The Lodge and Spa at Three Forks Ranch Introduces Concierge Skiing in Time for 2009 Ski Season
Coinciding with the opening of the ski slopes at nearby Steamboat Springs, Colo., the Lodge and Spa at Three Forks Ranch will mark its first winter season with the introduction of a concierge alpine skiing program custom designed for each guest.
Best known for outstanding fly-fishing, Three Forks Ranch continues its dedication to personalized attention and unparalleled guest service through the winter months. This hassle-free approach to skiing at Steamboat Springs eliminates lift lines, ticket lines and crowded slopes. Guests are guided through the best trails by their own personal skiing guide, who creates individual ski experiences based on guests tastes and skills.
Concierge skiing at Three Forks Ranch begins as guests enjoy coffee and pastries while being chauffeured to Steamboat Springs in a private vehicle. A personal ski guide greets guests with a private equipment fitting inside Three Forks Ranch’s ski-in, ski-out condominium. With medallion-level lift passes, guests spend a greater amount of time skiing, and with the expert guidance of the Three Forks ski instructor, guests can take the trails less traveled for an even more exclusive Rocky Mountain skiing experience.
As a full or half day of skiing comes to a close, guests are driven back to the 30,000-square-foot Lodge and Spa at Three Forks Ranch where an apres ski experience of spa appointments and wine tasting completes the adventure.
“The concierge alpine skiing excursions provide our guests with the same dedication to intimate care they’ve come to expect from the Lodge and Spa at Three Forks Ranch,” said Jay Linderman, general manager. “We’re excited to add this new dimension to the experience during the winter months.”
Sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding and snowshoeing adventures on Three Forks Ranch’s 200,000 acres round out the winter stay. All activities are available and the Three Forks Ranch staff will work personally with guests to create each day’s custom itinerary.
Situated on 200,000 acres along the Colorado-Wyoming border, Three Forks Ranch is a working cattle ranch and celebrated fly-fishing destination characterized by the mountains, waterways, big sky and wildlife of the Sierra Madre mountain range. The winter season begins December 15 and runs through March 15. The lodge is available for Christmas and holiday bookings. Three Forks Ranch is located 42 miles north of Steamboat Springs, Colo. The property is 62 miles from the Hayden, Colo., airport and 246 miles from Denver International Airport. For additional details, visit www.threeforksranch.com.
adidas Originals 2009 Advertising Campaign Celebrates 60 Years of Soles and Stripes
2009 marks the 60th anniversary of adidas registering the iconic 3-Stripes mark introduced by company founder Adi Dassler. In keeping with this important milestone, adidas will unveil its largest global brand campaign ever for adidas Originals under the banner of Celebrate Originality. The campaign is set against the backdrop of a house party hosting an eclectic mix of people from the worlds of music, fashion and sport.
Born in sport heritage but living in contemporary lifestyles, adidas Originals is unique in that it unites and touches diverse pockets of popular culture around the world. To reflect this, the creative features musicians and icons Katy Perry, Estelle, Young Jeezy, the Ting Tings, DMC-Daryl McDaniels, Method Man, Redman, Afra, Ryukyudisko, Russell Simmons and Missy Elliott, athletes Kevin Garnett, David Beckham, Ilie Nastase and Mark Gonzales, and designers Kazuki and Jeremy Scott.
“adidas Originals’ biggest strength and point of difference is the ability of the Trefoil brand to be a relevant part of people’s lives — in whatever lifestyle they have — skater, rocker, artist, musician, sneakerhead, sports fan whatever,” explained Hermann Deininger, CMO adidas Sport Style Division. “This is a campaign that celebrates all of them and offers an open invitation to consumers to come and join in.”
The “house party” was directed by Nima Nourizadeh and features the track Beggin’ remixed by Pilooski. The creative will come to life in a complete through-the-line offering including two television spots, cinema, digital, retail, activation events and a print campaign shot by RJ Shaughnessy.
Montreal-based agency Sid Lee created and produced the global campaign. Sid Lee was hired as the global advertising agency for adidas Originals at the start of 2008 after working on various communication and retail projects for the brand over the last few years.
The campaign launches in the US on November 25, 2008 and in the rest of the world in January 2009. It is a year-long campaign with various elements launching throughout 2009.
Source: adidas Originals
USAID Providing $1 Million to Support Baseball Alliance for Dominican Republic
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Peace Corps signed an historic alliance with six well known Dominican non-profit organizations to benefit poor communities in the Dominican Republic. The purpose of the Alliance is to use baseball as a catalyst for improving the lives of the less fortunate in the Dominican Republic through sound community development activities. Baseball is, traditionally, America’s game, but it is also the passion of the Dominican Republic and will be helpful in bringing a host of new ideas and contributors to help alleviate the many challenges facing poor Dominicans. USAID will contribute $1 million to the project.
