Social networking service Twitter has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it deceived consumers and put their privacy at risk by failing to safeguard their personal information, marking the agency’s first such case against a social networking service.

The FTC’s complaint against Twitter charges that serious lapses in the company’s data security allowed hackers to obtain unauthorized administrative control of Twitter, including access to non-public user information, tweets that consumers had designated private, and the ability to send out phony tweets from any account including those belonging to then-President-elect Barack Obama and Fox News, among others.

“When a company promises consumers that their personal information is secure, it must live up to that promise,” said David Vladeck, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Likewise, a company that allows consumers to designate their information as private must use reasonable security to uphold such designations. Consumers who use social networking sites may choose to share some information with others, but they still have a right to expect that their personal information will be kept private and secure.”

According to the FTC complaint, Twitter allows users to send “tweets” – brief messages of 140 characters or fewer – to “followers” who sign up to receive such messages via e-mail or phone text. Twitter offers privacy settings through which a user may choose to designate tweets as nonpublic. For instance, users can send “direct messages” to a specified follower so that only the specific author and recipient can view the message. Twitter users can also click a button labeled “Protect my tweets,” which makes that user’s tweets private so that only approved followers can view them.

The privacy policy posted on Twitter’s website stated that “Twitter is very concerned about safeguarding the confidentiality of your personally identifiable information. We employ administrative, physical, and electronic measures designed to protect your information from unauthorized access.”

The FTC’s complaint alleged that between January and May of 2009, hackers were able to gain administrative control of Twitter on two occasions. In January 2009, a hacker used an automated password-guessing tool to gain administrative control of Twitter, after submitting thousands of guesses into Twitter’s login webpage. The administrative password was a weak, lowercase, common dictionary word. Using the password, the hacker reset several passwords, and posted some of them on a website, where other people could access them. Using these fraudulently reset passwords, other intruders sent phony tweets from approximately nine user accounts. One tweet was sent from the account of then-President-elect Barack Obama, offering his more than 150,000 followers a chance to win $500 in free gasoline. At least one phony tweet was sent from the account of Fox News.

During a second security breach, in April 2009, a hacker was able to guess the administrative password of a Twitter empoyee after compromising the employee’s personal email account where two similar passwords were stored in plain text. The hacker reset at least one Twitter user’s password, and could access nonpublic user information and tweets for any Twitter users.

According to the FTC’s complaint, Twitter was vulnerable to these attacks because it failed to prevent unauthorized administrative control of its system, including reasonable steps to:

• require employees to use hard-to-guess administrative passwords that they did not use for other programs, websites, or networks;

• prohibit employees from storing administrative passwords in plain text within their personal e-mail accounts;

• suspend or disable administrative passwords after a reasonable number of unsuccessful login attempts;

• provide an administrative login webpage that is made known only to authorized persons and is separate from the login page for users;

• enforce periodic changes of administrative passwords, for example, by setting them to expire every 90 days;

• restrict access to administrative controls to employees whose jobs required it; and

• impose other reasonable restrictions on administrative access, such as by restricting access to specified IP addresses.

Under the terms of the settlement, Twitter will be barred for 20 years from misleading consumers about the extent to which it protects the security, privacy, and confidentiality of nonpublic consumer information, including the measures it takes to prevent unauthorized access to nonpublic information and honor the privacy choices made by consumers. The company also must establish and maintain a comprehensive information security program, which will be assessed by an independent auditor every other year for 10 years.

The Commission vote approving the complaint and settlement was 5-0. The FTC will publish an announcement regarding the consent agreement in the Federal Register shortly. The agreement will be subject to public comment for 30 days, until July 26, 2010, after which the Commission will decide whether to make it final. To file a public comment, please click on the following hyperlink https://public.commentworks.com/ftc/twitter and follow the instructions at that site.

2010/03/18 Weekend Post Patrick Cull

The Weekend Post has reported that the South African Local Government Association (Salga) has issued a warning to all municipalities about the possibility of strikes and violent protests during the Fifa World Cup in June and July. In a letter dated March 3 and tabled at yesterday’s human resources committee meeting, Salga says June and July are “known to be South Africa’s strike season”.

It says although it was proposed parties “bind themselves by signing mutual agreements in terms of abstention from any such behaviour during this period, municipalities are urged to develop contingency plans for such incidents”. It adds that this is “especially important with regard to security companies”. The latter says that it should be kept in mind that “the 2010 Fifa World Cup could be seen as the ideal opportunity to get a quick, positive response from management bodies so as to eliminate the negative publicity factor”.

“Violent riots due to dissatisfaction in municipal service delivery have erupted in recent weeks and this should also be one area of importance in terms of forward planning for municipalities.”

Speaking at the meeting, committee chairman Oscar Mgwanza said in terms of security measures it would be important “to mitigate and if possible prevent” any action of this nature, adding that it might be possible to look at securing a pledge from all partners not to embark on a strike or protect action during the World Cup.

The Salga warning follows one from Nelson Mandela Bay’s acting public transport officer Keith Mitchell who told city councillors on Friday the consequence of the failure to reach an agreement with the Taxi Forum on an Integrated Public Transport System by March 31 could mean disruption of the World Cup “due to public violence and intimidation of spectators, visitors and other public transport operators”.

Mitchell also warned that the failure to reach an agreement would “compromise” the success of the World Cup in Nelson Mandela Bay and there would be “negative publicity which would damage the reputation of the city and its ability to host future large events at its stadium”. He also said the metro would be in breach of the 2010 Host City Agreement “to the effect that public transport services will be compromised”.

World trade organization for corporate sponsors calls for collaboration to raise industry effectiveness in protecting sponsors

ATLANTA, Georgia. Jan. 6, 2010 -- The recent developments with Tiger Woods have had an impact on the sponsorship industry. To what extent depends on whom you ask, but the International Sponsor Council (ISC), the world trade organization for corporate sponsors, wants the situation to be considered an issue of industry sustainability.

The ISC is partnering on a series of groundbreaking sustainability virtual summits in 2010 that will create industry collaboration to a global audience.

“The Tiger development is obviously a very unfortunate one for everyone involved,” said ISC President and CEO, Terry Cecil. “For sponsors, it isn’t the first endorsement to end in a negative impact, but the sponsorship industry needs to work very hard to limit the frequency and exposure in these cases.”

“Corporations commit to sponsorships and endorsements to meet business objectives,” added Cecil. “The current and future situation with Tiger will have varying degrees of impact on his current and past sponsors. All of Tiger’s sponsors have created exceptional programs, but when the sponsor’s business objectives are threatened or are no longer able to utilize the benefits of a particular celebrity or property, it is then prudent for the sponsor to end the relationship. The focus now should be on how the industry can learn from this and use it to collaborate on raising the effectiveness of sponsorship. Between the economy and Tiger, 2009 was an interesting year. 2010 shows much promise featuring the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup in South Africa. By focusing on and committing to sustainability, the industry will continue to make a positive impact on society."

The ISC is supporting its mission of protecting sponsor interests with the development of ISC vScreen, a vendor and volunteer screening service.

The ISC partnered with Notivus, a leading edge screening service company, to develop ISC vScreen. This is a groundbreaking service that allows sponsors to manage the screening of vendors and volunteers working directly and indirectly for sponsorship partners.

“This will benefit sponsors towards compliance and provide a layer of protection is becoming increasingly critical for sponsors to commit to sponsorship programming,” said ISC President Terry Cecil. “Vendor and volunteer screening offers management on business licenses, business insurance, credentialing and other workplace solutions. Sponsors need to satisfy compliance issues including impacts from Sarbanes, This service raises the effectiveness of sponsorship which will benefit sponsors, but also the entire industry”

Following its partnership on a series of sustainability virtual summits, the ISC and G2Events is developing a sponsorship virtual summit that will allow practitioners from around the world to participate exclusively online.

"There are factors affecting mediums of collaboration that necessitate a new model of conferencing," said ISC President Terry Cecil. "This is not meant to totally replace face-to-face events, but a solution to their limitations. The ISC is taking a leadership role in providing the ability to leverage the latest in technology advancements so that sponsors and the industry can avoid the negative impacts from budget restraints, scheduling conflicts and time management. The virtual platform allows for attendees to participate in presentations, interact with questions and answer sessions as well as collect and disseminate information from virtual exhibit booths. All of the positives of a traditional conference and trade show."

Cecil added, "We partnered with G2Events after researching the field and being impressed with their vision and expertise."

The event is scheduled to launch during Fall of 2010.

World trade organization for corporate sponsors provides leadership platform on sustainability in groundbreaking sustainability virtual summit

ATLANTA, Georgia. Jan 5, 2010 -- The International Sponsor Council (ISC), the world trade association for corporate sponsors, will join Cisco, Orange, Alcatel-Lucent, the United Nations Global Compact and BSR in delivering Sustainability Virtual Summits: Smart ICT virtual conference and exhibition. The event, which will launch online on March 23, 2010, is the first in a series of virtual events focusing on technologies that will impact sustainability programs.

“Major corporations around the world are taking a leadership role regarding sustainability,” said Terry Cecil, ISC President and CEO. “The ISC is partnering with the Sustainability Virtual Summit: Smart ICT for its potential to deliver an unprecedented global collaboration on an issue that is critical to sponsors. The ISC is leading the integration of sustainability executives and executives involved in sponsorship. This event will provide the opportunity for sponsors and the sponsorship industry to share and receive valuable strategies and tactics on sustainability, as well as key partnership opportunities with fans. By positioning sponsors’ sustainability and other social, economic and environmental initiatives through sponsorship and endorsement programs, the end result is an increased value offering from sponsorship, a deepening of the engagement between fans and sponsors, and an enormous positive impact on society.”

The conference will harness a powerful collaboration of enterprise, government, NGOs and influencer groups. The virtual exhibition will give participating companies the opportunity to showcase Green ICT solutions, in themed halls and ICT Pavilions including the ISC Impact Pavilion.

Cecil added, “Sustainability Virtual Summits: Smart ICT virtual conference and exhibition is a groundbreaking platform that utilizes the latest technology for collaboration without taxing travel budgets, time constraints and scheduling conflicts. It is exciting to be a part of this series of summits with leading sponsors and the support of the United Nations Global Compact. The ISC and G2Events will be co-developing a Sponsorship Virtual Series launching Fall of 2010.”

Mark Barounos, President of conference organizer G2Events, said, “We are very excited to welcome the ISC as a major event supporter. The influence and reach of sponsors can have a considerable impact on the actions and mindset of fans in regard to sustainability. The ISC workshop and exhibits will provide a unique and valuable education for anyone interested in or involved in sustainability.”

