US SAILING 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.”
