OPTIMA Batteries, The Ultimate Power Source, and BASS, the worldwide authority on bass fishing, announced Tuesday that Milwaukee, Wisc.,-based OPTIMA has joined BASS as a supporting sponsor of the organization and its prestigious tournament structure.
The agreement includes supporting sponsorship of the Bassmaster Elite Series, the BASS Federation Nation, the Bassmaster Opens and the Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors.
Additionally, OPTIMA joins as a supporting sponsor of BASS’ youth initiatives: the Junior Bassmaster World Championship and the Bassmaster CastingKids program.
“OPTIMA Batteries is proud to align with such a prestigious partner,” said Josie Cline, Marine Brand Manager for OPTIMA Batteries. “As a proud sponsor of BASS and an avid supporter of the sport of bass fishing, OPTIMA Batteries encourages enthusiasts everywhere to stay out on the water longer.”
As part of the agreement, OPTIMA will receive booth space at the 2008 Bassmaster Classic and have a significant presence at all 2008 Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments. OPTIMA will also serve as the presenting sponsor of the 2008 Angler’s Alley program, which brings Elite Series anglers closer to fans in select Elite tournament cities.
OPTIMA has roots in the bass fishing industry as it was a primary sponsor of Bassmaster Elite Series angler Edwin Evers of Talala, Okla., in 2007. Evers won an Elite event on New York’s Lake Erie in July and has amassed more than $1 million in career BASS earnings.
“We recognize OPTIMA’s reputation in the industry and applaud their support of the sport of bass fishing,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager of BASS.
About OPTIMA Batteries
OPTIMA Batteries are manufactured by Johnson Controls, Inc. Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI – News) is the global leader that brings ingenuity to the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies, products and services, we create smart environments that redefine the relationships between people and their surroundings. Our team of 140,000 employees creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world through our products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one million commercial buildings. Our commitment to sustainability drives our environmental stewardship, good corporate citizenship in our workplaces and communities, and the products and services we provide to customers.
About BASS
For 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive web properties in www.Bassmaster.com and www.ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage to passionate audiences.
The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually.
BASS also offers a wide array of services to its more than 525,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.By: BASS Communications / BASS