The ISC and G2Events will also be launching a global virtual summit on sponsorship in the Fall of 2010. “In addition to the Sustainability Virtual Summits, The ISC is excited to be partnering with industry leader, G2Events, the ISC Sponsorship Virtual Summit to be held in the Fall of 2010,” added Cecil.

Sustainability Virtual Summits: Smart ICT will be a telepresence and collaborative conferencing-enabled event. ISC will host specialty virtual exhibit halls, and will moderate track and panel discussions focusing on sustainable information and communications technologies. ICT Smart Leader sponsors Domani, NineSigma and the Human Productivity Lab will bring their consulting expertise to the event. Network sponsor Masergy, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), CSRwire, the Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GESI), the Interactive Multimedia Collaborative Communications Alliance (IMCCA), the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG), the Carbon Free Meeting Coalition, the Green Computing Impact Organization (GCIO), the Institute for Market Transformation to Sustainability, the International Society of Sustainability Professionals, TelepresenceWorld.net, and Terrapass are among the initial supporting organizations of the conference. For more details on how you can get involved, please contact the organizers at info@g2events.com.

Visit www.SustainabilityVirtualSummits.com to learn more about the events, or to take a demo tour of the virtual event environment. Speaking, sponsoring and exhibiting opportunities at the Sustainability Virtual Summits: Smart ICT event will be similar to those at a physical event, but without the cost and trouble of travel, or the associated greenhouse gas emissions. Registration as an Attendee to the Sustainability Virtual Summits is free of charge.

About the International Sponsor Council

The International Sponsor Council (ISC) is the world trade association for corporate sponsors. ISC core members are corporations that sponsor programs including sports, music, the arts, entertainment, education and other mediums of consumer engagement. The mission of the ISC is to promote sponsor value and protect the collective interests of sponsors. The ISC provides knowledge sharing, advocacy and networking for executives involved in sponsorship. For more information on the ISC, please contact Terry Cecil by phone 678-240-9494 or by email tcecil@sponsorcouncil.com, or visit www.sponsorcouncil.org.

About G2Events Inc.

G2Events is a professional organizer of virtual events. Advances in virtual event platform technologies, coupled with a shift in personal attitudes towards, and corporate embracing of, virtual world interactions, are changing the rules of business, culture and society. G2Events, building on the long-standing experience of its team members in the physical conference and exhibition arena, is taking a lead in the professional organization of virtual conferences and tradeshows. The company stages its own virtual events, and also produces virtual events for enterprises and partner organizations. In addition to having a thorough familiarity with virtual event platforms, the G2Events team includes experts in content management, speaker coordination, virtual booth design and content management, and event marketing, with a specific focus on digital marketing via new media and social networks. For more information, or to plan a virtual event for your organization or business, please contact Mark Barounos, CEO (mbarounos@g2events.com) or visit www.G2Events.com.

Media Contact:

The International Sponsor Council

Terry Cecil 678-492-0258

tcecil@sponsorcouncil.com

BERLIN (Reuters) – German car maker Audi has bought a 9.09 percent stake in Bayern Munich in a deal worth 90 million euros ($135.8 million), the club said on Thursday.

Volkswagen’s premium brand Audi, with headquarters in the Bavarian town of Ingolstadt north of Munich, has been a partner of the Bundesliga club since 2002 as exclusive car sponsor.

“With the direct financial participation in the club, the two successful premium brands move even closer,” said Audi board chairman Rupert Stadler.

“But apart from the financial engagement there are plans in progress to strengthen the global presence of both brands in the form of grassroots development in globally organised soccer schools,” he said in a statement.

Bayern, the country’s richest and most successful club having won a record number of domestic championships, is also the sole owner of the 69,000-capacity Allianz Arena.

The club has also lifted the European Cup four times.

By Martyn Herman

Cyclical Consumer Goods

LONDON, Nov 18 (Reuters) - German carmaker BMW became the latest Tier One partner for the London Olympics on Wednesday, joining an impressive list of major companies already signed up by the 2012 organising committee (LOCOG).

The deal is worth about 30 million pounds ($50.50 million) to LOCOG, mostly in the form of services provided by BMW who will supply 4,000 vehicles to transport athletes, officials and media during the Games and the Paralympics.

"Operationally, an automotive deal is vital for any organising committee and so I'm thrilled BMW is on board," LOCOG chairman Sebastian Coe said in a statement.

"They share our vision to stage a sustainable Games in 2012 and will be a valued partner. On a commercial level, signing another Tier One Partner in this challenging environment is a fantastic achievement but it goes to show the inspirational power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games."

BMW, which makes iconic British cars such as the Rolls Royce and Mini, is also a sustainability partner and will provide low emission vehicles, electric cars, bicycles and motorbikes, as London aims to become the greenest Olympics ever staged. The German company is the seventh Tier One partner to be signed up as LOCOG moves towards its target of 650 million pounds in private investment.

The rest of the two billion pound budget for running the Games will come from merchandising, ticket sales, the International Olympic Committee and television rights. The other Tier One partners are adidas, BP, British Airways, BT, EDF and Lloyds TSB. Tier Two partners include Cadbury and Thomas Cook.

LOCOG has managed to attract major sponsorship despite the harsh economic climate but the Olympic Delivery Authority, which is responsible for building the venues, has struggled to fund some of the projects and has required extra government funding.

* Air travel for spectators biggest source of emissions

* Spectators, sponsors, media asked to buy carbon offsets

By Allan Dowd

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Spectators, media and sponsors planning to attend next year's Winter Olympics in Vancouver will be under pressure to offset their carbon emissions, organizers said on Tuesday.

The Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC), which has vowed to make the 2010 Games carbon neutral, unveiled plans to reduce the 150,000 tonnes of indirect greenhouse gas emissions expected to be produced as a result of the event.

Indirect emissions include those produced by the airplane flights that thousands of spectators and journalists will take to and from the event on Canada's Pacific Coast. The Winter Games start on Feb. 12.

VANOC said it is on schedule to offset all 118,000 tonnes of direct emissions linked to Games, such as those produced venue construction, the torch relay run and travel by Olympic staff over which organizers have control.

"If we didn't walk the talk, we couldn't ask others to do it," said Linda Coady, VANOC's vice president of sustainability.

Offsets are payments to make up for carbon emissions, and can be used for investments in technology and projects that produce energy without emissions, such as windmills.

A report prepared in 2007 for VANOC estimated the Games would produce 110,000 tonnes of direct emissions and 220,000 of indirect emissions, but figures were revised this year as more information became available.

Vancouver will be the first Olympics to include venue construction and preparations in its estimate of total emissions of the greenhouse gases that scientists say are responsible for global warming.

VANOC has produced a calculator that will allow people to estimate the emissions caused by attending the Games, and how much in offset credits they will need to purchase to make their visit carbon neutral.

For example, air travel and accommodations for a Reuters reporter traveling from London to Vancouver to cover the entire 17-day event would produce nearly 2.5 tonnes of carbon emissions, which would cost C$61.69 (about $58) to offset.

Fewer than 5 percent of travelers normally volunteer to buy offsets, but organizers expect to get between 30 and 50 percent 2010 visitors to sign up, said James Tansey, chief of Offsetters Clean Technology Inc, a Games sponsor.

"It's a big challenge getting people to sign up," he said.

Twenty five sponsors and companies working with VANOC have agreed to participate, along with the television networks that have broadcast rights in Canada and Australia. Organizers said they will pressure others to sign up.

"We've made it as easy as possible for them to do it, so it is really incumbent on those partners to take responsibility for the emissions," Tansey said.

More than half of Qualified Teams Commit to Offsetting their Journeys to South Africa

Source: UN Environmental Programme

News Comes as UNEP-GEF Announce $1 million Funding for Climate-Friendly Actions in Six Host Cities

Copenhagen, 7 December 2009 - As the climate talks kick off in Copenhagen, key football nations are teaming up for the planet for the biggest sport event of 2010.

More than half of the countries that have qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup have committed or pledged to offset the emissions of their teams' and officials' flights to South Africa for the competition.

Argentina, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Cote d'Ivoire, England, Greece, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Serbia, USA, Uruguay and host country South Africa are among the squads determined to score green goals for the environment in 2010.

Tackling transport is central to greening the World Cup, as emissions generated by the teams' and spectators' international travel to South Africa will make up more than 67 per cent of the event's total greenhouse gas emissions. The news was announced in Copenhagen on the first day of the UN climate talks, during a press conference with representatives of the seventeen World Cup teams alongside Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme.

Achim Steiner said: "Today footballing nations representing millions if not billions of fans are standing up and being counted as environmental ambassadors for one of the greatest spectator events in the calendar. Every one of the teams is determined to make a sporting impact in South Africa while reducing their impact on the global environment. I hope the remaining nations participating in South Africa will want to come on-side for the climate in order to score their own green goals in 2010".

The news comes as UNEP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) announced further support towards greening the World Cup with a one million dollar funding package.

South Africa tournament's emissions to be eight times amount in Germany the last time around

David Smith, Guardian

Africa's first football World Cup will generate 2.75m tonnes of carbon emissions, one of the biggest environmental impacts of any sporting event in history, a study has found.

The finals in South Africa next year are expected to have a carbon footprint eight times that of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, even before long-haul international travel is taken into account.

The main reasons for the discrepancy are the vast distances between South Africa's host cities and the lack of a green transport infrastructure.

The estimated output from South Africa is 896,661 tonnes of carbon dioxide, according to the optimistically entitled Feasibility Study for a Carbon Neutral 2010 Fifa World Cup, commissioned jointly by the South African and Norwegian governments. Another 1,856,589 tonnes will result from fans travelling from around the world, making the World Cup's footprint the biggest of any major event aiming to be "climate neutral", the report said.

It cites the geography of South Africa as the main culprit, forcing players, officials and supporters to travel great distances between the 64 matches spread across nine host cities. South Africa is five times the size of the UK. The distance from Cape Town to Johannesburg is 880 miles, the same as London to Warsaw, and it would take about 17 hours to drive.

South Africa's transport systems are also less eco-friendly than in many countries. "For inter-city transport … distances between matches in South Africa are much greater than in Germany, and the lack of high-speed rail links means that most visitors will fly multiple times between matches, leading to much higher transport emissions," the report said. Within cities, they will use hired cars or buses, because there is no underground or light railway alternative.