On November 19, P. Robert Fannin, the U.S. Ambassador in the Dominican Republic, and Joe Garagiola, Jr., MLB Senior Vice President, announced the Alliance during a ceremony held at the Ambassador’s Residence in Santo Domingo. Many former and active Dominican baseball players and key MLB representatives participated in this event to include Pedro Martinez, David Ortiz and Robinson Cano.
The Alliance has two principal goals: improve the quality of life in Dominican communities and foster long-term relationship between MLB teams, players, and fans with these communities. The projects under this Alliance will focus on education, health, youth development, small scale economic development and job creation for the poor. The Alliance will help increase the impacts of the considerable charitable assistance with which Dominican players are already engaged.
The six non-profit institutions that are participating – World Vision, Save the Children, Plan International, Esperanza International, Batey Relief Alliance, and the Dominican Institute for Integrated Development – have for decades provided community service in the Dominican Republic.
USAID’s $1 million over 3 years will serve as a matching fund for any donations received to help fund community development activities. The eventual target of the Alliance is to get every signed MLB Dominican player (over 500 per year) to give back something to his community and also for MLB teams to help those communities where their academies are located. This Alliance seeks to mobilize the entire baseball family (fans, players, teams, sponsors). If a player decides to donate, for example, $1,000, to the Alliance, USAID will then match this with another $1,000. Peace Corps will provide a full time volunteer to assist the project.
The Alliance has an honorary Board of Advisors co-chaired by the U.S. Ambassador in the Dominican Republic and a Vice President from MLB. The members of the Board represent active and former MLB players, the Dominican private sector as well as Dominican journalists, MLB team and Dominican non-profit organizations. Members of Board serve as spokespeople for the Alliance and help market the Alliance with their contacts and help identify possible donors.
For more information about USAID, please visit: www.usaid.gov.
Suzuki Follow your Team Enables Fans to Keep up With Their National Side
Suzuki Launches Thrilling QUALIFIERS 2010(TM) Competition
To see their national football team in action live – for many fans a long cherished dream! By taking part in Suzuki’s new “Follow your Team” competition, supporters now have a great chance of accompanying their national squad to an away game in the current series of qualification matches to the finals of 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM). To get the ball rolling, they should visit the http://www.suzuki-followyourteam.com website, which is now going online. Registration is free of charge and the lucky winners could soon find themselves travelling around Europe.
Suzuki is an official partner of QUALIFIERS 2010(TM) and is not only offering tickets to away matches – it is making the trip to these ties an unforgettable experience.
Suzuki is providing the winner (plus up to three other persons) with a Suzuki Grand Vitara in which all four can travel in comfort to the next away clash. The journey across Europe is sure to bring some exciting encounters for the lucky winners before they get to cheer on their favourite team in the quest for points ahead of the FIFA World Cup(TM) finals in South Africa in 2010. The prize package also includes hotel accommodation at the away venue, team wear and of course the return journey, likewise in a Suzuki Grand Vitara. Stefan Gundelach, Acting General Manager of Suzuki International Europe GmbH points out: “Worldwide, teamwork plays a central role in everything we do at Suzuki – and with this exciting competition we want to share that spirit with our customers. Four friends will experience soccer games and also get a fresh inside look in our brand and products. That is why we think the competition fits ideally to the Suzuki Way of Life and should attract soccer fans and car lovers alike.”
Further information about the competition and the national team’s games is now available on the following website: http://www.suzuki-followyourteam.com
The Philadelphia Phillies to Make Their Triumphant Return to myphl17
myphl17 and the Philadelphia Phillies jointly announced today that the 2008 World Champions will be returning to the myphl17 airwaves beginning with the 2009 season. Under a new three-year contract, myphl17 will televise 45 regular season games and three pre-season games. While a complete broadcast schedule has not yet been finalized for the 2009 season, the Phillies home opener is slated for April 5th.
This marks the third time WPHL-TV has been home to the Phillies. WPHL began carrying Phillies baseball games in 1971 and was the broadcast home for the team until 1982. The Phillies returned to the station in 1993, when they again made it to the World Series, and remained with WPHL-TV until 1998.
“We are ecstatic to welcome this Philadelphia institution back to our station,” said Vice President and General Manager Vince Giannini. “WPHL-TV was the home of the Phillies when they won their first World Championship in 1980, when they went to the World Series in 1993, and we’re very happy to welcome them back as the current World Series Champions.”
“myphl17 has proved time and again that they are the right partner to provide quality programming for Phillies fans who choose to watch the game from home,” said Phillies Senior Vice President of Marketing and Advertising Sales David Buck. “As an independent station, they have the ability to provide prime time coverage that will be complemented with the right balance of advertising and marketing support and we’re excited to have them on board again as our television rights holder.”
In addition to the spring training and regular season games, myphl17 will carry the weekly W.B. Mason Behind the Pinstripes show before each Sunday Phillies broadcast.
Source: Philadelphia Phillies
John Hancock Financial Announces Top American Ryan Hall To Run 2009 Boston Marathon
Olympian and U.S. Trials Champion Ryan Hall seeks American win in Boston
In its 24th year as the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon, John Hancock Financial today announced the signing of Olympic marathoner and American half marathon record holder Ryan Hall for the 113th running of the race on April 20, 2009.
