The Trail Blazers have signed a multiyear "environmentally driven sponsorship" with Daimler Trucks North America that will see the Portland-based company "plant three trees each time a Trail Blazer makes a three-point shot," according to Andy Giegerich of the PORTLAND BUSINESS JOURNAL. The partnership cements what Daimler President & CEO Martin Daum "said is his company's increasing commitment to Portland's civic landscape." Daum: "We want to be visible. We want the community to be proud of us and we want to give back and do more work (in the areas of) education and the environment." Giegerich noted Daimler will work with Portland-based non-profit Friends of Trees on the initiative. The team last season made a franchise-record 770 threes (BIZJOURNALS.com, 9/16). In Portland, Joe Freeman reports the deal is for five years and is the team's "most lucrative sponsorship since it inked a 10-year naming rights deal with Moda Health." In addition to the three-point promo, Daimler ads will be "displayed on the basket support stanchions during games and in other areas throughout the Moda Center." Daimler also will be featured "during Blazers television and radio broadcasts." Friends of Trees initially "pitched the sponsorship idea to the Blazers four years ago." When Trail Blazers President & CEO Chris McGowan "caught wind of the concept ... he thought about Daimler." The truck company also has a deal with the Timbers (Portland OREGONIAN, 9/17).
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The Hornets have signed a sponsorship deal with Food Lion, filling the team’s grocery category that has been vacant for five years. Financial terms were not disclosed, but the multiyear deal includes a community service component that provides a commitment by Food Lion to provide 300,000 free meals throughout the region over three years. The deal also includes digital advertising and signage inside Time Warner Cable Arena. Food Lion also will sponsor the team’s two-day Buzz Fest held prior to the start of the season (John Lombardo, Staff Writer).