But getting there will be the biggest contributor to the total of 2,753,250 tonnes of carbon. International transport represents 67.4% of emissions, intercity transport 17.6%, intracity transport 1.4%, stadium construction and materials 0.6%, stadium and precinct energy use 0.5%, and energy use in accommodation 12.4%.

The report said carbon offset programmes to counter the World Cup's impact would cost between $5.4m and $9m (£3.3m to £5.4m). It called for the early implementation of carbon offset programmes from football's governing body, Fifa, the local organising committee and the South African government. These should be visible during the event to "maximise the contribution to public awareness".

The local organising committee responded this week with a "green goal" initiative. It said the construction of Soccer City stadium, the venue for the opening ceremony and the first and final matches, used thousands of tonnes of builders' rubble from the demolition of parts of the old FNB stadium.

Waterless urinals will be used in the stadium and the pitch will be irrigated exclusively with non-drinkable water, the organising committee said. Waste reduction will be pursued, with reusable cups and limited use of food containers.

Buyelwa Sonjica, South Africa's environmental affairs minister, told parliament this week: "Some progress has been conducted toward processes for offsetting the footprint. However, even the footprint on its own is huge in comparison to the 2006 Fifa World Cup footprint. At least three of the nine host cities have considered the implementation of bicycle lanes."

World's Largest Student Film Festival Offers Movie-Making Opportunities To More Than 800,000 College Students

ATLANTA and DALLAS, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Campus MovieFest (CMF), the world's largest student film festival, and presenting sponsor AT&T* announced today the recent launch of CMF's 2009-2010 World Tour. In its ninth year, Campus MovieFest gives college students everything they need to create original short films on any topic, competing for exposure, cash, and other prizes totaling more than $400,000.

This year CMF will tour more than 50 colleges and universities, CMF grand finales, and top film festivals around the world. Past participants have included first-time filmmakers as well as aspiring professionals.

"We've had an amazing journey since starting CMF as students. Working together with AT&T, we're making this year without a doubt the biggest CMF tour yet, providing masses of students with unforgettable experiences, exposure, and opportunities," said David Roemer, Co-Founder of Campus MovieFest.

"Each year, Campus MovieFest provides a great stage for us to showcase some of our most popular products and services, including our latest Samsung Quick Messaging phones, while providing a vehicle for these talented students to share their unique stories with a global audience," said Mimi Chan, director, Youth Marketing AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.

Contest Details

Student teams from participating colleges and universities who sign up for Campus MovieFest will have one week to create their own five-minute films on any topic. Competing student teams will be given access to 24/7 support from CMF and will be provided AT&T mobile phones, Apple computers and Panasonic HD camcorders to use for one week, free of charge.

Entries are judged by a panel of students and staff from each school, with the top 16 movies shown at each school's red carpet finale. Top movies from each school, including AT&T Wild Card Picks selected by text voting, move on to their CMF Regional Grand Finale, followed by the CMF International Grand Finale at Paramount Studios in June 2010.

Awards are also given for winners of special categories, such as the Social Justice category that encourages short movies about solutions to help eliminate domestic inequality, with $20,000 in cash grants for winners from The Elfenworks Foundation. AT&T also presents a Golden Mobile Award for students using groundbreaking AT&T technology in innovative ways in their movies.

AT&T Prizes

The top movies from the festival will be shown exclusively on AT&T handsets via AT&T's CV mobile video platform. Text MOVIES to 41234 for more details.

Additionally, AT&T is sponsoring a unique sweepstakes that gives CMF participants the chance to attend one of the world's top film festivals and interview a famous director or producer, as well as other prizes. A sweepstakes winner from three regions of the country - Western, Southern and Northern - will win a trip for two to a leading film festival: Sundance, Tribeca or Cannes, based on region.

For a complete list of sweepstakes prizes, rules and alternative ways to enter, visit the "Mobile" section of the Campus MovieFest website -- www.campusmoviefest.com.

Additional Contest Content

Other AT&T-CMF offerings include:

• CMF Messaging Calendar designed to keep film lovers updated on the latest CMF news directly on their mobile phones. To opt-in to receive the CMF Messaging Calendar, text INFO to 41234.

• Another sweepstakes open to the broader CMF audience will give fans a chance to win an AT&T prize pack including cash, an Apple MacBook Pro, AT&T Samsung phones, and AT&T gift cards, by simply texting WIN to 41234. More details can be found at www.campusmoviefest.com, "Mobile" section.

Message & data rates may apply. Full terms and conditions can be accessed at campusmoviefest.com.

Collaboration marks beginning of innovative venture between two beloved Pennsylvania organizations

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In an ongoing effort to align itself with highly-regarded professional sports organizations, Tasty Baking Company (NasdaqGM: TSTY), makers of the Tastykake((R)) snack line, today announced a multi-year, multi-platform marketing alliance with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tastykake will join with the Steelers in a broad program, highlighted by co-branded products; radio, print and online advertising; and the availability of collectible Pittsburgh Steelers tins filled with various Tastykake products on Tastykake.com.

"Our sponsorship of the Pittsburgh Steelers further extends the Tastykake tradition of reaching our devoted consumers through breakthrough marketing initiatives," said Jon Silvon, Director of Marketing for Tasty Baking Company. "Together we share a commitment to excellence that our fans have come to expect. Tastykake is proud to sponsor the Pittsburgh Steelers, especially as we appreciate, enjoy and share terrific loyalty from fans. Tastykake looks forward to working with the well-regarded Steelers organization in developing consumer and community marketing programs that are viewed by our consumers as novel and exciting."

"The Steelers and Tastykake represent two strong brands that benefit from a distinctive, long-standing relationship with our valued fans," said Steelers' Marketing Coordinator Rick Giugliano. "We look forward to collaborating with Tasty Baking Company and we welcome them as a new sports sponsor in Pittsburgh, a city that demonstrates great passion for their Steelers and for the Tastykake brand.

This sponsorship with the Pittsburgh Steelers further supports Tastykake's strategic approach of reaching consumers in varied ways, notably through professional sports. Tasty Baking Company currently has strong partnerships with the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Flyers and SportsRadio 610 WIP. To read more about Tastykake's sports marketing initiatives or the Tastykake product line of high quality, fresh baked cakes, pies, snack bars, cookies and donuts, visit www.tastykake.com.

Three Out of Four Say Current Economic Climate Has Affected Their Charitable Giving

Americans Say Faith-Based Organizations and Non-Profits Bear Responsibility for Helping the World's Poor

SEATTLE, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Three out of four U.S. adults say the "current economic climate" has affected their charitable giving and one in three is giving less to charities, according to a new Child Sponsorship Survey just released by World Vision, an international Christian relief and development organization. Most polled say faith-based organizations (67%) and non-profit foundations (63%) should bear responsibility for helping the world's poor.

According to the study, one in five adults (21%) say they're now less likely to sponsor a child because of the economy and more than half (54%) say they would be more likely to sponsor a child if they had more money. Ten percent say they're actually giving more this year, despite the recession. Still, World Vision Child Sponsorship numbers show a modest increase (3%). Revenue forecast is for 8 percent growth in 2009 but private cash donations are expected to be down 3% from 2008.

The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, represents a definite shift from the charitable mood Americans were in less than a year ago. In late October, 2008 seven out of ten Americans said while the worsening economy meant they would probably spend less on holiday shopping, half said they were more inclined to give or receive a charitable gift for the holidays.

Lana Reda, World Vision's VP for Donor Engagement says, "The sputtering economy has made it more difficult for hard working Americans to give what's on their hearts. As the economy gets better, we believe Americans will step up to meet the urgent needs of children and families around the world. Our survey speaks to this optimism. Even now, ten percent of Americans are giving more and our sponsors at World Vision have hung in there." Reda has been with World Vision 8 years.

The poll was conducted by telephone by Harris Interactive on behalf of World Vision, an international Christian relief and development organization, between August 28th and 31st, 2009 among 1,006 U.S. adults ages 18 +. For complete methodology, including weighing variables, please contact John Yeager.

About World Vision - World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. World Vision serves the world's poor regardless of a person's religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, visit www.worldvision.org.

Partnership Kicks Off With Festivities Surrounding the Mexican National Team Tour Game in Dallas and Te Reto Skills Challenge Starting on September 29

GREENWICH, Conn., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Degree Men announced today it has entered into a multi-year partnership with Soccer United Marketing (SUM), the preeminent soccer business company in North America, making Degree Men the Official Antiperspirant/Deodorant of the Mexican National Team (MNT) and Major League Soccer (MLS). The partnership will kick off on Tuesday, September 29 with the Degree Te Reto skills challenge hosted by Felix Fernandez, former star of the national team and co-host of Univision's sports program "Republica Deportiva", and continues with various festivities and on-site activation surrounding the Mexican National Team's tour game on Wednesday, September 30 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, TX. Each event will be an exciting opportunity for fans to celebrate the game and let them know that whatever challenge they may be facing, Degree Men won't let them down.

"We are thrilled to be part of this first-ever sponsorship opportunity with Soccer United Marketing. This is a step forward in our efforts to connect more closely with the Hispanic community and provide men the protection they need whether they are enjoying a friendly neighborhood game or simply watching their favorite soccer team from the stands, without having to worry about sweat and odor," said Jay Mathew, Marketing Director, Degree Men. "The Always Take on the Challenge campaign is a truly integrated program that will allow soccer fans nationwide the opportunity to meet their favorite athletes and win tickets to highly coveted soccer games, as well as other great Degree Men branded prizes."

In addition to the partnership with SUM, Degree Men has signed an endorsement deal with Mexican National Team superstar, Andres Guardado. The agreement with Deportivo de La Coruna midfielder Guardado will feature him as the spokesperson for Degree Men. "We would like to welcome Degree Men as sponsors of MLS and the Mexican National Team," said Kathy Carter, Executive Vice President, Soccer United Marketing. "Degree Men's commitment and support of the sport of soccer gives our fans the opportunity to always take on the challenge and experience the 'beautiful game' in the United States."

Always Take on the Challenge

The Always Take on the Challenge campaign will kick off with the skills challenge event on Tuesday, September 29 at Grauwyler Park, 7780 Harry Hines Blvd. in Dallas from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CT. During the event former MNT players Felix Fernandez, Jorge Campos and Luis "Matador" Hernandez will face other surprise celebrity athletes in a one-on-one round of tricks to outdo each other and win $10,000 for a local Dallas charity. Fans in attendance will be able to take part in an array of exciting activities including the opportunity to showcase their fanaticism by showing up in their best MNT gear and win the chance to judge the surprise celebrity athletes participating in the challenge. Additionally, winners will receive a Degree Men gift basket that includes a soccer ball autographed by MNT players and legends.

