State Farm Classic enters its 14th year with State Farm® sponsorship

From State Farm Times, July 2006

State Farm continues its support of women’s sports

Twenty years ago, television viewers had to search up and down the dial to find nationally-televised women’s sporting events. But today, it’s a different story. We can find women’s softball, basketball, volleyball or any other event almost any time of day on a variety of TV channels. One reason for the increased exposure is companies across the country have realized the power in – and importance of – sponsoring women’s events, and State Farm continues to lead that charge.

In the beginning

State Farm's entry into women's sports was in response to research that showed women have a major influence in the insurance-buying decision. Today, as more households are headed by women, our support for this market is more critical than ever.

“Our strategy from the beginning was not to just focus on one particular sport, but a wide range of events,” explains Ed Gold, Director -- Corporate Advertising. “Some love golf, others love tennis and many others enjoy figure skating, gymnastics, basketball and volleyball.”

By 1995, State Farm had title sponsorship in five nationally televised women’s sports events in volleyball, basketball, golf, tennis and figure skating, and while the number of title sponsorships has fluctuated over the years, State Farm’s commitment has not changed.

In an effort to reach potential customers, State Farm’s recent sponsorships have included a whole new breed of events – such as snowboarding. Last year State Farm became the title sponsor of the US Snowboard Cup that features the best female and male snowboarders from around the world.

Getting involved

Through its support of so many events, State Farm has found it’s exciting for our employees to volunteer for these events, too, as hundreds have.

The State Farm Classic golf tournament is a perfect example. Volunteers provide on-course crowd control, ensure spectator safety and control noise . In addition to watching some of golf’s top athletes, there are great perks, including free admission and parking during their time at the tournament, and an invitation to the volunteer kickoff and afterglow party . “Where else can you get a front row seat to watch some of the world’s greatest women golfers?” asked Bob Schutte, Analyst – P&C Actuarial. “And it’s free for volunteering.”

State Farm is proud to sponsor women’s sporting events like the Classic, and employees who volunteer will continue to play a critical role in making each event a success.

Current Women’s Sports Sponsorships

• State Farm US Figure Skating Championships
• State Farm Classic
• State Farm LPGA Series
• State Farm Tip Off Classic
• State Farm Wade Trophy
• State Farm US Snowboard Cup
• USA Basketball Women's National Team
• NCAA Corporate Partner

State Farm Classic BROADCAST TV SCHEDULE (All Times Central)

Friday, September 1 - 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. - ESPN2

Saturday, September 2 - 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M. – ESPN2

Sunday, September 3 - 1:30 P.M. - 3:30 P.M. - ESPN2