SPONSORSHIPS: The SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL's Langdon
Brockinton reports that Net Assets has retained Charlotte-
based Raycom Sports to "help find an 'umbrella' sponsor" for
the 10 U.S.-based tournaments on the worldwide senior men's
tennis circuit (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 6/14 issue)....NJ-
based J.B. Williams Co. will "tie in marketing plans" for
its Aqua Velva aftershave to its new sponsorship of NASCAR
driver Rich Bickle, as part of an $8M effort that includes
TV ads, POP and promos (AD AGE, 6/14)....The WALL STREET
JOURNAL's Rekha Balu examines how Rayovac's use of Michael
Jordan as a spokesperson "helped the 93-year-old company
resurrect its fading brand name." Rayovac is targeting
China, where it launched an ad campaign with Jordan,
"capitalizing on his appeal there" (WALL ST. JOURNAL, 6/15).
NOTES: The NFL will air two 30-second PSAs from CT-
based Cronin & Co. supporting the Dallas-based Susan G.
Koman Breast Cancer Foundation's Race for the Cure series.
The PSAs will air not just on football broadcasts, as the
spots will also be seen during prime-time shows through
October (ADWEEK, 6/14 issue)....In Milwaukee, Bob Wolfley
writes that the woman starring opposite Packers QB Brett
Favre in his Right Guard TV ad is his wife, Deanna (JOURNAL
SENTINEL, 6/15)....In Portland, Jeff Manning examined the
efforts of Tony Betts, a former player for the NASL's
Portland Timbers and an independent sales rep in the
athletic shoe and apparel business. Betts said the Puma
brand is "tough to sell" in the Northwest. Betts: "But the
brand is happening, particularly on the East Coast. It's
just starting to hit here" (Portland OREGONIAN, 6/13).