Mexico vs. Colombia International Game

Degree Men will continue its partnership celebration during the international match between Mexico and Colombia on September 30. The game, starting at 8:30 p.m. CDT, will take place at the Cotton Bowl as part of the annual Texas State Fair.

Concert Event

Hours prior to the soccer match on September 30, Degree Men is also sponsoring a free concert event featuring the popular Mexican Duranguense music group, Conjunto Atardecer, which starts at 5:30 p.m. CST at Futbol Fiesta, the official Mexican National Team U.S. Tour interactive fan zone located just outside the Cotton Bowl and on the grounds of the Texas State Fair. The Always Take on the Challenge campaign will continue with different promotions and giveaways throughout various U.S. cities for the remainder of the Major League Soccer 2009 season including participation with the MLS Futbolito program and local league sampling efforts. The campaign will continue to be expanded into the 2010 season.

For information on the Degree Men soccer YouTube video contest, please visit us at www.Degreefutbol.com starting on September 29. For more information about the Always Take on the Challenge campaign and to build your own story with digital assets please visit us at www.Degreefutbolnews.com starting on September 29.

NFL Rookie of the Year Featured in New Television Commercial to Support Launch of Sports-Themed Razor

BOSTON, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- (NYSE: PG) -- Gillette® [PG] today announced the launch of a new advertising campaign introducing the latest entry into the Gillette Fusion® razor family -- the Gillette Fusion MVP(TM). The campaign features Atlanta Falcons' quarterback and the NFL's 2008 Rookie of the Year Matt Ryan. The razor features a sleek new look and Fusion's five-blade shaving surface for unsurpassed comfort and proven performance even on sensitive skin. The spot will begin airing on Monday, September 28 on network and cable television programming.

Sensitive skin is a real problem for guys. In the U.S., more than 40 percent* of men claim to have sensitive skin. The situation is worse if you are a pro football player with sensitive skin and face extreme conditions on game day.

"Matt Ryan is one of the NFL's rising stars and his performance on and off the field makes him a perfect fit for Gillette," said Michelle Potorski, Associate Marketing Director, Gillette North America. "We teamed up with Matt because he has sensitive skin and he knows firsthand how shaving with Fusion, Gillette's most comfortable shave, can provide a solution."

The 30-second commercial, which was created by BBDO New York, captures Ryan on the field facing the hot sun, heavy rain, whipping wind and snow that an NFL quarterback is challenged with on a weekly basis. The creative concludes with Ryan in the locker room using the Fusion MVP razor. The commercial was filmed in New York City at Steiner Studios in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn. Earlier this year, Gillette kicked off its relationship with the NFL through a multi-year marketing and sponsorship campaign as an official sponsor of the NFL. The Gillette Fusion MVP razor is featured as one of Procter and Gamble's "Official Locker Room Products of the NFL" family of brands.

LONDON (AP)—English soccer club Arsenal announced record profits of $56 million on Monday following a big increase in turnover and manager Arsene Wenger’s refusal to pay huge transfer fees.

Releasing figures for the year that ended May 31, Arsenal said that turnover increased to $498 million thanks largely to TV revenue and ticket sales gained when the team reached the semifinals of both the Champions League and FA Cup.

At the same time, the overall debt caused by the building of the 60,000-capacity Emirates Stadium has reduced to $473 million from $505.6 million in the previous year.

“The group’s profits have now risen in each of the three years in which Emirates Stadium has been our home,” Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood said. “This is excellent news, although I should perhaps stress that making and reporting profits is not in itself the primary objective for the directors.”

The encouraging financial results come, however, with Arsenal trying to end a run of four seasons without a major title. Despite the arrivals of Russia forward Andrei Arshavin during last season’s January transfer window and Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen before the start of this season, the club has refused to make any big purchases with Wenger relying on the youngsters he is grooming at the club.

“The group’s profitability is important because it is a by-product of running the club as a solvent and successful business, which in turn allows us to maximize the level of investment in the playing staff and in the future development of the club,” Hill-Wood said. “Arsene has the resources to bring more players in, if he believes doing so will add to the quality which we already have in the squad.”

By TAREK EL-TABLAWY and ROB HARRIS, Associated Press Writers

CAIRO (AP)—A Saudi prince wants to become co-owner of the Liverpool soccer club in a deal worth up to $560 million that would mark the latest buy-in by Gulf investors in an English Premier League team.

But Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks is only willing to allow 25 percent stake in the club to raise $159 million, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the club is not discussing the situation publicly.

Hicks has had investment bank Merrill Lynch scouring the Middle East for investors for more than a year to help find funds to reduce the club’s debt and build a new stadium. Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdullah al-Saud, who was present for Saturday’s 6-1 win over Hull, was quoted by the Saudi Al-Riyadh newspaper on Sunday as saying that “we are seeking, at present, to own a 50 percent stake in the club.”

“The value of the transaction, which is nearing resolution, will be between 200 million pounds ($320 million) and 350 million pounds ($560 million),” said the prince, who is chairman of Saudi holding company FAMA Group and the F6 sports investment firm. The comments come on the heels of an F6 statement released Saturday that said Prince Faisal had signed a memorandum of understanding with one of Liverpool’s American co-owners, George Gillett Jr., as well as Richard Petty Motorsports. That deal envisions in part setting up sports academies in the kingdom and the broader Gulf region.

If Prince Faisal were to acquire a stake in Liverpool, it would mark the latest investment in soccer by investors from the oil-rich Gulf region.

Sheik Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family, bought Manchester City for 210 million pounds. The team has spent more than $300 million on new players since Sheik Mansour took over, raising hopes that the long underachieving club could move up in the Premier League and grab a spot in the Champions League.

Sulaiman al-Fahim, the Emirati businessman who helped broker the Manchester City takeover for Sheik Mansour, has also taken control of his own Premier League team—Portsmouth. Al-Fahim said he completed his takeover of the club last month, though not before the team was forced to sell several players to meet debt payments. Al-Fahim formerly headed an Abu Dhabi property company and hosted an “Apprentice”-style reality show in the Middle East.

Also, Dubai’s Emirates airline significantly boosted its name recognition in the Britain by negotiating a multiyear deal in 2004 worth more than $160 million to attach its name to Premier League club Arsenal’s stadium.

The company’s ties with the club were strengthened earlier this year when Arsenal opened a football academy in Dubai.

By Michelle Nichols Fri Jul 24, 2009 11:59am EDT

NEW YORK (Reuters) - People are flocking to free outdoor cultural events from opera to rappers to Shakespeare, entertaining themselves on a budget amid the worst recession in some 70 years.

As more people opt to spend vacations at home, some U.S. parks groups are seeing audiences double, while donations and sponsorships of free summer programs are dropping.

In New York, the City Parks Foundation puts on nearly 1,200 free events, mostly in summer, and has seen crowds grow by at least 30 percent compared to last year.

"The recession is definitely playing a role," the foundation's executive director, David Rivel, told Reuters. "Fundraising is down about 20 percent, Attendance is up about 20 to 30 percent at least, and we're doing the best we can.

"Almost all of our sponsors from last year are back, but virtually none of them are giving more money and many are giving less money than they did last year."

Rivel said the foundation had dipped into its endowment to avoid cutting programs.

A huge demand has risen for free sports programs, as many parents cannot afford sending children to camp, he added.

Waiting in the rain at New York's East River Park for hip hop artist Slick Rick to appear, Audrea Alicea, 40, said free events were good for "keeping the kids out of trouble."

"I go online to try to find stuff to keep my daughter entertained," said Alicea, a child care worker from Manhattan.

HUNGER FOR FREE EVENTS

In London, the Royal Opera House has seen a 27 percent increase in crowds from last year for live broadcasts of opera and ballet on big screens in 20 locations around Britain.

"There is a huge hunger for free events given the current economic climate," spokesman Simon Magill said.

Free guided walks through London's Royal Parks had seen a 12 percent increase in attendance, a spokesman said.

In New York, long lines of people waiting for free tickets to "Shakespeare in the Park" stretch through Central Park.

Also in Central Park, more than 80,000 people attended a free performance this month by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Orchestra president Zarin Mehta said he could not attribute the crowd to the dim economy.

"One can talk about the recession but on the other hand we have had the highest ever attendance at Avery Fisher Hall this year," he said. The orchestra is based at Avery Fisher Hall.

Alex Seki, 32 and unemployed, stood with his friends at the New York City Parks Foundation Slick Rick show for one simple reason. "If it's free, I'll be there," he said.

His friend Frankie Rubino, 31, a teacher's aide, added that he was "definitely" looking for more free shows to attend.

FREE EVENT SPONSORSHIP "GOOD VALUE"

Los Angeles Parks Foundation director Judith Kieffer said crowds for free concerts had doubled, although "finding any funding has been a real struggle this year."

"Absolutely, demand for services at all levels has increased," she said. The city's school system eliminated summer sessions, adding to demand for park usage, she said.

A survey by the Foundation Center think tank found nearly two thirds of U.S. private, corporate and community foundations planned to reduce the grants they awarded in 2009.

Stephen Lawrence, the center's senior director of research, said 2009 giving is forecast to be down 9 to 13 percent.

But Liz Panich, director of consulting for The Marketing Arm, said free events provide good value.

"Both consumers and companies are taking action on financial responsibility during these times, and companies that can assist consumers and families in these actions, will benefit in the long run," she said.

In Chicago, the Parkways Foundation, which is bucking the trend and on track for a 10 percent growth in fundraising, has established a $100,000 scholarship program for children to attend its day camp and took over funding free "Movies in the Park" after the event lost its sponsor.

"We have seen a definite increase in the families coming out," executive director Brenda Palm said. "Families who aren't traveling are saying, 'Well, let's travel to this park.'"

Sponsorship and live shows helped to raise revenues by 4.7%, according to research

Alexandra Topping, guardian.co.uk, Sunday 19 July 2009

It has been an unhappy few years for the music industry, hit by plummeting CD sales and rampant online piracy. But there are signs that the worst may be over – research suggests the industry grew last year and is finding new ways of making money.

Music brought in £3.6bn to the British economy last year, growing by 4.7%, according to a report from PRS for Music, the payment collection body for musicians, songwriters and publishers.

The sale of CDs, which took another blow after the closure of several high street retailers such as Woolworths last year, may ultimately be sidelined as live music becomes the main breadwinner for most bands.

Sponsorship deals between big businesses and musicians – such as Take That's partnership with Marks & Spencer – are also becoming more important as bands and their managers look for new ways of making money from a shrinking pie, said the report.

