.com.
Barnmaster is returning as a sponsor of all HITS circuits this year. Barnmaster prides itself in providing modular barn systems that are safe and comfortable for horses, while being structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Barnmaster is able to quickly and cost-effectively evaluate its customers' requirements to ensure the best possible barn to meet their needs. Find out more at www.barnmaster.com.
Purina Mills has been a sponsor at the HITS shows for more than six years. In 2010 they will be the Official Feed for HITS shows, the Marshall & Sterling League, and the Marshall & Sterling League Finals. In addition, they are also the generous sponsor of Grand Prix classes that will be held in Thermal, Ocala and Saugerties. Purina Mills will also help host fun events at HITS shows, including the very popular Purina Mills Kids Day and Weekend at Saugerties, a Kids Day in Ocala, and a Purina Weekend in Thermal, which will feature Fiesta Day. PMI Nutrition Exclusive branded pet food will be sponsoring the Top Dog competition each week at HITS Thermal, HITS Ocala and HITS Saugerties. Along with providing Purina feed for sale at their shows, HITS will also offer Purina’s Nicker Makers horse treats and PMI Nutrition Exclusive dog food for sale. Orders can be placed on the feed order forms in the prize lists and online at HitsShows.com For more information visit www.pminutrition.com and www.purinamills.com.
Nancy Shearer of Purina Mills stated, “HITS has such tremendous reach from the West Coast to the East Coast to the South. That has remarkable appeal to us, to get every aspect of the English world covered in every region.”
Devoucoux has increased their presence at all of the HITS horse shows and through the Marshall & Sterling League this year with their title sponsorship of the Devoucoux 3’3” Hunter Derby. Devoucoux ranks among the top of the range, tailored saddlery products, designed for all riders and all types of mount, whether competition or leisure. Please read more at www.devoucoux.com.
HITS Welcomes Back Sponsors as Partners in the HITS Horse Show Experience
In their third year of sponsorship at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, DeLuca Toyota is once again joining the HITS family as the title sponsor of the $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group, which will close out the season on Sunday, March 21. DeLuca Toyota was established in 1978, and they are now one of Florida’s fastest growing volume dealers. The DeLuca Toyota staff understands the importance of customer satisfaction and loyalty, and they strive to serve customers in a professional, efficient manner. For more information on DeLuca Toyota, please visit www.delucatoyota.com.
“Bill Morrison of DeLuca Toyota and his family are horse owners and understand the horse industry and the needs of horsemen. Bill and DeLuca Toyota realize the value in marketing the Toyota trucks to the equestrian community and of being the Official Vehicle of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit,” said Lisa Engel. “Many HITS competitors have purchased trucks and cars they have seen at the HITS Post Time show grounds from DeLuca and feel confident in buying their trucks and cars from them.”
Arenus, a division of Novus Nutrition Brands, is back at HITS this year at the Thermal, Arizona, and Ocala circuits. Arenus’ mission is to be the premier provider of innovative nutritional products that help horses and companion animals achieve optimal health, performance, and longevity. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Arenus is a division of Novus Nutrition Brands, LLC (a Novus International company) and is dedicated to improving the health, performance and longevity of all horses and dogs. To learn more about their products, please visit www.arenusperformance.com.
HITS Welcomes New Sponsors in 2010
HITS is pleased to welcome new companies to their growing list of sponsors for this year. Charles Owen will be sponsoring at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. Charles Owen helmets are known for their classic style. The comfort and look of Charles Owen helmets, specifically the AYR8, continues to grow in popularity not only in the jumper market but also within the Grand Prix sector, as high-performance riders consistently turn to Charles Owen for its stylish comfort and safety features. To see the full range of Charles Owen products, please visit www.charlesowen.com.
PRO-CARE PLUS Hoof Conditioner will be a new member of sponsors at all of the HITS circuits this year. PRO-CARE PLUS Hoof Conditioner not only conditions, dresses, and revitalizes the hoof, but helps combat problem hoof issues. See more at www.pro-careproducts.com.
