The White Sox have "inked a six-year sponsorship agreement" with IT solutions company Proven Business Systems, making the Illinois-based outfit "one of the team's most prominent sponsors," according to Danny Ecker of CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS. The "Proven IT" brand name will "replace DeWalt on the giant billboard beyond the left center field bleachers" at Guaranteed Rate Field. A temporary sign on the outfield wall "will be up for opening day, with the billboard going up later this month." Financial terms were not disclosed. Proven, which sells printers and copiers and also does IT consulting, "will provide business services to the team as part of the deal." The White Sox deal "isn't just Proven's first foray into sports marketing -- it's the company's first marketing investment ever." The family-owned business has been around since '03. Proven CEO John Cosich said, "It's name awareness ... and just the fact that it solidifies us as a major player in this market." White Sox Senior Dir of Corporate Partnerships & Sales Development George McDoniel said, "You want to be tied to (sponsors) that are from Chicago, that have a passion for our organization. And obviously now they want to go tell people that they're a (team) partner" (CHICAGOBUSINESS.com, 4/3).