Will Page, chief economist at PRS for Music, said the money from the licensing of services such as music streaming website Spotify to big sponsorship deals was more important to the music industry than ever, making up 25% of its revenues, up 9% on last year.

"It's not just about the Armageddon sales figures, the industry is becoming much more diversified," he said. "Revenues from business now make up a quarter of the overall pie, but whether this is enough to make up for the fall in CD sales remains to be seen."

The marriage of convenience between music and brands is nothing new – Michael Jackson set the trend with a $5m partnership with Pepsi in 1983 – but new deals now account for £89m of the industry's overall worth.

The way brands are working with artists is changing too. Advertising campaigns are more inventive and look to harness the power of the internet, with companies such as chewing gum brand Trident partnering with pop star Beyoncé, organising a "flash dance" of 100 women dancing to her recent hit, Single Ladies, in the hope that people would share the video on YouTube.

Some bands have gone even further. Last year, electronic act Groove Armada left Sony to strike a deal with drinks brand Bacardi. As well as releasing all new music through the company, they featured in its international music events throughout 2008.

Record labels may be trying to get in on the action with "360" deals that control all the artists' revenue streams, from CD sales to sponsorship. But musicians and their managers are more open than ever to signing direct deals with brands, according to Jon Webster, chief executive of the Music Managers Forum. "It's not just about money, but also about creative control," he said. "Record labels are rarely known for their moral stand, but a band knows immediately the type of deals they want to do."

Live music now makes more money for the industry than CD sales and is worth £1.4bn, up 13% on last year, according to the report. But it warns that not everyone is feeling the benefit of this growth.

While this summer's major festivals have sold out and Madonna can fill the O2 many times over, established "heritage" acts such as Take That are taking the lion's share of the profits, said Page. "The live music industry is somewhere you really want to be right now, but there is a widening gap between hits and niches," he said. The rise of live could also pose questions about future investment, he added. "Yes, recorded is down and live is up — but we have to remember it's recorded music which does the primary investment in new talent."

In future it is possible that big companies could step up and become talent nurturers as well as sponsors of big acts, according to Dom Hodge, director of Planning at FRUKT, a music branding agency. He points to events such as the Red Bull music academy, which takes 60 aspiring DJs, producers, MCs and singers for two weeks of workshops and talks from experts. "Although big brands will want to associate themselves with big stars, we are seeing brands investing in new music and that has to be a benefit for music fans and the music world," he said.

July 16 2009 -- Electronics giant Samsung has extended its sponsorship deal with English Premier League club Chelsea for another three years, until the end of the 2012-13 season.

Samsung will remain Chelsea’s shirt sponsor, will get access to Chelsea players for marketing purposes, and have exclusivity in consumer electronic products including digital cameras, mobile telephones and IT equipment. The press release announcing the new deal said that it would also involve additional rights and opportunities for both partners.

Samsung has been Chelsea’s official club sponsor since 2005.

HERNDON, Va., July 20 2009 -- Volkswagen of America, the official automotive partner of Major League Soccer, today launched the Volkswagen Junior Masters, a 20-country, international youth soccer tournament. Created by Volkswagen AG, the international competition is the first of its kind in the U.S. One team will have the honor of representing the U.S. (and will enjoy an all expenses paid trip) at the Volkswagen Junior World Master Finals in May 2010 prior to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The Volkswagen Junior Masters tournament runs from today through October 2009 and builds upon the company's global commitment to the sport.

"As a long-time global supporter of soccer, Volkswagen is taking its U.S. soccer presence to new heights by giving young soccer players the chane to compete on the world stage," said Tim Ellis, Vice President of Marketing for Volkswagen of America, Inc. "The Volkswagen Junior Masters extends our growing commitment to soccer in the U.S. and complements our existing U.S. soccer initiatives including our sponsorship of MLS, D.C. United and The Footballers' Clubhaus youth soccer tour."

The Volkswagen Junior Masters kicks off with preliminary tournaments across the East Coast beginning July 18 in Fort Dix, NJ and continuing on to: Downingtown, PA; Winston Salem, NC; Lancaster, PA; Richmond, VA; and, Parsippany, NJ on October 11. Twelve total teams from the preliminary tournaments will be invited to compete in the U.S. finals in Washington, D.C. on October 17 - 18. All youth soccer clubs and school teams that meet the specified age requirements are eligible to participate in the Volkswagen Junior Masters. The winning U.S. team will then go on to compete in the Volkswagen Junior World Master Finals against 19 other teams in Cape Town, South Africa May 26 - 30, 2010.

"Major League Soccer is proud to partner with Volkswagen on a tournament like the Junior Masters that encourages fun and competitive soccer, especially among younger players," said Kathy Carter, executive vice president of Soccer United Marketing, MLS' marketing arm. "We look forward to the various competitions that lay ahead and to the excitement that this event will generate among soccer fans across the United States and internationally."

"I am delighted that Volkswagen has demonstrated such a profound commitment to developing America's young soccer players through initiatives like the Junior Masters Tournament," said John Harkes, ESPN soccer analyst and former MLS star who is the official spokesperson for the Volkswagen Junior Masters in the U.S. "Volkswagen, through the Junior Masters Tournament, has created the opportunity of a lifetime for budding young soccer players everywhere."

Globally, Volkswagen has been a long time supporter of soccer. The brand is the title sponsor of Volkswagen arena in Wolfsburg and owns the VFL Wolfsburg football club at its global headquarters. In the U.S., Volkswagen of America is the official automotive partner of Major League Soccer and is a sponsor of D.C. United. The brand also recently launched the Footballers' Clubhaus presented by Volkswagen and MLS, a 19-city mobile marketing tour showcasing Volkswagen's product family at local youth soccer tournaments.

For more information on Volkswagen, visit media.vw.com. For more information on the Volkswagen Junior Masters, visit http://www.vw.com/vw-junior-masters-soccer/en/us/.

VANCOUVER, July 20 /CNW/ - As a part of our company's ongoing series of Olympic-related programming, Coca-Cola is pleased to launch the Aboriginal Art Bottle program.

The Coca-Cola Aboriginal Art Bottle Program will provide an opportunity for Aboriginal people across Canada to experience the Olympic Spirit and showcase the diversity of Aboriginal art and culture to the world by displaying Aboriginal art on the contour bottle - the Coca-Cola's unique global iconic asset.

This program is open to both amateur and professional First Nations,Inuit and Métis artists working in all artistic mediums from traditional to contemporary (i.e. weavers, carvers, painters, beaders, jewellers, and numerous traditional crafts), the bottles will vary in size depending on the medium. They will command quite a presence as they can reach up to 6 ft in height.

Over 100 Aboriginal artists from across Canada have expressed interest in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create artwork that will play a role in creating a lasting impression of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games experience for millions of people worldwide.

"Our cultures are thriving and we want to share them with the world," said Tewanee Joseph, chief executive officer of the Four Host First Nations, official partners of the 2010 Winter Games. "When visitors come to the Games, they will experience First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures in an unprecedented way, from works of art in prominent locations at venues to youth acting as torchbearers and flame attendants during the Olympic Torch Relay. The Coca-Cola Aboriginal Art Bottle program is another exciting example of how the diversity of Aboriginal peoples will be showcased during the Games."

The Art Bottles will be unveiled across the country during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, will be on display at select City Celebrations and will then travel to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games where they will be showcased for thousands of visitors to view.

"Coca-Cola's innovative Aboriginal Art Bottle program is another important avenue for First Nations, Inuit and Métis to feel a personal connection with Canada's Games in 2010," said John Furlong, Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). "We encourage artists across the country to seize this opportunity and unleash their creativity to show the world a brand new way to look at the iconic Coke bottle and the limitless potential of Aboriginal art."

An invaluable facet to this program is its legacy.

Each bottle will be up for sale through auction to collectors from around the world. The proceeds from the sale of the Art Bottles will go to the Vancouver 2010 Aboriginal Youth Legacy Fund to support sport, culture,sustainability and education initiatives for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth across Canada.

"Coca-Cola is thrilled to be able to provide such a legacy while contributing to VANOC's commitment to celebrate and build understanding of the rich cultures and traditions of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada," said Nicola Kettlitz, General Manager, Coca-Cola's Olympic Project Team.

HONG KONG, July 20 -- Qin Jia Yuan Media Services Company Limited (Stock Code: 2366, hereinafter referred to as "QJY" or "the Group") announced the entering into an agreement with Shanghai Media Group ("SMG") which gives QJY exclusive advertising rights of China Business Network ("CBN") in Sunday prime time. These rights were expected to generate advertising value up to RMB30 million.

As a leading multimedia services provider in Shanghai, SMG's performance mirrors Shanghai's booming economy. In 2008, SMG generated a ground-breaking revenue of RMB5.9 billion, in which revenue from advertising business exceeded RMB3.8 billion. With an intuitive understanding of Shanghai viewers' affinity for local culture and catered towards local viewers, SMG's local channels have outperformed the majority of other provincial satellite TV channels available in Shanghai.

Dr. Anita Leung Fung Yee, Chief Executive of QJY, said: "Acquiring the exclusive advertising rights for Sunday prime time of SMG's CBN is a remarkable breakthrough for QJY. We are expanding into Shanghai, which is one of the country's leading economic hubs. The gaining of a foothold in the advertising business in this economic centre is an exceptional achievement, and it is even more remarkable that we have acquired advertising rights of CBN's Sunday prime time. Shanghai audiences had shown the largest interests in financials in the country. High TV ratings of CBN have long been a mark of confidence for advertising clients. We expected that one hour of their Sunday prime time will generate over RMB10 million annual advertising fee and sponsorship income."

Dr. Leung also stated that the collaboration between the two companies has resulted in QJY acquiring, at no cost, exclusive licensing rights of SMG's exclusive program "What's Up in Job Market" for broadcasting in three provinces. The program would be broadcasted on TV channels which the Group held exclusive advertising rights. This was expected to bring an additional RMB10 million revenue through advertising and sponsorships in Shanghai, Chongqing, Fujian and Shanxi. This project was a prime example demonstrating QJY as a comprehensive and integrated one-stop advertising provider and its effectiveness in providing sponsorship and advertising packaging services.

Mr. David Liu Yuk Chi, Chairman of the Strategic Committee of QJY, indicated that the collaboration with SMG was a new chapter for QJY's advertising business. The historical good track record of QJY's TV advertising network had enabled it to acquire the exclusive advertising rights for high quality TV media. Cooperation with CBN was just a start. He believed that the phenomenal 79% increase in television advertising income over the past six months as compared to the same period last year would enable QJY to fully and firmly establish itself as an one-stop cross-media advertising service provider and will certainly attract more advertising clients in the coming six months.

