AlphaGraphics as Title Sponsor of US Sailing Team

by Marlieke de Lange Eaton on 15 Jan 2008 US SAILING the national governing body for the sport, announced today that it has signed a multi-year partnership agreement with AlphaGraphics, a leading print, graphics and marketing communications network - to be the first-ever title sponsor of the US Sailing Team. The new partnership takes immediate effect and runs through 2012. The US Sailing Team, which annually recognizes the top three athletes in the classes selected for the next Olympic and Paralympic Games, will now be known as 'US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics.'

'We are thrilled that our new title sponsor, AlphaGraphics, is a company built on entrepreneurial spirit, the same spirit that drives so many of our Team athletes,' said Olympic Sailing Committee Chairman Dean Brenner. 'Our athletes on the Team are both strong individual players and members of a mutually supportive team, just like the individual owners of AlphaGraphics franchises. This is a big day for the team and we are excited about having a partner with us for the long-haul.'

The sponsorship agreement includes direct financial support for the Team as well as visual communications and marketing support for individual Team members from U.S. AlphaGraphics locations. The partnership also envisions leveraging the power of the AlphaGraphics franchise network to raise additional funds for the Team.

AlphaGraphics, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a visual communications franchisor. The company is owned by Pindar Group, a leading print and electronic media company, which over the years has become known for its support of sailing through its sponsorship of several world-class sailors and sailing teams.

'It is a thrill for the more than 220 U.S. AlphaGraphics franchisees to support such a group of talented American athletes,' said Pindar Chairman Andrew Pindar. 'By aligning ourselves with these sailors and the leadership at US SAILING, I know we can achieve new heights together.'

Said US Sailing Team Alphagraphics member Zach Railey, 'I'm very excited about this new level of support. The more support we receive, the more opportunities we have to work with the world's best coaches and to compete in as many events as possible. This has all the markings of a very rewarding relationship.'

'All of us at AlphaGraphics are excited to embark on this new relationship with US SAILING,' said AlphaGraphics CEO Kevin K. Cushing. 'The AlphaGraphics network is comprised of a group of outstanding people who share a commitment to being the best, and we are confident that we can help the team meet its goals.'

Karen Brinker, owner of the Greenwich, Connecticut, AlphaGraphics attended the signing ceremony held at the New York Yacht Club, along with other owners representing the network. 'We at AlphaGraphics of Greenwich are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to support the US Sailing Team, especially as the top Team members head to China this year,' said Brinker. 'We see strong parallels in the US Sailing Team and our teams at AlphaGraphics, where both the individual and the team are striving to reach their fullest potential.'

In addition to AlphaGraphics, sponsors of the US Sailing Team are: Rolex Watch U.S.A., LaserPerformance, Nautica, Gill, Sperry Top-Sider, RIBCRAFT, Harken, New England Ropes, Extrasport, Nikon and Team McLube.

About AlphaGraphics

AlphaGraphics plans, produces and manages visual communications for businesses at more than 220 owner-operated, locally based business centers worldwide. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, the AlphaGraphics network leads the industry in sales per location. Backed by state-of-the-art technology, the world's highest quality standards and a global network, the company's trained and experienced team members are committed to delivering creative solutions that allow customers to communicate more confidently and effectively. AlphaGraphics is owned by Pindar Group, a leading print and electronic media company, which over the years has become known for its support of sailing through its sponsorship of several world-class sailors. www.alphagraphics.com

For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org.