Fujifilm extends long-term FLW sponsorship

MINNEAPOLIS – Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., has reaffirmed its commitment to professional bass fishing by renewing its sponsorship contract with FLW Outdoors. Fujifilm’s longstanding support of tournament bass fishing is evidenced by its affiliation with the Wal-Mart FLW Tour since its inception, and this support has been cemented with a multiyear sponsorship renewal.

Fujifilm is one of a growing list of major corporations that have seen firsthand that professional fishing is big business. With 55 million Americans picking up fishing rods for sport or leisure, the fishing industry is a powerful marketing tool for sponsors searching for a method to reach the angling masses. FLW Outdoors’ premier fishing tournaments – along with its public outreach campaigns that highlight conservation, youth/family involvement and strengthening the sport in the 21st century – are at the forefront of an industry movement to bring sport fishing into the public spotlight.

Fujifilm has become one of FLW’s key primary sponsors by lending its corporate presence to a variety of tournament series. It has been with the professional fishing organization’s flagship event, the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, since 1997. In 2000 Fujifilm became a sponsor of FLW’s EverStart Series, and the quality imaging and information company got behind the Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League in 2001. Fujifilm also supports the Texas Tournament Trail and has sponsored the Ranger M1 Tournament in past years.

“Fujifilm is pleased to continue its sponsorship of bass fishing,” said Bruce Fleming, vice president, national account, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. “Through the use of our pro angler team; environmental education program; Fish, Photograph, Release; and other sponsorships, we have reached families and encouraged photography, fishing and family fun while generating brand awareness.”

FLW Outdoors’ goal is to surround all of its angling events with the true spirit of sport fishing and a wholesome, family atmosphere. Fujifilm exemplifies those same strong standards through a variety of sponsorship programs that have evolved in recent years.

Through FLW Outdoors, Fujifilm sponsors its own professional fishing team featuring some of the sport’s greatest anglers. These bass and walleye anglers travel to tournaments throughout the United States, building brand awareness for Fujifilm by fishing from head-turning, NASCAR®-style boats. A special aspect of Fujifilm’s pro team is visiting schools during tournament stops and inspiring young people to pick up the sport of fishing while being mindful of the importance of conservation.

The 2002 team comprises Randy Blaukat, Lamar, Mo.; Scott Bonnema, Forest Lake, Minn.; Joel Richardson, Kernersville, N.C.; Sean Stickler, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn.; Sam Swett, Covington, La.; and Wes Thomas, Hanover, Ind.

Christine Creed, vice president of marketing and sales for FLW Outdoors, said she is looking forward to continuing a successful partnership with Fujifilm for years to come.

“Fujifilm’s sterling reputation in the corporate world and its active participation in FLW Outdoors events makes its sponsorship extremely valuable,” Creed said. “We are thrilled to have them as a long-term member of FLW’s sponsorship team.”

The current success and popularity of fishing is only part of what hooked Fujifilm on the angling industry. The corporation has set its sights on the future of the sport by investing in programs that target young, potential anglers. Each one of Fujifilm’s fishing-related sponsorship programs operated through FLW Outdoors and other organizations aim to inspire the next generation of anglers.

Fujifilm is a sponsor of the Wal-Mart FLW Take a Kid Fishing program and the Wal-Mart Kids’ All-American Fishing Derby, which offers children an exciting opportunity to learn about fishing and conservation while spending time with their family. In addition, Fujifilm’s Fish, Photograph, Release (FPR) program has become a popular stop at the FLW Family Fun Zone with children and adults alike. The FPR program is also available to children across the country who fill out an entry form, submit a photo of themselves with their catch before releasing it and write a short essay about the experience. Fujifilm’s FPR contest strives to teach children about conservation and photography simultaneously by allowing participants to catch a fish, capture the image on film and then release the live fish back into the water.

As one of FLW’s primary sponsors, Fujifilm will be featured through a variety of media formats maintained by FLW Outdoors. Tour sponsors appear on the “FLW Outdoors” television program, which reaches many millions of viewers across the nation. The Fujifilm brand name will also be publicized through FLW Outdoors magazine advertisements, prominence on tour Web sites at FLWOutdoors.com, “FLW Outdoors Presented by Wal-Mart” on Fox Sports Radio, signage at tournaments, angler-awards programs, and inclusion in tour promotional and public relations materials.

Established in 1965, Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., is the U.S. marketing subsidiary of Tokyo-based Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of imaging and information products. Fujifilm’s American headquarters are located in Elmsford, N.Y.

FLW Outdoors operates the world’s most lucrative and prestigious fishing tournament circuits including the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, EverStart Series, Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League (BFL), Texas Tournament Trail (TTT) and Wal-Mart RCL Walleye Circuit. As much as $22 million will be awarded to anglers in 2002 at the 170-plus tournaments operated by FLW Outdoors.

Primary sponsors of FLW Outdoors angling circuits in 2002 are Wal-Mart, ALPO Pet Foods, BFGoodrich Tires, Castrol, Chevy Trucks, Conseco, Eagle Electronics, Energizer, EverStart Batteries, Evinrude, Faded Glory, Frito-Lay, Fujifilm, GARMIN, Kellogg’s, Land O’Lakes, Minn Kota, Newell Rubbermaid, Pepsi, Poulan/Weedeater, Ranger Boats, Shop-Vac, Snickers, Stanley Works, Stren, U.S. Bank and Yamaha Outboards.

For more information about Fujifilm products, consumers can call (800) 800-FUJI or access the Fujifilm U.S.A. Web site at Fujifilm.com. For more information about FLW Outdoors, call (270) 527-4125 or visit its Web site at FLWOutdoors.com.