July 15 2009 -- Less than half the teams in the NBA made a profit last season, and some owners now regard as too optimistic a “worst-case scenario” salary cap decrease of 5 per cent, NBA commissioner David Stern has said.

Stern also said that teams could face at least a 10-per-cent drop in ticket revenue next season.

The International Herald Tribune reports that Stern made the comments following an NBA board of governors meeting in Las Vegas, which will convene again on August 4 along with the players’ union to attempt to hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement. The current deal runs out in June 2011. Stern has appointed a 10-man labour relations committee.

The Associated Press reports Stern as saying, “The losses that are being shown by the league and the decrease in business, although our decreases are less than many other businesses, are going to be delivered in some detail to the players with an understanding that whatever further details they need they'll have.”

Meehan will take responsibility for the company’s partnership with FIFA for the 2012 and 2014 World Cup tournaments.

Meehan joins from Ford Europe where he was responsible for running the UEFA Champions League sponsorship programme and Ford’s World Rally Car sponsorship in 2007.

He also led Ford’s ‘feelfootball’ programme, which featured football stars including Jose Mourinho and Patrick Vieira.

Meehan says: “I plan to build on the presence that Castrol has established through the years in motorsport and more recently in football, and firmly position the brand in the eyes of our customers as a credible and relevant partner in these sports.”

Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo recently signed up as a global ambassador for Castrol, making him the face of a number of Castrol football initiatives and brand campaigns.

Newell Rubbermaid said Tuesday it named Penny McIntyre, a former Coca-Cola executive, to run its office products division.

By PÉRALTE C. PAUL

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

McIntyre, who has nearly three decades of packaged goods expertise working at Coke and S.C. Johnson & Co., will be responsible for a division that accounts for $2 billion — roughly a third of Sandy Springs-based Newell’s $6 billion in annual revenue. She is slated to begin at Newell on June 15.

The office products group includes Sharpie brand highlighters, Dymo label and postage printers and Paper Mate pens.

At Coke, where she spent 11 years, McIntyre had been senior vice president and general manager of coffee and tea for Coca-Cola North America. While there, she oversaw a makeover of Coke’s Nestea line that included adding new flavors and a redesigned package.

Newell said her marketing background in consumer packaging, plus her international experience — McIntyre had leadership stints in Tokyo, London and Johannesburg — made her the top choice among the internal and external candidates considered.

Garnier, part of the L'Oreal Group, has become the second major sponsor after GE Money to pull back sponsorship from the Australian Open tennis Grand Slam.

The loss of the sponsorship, worth nearly A$ 10 million ($ 7.76 million), follows the recent decision by the tournament's other associate sponsor, GE Money, against extending its three-year arrangement.

Australia's the Age has quotes a statement from Garnier as saying the beauty products company had recently advised Tennis Australia of its decision not to continue as a sponsor in 2010. "Garnier has enjoyed its partnership with the tournament and has had five very successful years of involvement," the statement said.

The Open's much smaller arrangement with MasterCard is also over, while a multi-faceted deal with Optus that extends to Australian national teams is under review, according to The Age.

The newspaper said the deals with Garnier, MasterCard and GE Money were among five up for renewal this year.

The Australian Open's 2009 sponsorship portfolio was worth an estimated A$ 35 million. It has been headed since 2001 by Korean car manufacturer Kia, which remains committed until at least 2013. Lacoste and Rolex both signed lucrative multi-year contracts last year.

The IAAF has concluded a worldwide marketing partnership with leading consumer electronics‘ brand Samsung for the World Championships in Athletics.

Samsung has agreed to become an Official IAAF Partner of the 2009 and 2011 IAAF World Championships in Athletics and the 2010 IAAF World Indoor Championships.

Samsung will also help these World Championships events with products and provide support for the IAAF's Continental and National Championships programmes, thus providing a more direct benefit to the IAAF Areas and Member Federations.

With the conclusion of this agreement, the IAAF has secured its seventh marketing partner for the 2009 World Championships with the other partners being TDK, Toyota, adidas, Epson, Seiko and VTB as well as Official IAAF Supplier, Mondo.

The deal was negotiated by Dentsu, the IAAF’s worldwide marketing partner for the IAAF World Athletics Series.

IAAF president Lamine Diack said: “I believe that the IAAF and Samsung are natural partners. I am very proud that a top corporation like Samsung, which is already renowned for its work with the Olympic movement, has now agreed to become the partner of athletics, which has such a historic connection with the summer Olympic Games. This new partnership demonstrates the positive values and underlying strength of our sport and I am delighted that this agreement not only supports the IAAF, but also the IAAF’s Area Associations and 213 Member Federations in a more direct manner.

20/05/2009 - Women’s tennis star Ana Ivanovic has signed a one-year sponsorship deal with private aircraft firm NetJets Inc.

Bloomberg reports that Ivanovic’s spokesman Gavin Versi confirmed the deal was signed this week, in an interview yesterday. NetJets, which is owned by US investor Warren Buffett, is also endorsed by Roger Federer.

The deal was signed just before 21-year-old Ivanovic begins her defence of her French Open title at Roland Garros this weekend.

18/05/2009 - A sex scandal involving Australian rugby league players has prompted sponsors to revise their contracts, and warnings that companies may be deterred from backing the sport.

Bloomberg reports that the scandal was revealed in a television documentary in which a New Zealand woman told of her trauma as a 19-year-old, seven years ago, following group sex with rugby players. One former player involved has lost his job as a television presenter. The Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd was moved to call for sports organizations to foster greater respect for women.

Sally Loane, a spokeswoman for Coca-Cola Amatil, Australia’s largest soft-drink maker, said, “We want to protect our brand and our name.

“In respect of controversial behaviour, we’ll be tightening up those agreements. We don’t want our sponsorship diminished and we certainly don’t want adverse publicity against us as sponsors.” Lynne Anderson, managing director of Repucom International Australia & New Zealand, which advises sponsors, said that the league must “prove they are eradicating these issues…They are clearly not acceptable or palatable to sponsors.”

18/05/2009 - Lance Armstrong and his Astana team-mates blanked out their sponsor’s name on their jerseys at the Giro d’Italia seventh stage in protest at not being paid.

Team manager Johan Bruyneel said, “It’s basically a way of saying, ‘We don’t want to forget about this’; that this is still a problem. Once it’s fixed, we go back to normal.

“I explained the situation of the team to the federation of Kazakhstan before the Giro, and I asked certain questions and asked for certain solutions. And those solutions didn’t come. “We are an important factor in the race, and we don’t want to pretend everything is OK when it’s not OK.”

The only sponsor names on the Astana jersey during the stage were KazMunayGas, Trek bicycles, SRAM components and Armstrong’s LiveStrong cancer foundation.

One rider, Andrey Zeits, wore the jersey with the full list of sponsors on it.

08/05/2009 - A record 28 sponsors have been secured by organisers of the 16th Asian Games, which takes place next year in Ghuangzhou, China.

Organising committee director Fang Da’er told a press conference that it is the biggest number of sponsorship deals in the event’s history, despite some sponsors having been lost due to the financial crisis.

Fang said the sponsorships secured to date are worth over 400 million yuan, about four times the amount collected by the committee behind the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar. He said agreements had been signed with large multinationals and top domestic companies from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and that “five to eight more agreements with big companies like China Southern Airlines” would be signed before June.

Fang said the Games are attracting interest from broadcasters from China, South Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Official licenses to produce products for the Games have been awarded to 23 companies, with 12 more signing agreements to merchandise the goods.

08/05/2009 - South Korean broadcaster SBS has agreed a new 10-year title sponsorship deal for the PGA Tour’s season-opening event at Kapalua, Hawaii. SBS replaces existing sponsor Mercedes-Benz after 2010.

The International Herald Tribune newspaper reports that PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said, “We don’t do a lot of these announcements during the Players, but we’re particularly excited about this one.”

The Tour’s sponsor roster includes several automotive and financial services companies - sectors which have been hit particularly hard during the economic downturn. The sponsors include Mercedes, Buick, Chrysler and Stanford Financial. The tour has recently renewed sponsorship deals with Zurich Financial and Accenture.

SBS, which has previously been title sponsor of an LPGA event in Hawaii, has broadcast the PGA Tour in Korea for the past 15 years.

By Roger Blitz and Ben Fenton, Financial Times

April 28 2009

The task of promoting the London Olympics, probably the biggest assignment in the history of UK marketing, has been awarded to a US-owned agency over a British counterpart.

McCann Erickson, whose parent company is the New York-based marketing concern Interpublic Group, is set to be unveiled as the agency that will handle London 2012’s advertising, promotion, public relations and digital communications over the next three and a half years.

Their selection is a blow to Sir Martin Sorrell and his WPP Group which was hoping that its British background would help to secure the tender. People close to the situation say that Sir Martin, WPP’s chief executive, lost out to McCann Erickson because WPP was unwilling to split the tender for marketing from the tender for market research, which is being awarded separately.

The London 2012 tender is unusual in that far from being paid a lucrative fee for its work, bidders were invited to say how much they were prepared to pay for the right to market the Games. McCann Erickson will pay around £10m in services-in-kind in return for which it becomes an official sponsor of the Games. Some marketing experts say this factor deterred some other major agencies from pitching.

People close to the situation also said WPP’s in-kind offer fell well short of its rival’s bid.

WPP’s defeat is further depressing news for Sir Martin, following Tuesday’s figures from the marketing services group showing a decline of nearly 6 per cent in first-quarter revenues. The WPP chief executive said he did not expect an upturn in advertising and marketing budgets this year.

McCann Erickson will take over the account held by Chime Communications, which held a one-year contract for London 2012’s marketing in the run-up to the handover ceremony at the Beijing Olympics.

McCann Erickson’s UK arm is behind the American Airlines TV campaign featuring Kevin Spacey.

It is part of McCann Erickson Worldwide, Interpublic’s largest subsidiary, which last year agreed to pay £12m to the Securities and Exchange Commission to settle charges that claimed it was engaged in accounting fraud.

London 2012’s organising committee said it never commented on sponsorship deals until completed. McCann Erickson declined to comment.

20/04/2009 - FIFA yesterday announced plans to sell branded clothes and merchandise through new FIFA stores and retail partners starting this summer.

The world governing body for football said that it would initially launch five collections, ranging from the ‘preppy 1904’ through the edgier, youth-focused ‘Code to upmarket Trophy’. 1904 was the year in which FIFA was founded.

