NORMAN, Okla. - Source 1, the aftermarket division of Johnson Controls' residential HVAC brands, recently announced the winning name in its "Parts Animal" naming contest. Sparky emerged as the most popular name suggested by Source 1 customers. The national naming contest attracted thousands of entries.

According to Renae Turnbaugh, Source 1 marketing manager, ballot boxes were placed in all Source 1 independent distributor locations and York-owned branches. "As we sorted through entries, the name Sparky quickly emerged as the most popular name suggested by contestants," she said. "So, all the entries bearing the name Sparky were placed in a box and from them, a single winner, Sam Ford, of Horn Lake, Miss., was selected.

"Ford and a guest won a three-day trip to Las Vegas, as did Equipment Supply Distributor Inc. (ESD) of Memphis, Tenn., an independent Coleman® brand distributor that provided Ford with the entry."

"The contest was a great success and generated more than 200 entries from our location," said ESD President Charles Humphreys. "It created a lot of interest in Source 1 by introducing a caricature that is unique to the HVAC industry. Sparky provides a common thread to our advertising without interrupting the message that runs through that advertising.

"Our customers see Sparky and know he represents quality parts and equipment, as well as dependable service. Contractors know that the mascot's presence in a store means they are ensured a one-stop shopping experience that will meet all their HVAC needs. We helped promote the contest by asking our sales staff to encourage customers to complete an entry form. Edgar Haase waited on Sam Ford here at ESD, so he, too, wins a trip to Las Vegas."

Source 1 is introducing Sparky through a national advertising campaign. The mascot also appears on the company's Website and related marketing pieces.

Source 1 is the aftermarket arm of Johnson Controls' residential HVAC brands, and serves as the vehicle by which unitary product group distributors purchase parts for OEM applications.

In addition to distributing OEM parts, Source 1 carries a broad offering of universal aftermarket parts, serving as a one-stop shop for more than 500 UPG distributor locations. Source 1 represents some of the most recognizable names within the HVAC industry and distributes more than 26,000 parts out of its 150,000-square-foot facility in Wichita, Kan.

For more information, visit Source 1 online at www.source1parts.com.

Publication date: 10/30/2006