G.I. Joe’s and the Portland Trail Blazers NBA basketball team announced a major sponsorship agreement that runs through the 2008-2009 season. This agreement continues their association which began in 1976-1977, one of the longest in professional sports.
For the 2006-2007 season the agreement provides G.I. Joe’s with exclusive promotional rights in the Sporting Goods retail store category for Blazer courtside scorer’s table displays, as well as Blazer TV and Blazer Cable advertising. Continuing with the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 seasons the agreement will also include additional retail and in-arena promotions to be determined at a future date.
Norm Daniels, G.I. Joe’s President & CEO, takes pride of the company’s long association with the Portland Trail Blazers. “As two long-term businesses in the community, the partnership of G.I. Joe’s and the Blazers reflects much more than a business agreement, it stands for doing business with people you know and trust, and who you can count on to care about the local community. Were proud to be considered part of the team.”
Trail Blazers President Steve Patterson said, “Norm Daniels and G.I. Joe’s have a true passion for sports, one that has never wavered since the inception of their sponsorship with us in 1976. Not only is it THE longest running sponsorship of the Portland Trail Blazers, it’s a constant reminder for us that loyalty is the ultimate reward for hard work and perseverance, no matter what the circumstance.”
G.I. Joe’s regularly holds autograph sessions with Blazer players in its stores, and the company also sponsors the annual Trail Blazers Street Jam 3- on-3 Tournament held in July at the Rose Quarter. Proceeds from the tournament benefit Special Olympics Oregon.
As a Northwest-based company, G.I. Joe’s supports a wide variety of organizations, teams and events throughout the Pacific Northwest. This includes the work of the G.I. Joe’s Foundation, which supports Boys & Girls Clubs, the Children’s Cancer Association and Special Olympics, in addition to providing much-needed contributions to many deserving non-profit youth athletic and outdoor organizations in areas where G.I. Joe’s stores are located.