FIFA said it had signed a licence agreement with brand management and licensing company Global Brands Group to facilitate design and distribution. Agreements have been reached with designers and distributors in five markets: Cooper Sports (Australia), the East India Trading Company (India), Young Turks (Turkey), Fireblade (UK) and Total Apparel Group (United States).

FIFA added that deals in a further three markets are pending and six more have been identified.

The collections will be for both men and women. The new collections will be shown at trade shows over the coming months and go on sale from August.

16/04/2009 - The two-year endorsement deal between the world’s second-biggest soft-drink producer PepsiCo Inc and three-time Grand Slam tennis champion Maria Sharapova has been ended by mutual consent.

In January 2007, Sharapova became the first tennis player to represent PepsiCo’s Gatorade and Tropicana brands in a deal that expired at the end of last year. Sharapova has currently dropped out of the top 50 due to a shoulder injury.

“There is no particular reason other than that the contract has ended, with both parties mutually deciding to go their own way,” said Huw Gilbert, New York-based spokesman for the company. “We enjoyed our partnership and wish her well.”

Pete Brace, director of communications at the Gatorade Company, added: “Gatorade has a rich history of partnering with the world’s best athletes. As a leading sports brand, we are consistently evaluating our portfolio of athletes and properties to ensure we have the right mix.”

Gatorade struck a deal in late 2008 with tennis rival Serena Williams, who joined athletes including golfer Tiger Woods and retired basketball star Michael Jordan to endorse its products in the US.

The two-year deal with Sharapova, which included the Russian fronting a global hydration education campaign, was believed to be worth close to $1 million a year.

16/04/2009 - The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has agreed a shirt sponsorship deal with multi-national footwear retailer Bata from January 2009 to December 2011.

The deal was announced at a ceremony at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka last week. Negotiated by UK-based agency Nijjar Sports Management, the sponsorship is worth $225,000. “We are delighted to work with Bata Shoe Company and Bangladesh Cricket Board as Cricket and Bata are both at the heart of Bangladeshi community at home and abroad,” said Nijjar Sports managing director Khushwant Singh Nijjar.

Under the terms of the contract, Bata can use up to three logos on the jerseys of the national cricket team, national women’s cricket team, Bangladesh A team and BCB-GP national academy. Bata will also have the right to place two parameter boards in the field during any international match.

15/04/2009 - Dick Cass, president of the National Football League (NFL)’s Baltimore Ravens, has said the League should allow teams to sell more liquor advertising.

The NFL currently allows teams to sell advertising space to distillers in the upper level of stadiums and in publications such as game programs. Teams are forbidden however to sell liquor sponsorships involving a team logo, on in-stadium video displays or television advertisements. Teams also cannot sell the right to use their logo on state lottery tickets.

“It’s more acceptable now,” Cass told Bloomberg. “It’s not a desperate need for money, that’s not what is driving it. We would be pleased to have our marks and logos associated with the Maryland state lottery. We serve liquor at the stadium, so I don’t know why we can’t advertise that. I think it makes sense to permit some sort of advertising arrangement with liquor.” The NFL has felt the effect of economic recession, cutting around 15 per cent of League staff and freezing executive salaries for the remainder of 2009. Cass said the advertising should be allowed because the public has grown more tolerant and it would bring in much-needed additional revenue.

NFL owners are likely discuss the topic of liquor and lottery advertising at their spring meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on May 18-20. A change in League policy requires approval from 24 of the 32 owners.

08/04/2009 - The New York Yankees Major League Baseball (MLB) team has agreed a new sponsorship deal with PepsiCo.

Under the multi-year deal, Pepsi will be the official soft drink of the Yankees, and Gatorade the official sports drink. PepsiCo will have signage in the Yankees new stadium - Yankee Stadium - on hoardings, at drinks stations in team dugouts, and PepsiCo drinks will be sold to fans inside the stadium.

Tying in with the start of the deal, Pepsi vans will be visiting high-traffic areas in the New York area and rewarding fans wearing Yankees gear and drinking Pepsi products with match tickets and merchandise.

08/04/2009 - MasterCard agreed a new deal with Uefa to continue its sponsorship of the Champions league for the 2009 to 2012 cycle.

MasterCard will continue to be the exclusive ‘payments systems’ category sponsor of the Champions League and the Super Cup competitions taking place in the 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons. MasterCard is the fourth official partner of the competitions signed for the period, after Heineken, Sony and UniCredit.

The deal was brokered by TEAM Marketing AG, which markets the commercial rights of the competitions on behalf of UEFA.

Feb 23 2009

The UK’s leading tennis player Andy Murray has said he is willing to renegotiate his sponsorship deal with the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), which has been badly hit by the credit crunch.

The Scotsman newspaper reports that RBS was bailed out of trouble by the UK government after recently posting losses of £28 billion, and is now 68 per cent owned by the state. Murray has been sponsored by the bank since he was 13, and currently wears its logo on his sleeve.

The Scotsman reports Murray as saying, “The bank kindly supported me when I was going through the difficult transition from the juniors to the seniors. Now I want to try and help them.

“I don’t want to discuss whether I am planning to give money back or not. I will speak to the people at RBS about the best way forward and we will work something out. The bottom line is I want to help.”

The Scotsman says the value of RBS’s sports sponsorships is currently estimated at around £200 million. These include the Six Nations, cricket’s RBS Cup, the Williams Formula One racing team, and several sportsmen and women as ‘global ambassadors’, including Sir Jackie Stewart, Jack Nicklaus and Sachin Tendulkar.

South African mobile telephony company MTN is walking away from continued sponsorship of Confederation of African Football events after a massive hike in the price.

The Sportfive agency, which markets the rights for all CAF events, is asking R1.2 billion for sponsorship rights from now until 2016. The package includes the African Nations Cup, the CAF Champions League, the CAF Confederation Cup, the new African Nations Championship for locally-based players, and the Under-20 and Under-17 championships.

The International Sponsor Council, the trade association for sponsors, has created an initiative to help protect official sponsors from ambush marketing. The SPAAM Initiative, Sponsor Protection Against Ambush Marketing, will encourage properties and media partners to collaborate on the prevention of brands that are competitors of official sponsors to position themselves as sponsors.

“Ambush marketing is a destructive action by brands that attack the positive impact official sponsors deliver to society,” stated Terry Cecil, President of the ISC. “It is increasingly difficult for brands to connect with consumers and when they commit to an official sponsorship, they should be applauded for supporting people’s passions. Any brand that attacks that positive impact is doing a grave disservice to society – they need to focus on creating their own positive value. Brands are under great scrutiny during this economic crisis and the ISC is working to deliver a platform of leadership for sponsors. Property partners should protect the official sponsors and not become a willing party to ambush marketing.”

“As some areas of the world combat this egregious medium, the U.S. still often looks at ambush marketing as creative and acceptable,” Cecil added. “The SPAAM Initiative will increase the value offering of properties and strengthen the partnership with sponsors.”

“The concept of selling advertising to competitors of official sponsors within the broadcast of the respective event is destructive to the commitment of the partnership, however, the ISC recognizes that properties will demand the right to do so in order to secure the revenue needed to sustain its level of commercial success. Through the ISC SPAAM Directive, we have created a valuable, but necessary compromise. A commitment to the ISC SPAAM Directive is a small, but crucial step towards protecting the best interests of sponsors and therefore will benefit properties as well,” said Cecil.

SPAAM – Sponsor Protection Against Ambush Marketing The ISC is proposing its SPAAM Directive that properties and networks adopt a policy that includes a clause in its contracts for media rights that forbids any competitor of an official sponsor to use an inherent sport(s) or terms including sponsor, partner, etc. in the ad creative for the event.

Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.), a senior member of the Finance Committee, announced plans to introduce legislation to end "the extravagant spending practices" of U.S. banks that received taxpayer dollars from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).

TARP Taxpayer Protection and Corporate Responsibility Act would prevent any recipient of TARP funds from hosting, sponsoring, or paying for conferences, holiday parties and entertainment events. Any TARP recipient that misused the funds would be fined and required to reimburse the government.

An outline of the Senator’s legislation is below:

TARP Taxpayer Protection and Corporate Responsibility Act

• Any recipient of TARP funds shall not be allowed to host, sponsor, pay for conferences and events and pay for holiday or entertainment events for the year in which they receive TARP funds.

• A recipient may seek a waiver from the Secretary of Treasury for any event which the recipient believes is directly related to the operation of the business. The Secretary has thirty days to respond to a waiver request.

• Any violation will require the federal government to be reimbursed by the company’s CEO for the cost of the event and there will a fine of $100,000 per violation. A recipient will have 30 days to reimburse the government and pay the fine. The fine increases $10,000 a day for each day after 30 days.

• The date of enactment is March 1, 2009.

Liverpool have extended their £5m deal with the Bank of America for four more years. One of the world’s most famous soccer clubs, Liverpool is anticipating closing three new sponsorship deals soon involving consumer electronics, gaming and automotive. Bank of America is the parent company of credit card firm MBNA who supply credit cards to Liverpool fans.

Liverpool FC will be touring the Far East from 17 to 26 July of 2009 involving matches in Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. The club – as does ManUnited – enjoys a tremendous fanbase from Asia.

Bank of America is an Executive Committee member of the International Sponsor Council.

John Mann MP, a member of the Treasury select committee in Britain, has called RBS “reckless” for its investments in sponsorship, particularly with celebrity endorsements including Jackie Stewart, Andy Murray and Jack Nicklaus.

Mann has called for the sports stars to opt out of their contracts. He has been quoted as saying: "I think it would go down very well with the British public if some of them were to cancel their contracts. Some of them would become real heroes if they did."

“This shows a dangerous and ill-advised mentality that sponsorship is a luxury and waste of money,” stated Terry Cecil, President of the International Sponsor Council, trade association for sponsors. “Sponsorship is perhaps the greatest engager of people’s passions and in a time of economic crisis, it takes deeper commitment from brands to generate business. I’m not saying that all sponsorship generates a favorable return, but by reeling in all of your sponsorship contracts, you might as well admit to closing your doors. Let’s focus on how to make sponsorship more effective, not call for its demise. That’s reckless and irresponsible. Contraction at this point will further the economic crisis. Sponsorship hasn’t been the reason for RBS’s recent financial performance, but instead has been successful in building the brand and winning business which should be the goal at this point.”

Debt-ridden bank will continue to sponsor Six Nations

28th January 2009

The Royal Bank of Scotland will continue to sponsor the Six Nations for another four years.