Triple C Trailer Sales Inc., which is owned and operated by Terry, Linda, and Adam Crouch, is new to the HITS shows this year and will have a presence at all five HITS locations. Having raised and shown horses for 25 years, the people at Triple C Trailer Sales Inc. understands the trailer needs of equestrians and can find just the right trailer to meet any economic and/or farm needs. Find out more at www.triplectrailersales.com.
Royal Champion will be joining HITS at the HITS Desert Circuit and will be the title sponsor of the Leading World Cup Qualifier Grand Prix Rider Award. Royal Champion’s mission is to develop and manufacture the highest quality equine and canine nutritional supplements available today, which support the health and sustained vitality of your animal. They are committed to supporting you in the pursuit of your dog or horse’s wellness and peak performance. Find out about their products at www.royalchampion.com.
Mountain Horse will be the Official Outerwear for all HITS Horse Shows and the Marshall & Sterling League for the 2010 horse show season. As Official Outerwear for all HITS Shows and the Marshall & Sterling League, Mountain Horse Outerwear will be worn by HITS staff from coast-to-coast. The partnership combines the passion of more than 40,000 HITS exhibitors with Mountain Horse's expertise in designing and bringing innovative, technical riding apparel and footwear to equestrians worldwide. See the Mountain Horse range of products at www.mountainhorseusa.net.
HITS Thanks Their Supportive Sponsors
Always a testament to the value that HITS brings, many long term sponsors continue to support the HITS horse shows, and the following sponsors have increased their commitments this year. Brook Ledge Horse Transportation is the Official Equine Transportation Company for the 2010 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. EMO is the title sponsor of a Grand Prix competition at all HITS circuits. The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation Center is the Official Equine Sports Therapy Center for the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. Fast Lane Farm is the title sponsor of the $5,000 Fast Lane Farm A/O Hunter Classic at the HITS Arizona.
Thanks to these returning sponsors, HITS can offer the best product for their customers. Returning to all of the HITS circuits are Coca Cola Enterprise, Der Dau, Dever Golf Carts, Antares, and Catena USA. EquiFit, inc. will be sponsoring at the Thermal, Ocala, and Saugerties circuits. At the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, there are many supportive sponsors like The Wheeler Family, Don Stewart Stables, Iron Spring Farm, Ocala Horse Properties, Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club, Ring Power, Galopando TV, Ocala Style Magazine, WTRS 102.3 FM, Parma Groomer, U-Dump Trailers, Winn Dixie, Horse and Hounds Restaurant, Ipanema Restaurant, Team Barber, and the Equine Medical Center of Ocala Stallion Services. Bergdorf Goodman.com is a returning sponsor to the HITS Desert Circuit this year.
Many other new sponsors to HITS have realized the value of aligning themselves with a show management company whose reach extends across the country. Hodges Badge Company will be at all of the HITS circuits. At the Saugerties, Culpeper, and Ocala circuits is Elite Equine Shavings-East Coast. In Saugerties, Thermal, and Ocala is Reist Industries, maker of the Rotogroomer. Equine Gift Baskets, AAA Executive Limousine Service, Jill Norair and Pure Grace Farm, Five Star Tack, Judy’s Tack Shop, The Melting Pot, Pi on Broadway, and Arthur’s Restaurant will be supporting the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, while Equestrian Connect, Morgan’s of the Desert, and The Shops of La Quinta are supporting the HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, CA.
Entries for the HITS Desert Circuit must be received by January 6. Entries for the first two weeks in Ocala close on January 6, while entries for the rated shows close on January 20. Entries for HITS Arizona close on Tuesday, January 19. Prize lists and entry blanks for all three HITS Winter Circuits are available online. To keep on track with the updates or to request a copy of the winter circuit prize lists, please visit www.HitsShows.com.
Announcements on special classes, judges, course designers, prize money, and more will be made regularly for all of the HITS Horse Show circuits. To learn of the latest news, please become a fan of HITS’ page on Facebook and sign up to receive HITS’ Twitter updates.
For more information on qualifying for the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, please visit http://www.hitsshows.com/nyusgpl/index.html.
HITS, Inc. produces high-quality, international-level hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS has been producing shows since 1982 and is now a nationwide company with world-class circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2010, HITS will take the industry to new heights when it hosts the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix in Saugerties on September 12.