The fastest American marathoner in 2007 and 2008, Hall has quickly proven himself as one of the best distance runners in the world. He seeks to become the first American winner of the race since Grey Meyer in 1983.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to compete on the John Hancock elite team at the 2009 Boston Marathon,” said Hall. “The Boston Marathon is the granddaddy of the World Marathon Majors, to win here would mean as much to me as winning any marathon in the world, including the Olympic Games. To win in Boston would show the world that American distance running is indeed back to the days of Salazar, Beardsley, and Rodgers. I hope that I can contribute to bringing American marathoning back to the forefront. There is no better place to do that than Boston. What is done in Boston lives on for all time.”
A 2005 Stanford graduate and three-time All American, Hall quickly found his greatest potential on the roads. In late 2006, he set the American 20K record at the World Championships and in early 2007 broke the 21-year-old American half marathon record at the U.S. Championships. His 59:43 win marked the first time an American had ever broken the one-hour barrier.
Turning to the marathon, Hall made his debut on the London course in 2007 and stayed with the African leaders until the final miles. His 2:08:24 was the fastest debut ever by an American. A few months later at the U.S. Olympic Trials, he set a course record as he cruised to a nearly two-minute lead over one of the best U.S. fields ever assembled.
Continuing his meteoric rise Hall returned to London in advance of the Olympics and ran a remarkable 2:06:17, making him the second fastest American of all time. At the Olympics Hall placed 10th, and although he had some disappointment in that showing, he is young and eager to build on his potential.
“Ryan’s Boston Marathon debut will be a highly anticipated performance throughout the sports world,” said Executive Director Guy Morse, of the Boston Athletic Association, which oversees the race. “As an American Olympian recruited by our principal sponsor John Hancock Financial, his commitment to race in Boston, combined with his record of outstanding performances, are indicators that he will add great excitement to the 113th Boston Marathon as he challenges some of the world’s best athletes on the world’s most famous course.”
Hall is married to professional runner Sara Bei Hall and the couple resides in Mammoth Lakes, California. The Halls are active with charitable groups such as Team World Vision. They worked on a campaign this year, “More Precious than Gold,” that raised nearly a million dollars to help bring clean water wells and irrigation systems to poor communities in Zambia.
Source: John Hancock Financial
Table Mountain Casino Brings World Champions for Big Night of Boxing
Main Event Features Battle of Two World Champs
Table Mountain Casino brings a night of hard-hitting action Tuesday, November 18th, to boxing fans with the much-anticipated return of World Championship Boxing, presented by Roy Englebrecht Events. The audience will be geared up for a night of rousing excitement with the Main Event that features two powerhouse champions, former USBA Featherweight Champion Martin Honorio (24-4, 12 KO’s) v. former NABA Champion Frankie Archuleta (25-5, 14 KO’s). The former USBA champ, Martin Honorio, takes to the ring in place of Roger “Speedy” Gonzalez who was injured in a sparring match late last week. The Main Event will pit Honorio of Mexico City against Archuleta from New Mexico. Both champion warriors have records that will mix it at the highest level, but only one will leave the ring as the IBA Jr. Lightweight Champion of the World.
Boxing fans will want to stay in their seats for the “Co-Main Event”, another Championship bout that will feature two tough-as-nails female combatants, both so far undefeated. But all that will change in the ring this Tuesday night when Kaliesha West (10-0, 2 KO’s) and Ava Knight (4-0-2, 2 KO’s) trade blows for the IFBA North American Bantamweight Belt.
“We just turned up the heat when we added the North American Bantamweight Belt battle and brought Kaliesha and Ava to the ticket,” said John Mayewski, President and CEO of Table Mountain Casino. “Central Valley fans will be treated to an event they’ll not soon forget with these world title bouts. We’re also pleased to present an undercard that features a well-known local fighter with a loyal following. Table Mountain Casino is committed to offering the best entertainment value for our guests and this event promises to be another sell-out.”
The five bout card will also feature undefeated Aaron Martinez of Los Angeles who will face Hilario Lopez of Nampa, Idaho in a six-round welterweight bout. Martinez comes in at 8-0 and Lopez at 10-6.
Middleweight action will see Fresno’s own Loren Myers (6-4 2 KO’s) as he faces Orange County’s Derrick Thomas (2-5 1K0).
In a four round bout, two fighters will make their debut in a match that features Jorge Roque of Hayward and Francisco Andrade of Stockton.
Tickets for the Tuesday, November 18th event are on sale now at tmcasino.com or by calling (559) 822-7777. Doors open at 6:00 pm., fights at 7:00 p.m.
Ticket prices are $55 VIP, $45 Gold, $35 Reserved, $25 General Admission. Members of The Club save $5, Platinum Members save $10. No refunds, cameras or videos. Must be 18 years or older to attend.
Source: Table Mountain Casino