The announcement is made despite the bank recently having to rely on a Government bail-out that saw the state gain a 70% stake in the company.

The RBS sponsorship will include every championship between now and 2013 in a deal reported to be approximately 20million pounds.

"RBS has shown that during this economic crisis, it is crucial to utlilize sponsorship to compete and get a strong financial footing," said International Sponsor Council President Terry Cecil.

"It is in down periods that corporations need to resist the urge to slash marketing budgets. Sponsorship is the greatest engager of people's passions and the British taxpayer's will be well-served to support RBS marketing efforts to protect their investment," Cecil added. "The key for success for these programs will be a structured ROO or Return on Objectives measurement so that RBS can validate the results. As the world trade association for sponsors, The ISC is working with sponsors to manage this process."

World trade association for sponsors provides critical medium for organizing and supporting sponsors

Milton, Georgia February 20, 2009 - The International Sponsor Council, the world trade association for corporate sponsors, is holding a summit for leading sponsors in Europe on April 2 at Honda Racing’s F1 Factory outside of Oxford, England. The purpose of the event is to identify issues affecting sponsors and opportunities for raising the effectiveness of sponsorship.

“The economic crisis has impacted the sponsorship industry and will continue to do so. It is crucial that sponsors collaborate so we may improve on promoting and protecting sponsor value and interests,” stated Terry Cecil, President & CEO of the ISC. “In these challenging times, sponsorship is a brand’s greatest engager of people through their passions. Sponsors deliver incredible value by supporting those passions, but have a fiduciary responsibility to do so with a satisfactory Return on Objectives so that we may justify the commitment”.

“We are very excited to hold the meeting at the Honda Racing F1 factory which will also provide our attendees with a tour of the facility,” added Cecil. “It is the optimum location for this historic thought leadership event”.

The International Sponsor Council is the world trade association for corporate sponsors and serves to promote and protect the value of sponsors and their collective interests. Members of the Executive Committee include AT&T, Bank of America, Bridgestone Firestone, The Coca-Cola Company, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Honda Motor Co., MasterCard, McDonald’s Corporation, Panasonic and Visa.

Cadbury, the confectionary giant, based in Birmingham, England, has signed on to be the official confectionary sponsor for the 2012 London Olympics. Cabdury will provide all confectionary and ice cream sold at all venues and within the Olympic Park.

Cadbury joins as a tier two sponsor. There are currently seven tier one sponsors including: adidas, BP, British Airways, BT, EDF Energy, Lloyds TSB and Nortel. Tier one sponsors reportedly pay approximately 40 million pounds while tier two sponsors pay approximately 20 million pounds.

The sponsorship has drawn criticism from the National Obesity Forum which is concerned about the promotion of eating unhealthy foods, especially in children.

"I am excited about Cadbury's participation and support of the Games," stated Terry Cecil, President of the ISC. "Cadbury will provide an innovative value experience for fans and deserves to be welcomed. Many of us are concerned about obesity, especially in children, but moderation with any food is key. Chocolate is a vital source of antioxidants. Cadbury was founded in the 1800's. The Cadbury's Fruit & Nut Chocolate bar is a classic."

The 2009 French Grand Prix has reportedly been cancelled after the French Motorsports Federation (FFSA) withdrew its financing, another victim of the economic downturn. The event was out of favor with teams and sponsors due to its rural setting.

This is another blow to the F1 circuit after the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal has also reportedly been cancelled. The event is to replaced with the inaugural race in Abu Dhabi on November 15, 2009.

FNB, was the first South African corporation to sign on as an official national supporter the official National Supporter. To deliver value to fans around the world, FNB launched shine2010.com, a portal that offers a place for fans to congregate, learn and communicate in the months leading to the FIFA 2010 World Cup which will be hosted by South Africa.

"This is a great example of a sponsor enhancing the experience of the fans," stated Terry Cecil, President of the International Sponsor Council. "FNB, an ISC member, is known for its innovative sponsorship programming and this will add value for the World Cup and South Africa."

The Web site link is www.shine2010.co.za

Elite XC, home for Kimbo Slice and Gina Carano, is reportedly about to close its doors. Despite a television deal with CBS and Showtime, the organization can't stay afloat. Elite XC produced seven of the 10 most-watched MMA matches in U.S. history. The fate of its fighters including Slice and Carano is unknown, although the UFC seems the favored option. Carano has broad appeal as the leading female fighters.

The economic downturn is expected to continue to cause problems for live entertainment properties, especially those that do not have lucrative television deals. Sponsors should be evaluating any current and future opportunities for risk aversion purposes.

ISC Holds Key Sponsor Meeting on Strategic Partnerships

The International Sponsor Council is holding a key meeting for sponsor executives to discuss critical issues including the need for improving value from strategic partnerships. The event will be held in New York City on September 23rd.

“Sponsorship is under constant pressure to evolve in its sophistication due to fiscal and brand justifications,” stated Terry Cecil, President & CEO of the ISC. “Coupled with the fragmentation of media and empowerment of the consumer, sponsorship has become a dominant form of engagement. Although the sponsorship industry has matured and offers valuable programming, we must continue raise the bar so that sponsors will continue to commit resources to properties. The ISC meeting provides a unique opportunity for sponsors to identify and address critical issues and develop a plan of action for change. A major portion of the meeting will focus on how to increase the value of strategic partnerships.

The meeting is for sponsor executives and is by invitation only. Please contact the ISC if you would like to attend, but please be advised space is limited.

A Great Loss for the Sponsorship Industry

The ISC has launched social collaboration sites for its Sponsor members as well as its Associate members.

"These sites will provide a valuable platform for the industry to collaborate on raising the effectiveness of sponsorship through the sharing of valuable insight, information and ideas," stated Terry Cecil, President of the ISC. "The sites will offer the opportunity to post blogs, forums, photos and video as well as the creation of specific topical groups such as soccer, Olympic, golf, tennis or other sponsorship interests."

For information on using the site contact the ISC by email at membersevices@sponsorcouncil.com

The International Sponsor Council will hold a member appreciation event at the Atlanta Steeplechase, one of the premier events for the southeast United States.

"The Atlanta Steeplechase is attended by over 25,000 equestrian enthusiasts and has been one of the area's leading affluent-market events," stated Terry Cecil, President & CEO of the ISC. "This will be a great opportunity for sponsor executives and their families to enjoy a spectacular event and we are very honored to be hosted by Hal Berry and the Atlanta Steeplechase."

The 43rd Atlanta Steeplechase is held outside of Rome, Georgia on April 12th.

Historic Group To Help Lead the Sponsorship Industry

United States Olympic Committee CMO Rick Burton to Speak at International Sponsor Council Conference

ATLANTA, Georgia -- The International Sponsor Council, the world trade association for corporate sponsors, has confirmed Rick Burton, the Chief Marketing Officer of the United States Olympic Committee, will be a featured speaker at the ISC SponsorCamp Conference in Atlanta on February 27th, 2008.

"We are very proud to announce Rick Burton's participation in the ISC SponsorCamp Conference," said Terry Cecil, ISC President & CEO. "The position of CMO for the USOC has historically been one of the most important for the industry, but especially so considering the global importance of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the London Olympics in 2012 and Chicago's 2016 bid."

"Rick is highly respected in the sponsorship industry," added Cecil. "His involvement in the conference provides valuable insight and supports the ISC and its work to raise the effectiveness of sponsorship programming and support sponsor interests."

The ISC SponsorCamp Conference is hosted by King & Spalding and will be held in Atlanta on February 27 & 28, 2008. Attendance is limited and by invitation only. For additional information on the ISC, the world trade association for corporate sponsors, visit www.sponsorcouncil.org or call 678-240-9494.

Atlanta, May 14, 2007 - The International Sponsor Council, the world trade association for corporate sponsors, will hold its 2008 Global Sponsor Summit at the Louvre in Paris, October 2nd and 3rd.

“The members of the ISC include the world’s leading sponsors,” says Terry Cecil, ISC President & CEO. “The ISC Global Sponsor Summit allows these corporate executives to engage in a collaborative forum to address issues and opportunities in the industry and advance the effectiveness of sponsorship as a marketing strategy.”

“We are honored to be able to hold this historic event at the Louvre, which is unquestionably one of the world’s greatest centers of thought leadership and inspiration. We thank Monsiuer Loyrette and the government of France for hosting the Summit which in part will focus on the relationship between the arts and sponsors,” added Cecil.

Citing Cook’s Product Creation Experience and Success Leading Growth, ISC Names Veteran Executive to Oversee Global Operations

President & CEO Cecil Says Members will Benefit from Cook’s Insight and Experience

Atlanta, December 30, 2006 – The International Sponsor Council, the trade association for corporate sponsors, today announced David Cook has been named chief operating officer. Cook will be responsible for the ISC’s operating units worldwide and work with Terry Cecil, ISC President & COE, on strategic development.

“David brings a unique blend of business experience having been in leadership roles in both start-up businesses and very large and diverse public businesses,” said Cecil. “He has repeated success excelling at new product conceptualization and validation which revolutionized the industries he had served. This deep experience and proven leadership will be valuable in servicing ISC members and the sponsorship industry.”

Cook has 25 years executive experience in the technology, risk management and information services industries. As one of Choicepoint’s (NYSE:CPS) top six executives, he built and ran its Workplace Solutions business and was also an executive with Equifax (NYSE:EFX).

"Joining the ISC at this time is a tremendous opportunity. As businesses become more dependent on their sponsorship investment and strategy to drive growth, the need for a supportive trade organization that represents sponsor interests is vital," said Cook. "Sponsors are facing significant challenges in order to be more responsive to business needs, and I believe the ISC will have great impact on impacting the successes of sponsors and sponsor executives. This is an organization with deep experience, application development, and a strong vision for the future of the sponsorship industry."

As a co-founder and President & CEO of Logistics Health, he helped build the first-of-it’s-kind health information business supporting post 9-11 health management issues, such as Anthrax for the US Government. He also is a co-founder of Equity Depot, a real estate information business.

David sits on the boards of Intelligent Document Systems, Equity Depot and Harvest Business Advisors, DJC Investment Holdings. He has a BA degree in Psychology and Business from Eastern Illinois University.

International Sponsor Council is the leading business association for corporate sponsors. The ISC works to represent, educate, promote and protect the interests of sponsors investing in the sponsorship and endorsement of sports, music, athletes, musicians, celebrities, product placement, and other lifestyle properties. For more information, visit our Web site at www.sponsorcouncil.com.