OWASCO VOLKSWAGEN and
IROQUOIS PARK SPORTS CENTRE
Combine for National
MARKETER OF THE YEAR AWARD

A powerful sponsorship position with Iroquois Park Sports Centre wins Owasco Volkswagen the prestigious Canadian Auto World Marketer of the Year Award The honour was bestowed at the annual Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) Convention and Trade Show 2000 in Ottawa on June 7th.

Owasco was chosen from among the more than 3000 members of CADA, an association of auto dealerships representing all makers from across Canada. The Award recognizes dealership excellence in going 'above and beyond' normal marketing efforts. The initiative which won the award for Owasco is the Volkswagen Arena sponsorship at Iroquois Park Sports Centre (IPSC) in Whitby. "Judges were particularly impressed with the strategy and initiative of the venture, which afforded Owasco a vast opportunity for current and future customer relations, and will do so on a 365 day basis." Canadian Auto World, June issue

"The demographics at the complex are a perfect match for our customers" says Owasco President Bob Verwey. "And on a cost per thousand basis, the sponsorship outlay offers tremendous value considering the almost two million people per year who go through the IPSC. What we can do with the sponsorship is endless. It just takes time to come up with the ideas. Each time there is another big tournament, athletic meet, community concert or special event (like the upcoming Ontario Summer Games in Durham) we get another boost..."

The event was attended by an array of high profile dignitaries including Prime Minister Jean Chretien and Cabinet Ministers Paul Martin and Ralph Goodale among others who recognize the importance of the industry and the association.

"Owasco, in partnership with Pickering Volkswagen and VW Canada was the first to sponsor one of the six arenas at Iroquois Park Sports Centre" explains Doug Blakely, Advertising & Sponsorship Manager at the facility. "The Sobeys Arena came soon after and we are hopeful that a third Arena Sponsor will be announced shortly. This is a great honour for Bob Verwey and all the team at Volkswagen, and we are particularly pleased that sponsorship at Iroquois Park Sports Centre is recognized by an influential national body for marketing excellence."

For more information or photos, please contact Doug Blakely: (905) 668-7765